Palm Sunday Cantata

This musical service will feature the Roser Chancel Choir and Chamber Orchestra. Please join us as we listen to the beautifully woven themes of this emotional and dramatic work in the musical telling of Christ’s final days, THE BODY OF CHRIST by Pepper Choplin.

The Easter Cantata is directed by Craig Ramberger, Director of Music Ministries at Roser Church, narrated by Beth Bernet and Brian Kramper, sung by the 31 voice Chancel Choir, accompanied by Brandon Kouri, Associate Director of Music Ministries at Roser Church on the piano and the Chamber Orchestra featuring:
Flute— Patti Preves
Oboe— Bob Salzman
Clarinet— Diane Nichols
Violin—Claudia Birdsall
Viola— Laura Jenson Jennings
Cello— Marcus Anderson
Upright Bass— Connor Carden
Harp— Melody Rapier
Percussion— Scott Blum

Pepper Choplin beautifully and creatively crafted this telling of the final days of Jesus’ life, focusing on the meaning of His words and actions leading to the cross. With stunning melodies and a powerful orchestration by Michael Lawrence, we reflect on the feet that walked the earth, the hands that touched and healed, the voice that spoke the Word of God, and the head that bore a crown of thorns as Jesus was sacrificed. From the worshipful opener, “We Behold His Glory,” to the meditative and stunningly powerful path to the cross, “O Sacred Journey,” the importance of Christ’s body remains the center point of this work. The final number, “We Are the Body of Christ,” is a benediction. “For Christ is our head and though we are many, His Spirit will make us one…Go now as the body of Christ.”

Everyone in attendance at the 8:30 or 10:00 AM Worship Services will find a Palm Cross on their seat! The crosses are hand-woven by villagers near Masasi, Tanzania and are made from the dried leaves of the dwarf palm. African Palms was founded in 1965 by Father Alan Talbot . Having served as a missionary in Tanzania, Father Talbot observed the poverty of the people and sought ways to help them increase their income. He encouraged the villagers to weave palm crosses which would be sold to churches for use on Palm Sunday. African Palms awards grants for use in projects that benefit the entire community such as clean water, education and medical aid. Projects receiving grant funding in recent years include disaster and refugee relief, medical and public health facilities, education and buildings for schools, clean/safe drinking water systems.. For more information about the crosses please go to www.africanpalmsusa.org.

Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the 10:00 AM Worship Service. Help yourself to a snack and fellowship with your brothers and sisters!

Roser Church is located near the Anna Maria City Pier at 512 Pine Avenue. Bring the family and enjoy the day on beautiful Anna Maria Island. For more information call the church office at 941-778-0414, email [email protected], go to roserchurch.com or find us on Facebook @roserchurch.