Welcome

Hank and Jean Glass

A warm "Hello" to our new church family from the Glasses.  Easter lilies are blooming in our yard in Saint Louis reminding us of the celebration of Christ's Resurrection. We are excited as we think of joining your fellowship. "Be filled with the Spirit...Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs."     (Ephesians 5:19)

Let me introduce the Glasses. I am Hank, your new Minister of Music/Organist, and my wonderful wife is Jean. We are both thrilled to be coming to Saint Michael's Church. Music has been my lifetime passion: teaching choral music in the public schools of the Saint Louis area, leading choir and organ studies at the local university and directing musical worship in area churches.

Music has been fascinating and amazing to me all of my life. Jean has enjoyed her role as homemaker and supporter for our now grown children, Sarah and Henry III, and me. Jeanie loves the out-of-doors, hiking, photography and enjoys fine art as another of life's great adventures.

We are avid gardeners spending many fulfilling hours developing our flower garden at our present home. Travel and camping trips are wonderful fun for us. We have recently returned from a remarkable trip to Turkey. We love hanging out with dear family and friends, with game playing and hilarity on our "must do" list.

The lilies and Christ's Resurrection are indeed significant to our faith community. We are all bound together as a worshiping family, staff and musicians, under the umbrella of the God-given gift of music. Jeanie and I are excited as we think of joining in new fellowship with you at Saint Michael's. Psalm 21:13-14, "Be exalted, Oh Lord, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might."

 

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Music at Saint Michael’s

At the main service on Sunday the congregation loves singing the great established hymns, and the Parish Choir usually sings an anthem at the offertory. Within this tradition we try and make the music as varied andexpressive as possible -

always related to the Church’s seasons and purpose. We are again singing the psalms to Anglican chant; and our current setting is the Schubert.

Wednesday evening worship is open, more intimate and less formal: it takes place in the Chapel of the Angels – a great place in which to sing. The atmosphere is contemplative. We try to reflect God’s concern for today’s world by singing songs from far and wide, accompanied by violin and piano. We would really welcome more instrumentalists – you don’t have to be an Episcopalian! Music and liturgy often draw their inspiration from the Iona Community, Taizé or New Zealand.

Work has started on producing a Saint Michael’s Supplement which will include a wide treasury of world music ranging from Responsorial Psalms in the high Anglican tradition to the very best of contemporary worship.

If you fancy singing with the choir, even if you are just visiting for a short while, do join us: Choir Practice is 1:30 to 3:00 on Fridays. If you play an instrument, bring it along on Wednesday at 5:30 ready for the service at 6:00!

We are a broad church and our music aims to appeal to a broad spectrum: “All are Welcome” at Saint Michael’s!

Saint Michael’s belongs to the Royal School of Church Music