Dear Friends,
Last Sunday was a splendid day of music, preaching, and fellowship! Not only did we celebrate our Patronal Feast with a joyful brunch after the service, we also welcomed back the full Choir of Men and Boys and formally installed Richard Tanner as our new Organist and Director of Music—together with his wife, Phillipa Hyde.
Our preacher was a familiar face, The Right Reverend Dorsey W. M. McConnell VII, former Bishop of Pittsburgh, who many will remember served as curate under Fr. John Andrew. We received many kind words in response to the day, including this note from James Elliot Harris, Chapel Clerk and Verger to His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, who happened to be with us in church last Sunday:
I was lucky enough to be in the congregation for yesterday’s 11am service. I’ve spent my entire life in English Cathedrals and have been lucky enough to experience extraordinary acts of worship. Yesterday’s service made my hair stand on end. There aren’t enough superlatives to express the quality of the choir and worship. Extraordinary.
We also welcomed Bethany Dame as our Organ Scholar for 2025–26 and Jennifer Lane, who will lead the Noble Singers this year. When you see them around the church, please do say hello and introduce yourself if you haven’t already!
For those unable to be with us last Sunday—or for anyone who would like to revisit the service—I’ve pulled a few highlights for you: Deep River arranged by Gerre Hancock, and Bishop McConnell’s homily. Click the links below to enjoy them.
Listen to Bishop McConnell’s Homily
Deep River arr. by Gerre Hancock
As we rejoice in the blessings of our common life, we are also mindful of the pain and division in our nation. In light of this week’s troubling political violence, I ask your prayers for healing, peace, and wisdom for all entrusted with leadership.
For our Country:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday for Holy Cross Day, whether in person or online, as we continue to deepen our worship and build on the joy of last weekend. Please do invite a friend or neighbor—there is so much to celebrate, and so many reasons to give thanks.
Affectionately,
Your Priest and Pastor,
Carl
