COME AND SEE
Special Note: View a special video presentation from our 2009 Candlelight and Communion Service from Christmas Eve, 2009.
If you are searching for a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in life.....If you sense that there should be more to life than the routine monotony of a daily grind.....If you are weary of a culture that feeds on an increasing diet of banality, hatred, violence and superficiality.....If you have a desire to share in a community that is grounded in a quest for truth and the cultivation of virtue.....If you are searching for a place and a community which does not lay claim to perfection but, nevertheless, has been grasped by a vision of God’s infinite, unconditional and life transforming love made visible in Jesus Christ.....If you would like to experience the sense of peace and fulfillment that comes amidst the challenges of discipleship and servanthood.....If you would like to be a part of a spiritual community which strives to point beyond itself and the soul wrenching hassles and brokenness of our frenzied lifestyles to the wonder, beauty, grandeur, joy and life transforming power of God’s Redeeming love and Amazing Grace, then drive out to the country, where amidst a pastoral setting, stately oak trees and the soothing beauty of God’s creation, God Promises to refresh and restore us to peace, forgiveness, health and wholeness as we are met by the Risen Christ in both Word and Sacraments.
Grounded in the Scriptures, centered in Christ and sustained by the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, worship is central in the Life and Mission of The Church -- The Body of Christ in today's world. Philadelphia's sanctuary is seen here adorned and prepared for the Easter 2010 celebration of Christ's Resurrection Victory over Sin, Evil and Death and Christ's Gift of Eternal Life and Promise to make All Things New!
Philadelphia’s Soli Deo Gloria Memorial Pipe Organ
In August 2003, Philadelphia dedicated a 15 rank, 12 stop, custom designed and crafted pipe organ by Allan Ontko, President of Ontko Pipe Organs of Charleston, S.C. The power of music to create an environment conducive to worship, the importance of congregational singing and the participation of people in public worship and the Liturgy, were key concerns that influenced the musical design of the organ. Flexibility, adaptability and functionality, so as to better serve a variety of traditional and contemporary styles of music, were additional concerns factored into the organ’s musical design. The organ also represents a creative partnership between the best of time honored, wind blown pipe technology, which produces the most desirable sound and harmonics, coupled with the reliability and flexibility of an all digital, software driven, state-of-the-art, programmable, master control system. This digital technology and MIDI interface permit instantaneous transposition, real time performance recording and live play back which greatly enhance the flexibility and educational capabilities of the instrument.
Affirming God's Gift and Beauty of Music
To experience a sample of the beauty of Philadelphia’s Soli Deo Gloria Memorial Pipe Organ listed below are three selections taken from the CD recording made during the Worship Liturgy of Dedication and Inaugural Concert for the organ.
Hymn Concertato: “God’s Love and Grace Through the Ages Abound”. This work was created in celebration of the dedication of Philadelphia’s Soli Deo Gloria Memorial Pipe Organ. The words were written by Pastor Gary and Linda Weant and the music was composed by The Rev. Michael D. Costello, Associate Pastor and Cantor at Grace Lutheran Church River Forest, Illinois. This recording features Rebekah Weant Costello - Clarinet, Professor Florence Jowers - Organ, Tim Phillips - Trumpet, Guests Vocalists - Jonathan and Laura Voelkert Weant as well as the congregation and guests in song. To listen Click here
Hymn: “All Creatures of Our God and King”. This recording features a special setting and improvisational arrangement of this familiar and loved hymn composed and played by The Rev. Michael D. Costello on Philadelphia’s Soli Deo Gloria Memorial Pipe Organ and includes the choir and congregation in song. To listen Click here
Chorale Variations on “Veni Creator”, Op 4 by Maurice Durufle’. The breathtaking musical beauty of this multi- faceted work combined with the craftsmanship and flexibility of Philadelphia’s Soli Deo Gloria Memorial Pipe Organ affirm the power and grandeur of God’s gift of music and its capacity to touch our deepest thoughts and emotions while serving primarily as a servant of God’s Living Word within the context of Worship. This recording features Florence Jowers, Associate Professor of Music and University Organist in the College of Arts and Sciences at Lenoir-Rhyne University To listen Click here