Welcome . . .    Last update - December 17, 2024          

Clerestory Notes features original musical and textual resources and reflections for worship planners, liturgists, and individuals, and is a gathering space for anyone interested in these things and in contemplating the intersections of worship, liturgy, faith, and culture.

The Season of Advent --
 Happy New Year!
    Advent is the first season of the Christian year, and the
    first of the three short seasons that, together with
    Christmastide and Epiphany, make up "The Season of
    Light." As did the ancient church, during Advent we

    remember, with thankful hearts, the first coming of
    Jesus to His earth. At the same time, we look forward
    with joyful expectation to His coming again in glory.
    As we worship, we ponder with great thanksgiving
    our life now, "in the meantime," and celebrate with
    renewed wonder that God has called us to join His
    story. 

    Each Sunday carries a theme -- Hope, Love, Joy,
    Peace. This four-week journey of Advent is a time
    of preparation, both personally and for the Church
    corporately, as we anticipate the coming of the King.

Resources for the Seaon of Light -- 
   
   Liturgies, reflections, readings, music suggestions,
       prayers, and more are here to aid in worship
      preparation, individual devotions, and contemplation
      as we celebrate the first coming of the Word made
      flesh.

Planning for the Season of Light --
      The liturgy collection, The Four Sundays of Advent,
      Year C, is now available in the Liturgy Folio!

    

We invite you to explore the various sections of the website, and to check back often. We are constantly adding new resources, reflections, and music.
 

 

The Music Room
Hymn settings, songs, sung liturgical texts, settings and compositions for special days and seasons in the Christian year, along with helpful commentary and suggestions about the texts, musical scores, usage, and performance tips.

 

The Liturgy Folio
Readings, litanies, and prayers related to and drawn from the revised common lectionary and situated within the season of the liturgical year, with music, song set and worship space suggestions.
 

The Resource Center
Study materials for individuals and groups, articles, worship service planning materials, creative suggestions and examples for seasonal and special services, and information on retreats, workshops, seminars and podcasts.

The Podcast Archive

Featured Audio Podcast

 

 

 Reflections
Commentaries and contemplations on the connections between living a life of worship and engaging the culture around us.