What a glorious Reformation service...

...at St. Paul's. Pastor Ball is no trimmer. So we did ALL of Divine Service V, plus we sang our hearts out on a pile of hymns. Carlo kicked us off with a Bach setting of Ein Feste Burg. The processional hymn was the same in English, with John Thoelke on trumpet with the organ. Our new field worker assisted as book bearer today. After confession, then the Choir and the congregation chanted the Introit responsively, then the Kyrie God Father and All Glory be to God Alone. Following the first reading, the choir sang the Gradual and then "Built on the Rock." Following the Epistle the congregation belted out "Salvation Unto Us Has Come" wechsel-singen, that is, back and forth! Then the procession and the Gospel reading, followed by "We All Believe in One True God, Maker." The choir offered a setting of the opening words of the Te Deum auf Deutsch. Then a powerful and comforting sermon, the prayers, the offering, and the Eucharistic liturgy. Following the Consecration, as the congregation sang "Isaiah, Mighty Seer" pastor censed the altar. The peace and then "Lamb of God, Pure and Holy." During Distribution we managed to sing all of "O Lord, We Praise Thee," "Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior," and "In Peace and Joy I Now Depart." The post-communion, benedicamus and benediction and finally the procession out with "Lord, Keep Us Steadfast." And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Carlo gave us the Widor Toccata and Fugue in d minor. Sigh.

http://youtu.be/L39uYQlq95U