The GOTTA TOCCATA postlude on March 21 is based on one of the most familiar hymn tunes in the world. The early American tune NEW BRITAIN appeared in the 1831 VIRGINIA HARMONY. It may have been derived from a Scottish folk song.   In case you do not recognise NEW BRITAIN,  the text for the tune is "Amazing Grace"!

On March 28 (Palm Sunday) we will sing the hymn "Lift High the Cross" (CHALICE HYMNAL #108).  This hymn was written in 1887 for a missions festival in England. It was first published in 1916 and since 1974 it has appeared in many denominational hymnals.   The tune CRUCIFER ( "cross bearer") was written for the text in 1916.   The refrain and stanzas of the text present the image of the cross being carried in a procession.  Processing with a cross is a weekly liturgical custom in some churches. 

 At Vine Street the brass cross on our communion table remains in place except during Advent processions and the Easter Sunday procession.  During Lent we hang an additional wooden cross over the baptistery.    This year the Worship committee and John Fleming have created a new wooden cross for us.  This cross will be carried in procession out of church at the end of our Palm  Sunday service as we sing "Lift High the Cross".    The new cross will be erected  on the front lawn for Holy Week and the week after Easter. 

The oboe and organ prelude for 10:45 worship on 2/28 is an arrangement of "Gabriel's Oboe" from the movie "The Mission".  A  priest sent as missionary to a jungle tribe plays this tune on his oboe and is allowed safe passage into the mission community.  Music can indeed soothe hearts full of fear and anger.

Next Tuesday night at 7:00 the documentary movie, Young@Heart will be shown here.  This movie demonstrates the power of music to energize and create community.  This is the true story of a senior citizen's chorus (average age 81) in  Massachusetts which has travelled and toured sharing rock, hip-hop, and jazzy programs.  The chorus of rockin' older folks (no rockin' chairs!) demonstrates how powerful music can be when learned and shared with others.   Bring your dancing shoes and your tissues,  and if you need a ride, call Julia Callaway.

During Lent we will welcome several guest musicians who will share their musical gifts in the 10:45 worship service.

On February 21 we welcome Dr. Gary Nash, clarinetist, as our guest musician and thank him for sharing  his musical gifts with us.  Dr. Nash is a member of the music faculty at Fisk University and he and his wife frequently worship at Vine Street.

On February 28 we will welcome Alice Smith, oboist.  Mrs. Smith has played in several local orchestras and, along with our organist, is a member of the Woman's Musicale.   This group of performing musicians meets monthly and will meet  at Vine Street on February 24 for their program.   

Ash Wednesday, February 17, marks the beginning of the season of Lent.  At 6:00 pm a service of communion and imposition of ashes will be held in the chapel with Andra and the Children's Choir providing music.  We invite you to begin  your Lenten journey with us.

Gotta Toccata 

 Due to snow cancellation on January 31st, our first "Gotta Toccata" postlude was postponed until February 7.  The next "Gotta Toccata" postlude is planned for February 28.  It will feature a toccata by American composer Anna Laura Page and is based on the hymn tune EBENEZER.   The composer wrote this piece in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Sharron Lyon, former organist of First Baptist Church, Nashville.  It calls for a special zimbelstern stop not on the Vine Street organ so we are asking for a volunteer to help create  the sound of "tinkling bells".   Contact Julia if you are interested.