OCTOBER 14, 1995
Welcome to Trinity Cathedral. This historic building is the Cathedral Church of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real. This is the bishop's church where his chair (called the cathedra) sits. It is from this chair that the bishop celebrates when he visits his cathedral.
Today's service is the Blessing of a Sacramental Union in the context of Eucharist. In the catholic tradition, all of the Church's major celebrations of God's sacramental presence in the world take place within the context of the Eucharist - the Church's primary sacrament, which is sometimes called the Mass. A sacrament is a special way in which the Divine is present to us in the world.
Indeed, our very existence is a sacramental expression of God's love in the world. The Eucharist is the Christian expression of the profound goodness and holiness of the creation and its inherent connectedness to its Creator. For Christians this connectedness is most fully realized in Jesus, the Christ. Christians also believe that we, through baptism, participate fully in the re-connecting mission of Jesus, the Christ. The Eucharist is the Christian community's source of focus and strength. It is where we once again call ourselves to live as the holy people we were created to be. And it calls us to rejoice that, while we have not lived fully as the people we want to be, we live in the light of the God who loved us into being and is our healing and our strength to become whole and therein become healers of the world.
The celebration of this Sacramental Union takes place within the Eucharist because it too is a sign of God's healing work in the world. In their love for each other, Anthony and Kevin are an image of the Divine Lover of Humankind. The blessing takes place within the community, because it is in the midst of the community that we find the Divine -- in our sisters and brothers, who are themselves symbols, or sacraments, of God's presence in the world.
In short, this celebration is a celebration wherein we celebrate God's loving presence in a sometimes ungodly world -- in nature, in the community, in our brothers and sisters, and in the relationship which Kevin and AJ share.
Please join in this celebration in a way that is comfortable and meaningful for you. We recognize the multitude of traditions represented by those here today. If something is confusing, please relax, observe and enjoy the experience. You are not expected to do anything specific -- just share our joy.
This program is your guide through the service. It contains instructions and comments (in italics), the words spoken by the priest, deacon, readers, and others ministers (regular face type), and the parts reserved to the people (bold face type). The sung music in this service is indicated by bold numbers. The music and words for which are located in the blue Hymnal 1982, found in the book rack in you pew. The music numbers which start with an "S," for example "S128," are service music which can be found in the very front of the hymnal. The remaining music references, those not starting with an "S," are hymns and make up the rest of the hymnal.
One of the things that attracts us to the Anglican tradition is that it is hopelessly incarnational. That's church language for -- God is present in the midst of it all. God is present in the wood of this building, in the air we breathe, in the sounds we hear, in the things we smell, taste, and feel. For this reason, Anglican liturgy seeks to communicate the Divine through the full complement of our senses.
In this liturgy, you will not only hear and see, you will taste, touch and smell too. Why? These are also ways in which God communicates with us -- and we with God. The liturgy will surround you with sensory input, seeking to make you an active participant. If it seems strange, enjoy the experience as much as you can -- it's there to help communicate the Divine.
Also, you may notice many people around you doing things. At many times during the liturgy people will make the sign of the cross. At other times people will bow their heads. We will all stand up and sit down. We will sing and we will be silent. These different actions are more of the attempt to envelop the participant in the mystery -- through involving the body by physical motion our whole beings are invited to participate. For Anglicans, indeed for catholic christians throughout the world, liturgy is a whole body experience.
If you have any questions about this celebration, the clergy of this parish welcome your inquires. Seek them out during the reception, or at a later date.
You may want to listen for one line from the liturgy in particular -- "The Gifts of God for the People of God!" You guessed it, we are the holy ones of God. We hope that your experience today immerses you in the Mystery that is God.
This particular service you are about to experience is a liturgy created by a sub-committee of the Standing Liturgical Commission of the Episcopal Church in the United States. It is taken from a document titled "An Illustration of a Rite for the Celebration of Commitment to a Life Together, Suggestions for Education Regarding Such a Rite, and Theological Reflections on the Need for Such a Rite, June 1, 1995."
Through careful and thoughtful work with our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Richard Shimpfky, Bishop of El Camino Real, we have elected to use this service. The work itself is "a work in progress toward a rite [that] bishops might authorize for use in their diocese and the Standing Liturgical Commission and the Theology Committee of the House of Bishops might weigh in their study" (p.1.). In short, you are taking part in a piece of history. Together we are witnessing the evolution of the Church. We are actively participating in the healing of the Body of Christ as the Body seeks to reconcile with its lesbian and gay members. [While it is not the official rite of the Episcopal Church it is the document the Church is considering for all non-procreative unions - homosexual and heterosexual. - This last sentence is not correct. This service was created by a group of people who do have their roots in the Anglican Church and some of its governing bodies, it was done independently of any official sanctions. - AJ ]
As we celebrate this Eucharist today, Our Lord's vision comes closer to completion -- "that they all may be one." ( Jn17:21)
- Kevin & AJ
PRELUDE
Fantasy in F
Johann Ludwig Krebs
ENTRANCE HYMN
Please stand. (Music may be found in the blue Hymnal
1982 in the book rack.)
376 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Words: Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)
Music: Hymn to Joy, Ludwig van Beethoven (1880-1827)
The people standing, the Celebrant says:
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People: And blessed be God's kingdom, now and forever.
Amen.
The Celebrant says:
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 Celebrant and People together sing:
(Music may be found in the blue Hymnal 1982 in the book
rack.)
S 278 Setting: William Mathias (b. 1934)
Please remain standing. The Celebrant addresses the people:
The celebration of commitment to a life together is a time for good wishes, feasting and joy. Jesus shared such an occasion in Cana of Galilee where, in his first miracle, he gave a sign of new beginnings by turning water into wine. The bond between two people shows us the mystery of the union between God and God's people, and between Christ and the church, and the Holy Scriptures point to the centrality of love as the principal sign of God's presence. Through the blessing of their love for each other and their family and friends, in good times and bad, the couple share together in the spirit of Jesus Christ, and extend hospitality to others. Today Anthony and Kevin come before each other and their friends, family, and this community to make their promises and join the church in blessing God for their relationship. As members of the community, you witness their commitment and express your support by your presence and prayers.
The Celebrant then asks each person:
Celebrant: Anthony, will you accept Kevin as your partner
in life,
and promise to be united to him in love and support
for each other?
Anthony: I will. Blessed be God who visits me in Kevin's love.
Celebrant: Kevin, will you accept Anthony as your partner
in life,
and promise to be united to him in love and support
for each other?
Kevin: I will. Blessed be God who visits me in Anthony's
love.
The Celebrant says to the people:
The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God our Maker, and Lover of the heavens and earth,
you have commanded us to love each other as Christ loved us,
to bear each other's weakness and share each other's
strengths.
Look with favor on Kevin and Anthony,
whom you have brought together in love.
Grant them unashamed faithfulness, sincere love,
and constant strength.
Protect them from all trouble and danger and bring them, with
us,
to the heavenly feast of your eternal reign,
though Jesus Christ our Savior,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God in glory everlasting.
People: Amen.
Please be seated
A Reading from the Song of Solomon (2:10-13, 8:6-7).
My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, jealousy is cruel as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house it would be utterly scorned.
The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Silence follows.
The people remaining seated, the psalm is sung by the
choir.
Psalm 67 Deus misereatur
1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *
show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
2 Let your ways be known upon earth, *
your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide all the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
6 The earth has brought forth her increase; *
may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
7 May God give us his blessing, *
and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.
The people remaining seated.
A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans. (12:9-21)
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, as far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord.: No, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Silence follows.
Then, all standing, the cantor leads, and the people
respond: Alleluia.
Please remain standing, the Deacon, accompanied by the cross and torches proceeds to the center of the Church and reads the Gospel. Please face the Deacon from your place to hear the Gospel Lesson.
The Deacon begins:
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
(17:1,18-26)
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify you, "As you did send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.
"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be come perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am to behold my glory which you have given me in your love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you; and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them and I in them."
The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Deacon, and the other ministers, return to their places. The congregation once again faces the altar. There is a brief silence.
The Celebrant invites the couple to come forward and stand in full view of the congregation. The couple faces each other. Taking the other's hand, each says to the other in turn:
Anthony: I, Anthony, take you, Kevin, to have and to hold
from this day forward,
to love and to cherish, in good fortune and in ill, in health and
sickness,
as my companion, lover, and friend. Amen.
Kevin: I, Kevin, take you, Anthony, to have and to hold
from this day forward,
to love and to cherish, in good fortune and in ill, in health and
sickness,
as my companion, lover, and friend. Amen.
The Celebrant says:
Blessed are you, our God,
for you have bound yourself to us
in love and faithfulness.
Blessed are you for these signs of Anthony and Kevin's
commitment to each other.
Keep them in the bond of love,
through Christ our Savior.
People: Amen.
Each person places the ring on the ring-finger of the other's hand saying in turn:
Anthony: Kevin, I give you this ring as a sign of our union and my love and faithfulness.
Kevin: Anthony, I give you this ring as a sign of our union and my love and faithfulness.
The Deacon bids the people to pray:
Seeing how greatly God has loved us, let us remember before God this couple, this community of faith and the whole world, saying, "Hear our prayer."
I ask your prayers for Anthony and Kevin, that they may be filled with God's blessing and grow in love for each other with unashamed faithfulness throughout their life together. Pray for Anthony and Kevin.
(A brief period of silence for personal reflection and prayer in the midst of the community will follow each petition. Thereafter the Deacon will say,)
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
I ask your prayers for Anthony and Kevin. May they have the courage to recognize and forgive each other's faults, bearing each other's burdens and exemplifying for us forgiveness and reconciliation. May their life together be a sign of God's faithful love for the world. Pray for Anthony and Kevin.
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
I ask your prayers for the earth and for all God's creation: for the rivers and oceans, for the forests and fields, for the mountains and meadows, and all creatures who live in them. Pray for our planet.
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
I ask your prayers for our country, for William, our president, Peter, our Governor, Susan, our Mayor, and for all our leaders and those in authority. Pray for justice in our own land.
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
I ask your prayers for the welfare of the world, for peace and respect among nations, for all the leaders of the world and all men and women and children everywhere. Pray for our world.
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
I ask your prayers for the concerns of our community, for the people of this city, and for the yearnings of our hearts which we now present before God. Pray for our community.
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
I ask your prayers for those who suffer and for all in any need or trouble. Pray for the sick, especially those living with HIV, and the poor, the destitute, the unemployed, the lonely, the bereaved, those suffering from addictions, and all victims of hatred and intolerance. Pray for those who bear the pain of the world.
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
I ask your prayers for the Christian community throughout the world. For our bishops, Edmund and Richard, for all baptized Christians everywhere in their life and ministry, that we may be the living presence of Christ in the world. Pray for the Church.
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
I ask your prayers of gratitude for all those who have gone before us in the faith and those whose faith is known to God alone. We remember especially, Elizabeth and Zechariah, Jonathan and David, Ruth and Naomi, your holy martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, Aelred and Ken Tull. Pray for all who have died.
Deacon: O God, Source of all life,
People: Hear our prayer.
The Celebrant adds:
O God, Ruler of all, you made us in your image and likeness and bestowed upon us everlasting life. You commanded your apostles to be united by the law of love. Hear the prayers of your people and grant to Anthony and Kevin grace to love each other in joy all the days of their lives. For you are a compassionate God and a lover of humankind, and we glorify you the Source of all, the Word of Wisdom , and the Holy Spirit , one God in glory everlasting.
People: Amen.
At this time, anyone who wishes participate actively in the blessing are asked to come forward as sponsors.
The Celebrant and sponsors lay hands on the couple, who kneel with their right hands joined upon the Gospel Book.
Celebrant:
Blessed are you, God of our ancestors,
Source of all life and Lover of the world.
Earth and sky, rivers and seas, and all who dwell in them bless
you.
Blessed are you, for you have joined Anthony and Kevin,
Hold them together by that same love
by which we cling fast to Christ,
who holds us in close embrace.
Reveal your love in the life they share.
Let their love be without shame,
a sign of the new world of justice and peace.
Blessed are you, for you have come near and visited us
in the love of Anthony and Kevin for each other,
bring together what was apart and uniting them by the law of
love.
Give your Holy Spirit to Anthony and Kevin.
Make their life together a sign of trust,
and a blessing upon the whole world.
Grant all this through your Beloved One, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
People: Amen.
The living God bless you.
May your flourish together
and rejoice in your friends.
May God grant you the good that endures
and bring you to everlasting joy.
And the blessing of the Living God,
The Source, the Word and the Spirit, One God,
be with you now and forever.
People: Amen.
All stand. The Celebrant says to the people:
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
The Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord. [Usually, a handshake or an embrace, representing God's reconciliation and peace among the community is exchanged.]
The Celebrant may begin the Offertory with:
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us,
an offering and sacrifice to God. -- Ephesians 5:2
THE OFFERTORY HYMN
Please stand (Music may be found in the blue Hymnal
1982 in the book rack.)
645 The King of Love, My Shepherd Is
Words: Henry William Baker (1821-1877); para Psalm 23
Music: St. Columba, Irish Melody
Representatives of the congregation bring the people's offerings of bread and wine to the deacon . The people stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar.
The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or
priest, faces them and sings or 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:
It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you
thanks;
for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light
inaccessible from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all
things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to
rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.
Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you
night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence,
they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and
giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you,
and glorify your Name, as we sing,
Celebrant and People:
THE SANCTUS
(Music may be found in the blue Hymnal 1982 in the book
rack.)
S128 Setting: William Mathias (b. 1934)
The people stand.
The Celebrant continues:
We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty
works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your
own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in
obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all
your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you,
you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy
you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find
you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you,
and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness
of
time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by
the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of
us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news
of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy.
To
fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising
from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole
creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for
him
who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own
first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the
world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his
heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the
world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he 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."
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption
Recalling Christ's death and his descent among the dead,
proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right
hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from
the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we
praise
you and we bless you.
Celebrant and People:
We praise you, we bless you,
we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
The Celebrant continues:
Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy
Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying
them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people,
the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and
Blood
of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one
body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the
praise
of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic
Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its
unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth.
Remember Ken Tull.
Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and
those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into
the place of eternal joy and light.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed
Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and
martyrs,
with Elizabeth and Zechariah, Jonathan and David, Ruth and
Naomi, the martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, Aelred and
all the saints who have found favor
with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them
and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor
and
glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
People: AMEN.
The Celebrant continues:
As our Savior Christ
has taught us,
we now pray,
The Celebrant and the people then say together:
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
Then may be sung or said
THE AGNUS DEI
(Music may be found in the blue Hymnal 1982 in the book
rack.)
S 165 Setting: William Mathias (b. 1934)
Jesus Lamb of God: have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world: grant us your peace.
Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation:
The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Take them in remembrance that Christ died for
you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith,
with thanksgiving.
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then
immediately
deliver it to the people.
The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words:
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in
everlasting life. [Amen.]
or with these words:
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]
All Baptized Christians are invited to receive the
Sacrament.
One may either stand or kneel at the rail, whichever manner of
receiving is most comfortable.
COMMUNION HYMN
(Music may be found in the blue Hymnal 1982 in the book
rack.)
303 Father, We Thank Thee Who Hast
Planted
Words: Greek, ca 110, tr. F Bland Tucker (1895-1984) rev.
Music: Albright, William Albright (b. 1944)
Then follows a period of silence
After Communion, the Celebrant says:
Let us pray.
The Celebrant and People together then say:
The Priest, may bless the people.
The Deacon dismisses the people with these words:
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God.
RECESSIONAL
Toccata from Symphony V
Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)
POSTLUDE
Trinity Cathedral Carillon
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Celebrant: |
The Very Rev. Philip A. Getchell |
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Deacon: |
The Rev. Nancy L. Partanen |
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Sub-deacon: |
Ms. Mary Jo Melia |
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Master of Ceremonies: |
The Rev. Canon Douglas E. Williams |
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Crucifer: |
Ms. Lucia Espinoza |
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Acolytes: |
Ms. Laura Rasmussen |
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Old Testament: |
Ms. Ada May Ames |
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New Testament: |
Mr. Robert A. Alfieri |
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Choirmaster/Organist: |
Mr. Mark Bruce |
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Assistant Choirmaster/Oboe: |
Mr. Bradley Osness |
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Trinity Cathedral Choir |
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Sopranos |
Altos |
Tenors |
Basses |
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Ms. Ada May Ames |
Ms. Judy Huntington |
Mr. Robert Partanen |
Dr. John Huntington |
This celebration has been made possible by the hard work of many
people.
Special thanks to the liturgical ministers and to
whose hard work has made the reception possible.