The Third Sunday in Lent

THE HOLY EUCHARIST March 7, 2021, 11:00 AM

The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in the City of New York

About the Music The organ prelude today is a setting of Von Gott will ich nicht lassen, BWV 658, one of the eighteen Leipzig Chorales of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750). The “Great Eighteen” were collected and published in the final decade of Bach’s life, and are considered to represent the summit of chorale-based Baroque organ composition. In this case, the chorale text, the first phrase of which is interpreted as “I shall not abandon God, for he does not abandon me,” is attributed to Ludwig Helmbold and dated 1563. Its melody, from an anonymous 1557 source, is set by Bach to be played on the organ pedals in the alto register surrounded by a gentle three-voice lace of manual accompaniment. The ending of this chorale prelude is notably prolonged, and with an additional voice added, as if to tone-paint a steadfast desire to remain and not leave. There are four additional four-voice harmonizations of this same chorale melody by Bach, only one of which has its source in one of his cantatas. Bach’s harmonization of Von Gott will ich nicht lassen—cataloged as BWV 418 and about which there is no further source data—is the postlude today.

The setting of the Mass today is Messe du sixième ton by Henri Dumont (1610–1684). Dumont was born in Belgium. As a child, Henri and his brother Lambert were choirboys at the Basilica of Our Lady in Maastricht. Henri was later named organist there and was eventually succeeded by his brother. In 1639 Henri moved to Paris to become organist of the parish of Saint Paul. Beginning in 1652 he was harpsichordist at the court of Phillipe I, Duke of Orléans. From that post he advanced to Master of the Chapelle Royale in Versailles in 1663 and, in 1893, Master of the Queen’s Music. He composed mostly religious music including nearly a hundred Petits Motets. His five plainsong Masses, known as Messes Royales, gained currency alongside the anonymous repertory of medieval plainsong Masses. The Kyrie, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei from Dumont’s plainsong Mass on the sixth tone will be sung as the ordinary today.

The cantor today is soprano, Sharon Harms. During the administration of Communion, she will sing He shall feed his flock from Messiah by George Frederick Handel (1685–1759). Although Handel’s Messiah is classified as an oratorio, it departs from the classical definition of an oratorio in that its libretto is an extended biblical meditation rather than a dramatic biblical narrative. Nonetheless, Messiah is deservedly recognized as one of the great oratorios of the western music canon. Handel’s friend, Charles Jennens (1700–1773), compiled the libretto of biblical quotes which begin with the prophetic anticipation of the promised Savior and extend to matters of the final consummation at the end of time. Composed within a month’s time in the summer of 1741, Handel’s Messiah is divided into three parts with a total of fifty-three musical components. He shall feed his flock occurs late in the first part of Messiah. Its text is Isaiah 40:11, and its style is that of a pastorale in lilting 12/8 meter. He shall feed his flock is the first half of a double aria, the second section of which contains the same essential music transposed a perfect fourth higher and paired with the text “Come unto him, all ye that labor” (Matthew 11:28-29).

- 2 - About Today’s Cantor Praised as “superb”, “luscious-toned”, “extraordinarily precise and expressive”, and “dramatically committed and not averse to risk” by the New York Times, American soprano Sharon Harms is known for fearless performances and passionate interpretations of works new and old for the recital, concert, and operatic stage. A member of the Argento Ensemble, Ms. Harms has premiered the music of some of today's leading composers and her repertoire spans a versatile spectrum of periods and styles. She has sung with Da Capo Chamber Players, East Coast Contemporary Ensemble, Eighth Blackbird, Ensemble Recherche, Ensemble Signal, International Contemporary Ensemble, Juilliard Center for Innovation in the Arts, Limón Dance Company, MET Opera Chamber Orchestra, New Chamber Ballet, Pacifica Quartet, Princeton Festival Opera, Simon Bolivar Orchestra, Talea Ensemble, and Third Coast Percussion, among others. She has also been a guest artist with the American Academy in Rome, Colorado College Summer Music Festival, Columbia University, Cornell University, June in Buffalo, MATA Festival, University of British Columbia, University of Chicago, University of Notre Dame, Radcliffe Institute, and Resonant Bodies Festival and a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center. Ms. Harms is soprano faculty for the Composer’s Conference at Brandeis University and was a visiting guest instructor at East Carolina University in 2017. She appears on the Albany, Bridge, and Innova labels. www.sharonharms.com.



The Prelude Von Gott will ich nicht lassen, BWV 658 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)



Since all cushions have been removed from the church, the members of the Congregation should feel free to stand, sit, or kneel, as they wish, and as they are able, throughout the celebration of the Eucharist.



- 3 - THE HOLY EUCHARIST

THE WORD OF GOD

The Entrance & Opening Acclamation A bell is rung and music is played. The Celebrant enters, goes to the Altar, and says

 Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. People His mercy endures forever.

Then the Celebrant prays

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. People Amen.

The Song of Praise The Choir sings Kyrie eleison. The setting of the Mass ordinary is Messe du sixième ton by Henri Dumont (1610–1684).

Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.

Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy. Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy. Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy.

Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.

The Collect of the Day The Celebrant says

The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.

The Celebrant says the Collect, and the People respond, Amen.

- 4 - The Lessons The Congregation is seated. The first Lesson, Exodus 20:1–17, is now read. After the Lesson, the Reader says The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

The Psalm The Congregation joins in saying Psalm 19:7–11. The Reader says

7 The law of the LORD is perfect and revives the soul; * All the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.

8 The statutes of the LORD are just and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the LORD is clear and gives light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is clean and endures for ever; * the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, * sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.

11 By them also is your servant enlightened, * and in keeping them there is great reward.

Verse before the Gospel The Celebrant stands, and the appointed verse, Amos 5:4, is sung.

Seek good and not evil, that you may live; * and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you.

- 5 - The Holy Gospel A Minister proclaims the Gospel, first saying

The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Minister  The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The appointed Gospel, John 2:13–22, is now proclaimed. After the Gospel, the Minister says

The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon The Reverend Stephen Gerth

The Nicene Creed The Celebrant leads the Creed, saying

We believe in one God, All the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit Bow he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

- 6 - We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People A Minister bids the prayers of the assembly.

The Celebrant adds a concluding collect. The People respond Amen.

The Confession of Sin is then recited by all. On occasion, the Confession may be omitted.

The Confession of Sin The Celebrant says

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence is kept. Then the Celebrant says

Most merciful God,

All we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you,  forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.

People AMEN.

- 7 - The Peace The Celebrant says

The Peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.

Then the Ministers and People may share with each other a sign of Christ’s peace.

THE HOLY COMMUNION

The Preparation of the Gifts The Cantor sings the appointed antiphon as the Altar is prepared.

Iustitiae Domini rectae, The statutes of the Lord are just, laetificantes corda, and rejoice the heart, et dulciora super mel et favum: sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. nam et servus tuus custodiet ea.. Therefore your servant will observe them.

Then, the Celebrant turns to face the Congregation and says

The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

The Celebrant proceeds

Celebrant It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, you bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

- 8 - The Cantor sings Sanctus and Benedictus. The setting is Messe du sixième ton by Henri Dumont.

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Holy, holy, holy Lord, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. God of power and might, Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in excelsis. Hosanna in the highest. Benedictus qui venit Blessed is he who comes in nomine Domini. in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in excelsis. Hosanna in the highest.

The People stand or kneel. Then the Celebrant continues

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. - 9 - Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.

People AMEN.

The Celebrant says

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say

All join in saying

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread The following anthem is said.

Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. People Therefore let us keep the feast.

- 10 - The Cantor sings Agnus Dei. The setting is Messe du sixième ton by Henri Dumont.

Agnus Dei, Lamb of God, qui tollis peccata mundi; you take away the sins of the world; miserere nobis. have mercy on us.

Agnus Dei, Lamb of God, qui tollis peccata mundi; you take away the sins of the world; dona nobis pacem. grant us peace.

The Invitation The Celebrant invites the People to receive the Holy Communion.



We are all invited to the Lord’s Table

In the Episcopal Church all baptized persons are invited to receive the Holy Communion. Members of other Christian churches who are baptized are also invited to receive the Body of Christ.

If you wish to receive Communion, please proceed down the center aisle maintaining social-distancing.

The Bread is carefully placed in the hand of each Communicant. We are not able to offer the Wine at this time. Please return to your seat via the side aisles.

The Celebrant will be happy to offer a blessing to those who do not wish to receive Communion.

- 11 - The Communion Song & Vocal Solo As the Celebrant prepares to minister Communion, the Cantor sings the appointed antiphon.

Qui biberit aquam, “Whosoever drinks of the water quam ego do, that I shall give,” dicit Dominus Samaritanae, said the Lord to the Samaritan woman, fiet in eo fons aquae “shall have within him a spring of water salientis in vitam aeternam. welling up unto eternal life.”.

During the ministration of Communion, the Cantor sings He shall feed his flock. The setting is by George Frederick Handel (1685–1759).

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; and he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Text: Isaiah 40:11

The Postcommunion Prayer

Let us pray.

Celebrant Almighty and everliving God,

All we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

- 12 - Solemn Prayer over the People A Minister gives the invitation, saying

Let us bow our heads and pray for God’s blessing.

The Celebrant extends his hands and says

Look mercifully on this your family, Almighty God, that by your great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore; through Christ our Lord.

People AMEN.

Welcome and Announcements

The Dismissal A Minister dismisses the assembly, first saying

The Lord be with you. People And also with you.

Minister Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.

- 13 - 

The Postlude Von Gott will ich nicht lassen, BWV 418 J. S. Bach



The service this morning was played by Dr. David Hurd, organist and music director. The cantor was Ms. Sharon Harms, alto.



Saint Joseph Friday, March 19, 2021 Mass 12:10 PM

The Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ Thursday, March 25, 2021 Mass 12:10 PM

The service will be played by Dr. David Hurd. The Mass setting and vocal solo will be sung by a member of the Choir of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. The service will be livestreamed.

- 14 -

- 15 - THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN 145 West Forty-sixth Street New York, New York 10036-8502 Web: www.stmvirgin.org • Phone: 212.869.5830

The Parish Clergy

The Reverend Stephen Gerth, rector The Reverend James Ross Smith, curate The Reverend Dr. Matthew Daniel Jacobson, The Reverend Dr. Peter Ross Powell, The Reverend Alison J. Turner, assisting priests

Saint Mary’s Mission House

Brother Damien Joseph SSF, Brother Desmond Alban SSF & Brother Thomas SSF The Society of Saint Francis

The Music Program

Dr. David Hurd, organist & music director & Mr. Lawrence Trupiano, organ curator

The Parish Staff

Mr. Christopher Howatt, office manager Mr. Harka Gurung & Mr. Jorge Trujillo, sextons

The Board of Trustees

Ms. MaryJane Boland; Mr. Blair V. Burroughs; The Reverend Stephen Gerth, president; Mr. Steven Heffner, treasurer; Mr. Thomas Jayne; Mr. Clark Mitchell, assistant treasurer; Mrs. Grace Mudd; Dr. Mark Risinger, vice president; Ms. Marie Rosseels, secretary; Dr. Leroy Sharer

 Saint Mary’s ministries are supported by the financial gifts of those who worship here.

- 16 -