By Mark Heiskanen
“One world, one communion,
one faith in Christ the son.
One world, one communion
and there is room for everyone.”
-from the choral anthem “One World, One Communion” by Pepper Choplin (2017)
During the Prelude, a Celtic-inspired work composed by Hans André-Stamm greets you into the worship space. This “Celtic Hymn” (subtitled “The Sound of Love”) is scored for organ and flute in a lovely and dramatic ode to traditional Celtic music. Flutist Akornefa Akyea joins us. The service closes with another selection by the composer in a boisterous work channeling the sounds of South America in “Fantasia alla latina.”
During the Offertory, the unity hymn “In Christ There Is No East or West” is presented in a jazzy arrangement by James Biery. The melody is based on an African-American spiritual with the text referencing Paul’s letter to the Galatians (3:28): “There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
The Quadrilateral Quartet offers the Jamaican folk song “Linstead” in a lively communion text setting entitled “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ” adapted by Doreen Potter and arranged by John Leavitt. The words speak to the unifying sense of Blessed Community as we share the elements together at the table: “Christ is able to make us one. At the table he sets the tone, teaching people to live to bless, love in word and in deed express.”
The Chancel Choir sings the joyous “One World, One Communion” by Pepper Choplin. What has become a popular choice for World Communion Sunday in recent years, the music supports the hopeful text praising the virtues of inclusivity and Christian unity with a cheerful and light-hearted tone. Flutist Akornefa Akyea joins in along with percussionist Trevor Maliborski, who will support our congregational singing and more throughout morning worship.