Singing God’s praises is an expression of our faith and an avenue to offer up prayers, praise and thanksgiving to our Creator and Sustainer.

Music News

The St. Paul’s Choir performing in the nave at Holy Trinity Parish

St. Paul’s Choir performs at Holy Trinity Parish

On Sunday, October 4, 2009, Holy Trinity Parish welcomed the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church choir as they performed their “Barbados Bon Voyage Concert,” the program they prepared for their concert in Barbados.

This accomplished choir, directed by Trey Clegg, has performed in many venues to high acclaim. A dinner in Tisdale Hall followed the performance.

“Wonder, Love, and Praise” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

Two continuations of the Hymnal 1982 have become part of our worship tradition. Wonder, Love, And Praise, published in 1997, is an eclectic collection of two hundred hymns, songs, and spiritual songs. The Adult Choir includes selections from WLP during the 10:30 worship service. Also in the pews is Lift Every Voice and Sing: An African American Hymnal, published by the Church Hymnal Corporation in 1993.

Music in Lift Every Voice and Sing (LEVAS) is drawn from spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel songs, and missionary hymns. The Commission for Black Ministries is responsible for developing LEVAS. While these hymnals are at times called supplements, they are specifically intended by the Church to be a continuation of the Hymnal 1982. To that effect the numeration continues in sequential order. These two hymnals offer a treasure trove of music, all of which is appropriate to not only the Episcopal Church at large, but Holy Trinity in particular.

As our membership increases, we are welcoming new members from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, and those coming from a non-Episcopal upbringing. It is paramount that the worship of our Creator and Sustainer be meaningful to, and inclusive of, all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Music touches the heart and soul in an unique way. Singing from WLP and LEVAS affirms that premise, and allows us to explore new and unique musical offerings during our worship services.

The Adult Choir

The Adult Choir leads congregational singing and offers anthems on Sundays and major feast days of the year. Anthems are drawn from all musical periods, from the Renaissance to our own times. Emphasis is placed on music which is appropriate to the traditions of the Episcopal Church. The choir sings several Evensong services throughout the year. Previous choir experience and the ability to read music are important, and choir members must be willing to make the commitment to attend rehearsals and services on a consistent basis. Weekly rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 until 9:30 pm, and on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am prior to the 10:30 am service. Contact Keith Nash (nash@htparish.com).

Faith Factory

Faith Factory, launched in the fall of 2007, is the children and youth music club at Holy Trinity. The emphasis is on the joy of singing, acting, and making music rather than solely on performance. And that’s just the beginning: the Faith Factory also sponsors a series of fun social, educational, and outreach activities. Come and be a part of this great program for our children and youth! Contact Courtney Rinehart (rinehart@htparish.com).

The Handbell Choir

Bells have a long tradition in the rites of Christian worship. Small bells were often carried in processions in order to maintain pitch during the singing of psalms. The bell choir at Holy Trinity participates in the liturgy on festive occasions throughout the year, including Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday, Easter, and Pentecost. During the year, a few ringers are scheduled each week to accompany the psalm during the 10:30 am worship service. The Handbell Choir has also performed at other venues during the Christmas season. Parish teens and adults are encouraged to join, especially those who have played an instrument. These skills can be readily transferred to handbell ringing. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 pm under the direction of Keith Nash. Contact Keith Nash  (nash@htparish.com).

Gloria Deo Choir

The Gloria Deo Choir is a liturgical choir for choristers in grades 5 through 8. Directed by Keith Nash with Mary Martha Clark assisting, singers learn proper vocal techniques, the art of ensemble singing, challenging choral literature from all periods of music, and the importance of music within the Episcopal liturgy. For more information please contact Keith at 404.377.2622 or nash@htparish.com.

Taizé Worship

Our regularly scheduled Taizé (http://www NULL.taize NULL.fr/en) worship services, held in conjunction with the labyrinth ministry, offer a unique venue for those parishioners who play instruments. Simple chants, sung to the accompaniment of instruments, enable participants to pray in an uncomplicated and meditative way. Rehearsals are held prior to each worship service. Contact Paul Salter (salter@htparish.com).

Icons

Icons are religious images associated with prayer. They offer a window to the sacred by giving color and shape to holy persons and stories revealed in scripture and church tradition. They are not objects of worship but provide an aid for prayer and veneration. At Holy Trinity several icons may be seen in the church and chapel. Normally there is an icon workshop scheduled after Easter and is open to all who register.

Anglican Rosary

Anglican Rosary (http://www NULL.episcopalian NULL.org/grace/anglican_rosary NULL.htm) Prayer beads offer another aid to prayer. Holy Trinity has joined with the people of Los Hornos, Honduras, in making these available. They may be purchased through Holy Trinity. If you would like prayer beads made in Los Hornos, please contact the Reverend Dr. Deborah Silver (silver@htparish.com).