By Kevin Jones, Director of Music

On Sunday, June 7, we’ll celebrate Pride Sunday at all three services. These services will celebrate the full inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in the life of our parish, with readings, prayers, and music chosen to highlight the diversity and goodness of all God’s creation. Learn more about the music selections for these services and the composers we will celebrate.

In keeping with the theme of Pride Sunday, music played and sung at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services will pay homage to several LGBTQ composers. In both services, the opening hymn, Sing a New World into Being, is authored by Dr. Mary Louise (Mel) Bringle (b. 1953). A prominent hymn writer, her works have appeared in numerous denominational hymnals and publications.

The 10:30 a.m. service will include additional pieces composed by members of the LGBTQ community.

The prelude is a composition by David Conte, a Lakewood native and prominent voice and advocate in the LGBTQ community.

The anthem was composed by Eugene Hancock. Hancock was an authority on organ music by Black composers and held prominent church music positions at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, St. Philip’s, Manhattan, and West End Presbyterian Church.

The service music is written by Black composer David Hurd, now Organist and Choirmaster at St. Mary the Virgin, NYC. He is a self-identifying member of the gay community.

The second anthem and postlude are by Gerald Near, a prolific composer of organ and church music and member of the LGBTQ community.

We hope you will join us to celebrate the whole of the Rainbow People of God in our Eucharistic liturgy!

Photography credit: Jim Ptacek