Interview with Tricia in the AJC

Check out this interview in the AJC with our rector, Tricia Templeton:
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/sunday-conversation-with-the-rev-patricia-templeto/nf4rm/

She comments on several ideas, including our role in the community and the advantages of being a small church in an era of mega churches.

Here's our new altar, which is really beautiful:

And here's a closeup of the fox (clay model for now, the bronze sculpture is being cast and should arrive sometime this summer):

The Wings of Morning

Sunday's Offertory Anthem was The Wings of Morning, written by Bert Landman, with words by Jennie Storey.

Prior to coming to St. Dunstan's, Tricia was a priest for seven years at St. Timothy's on Signal Mountain, TN.  At that time, Bert was the organist and choir director and Jennie was a choir member.  Together, they wrote The Wings of Morning which was written, as noted on the the music, "In celebration of the ministry of the Rev. Patricia D. Templeton - 2002."

Some at St. Dunstan's may remember Bert, who served as Interim Choir Director for six months in 2005.  He now leads a large music program at Trinity Church in Hartford, CT.

The inspiration for the lyrics comes from Psalm 139, which Tricia describes as her favorite psalm:
"Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast."

Here are the actual lyrics:
  The wings of morning spiral from your hand,
  swift blue and gold, ascending out of night.
  My mundane worship falters, mired in time,
  before this yearning miracle of light.

  I long for grace to enter holy ground,
  to turn and yield to your divine surprise
  despite unlikely angels at the gate
  or unknown tongues you use as your disguise.

  Where least expected, you will startle me,
  where least I want you, I will meet you there.
  At my most certain, you capsize my mind.
  I try to tame you: you escape my snare.

  Surprise my pride, my boundless, subtle God,
  fierce author of the feast of peace, astound
  my heart with tenderness, unblind my soul
  to know this place, this day as holy ground.

Sunday's performance included a flute obligato during the last verse. You can listen to the entire piece here:
https://app.box.com/s/5qw7xjknd3ho2scajss1