Today In Church

Today is 5 Epiphany The Bishop's Visitation and The Sacrament of Confirmation February 6, 2011
The Prelude: " How Brightly Shines the Morning Star" by Dietrich Buxtehude was followed by the choir singing Siyahamba which is a South African Composition.  It was sung first in Zulu and then in English.

First Reading is from the Book of  Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
Second Reading is from the Book of 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
The Holy Gospel is from the Book of Matthew 5:13-20
The Sermon was given by The Rt. Reverend Kenneth L. Price, Jr.

Sacrament of Confirmation:
Presentation and Examination of 4 Candidates for Confirmation

At the Communion: Saxophone Instrumental Solo of " God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday by our very own Dr. James Wilson

The Postlude: Trumpet Tune in D Major by David N. Johnson

This and That...

Welcome everyone!
Please visit our new website at www.holycrosspitt.com
Stay posted for new and informative information from The Church of the Holy Cross!

June 30, 2009

Graduate Recognition Sunday was held at Holy Cross on Sunday June 28. This event is an annual tradition at Holy Cross which serves to honor those in the congregation who have either been promoted in elementary school or graduated from high school or college. This year's honorees include:

Kindergarten and Elementary School Promotions

Alexis Durann Crichlow--Environmental Charter SchoolElementary School, Atlanta GA
Makayla Walker-Brown--Johnston Elementary School

High School Graduates

Jemma Mautez Morris-- Wilkinsburg High School
Honors: National Honor Society
Attending: Lincoln University on full scholarship
Major: Political Science and Elementary Education

Garrett Sandidge--Pittsburgh CAPA High School
Honors: Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, National Honors Society
Attending: Duquesne University
Major: Pharmacy

Kourtney Auntwanette Thompson--Rochester High School
Honors: RAEA Scholarship
Attending: Clarion University

College Graduates

Montia Robinson Dinkins--Shadyside School of Nursing
Degree: Master's in Nursing

Tyler LaRue Grinage--West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Degree: B.A. Major: Liberal Arts
Future Plans: Law School

Autumn Wilds--Hampton University
Degree: B.S. Major: Public Relations and Finance
Graduated with Honors
Currently employed with PNC Bank.

Congratulations to all those Holy Cross members promoted or graduated this year.

Upcoming Events at Holy Cross.

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
The Annual Parish Picnic on the Church Grounds. following the 10:30am service.

The Archbishop-elect of the Province of Congo to visit Holy Cross.

The Archbishop-elect of the Province of the Congo, the Rt. Rev. Henri Isingoma Kahwa, will be visiting Holy Cross on Tuesday June 30 at 6pm. He will be celebrating the Eucharist and be welcomed at a reception.

Here's more info about the event.

http://www.episcopalpgh.org/archbishop-to-begin-visit/


http://www.episcopalpgh.org/anglican-archbishop-plans-extended-visit-here/

Impressions of the Lenten Lessons and Carols service and what's coming up at Holy Cross.

Holy Cross played host to its annual Lenten Lessons and Carols Service yesterday afternoon, and from this choirboy's point of view, There are very few services that I have sung that were as close to flawless as this one from an artistic point of view.

The service consisted of an assortment of readings performed by members of the congregation, from the Bible and from modern authors that mostly took the form of poems and prose. These readings were interspersed with a wide variety of musical selections rendered by the Combined Choirs of St. Stephen's, Wilkinsburg; Redeemer, Squirrel Hill; and Holy Cross, Homewood. Along with members of these three church's choirs were a group of choristers and musicians known as the Friends of Holy Cross Choir, a number of finely talented and extremely generous musicians and singers who have helped out Holy Cross's Choir on many occasions by lending their gifts to us. The selections took the form of congregational hymns, instrumental and vocal solos, and choral anthems. The Passion Gospels from Matthew, Mark, and John were recited by the clergy of all three churches

The service was designed to take the congregation through the Passion of Jesus Christ from His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane; through His trial and punishment; the agony of His Crucfixion and finally, the hope of his Resurrection.

Major props to Holy Cross organist/choirmaster Phil Cynar who decided which reading went with which piece of music because there was a an unbroken line of continuity that went through the entire service. Each reading went perfectly with each piece of music.They were all powerful and made the congregation think deeply about what Christ had experienced those three days.

Dr. James Wilson of Holy Cross on saxophone and bassoon, Dr. Frances Dannenberg of Redeemer on flute and Friend of Holy Cross Choir, and Friend of Holy Cross, Bob Kestner of St. Michael's Lutheran, on trumpet filled the Holy Cross sanctuary with beautiful and soulful playing of their instruments during their respective solos as well as provided strong support for the choir and their soloists. The choir was in top form with 25 choristers bringing a big, full sound that enveloped the whole of the sanctuary. The harmonies were spot on and lush. The wealth of talent in all three of these churches was very much in evidence.

The soloists delivered big time. Adrienne Booker's solo on H.T. Burleigh's "Were You There?" was awesome, she has such a clean, bright and angelic voice. The best comparison I can make is like when one taps a fork against a beautiful crystal champagne glass. The pure bright tone devoid of any off-notes. Writing about it does not do it justice. It had to be heard to truly understand it. I love to hear this young woman sing. Ruth Still and Carol Parrish of Holy Cross added their unique voices to a duet of John Reynold's " O, My God, I Cry in the Daytime." These two have been singing duets for Holy Cross for years and their ability to mesh together their two voices shows that comfort and familiarty that develops when singing together for such a long time. Harriet Thomas, a prayer warrior of great faith at Holy Cross chimed in to make the choir's rendition of Dadee Reilly's "Weep, Sweet Mary" especially smoky and haunting. I was especially struck by Dr. Dannenberg's flute solo on Berthier's "My Soul is Sad" I felt the sadness and anguish pour out of every note. And there was a certain tenor who did a pretty good job on "I Wonder As I Wander."

Many thanks are due to the rectors of the three churches that participated in this service. The Rev. Nano Chalfant Walker of St. Stephen's, The Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert of Redeemer as well as out own Moni McIntyre of Holy Cross. Also the three choirmasters and organists that made sure that the music went where it was supposed to go and sounded great when it got there: William Ogburn of Redeemer; William Gisen of St. Stephen's and Phil Cynar of Holy Cross.

And finally to all the choir members and instrumentalists of all three churches, the lay persons who read the passages, and everyone else involved in putting this service on, I'm sure that the Lord has found our work pleasing to His eyes and ears. The Spirit was clearly in the church that night. I know I felt it. If there was one small issue that made itself apparent about that night, it was that there wasn't more of a congregation to experience this service. The sanctuary was only about a little more than a quarter full. But where two or three are gathered... If you missed this one, shame on you for a month of Sundays.

Upcoming events at Holy Cross.


HOLY WEEK 2009
Sunday April 5
Palm Sunday--Liturgy of the Palms and Low Mass 8:00am
Procession and Solemn Mass at 10:30am

Thursday April 9
Maundy Thursday--Washing of the Feet, Transfer of the Holy Eucharist to the Altar of Repose; and the Stripping of the Altar 7:00pm

Friday April 10
Good Friday--The Good Friday observance sponsored by the Homewood-Brushton Community Ministries will be held at Holy Cross at 12:00pm.

Holy Cross's Observance of Good Friday will be held at 7:00pm with the Solemnities of the Day; The Liturgy of the Word, and the Veneration of the Cross.

Church of the Redeemer will be observing the Great Vigil of Easter on April 11, 2009 at 8pm. And all three churches will be observing the Solemn Eucharist of Easter Day at 10:30am on April 12, 2009.

Correction: Dr. Wilson plays the bassoon, not the oboe.

2009 Lenten Lessons and Carols.

Sunday March 29 at 3:00pm, Holy Cross will be host their annual Lenten Lessons and Carols Service. This service is patterned after a similar service at St. John's College, UK. The service will consist of Scripture readings, Carols, Hymns, and Anthems with an emphasis on exploring and preparing for the Passion of Jesus Christ.

The choirs of: Redeemer, Squirrel Hill; St. Stephen's, Wilkinsburg; and Holy Cross, Homewood will come together to provide the music for this solemn, but rewarding service. Also assisting the choirs will be musicians and choirsters from the Friends of Holy Cross' Choir, a group of good, immensely talented folks who have helped out Holy Cross in the past by lending their talents to our choir. I sat through the last choir rehearsal, and can say that the body of music to be presented will encompass a wide variety of musical styles and the blending of the three choirs plus friends will be a treat as well as a great way to prepare for Holy Week. Don't forget...Sunday March 29, 2009 at 3:00pm at Holy Cross.

A PDF flyer of the event is available here.

A .doc file of the event is available here.

2009 Lenten Preaching Series

Tonight is the first night of the 8th Annual East End Parishes Lenten Preaching Series.

Wha??  I've never heard of this before, what is it?  

Patience, Bunky. Lemme 'splain this to you.  

Eight years ago the five parishes in the East End of Pittsburgh:  Calvary, East Liberty; Redeemer, Squirrel Hill; St.Stephen's, Wilkinsburg; St. Andrew's, Highland Park; and Holy Cross, Homewood came up with this great idea to allow the members of these parishes to come together in a spirit of fellowship during this Lenten season.  Each parish would take a turn hosting congregants from the other four parishes each Tuesday during Lent, first providing a simple Lenten supper and then having Holy Eucharist with hymns and sermon afterward.   The idea was an immediate success and has been going on ever since.  At first, each of the rectors of the various parishes would preach on a Lenten subject at a service hosted by one of the other churches, but last year, the lineup was changed to bring in other speakers from churches and ministries outside of the East End 5.  

Here's this years 2009 Lenten Preaching Series schedule:

March 3  Calvary. Preacher: Rev. Nancy Chalfant Walker, Rector, St. Stephen's Wilkinsburg

March 10  St. Andrew's  Preacher:  The Rev Chris Opat, Curate, St.Paul's Mt. Lebanon

March 17  Redeemer  Preacher:  The Rev. Barbara Seras, Coordinator, Province III, The Episcopal Church

March 24  St. Stephen's  Preacher: Mrs Ardelle Hopson, Member of Calvary Church, and Diocesan Council

March 31  Holy Cross  Preacher:  The Rt. Rev. Robert Johnson, Assisting Bishop of Pittsburgh

Supper for all venues begins at 6pm with the service starting at 7pm.  This is an event that is always very well attended and it's a great opportunity to worship in some great churches and meet new people as well.

Absalom Jones Day 2009

Yes, Yes, I know, It's been a month of Sundays since this blog has been updated.  Forces beyond my control have conspired to keep me from fulfilling the obligation of updating, but hopefully, the posts will be coming fast and furious as spring approaches.  

Holy Cross hosted the Annual Diocesan observance of Absalom Jones Day.  This was the first time that Holy Cross hosted the event. Previous celebrations were held at Trinity Cathedral, but with the reorganizing of the diocese and such, clearer heads prevailed and it was decided that the service should be held at the only predominantly African-American parish. 

Here's a report from Andrew Muhl of St. Andrew's, Highland Park posted on the Diocesan website

http://www.episcopalpgh.org/absalom-jones-day

-2009-report/

Eliza Littleton, parishioner of St Andrew's graciously shared her photos of the event with Holy Cross and they can be seen at our web album on Picasa via the Google, Holy Cross thanks Eliza for sharing these photos with the Holy Cross community and with the wider church. 

http://picasaweb.google.com/chcpgh/AbsalomJones2009#

Here's also a YouTube link of the proceedings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9DeYOQR-1Q

Here are a few of the pictures of the event to whet your appetite, so to speak.

The Combined Choirs of Redeemer, Squirrel Hill;  St. Andrews, Highland Park; St. Stephen's Wilkinsburg; and Holy Cross, Homewood rendered the music for the service and did a great job if I may say so.

Resident Holy Cross sax man Dr. James Wilson shares his gifts with the congregation prior to the service.

Acolytes from Holy Cross and St. Andrew's come together in a spirit of unity and diversity.

 

Dr. Ronald Peters, of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary delivered the message.  A Presbyterian professor delivered a Baptist message in an Episcopal church.  Somewhere somebody's head just exploded. 

The Rt. Rev. Robert Johnson, Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh was the celebrant at the service, and apparently he liked Holy Cross so much that he's coming back to officiate at our turn of the East End Parishes' Lenten Preaching Series.  Who says Holy Cross doesn't have pull?

All in all, a great day for Holy Cross and the Diocese of Pittsburgh. 

Christ The King and Thanksgiving

Christ The King November 23, 2008. (Last Sunday after Pentecost)

Rev. Walter Szymanski, Celebrant.

Prelude: "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", J.S. Bach
Dr. Frances Dannenberg, flute; Dr. James Wilson, bassoon; Phil Cynar, Organ

Processional #816: "Hail to the Lord's Anointed"

First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 100
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
Sequence Hymn: #544 " Jesus Shall Reign"
The Holy Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
Hymn at the Offertory: "Lord of Life, King of Glory", M.A. Grancini
At Communion: Insturmental Consort: " You are the Image and the Hope", Jacques Berthier;
Choir: "King Jesus is A-listenin'"
Recessional: #435 "At the Name of Jesus"
Postlude: "Rigaudon" by Andre Campra


Thanksgiving Day November 27, 2008.

Rev. Walter Szymanski, Celebrant.

The Prelude: "Simple Gifts" by Lloyd Conley; Dr. James Wilson, saxophone; Phil Cynar, organ.
The Introit sung by the Choir: "All Creatures of our God and King", arr by William Tortolano
Processional Hymn: #718 "God of our Fathers"
First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Psalm 65
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Sequence Hymn: #290 "Come ye Thankful People, Come"
The Holy Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
Anthem at the Offertory: "Blow Ye The Trumpet", by Kirke Mechem.
At the Communion: " Thank You Lord" arr. by John Carter
Solo: "Bless This House" Carol Parrish, Alto.
Recessional: # 397 "Now Thank We All Our God"
Postlude: Nun Danket alle Gott, J.S. Bach

27 Pentecost

27th Sunday after Pentecost—November 16, 2008

The Organ Prelude—“The  Day is Surely Drawing Nigh”   J.S. Bach

Processional Hymn #617  “Eternal Ruler”

First Reading:  Judges 4:1-7

Psalm 123

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Sequence Hymn #561 “Stand up, stand up for Jesus”

The Holy Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Anthem at the Offertory  “Be Still, My Soul”  Jean Sibelius

Anthem at Communion  Organ:  “My Lord, What a Morning”  Raymond Haan

Hymn: #13 (LEV) “My Lord, What A Morning”

Recessional Hymn #541  “Come Labor On”

Postlude:  Ora Labora—Mark Mc Connell

 

Upcoming Events at Holy Cross:

Thursday November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving Day Mass 10:00am

Friday December 5, 2008

Annual Christmas Gala 6pm-12am

Edgewood Country Club  Tickets $40.00

Sunday December 14, 2008

3 Advent  (Gaudete Sunday) Service of Advent Lessons and Carols

10:30am

26 Pentecost

The Organ Prelude: The Jupiter Theme from the The Planets--Gustav Holst
Processional: #1 (LEV) Lift Every Voice and Sing
First Reading: Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25
Psalm: 78:1-7
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Sequence Hymn #53 "Once He Came in Blessing" (Vss 1&2)
The Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
Sequence Hymn #53 "Once He Came in Blessing" (Vss3&4)
Anthem At Offertory: "Give Me Jesus"--Larry Shackley
Hymn at Communion: "His Eye is on the Sparrow" Vs.1 Solo Sung by Ruth Still, Soprano.
Post Communion Meditation: #227 (LEV) "We Shall Overcome"
Recessional #608 "Eternal Father Strong to Save" (sung in commemoration of Veteran's Day)
Postlude: "Hornpipe" from Water Music--George Fredric Handel

Upcoming events at Holy Cross:
Thursday November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Day Mass at 10am

Friday December 5, 2008
Annual Holy Cross Christmas Gala
6:00pm-12:00am
Edgewood Country Club
Donation $40.00 benefiting the Building Fund.
contact the Church Office at 412-242-3209 or email chcpgh@gmail.com for more information.

Location decided for the Dec 13 Special Convention.

The location for the Dec 13 special convention for the Diocese of Pgh (TEC) has been determined. St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon has been chosen as the host parish for the convention. More info here

All Saint's Sunday @ Holy Cross

Come celebrate All Saint's Day at the Church of the Holy Cross this coming Sunday, November 2nd at 10:30am. In addition to special music for the occasion sung by both the Sacred and Children's Choirs, after the service the parish will have an All Saint's Tea during the coffee hour. A photo montage of past and present Holy Cross saints will be shown. If you're in the area, you're certainly welcome to join us as we remember those from Holy Cross who passed this way before us.

Family and Friends Day A Rousing Success...

Holy Cross was packed for the 76th Annual Family and Friends Day sponsored by the Rector's Guild, and the congregation was treated to a great worship experience from processional to recessional. First, in a musical prelude, Choirmaster and Organist Phil Cynar on piano and saxman Dr. James Wilson led off the proceedings with a powerful and soulful jazz rendition of "Blessed Assurance" which set the early tone for things to come. I had never heard that grand old hymn of the church done with that much spirit. Then your's truly came out to sing Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday" with Phil and Doc backing up, and I can just say that after I was done, I had chills up and down my spine. Phil and Doc were awesome, and they deserve much of the credit for making that piece work.

Next the choir came out and performed the classic Negro Spiritual "I've Been 'Buked" with the Honorable Kim Clark directing, and the harmonizing was tight, the choir was dead on, and it only got better from there.

After the processional hymn, Holy Cross favorite "We're Marching to Zion", the service got underway with Rite Two liturgy. The featured speaker was veteran KDKA reporter Harold Hayes who brought a strong message from the pulpit exhorting the congregation to not be content in staying home, but to get out into the community to make change happen. The message was well received by the congregation and we are thankful to Mr. Hayes for bringing God's Word to us.

The Children's Choir then came on to perform a charming version of "Woke Up This Morning with My Mind (Stayed on Jesus) " Ever since the Children's Choir was formed about six months ago out of the Sunday School department, they have received much encouragement from the congregation for the great job they perform. These kids sing with real enthusiasm, and they enjoy singing for God and Holy Cross.

The Anthem at the Offertory was " The Prophet's Song" sung by the choir which was in full voice with all four vocal parts well represented. The Anthem at Communion was African spiritual "Come, Let Us Eat", and the post-communion solo was delivered by a favorite soloist of Holy Cross, Mr. Morgan Thomas, who at the young age of 94 can still bring a big sounding tenor shaped by classical opera training to the slave spiritual "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"

I had tears coming from my eyes listening to that man put his heart into that song. I only can pray that God gives me enough life to sing like that at his age. All in all, it was a great day of fellowship, singing and reconnecting with those members of Holy Cross who were away for one reason or another.

Moving Forward in Grace...

From the Pgh Diocese (TEC)

http://www.episcopalpgh.org/moving-forward/

A discussion and post-convention update for those who are considering staying in the Episcopal Church. Should answer some nagging questions from Holy Cross faithful concerned about who's who, what's what, what we're up against, and who's got our backs.

Continuing Diocese of Pittsburgh Standing Committee created and recognized by TEC.

From the "Across The Aisle"...er, uh, The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (TEC) website: www.episcopalpgh.org

http://www.episcopalpgh.org/from-the-president-of-the-standing-committee-

of-the-episcopal-diocese-of-pittsburgh-of-the-episcopal-church-of-the-united-sates-of-america/

In a nutshell, this posting states that the Standing Commitee for the continuing Diocese of Pittsburgh has been constituted

and has been recognized by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church as the legitimate Ecclesiastical Authority of the

Diocese until the clergy and lay deputies of the Diocese meet in Convention on December 13th, 2008 to select an interim

bishop to provide pastoral services until the diocese is suffciently organized to elect a permanent bishop.

The Across the Aisle website is now the official website of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (TEC), as opposed to the

diocese of the same name that is part of the Southern Cone.

Holy Cross Kids Choir...tuning up.

Here are some shots of the church's fledgling children's choir preparing for their part in the upcoming Family and Friends Day this coming Sunday. Thanks for Verna Crichlow and organist/choirmaster Phil Cynar for getting the choir up and running and including them in the worship services at Holy Cross. These kids have a lot of enthusiasm and have been received very well by the congregation in past services.

credit all photos: Pierre R. Wheaton, 2008

Apolgies for the blurry pictures. I know...a lousy artist blames his tools, but what do you expect from a BlackBerry? Anyway...this shows that Holy Cross is trying hard to involve our young into the spiritual life of our church.

It's official...

The Diocese of Pittsburgh has voted to realign with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone.

This is the preliminary story from the Episcopal News Service:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_101319_ENG_HTM.htm

A more detailed story is to come.

Game on!

Here's the breakdown of the vote by orders:

121 aye, 33 nay (clergy)
191 aye, 69 nay (laity)


Now, what does this mean for Holy Cross from the get-go? We have declared repeatedly to the diocese via vestry resolution that Holy Cross is and always will be supportive of the Episcopal Church. Holy Cross will continue along that position. We will assist as much as we are able in the organizing of the continuing Diocese of Pittsburgh. There will be questions about who owns the property of the diocese, most likely contested by dueling lawyers at 10 paces. The road will be difficult at times, but Holy Cross is a parish used to adversity. This will not kill us, but will make us stronger. But tomorrow, the sun will rise, we will worship at 8:00 and 10:30, the roof will still leak, we will prepare for Family and Friends Day, and the Episcopal Church flag that is displayed in our sanctuary will remain there.

Holy Cross Web Album up on Picasa.

Took a while to finally get around to it, but Holy Cross now has a gallery of photos taken over the last few years at http://picasaweb.google.com/chcpgh

Among the photos in the various galleries are photos from Dr. McIntyre's installation in 2005, past church picnics, this year's Rogation Sunday service, and other events. As events come and go, more pictures will be added. Enjoy.

What will happen if realignment occurs?

This page from the "Across The Aisle" website describes the processes that will come into play if the Diocese of Pittsburgh should vote for realignment This coming Saturday.

http://www.episcopalpgh.org/next-steps/#more-186