We had two services in Port Royal – the Sunrise service at 6:30am and the 11:00am Eucharist at St. Peter’s. The sunrise was spectacular at the first service, orange/red colors coming up over the horizon reflecting off the light clouds providing both reflection and shadows on the water. All 3 churches were together today for common worship, celebrating the power of Jesus’ resurrection. A photo gallery can be found here.
The common theme between both services today was the absolute need of the resurrection. As the sermon at St. Peter’s stated – "That is the miracle of the resurrection for us. Jesus comes to each one of us, calls each one of our names, across time and eternity, and if we are lost and seeking him, we will hear his voice, and know it." The choral piece "He Lives" states "He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way…You ask me how I know He lives? He Lives within my heart" The sermon called us additionally to share that love which was experienced at both services.
It has been said that music is love and the variety of expresssion was apparent. We had a celebration in music today – multiple types of choral and organ music – traditional choral music ("He Lives"), classical organ of Buxtehude (thanks to Paige Martindale), variations on hymns ("Jesus Christ is Risen Today" an organ arrangement played wonderfully by Brad)
In addition, celebrating the day we had visiting musicians from VCU on trumpet, clarinet, Irish Uilleann pipes and guitar and covered multiple types of music – classical (Bach), jazz (Duke Ellington) , Irish Jiggs and hymns ("Hail Thee Festival Day"). The piece by Bach originally written for cello features a lone voice in a distinctive fashion reminding us that this is the day the Lord has made to guide us through the times we are lost and stood at the foot of the Cross
The Easter service today was the 5th service this week providing a path for us to follow Jesus death’s and resurrection to its conclusion and beginning for us.
Easter as a beginning is usually a great time for a Church photo. This year, however, a number of families were away or dealing with family sickness. Still, we needed one for the upcoming Parish cookbook so here it is.