Sunday Bulletin

Calendar of Events

Monday, 4/13           Noon AA meeting in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, 4/14            7:30 AA meeting in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, 4/15    Noon AA meeting in Fellowship Hall
                                  5:30 Choir Rehearsal in Organ Loft
Thursday, 4/16 3:15 Cherub Choir
                                    4:00 Youth Choir

Happy Birthday this week to:
Terry Dwyer and Neil Van Dyke on 4/13
Samuel Salvas on 4/15
Stella Frame on 4/16
Kelley King, Katherine O’Neill and Teagan O’Neill on 4/17
Nancy Biscone on 4/18

Happy Anniversary this week to:
John and Margie Rains on 4/15

Announcements

The ushers today are Charlie and Susanna Burnham.  Thank you for helping today.

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants - Mission Moment – today: 
We are happy to welcome Sonali Samarasinghe from the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants for our April Mission Moment.
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), founded in 1911, is a nonprofit organization that works to protect and support refugees and immigrants both in the United States and around the world. They offer important services such as legal help, assistance with housing and employment, and support for health and wellness. USCRI also pays special attention to vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied children and survivors of human trafficking.
USCRI’s mission is rooted in the belief that every person deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to build a stable life. In addition to direct services, they advocate for fair and compassionate policies that support newcomers. By partnering with local communities, volunteers, and organizations, USCRI helps individuals and families adjust to their new lives and become active, connected members of their communities.
Through this work, USCRI offers hope and practical support to people who have been forced to leave their homes, helping them move toward a more secure and hopeful future.

Stewardship Update
As of April 9, 2026 we have received 88 pledges for a total of $290,364.  Our goal is $325,000, and we are now at 89% of our goal.  Sincere thanks to all of you who have already pledged. There are pledge cards on the table in the Narthex. Sincere thanks, Nancy Money, Stewardship Chair

Stewardship Pledge Tokens
Many members and friends of Stowe Community Church faithfully support our ministry through pledged gifts that are given online, by check, or in other ways during the week. When the offering plate is passed during worship, some have shared that they feel uncomfortable having nothing to place in the plate. Thanks to a thoughtful idea from Roger Keller, we are now offering SCC Pledge Tokens, available on the Welcome Table in the Narthex. If you give through a pledge, you are invited to take a token at the beginning of the service and place it in the offering plate as a symbol of your ongoing support and participation in our shared ministry.

New Member Orientation on April 19, 2026 following the morning worship service in Fellowship Hall in person or Zoom meeting on Monday April 20, 2026 at 6pm. These are for anyone interested in learning more about our church or signing up to become members. We will welcome new members on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at our 9:30 worship service.

Movie Screening at Stowe Cinema- Just Mercy
Join our interfaith partners and us on April 30th at 7:00 PM at Stowe Cinema for a special screening of Just Mercy, based on the powerful book by Bryan Stevenson. This inspiring film explores themes of justice, mercy, and the dignity of every human life, inviting thoughtful reflection and conversation. Admission is free, but registration is required on our website.

Save the Dates:
Earth Day Sunday Celebration – April 19
Vermont Green Up Day – May 2
Youth Outing -Biking & Pizza – May 30th 11-1
Bible Camp will be August 17 – 21, 2026 9am to noon “Rainforest Falls – exploring the nature of God”   

Please do not forget our neighbors in need by donating food for the Lamoille Community Food Share. Non-perishable items can be put in our two bins, one in the Narthex and one in the hall downstairs. Thank you.

Musical Notes by Karen Miller

‍ Prelude:  The music to the text "O Filii and Filiae" is a traditional French tune, probably contemporary with the text associated with it which was written in Latin by the Franciscan monk Jean Tisserand in the 15th century.  This Easter hymn has stood the test of time and appears in the Chalice Hymnal as Hymn No. 220.  The composer is unknown, but the music first appeared in print in Airs sur les hymnes sacres, odes, et noels of 1623.  A bold statement of the final phrases of the melody begins the piece.  The melody is then taken up by the tenor line and stated in full.  A return to the opening segment ends the piece.

‍ Anthem:  Peter J. Wilhousky was very busy in the mid-20th century creating choral arrangements of both sacred and secular songs.  One of his arrangements that has stood the test of time is his "Battle Hymn of the Republic."  In this anthem, "O Rejoice Ye Christians Loudly", he edited a lovely Bach Easter motet that reads:
‍ O rejoice, ye Christians loudly for your joy is now begun;
‍ Wondrous things our God hath done;
‍ Tell abroad His goodness proudly.  Who our race hath honored thus, that He designs to dwell with us. 

‍ See, my soul, thy Savior chooses weakness here, and poverty.
‍ In such love He comes to Thee.
‍ Nor the hardest couch refuses, all He suffers for thy good,
‍ To redeem thee by His blood.

‍ Joy, O joy beyond all gladness!  Christ hath done away with sadness!
‍ Hence, all sorrow and repining, for the Sun of grace is shining.

‍ Offertory:  "O Salutaris Hostis" (O Saving Victim) is a Roman Catholic hymn sung at Benediction or some other services.  Numerous composers have written musical settings for this text, which was originally paired with a plainsong melody.  Alexander Guilmant's version is in four-part chordal style.  He included it in one of his collections of The Practical Organist.

‍ Postlude:  Craig Seller Lang (1891-1971) studied at the Royal College of Music in London and then became director of music at Christ's Hospital School, Horsham from 1922 to 1945.  He then resigned to devote more time to composition and examining.  His "Tuba Tune" is probably his best known piece, written early in his career in 1929.  Written in 12/8 time with triplet figures, it has a bouncy, dance-like feel and is principally in D Major with a middle section diversion into G Major.