Parish Office Telephone No. (914) 949-2874   Fax No. (914) 949-1202 Grace Episcopal Church / La Gracia 33 Church Street, White Plains, NY 10601 Monday to Friday 9:00 AM — 3:00 PM   Clergy and Staff   The Rev. Judith Lee, Interim Rector The Rev. Adolfo Moronta, Associate Priest, ext. 14  The Rev. Deacon Martha Jane Dunphy, Deacon Ms. Maria Campos, Secretary, ext. 10, mcampos@gracechurchwhiteplains.org Mr. Peter Roberts, Director of Music, ext 18 Mr. Arturo Ortiz, Director of Music, La Gracia Ms. Marilyn Castillo, Vocalist, La Gracia Mr. Taurino Juarez, Sexton, ext.13   Vestry Members   Joseph Gallo - Sr. Warden Malik Bradford - Jr. Warden Hilary Fleming - Treasurer Sorraya Sampson Elliot - Clerk   Malik Bradford, Sorraya Sampson Elliot,  Hilary Fleming, Karen Odom, Marisol Ortega, Amy Auld Owens, Michael Heffner, Charlotte Roberson, Daisy Calderon, Trisha McGuinness

The Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2018 Our liturgy is found in the Book of Common Prayer, beginning on page 355. Prelude Once he came in Blessing J.S. Bach Please stand. Hymn #71 Hark the glad sound The Opening Acclamation Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. The Collect for Purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Song of Praise The Song of Mary BCP 91 . Collect of the Day Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Please be seated. THE WORD OF GOD The First Reading A Reading from the Prophet Zephaniah [3:14-20] Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. The First Song of Isaiah Ecce Deus [Isaiah 12:2-6] Surely, it is God who saves me; * I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, * and he will be my Savior. Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing * from the springs of salvation. And on that day you shall say, * Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; Make his deeds known among the peoples; * see that they remember that his Name is exalted. Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, * and this is known in all the world. Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, * for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Second Lesson A Reading from the Letter to the Philippians [4:4-7] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand. Hymn #60 Creator of the stars of night The Gospel: The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Luke [3:7-18] Response: Glory to You Lord Christ. John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusations, and be satisfied with your wages." As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. The Gospel of the Lord Praise to You Lord Christ. Please be seated. The Sermon The Rev. Dr. Judith Lee Please stand. The Nicene Creed [BCP 358] Prayers of the People Priest: As we keep awake for the coming of the Lord, let us pray for the church and the world, that God may prepare a light for our path: Intercessor: We give thanks for gathering us together in this community; grant your church a listening spirit and a watchful eye that we may make good use of this holy time and bear witness to your presence hidden among us. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming We give thanks for the resources you have given our nation; grant us wisdom to share them generously and to be the light in darkness for all who are hungry in body, mind, and soul. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming Grant that our leaders and the leaders of all nations use their powers wisely and compassionately. Strengthen those who are struggling for justice and stability throughout the world. Guide us toward the unity, peace, and freedom that we find only in you. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming. Comfort those who are separated from their loved ones during this holiday season. Watch over those who are travelling, and those who have nowhere to go. Shelter the homeless and guide those who are lost. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming Give your healing grace to those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially those for whom the holiday season is a time of loss, and those we now name, silently or aloud. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming Watch over our children, that they may know the peace, as well as the excitement, of your presence. [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming Gather into your joyful presence those who have died especially those whom we now name, silently or aloud . . . [Pause] O Come, Emmanuel, Your people await your coming. Priest: O Rising Sun, brightness of light eternal, sun of justice, come and shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Glory to you forever. Amen. The Confession BCP 360 The Peace Please be seated. Blessing of the memorial plaques and the new thurible Announcements Anthem The tree of Life my soul hath seen Healey Willan The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit, and always green: The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne’er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought: missed of all: but now I see ’Tis found in Christ the apple tree. I’m weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile: Under the shadow I will be Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree. Please stand. Hymn #66 Come thou long expected Jesus THE HOLY COMMUNION Celebrant The Lord be with you Response And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts Response We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Response It is right to give God our thanks and praise We praise you and we thank you, O holy and living God, Creator of heaven and earth, for the gift of a world full of wonder and for our life, which comes from you. By your power you sustain the universe; through Jesus Christ you gather us into one great family. Therefore with all who serve you on earth and in heaven, we praise your wonderful name as we sing: Sanctus Missa Marialis Holy, holy, holy Lord. God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of our Lord. Hosanna in the highest. O God, from before time you made ready the creation. Through your Wisdom, your Spirit moved over the deep and brought to birth the heavens: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; growing things, both plants and animals; and finally humankind. You made us in your image, male and female, to love and care for the earth and its creatures as you love and care for us, your children. You graced us with freedom of heart and mind, but we were heedless and willful. You took us by the hand, and taught us to walk in your ways. And although you led us with cords of compassion and bands of love, we wandered far away. Yet as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. Then you acted anew in Creation. In order that we might see and know the riches of your grace, your Spirit entered into Mary, the maiden of Nazareth, that she might conceive and bear a Son, the holy child of God. The world had waited long in pain and hope, and at last our Savior came to birth, fulfilling the promise of the reign of God in love. Living among us, Jesus loved us. He yearned to draw all the world to himself, yet we would not. We were heedless of his call to walk in love. At last the time came for him to make the sacrifice of himself, and to be glorified by you. On the night before he died, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat: This is my Body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again he gave thanks to you, and gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me. As we gather to share the bread and the cup, we remember his loving gift to us: We remember his death on the cross, We proclaim the resurrection to new life, We await the return of Christ in glory. And we join together in the love of Christ to give thanks and praise to you, our God. Here at this table, we offer to you all that you have made: this bread and this cup, our time and our selves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your love and your blessing on all we offer here. Breathe your Spirit onto these gifts of bread and wine, to make of them the Body and Blood of Christ. Let your Spirit who broods over the whole creation dwell within us. Gather us to be your holy people, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made. Draw us, O God, to your heart at the heart of the world. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. AMEN. As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray, The Lord’s Prayer At the Breaking of the Bread The priest breaks the consecrated Bread. After a brief silence, all say together: We are one bread, one body. We love one another as Christ loves us. Agnus Dei Missa Marialis O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace. The Gifts of God for the People of God. The Holy Communion You are invited and welcome to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Please be seated or kneel in private prayer before and after receiving communion.   Anthem Muchos Resplendores Words: Anders Frostenson, Tr. Pablo D Sosa Music: Tjanstrerna; Olle Widestrang harm. Muchos resplandores, solo una luz / es la luz de Cristo Muchos resplandores, solo una luz, que nos hace uno. [Many are the light beams from the one light; Our one light is Jesus, Many are the light beams from the one light; we are one in Christ.] Muchas son las ramas, un árbol hay / y su tronco es Cristo Muchas son las ramas, un tronco hay / y en El somos uno. [Many are the branches of the one tree / our one tree is Jesus. Many are the branches of the one tree; we are one in Christ.] Muchos son los dones, uno el amor / et amor de Cristo Muchos son los dones, uno el amor, que nos hace uno. [Many are the gifts given, love is all one / love is the gift of Jesus. Many are the gifts given, love is all one; we are one in Christ.] Muchas las tareas, uno el sentir / el sentir de Cristo. Muchas las tareas, uno el sentir / que nos hace uno. [Many ways to serve God, the spirit is one: servant spirit of Jesus. Many ways to serve God, the spirit is one; we are one in Christ.] Muchos son los miembros, un cuerpo hay / ese cuerpo es Cristo. Muchos son los miembros, un cuerpo hay / y El somos uno. [Many are the members, the body is one: members all of Jesus. Many are the members, the body is one: we are one in Christ.] Hymn #462 The Lord will come and not be slow Please stand. The Prayer of Thanksgiving: Celebrant: Let us pray We have heard your word, O God, and we have broken bread together. May this be a sign for us that you are very near, that we are your people, nourished and loved by you. Never forsake us, but be the light around us and our firm ground; and even more be our future, our father, today and forever. Amen. The Sending forth of the Eucharistic Visitors: In the name of this congregation I send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood. We who are many are one body because we share one bread, one cup. Amen. The Blessing May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen Hymn #73 The King shall come Dismissal Postlude Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne Buxtehude ________________________________________ Celebrant & Preacher The Rev Dr. Judith Lee Assisting Priest The Rev. Adolfo Moronta Organist Peter Roberts Lectors 8AM Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Heusser 10AM James Heffner, Eve Bradford Intercessor : Aaron Bradford 8AM Paola Carmago 10AM Malik Bradford, Rudye Breach Acolytes 10AM Aaron Bradford, Aadi Kumar, James Heffner, Priya Kumar, Rohan Kumar, Eve Bradford, Sam Brown Ushers 10AM Margaret Bloomfield, Delroy Chang, Albert Sargent, Bob Soso, Shirley Spencer, Jean Wilson Eucharistic Visitors Eileen McClean , Ray Williams, Carolyn Rogers, Lisa Daley Nursery Care is available during the 10:00 AM service. Vestry Greeter Trisha McGuinness Coffee Hour Hosts: Giovanni Green Assistant Jane Washington ________________________________________If you are visiting with us for the first time, we welcome you to Grace Church! Our liturgy is found in the Book of Common Prayer. Our communion is open to all baptized Christians. Please take the time to fill out one of our visitor cards which the ushers have available. Your presence is a blessing to us; may our worship together be a blessing to you. ________________________________________ Grace Church Prayer List: We hold the following people in prayer: Corine Bradley, Norene Bueti, Bernice Burton, Cynthia Cole, Cindy Courtien, Inez Dale, Jimmy Delaney, Carol DiGilio, Vincent Doria, Bill Dunphy, Cathy Dunphy, Deacon Edgar Ervin, Sandra Esannason, Lydia Green, The Hambas Family. Biff Henderson, The Hite Family, Sylvia Howard, William Jackson, Jr., Jackie Jansky, Ivy John, Evgeniy Kaufman, Manoris Long, Paxton Louis, Gail and Dave Matthew, Trisha McGuinness, Janice Moore, Giovanna Mustac, Selena Perry, Gladstone Reid, Leroy Reid, Renee Reid, Uriel Reid, Thomas Russo, Phil Sawyer, Marilyn Seimia, Norman Stanton, Susan Stanton, Laura Stix, Barbara Vigliotti, Stacey Vitale, Natasha Vodyanitskaya, The Walsh Family, Emma Wainwright, Marthe Watkins Bethel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: Verna Brown Cedar Manor, Ossining: Robert Auld Sarah Newman Center, Mamaroneck: Nellie King Serving in the Armed Forces: Kenny Duffy, Denny J. Edmondson, Christopher P. Halstead, David Packer, Sgt. Christopher Vigliotti, Gunnery Sgt. Les Yearwood. Please contact the Parish Office or Sandy Gadsden McAllister if you would like to place someone’s name on our prayer list Birthdays December 16th Andrea Spencer December 17th Juan C. Paredas December 19th Gloria Chang December 22nd Rina Heavner Announcements for the Week of December 16th THIS WEEK AT GRACE ________________________________________ Tuesday- December 18th 12:05 PM Holy Eucharist in the Chapel 7:30 PM Vestry Meeting at the Rectory Wednesday- December 19th 12:10 PM Downtown Music at Grace 6:30 PM Labyrinth in the Parish Hall 7:30 PM Bible Study in the Library Thursday- December 20th 12:05 PM Holy Eucharist in the Chapel 7:30 PM Santa Eucaristía in the Church Friday December 21st 7:30 PM Las Posadas at the Rectory Saturday December 22nd 12PM – 4PM Rainbow Outreach Christmas Party – Parish Hall 7:30 PM Las Posadas in the Parish Hall What’s New: TODAY: During the 10 AM service we will bless a new censor that we will use for the first time on Christmas Eve, and we will bless the plaques at each of our windows in thanks for the inspiration and faithfulness of those whose names are inscribed. TODAY: Pledge forms are available in the back of the church and pledges will be accepted through the end of the year. The Vestry needs to know the 2019 pledge amount as they prepare the 2019 budget to be approved at their December meeting. On Sunday, we will distribute a list of people who have pledged; if you see an error, please contact the Parish Office or Charlotte Roberson. Stewardship Campaign update: As of December 9th Total number of pledges (Grace & La Gracia): 172 Total pledge amount (Grace & La Gracia): $268,977.40 TODAY: ECW meeting at 11:45 AM in the Library & Pageant Rehearsal in the Church TODAY: 4:00 PM Advent Service of Lessons and Carols. This annual service is one of our most beloved traditions. ECW RAFFLE ECW is selling raffle tickets for two holiday baskets. Tickets are six for $5.00 sold during Coffee Hour. Drawing held Sunday, December 23rd. The proceeds are going towards Samaritan House Gift Cards. LAST DAY, LAST CHANCE! Today is the final day for Grace Church/La Gracia to provide a family with a gift card for their holiday dinners. As of December 9th, we have collected 24 gift cards. Last year, we contributed 55 gift cards. Can we possibly reach last year's Christmas gift to our brothers, sisters and children? If you can't provide a gift card today, cash or a check (Lifting Up Westchester) will be happily accepted. Please see Linda Gallo in the Parish Hall. Thanks to those who have previously given. TOYS FOR GRACE & LA GRACIA Children – Every year La Gracia distributes toys to children on January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany/Three Kings Sunday. Please see Fr. Adolfo about ways you can contribute toys or financial donations for this tradition. Thank you. The Winter Angelus is Ready! With many thanks to all who contributed to this edition. It truly is a blessing to be able to tap into so many of the activities of Grace/La Gracia on a quarterly basis in a single publication. The deadline for the Spring Angelus is February 15. Looking Ahead: Bible Study: 7:30 PM Wednesday December 19th: This will be our final meeting The Labyrinth will be set up in the Parish Hall for Meditation 6:30-7:30. Sunday at 9:00-9:30 AM – Informal Bible Study in the Library. December 16th will be our last meeting CHRISTMAS EVE – Our services will be at 4:00 PM – Family Service with the Christmas Pageant; 7:00 PM – in Spanish; and 10:00 PM Festival Eucharist with Candlelight. A performance of Christmas anthems will begin at 9:45 PM. DECEMBER 30TH A CELEBRATION! As we move to the end of the year, we will be wishing farewell to our Interim Pastor, Mother Judith Lee. We will celebrate her ministry with us on December 30th, in a Bi-Lingual service (11 AM) for all members. It is the only mass that day. As a congregation, we will party after the service. We are asking ALL parishioners to participate in a pot luck meal. As your choice, you can bring wither a main dish, a salad or dessert. Sign up sheets will be posted outside of the Parish Hall. If you have any questions, please speak with Linda Gallo. Hoping you will be there! Book Club Update: After cancelling our December meeting, we will discuss both We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride and The Chariot on the Mountain by Jack Ford when we meet on Tuesday, Jan 8 at 7 pm in the church library. Interested in the Book Club? Contact Karen Odom at karenodom@yahoo.com Elections: Annual Parish Meeting: January 27, 2019 With thanks to our Nominations Committee: Marisol Ortega, Chair, Marie Barrow, Bill Biles, and Karen Southwick Positions open for Election: Junior Warden (Michael Heffner was appointed by the Vestry to serve until the 2019 Annual Parish Meeting) Vestry: One 2-year term (Michael Heffner’s seat) Four 3-year terms (Expiring terms: Irene Alves, Sorraya Sampson Elliott, Karen Odom, Amy Auld Owens) Qualifications for serving on Vestry 1) Must be a pledging member of Grace/La Gracia for at least 24 months. 2) Must be confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church 3) Must attend service regularly. 4) Must be able to attend the Vestry meetings regularly (currently scheduled on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.) Qualifications for voting [By Laws: Section 4. Qualifications for Voting] Persons of the age of 18 years or more who have been baptized, are communicants of the Episcopal Church, belong to the Parish, are regular attendants of its worship and have contributed to its support for at least twelve (12) months prior to the Annual Election or Special Meeting at which they are in attendance, shall be qualified to vote. For the January 2019 election, eligible voters must have pledged for both 2018 and 2019. Records will be updated before January 15, 2019.   Advent and Christmastide at Grace / La Gracia Saturday, December 15th 4PM Informal Caroling in front of Grace Church Sunday December 16th Third Sunday of Advent 10 AM Family Service 11:30 AM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 4 PM Advent Service of Lessons and Carols Saturday, December 22 7 PM Las Posadas Navideñas- In Parish Hall Sunday December 23rd Fourth Sunday of Advent 11:30 AM – Christmas Pageant Rehearsal December 24th Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord 2:30 PM Pageant participants arrive; lunch provided 4:00 PM Family Service with Christmas Pageant 7:00 PM Fiesta de la Natividad de Nuestro Señor 10:00 PM Festival Service of Holy Eucharist December 30th Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (transferred) Mother Judith’s last Sunday December 31st 11 PM – Midnight The church will be open for private prayers. January 6th Feast of the Epiphany / Three Kings Sunday Distribution of gifts to all our children after the 10 AM and 12:30 PM services

The Winter 2018/2019 Angelus

Restoring hope to Westchester County’s men, women and children in need by providing them with food, shelter and support– and lifting them to greater self-sufficiency with dignity and respect. Vision Statement Lifting Up Westchester respects the dignity and full potential of every individual. We assist those struggling to overcome the challenges of poverty, homelessness, hunger, health and education. We work with men, women and children as they create their own unique path to a more fulfilling, healthy and independent life. Striving to never turn anyone away, we enlist the generosity of a caring community through donations and volunteerism. https://www.liftingupwestchester.org/our-mission-vision/

Clips from Recent Concerts - 2016/2017 Season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUm1TV3BnaE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWohxaB6yDQ&feature=em-subs_digest About DTMusic http://dtmusic.org/ Downtown Music at Grace is a non-profit performing arts organization located in the heart of White Plains, NY, a small city located a half hour north of New York City. Downtown Music was founded in 1988 by Timothy Lewis, Music Director and Organist of Grace Church. The mission of Downtown Music is to provide an oasis of art and culture in the heart of White Plains. The organization's current programs include Noonday Getaway Concerts, half- hour concerts taking place on Wednesdays at noon; Weekend Discoveries , which are full length concerts taking place on Sunday afternoons or Saturday evenings; Concerts on Tour, our outreach program consisting of 30+ concerts annually in nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers; and Downtown Music’s Arts-In-Education Program, a series of three concerts specially designed for schoolchildren in grades K-12. Downtown Music’s roster of artists features high-quality professional musicians who enjoy the opportunity to make music in an intimate, beautiful setting. Many of our artists have performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and major international venues. Resident Ensembles Our three resident ensembles enable Downtown Music to offer a more diverse program of music. Downtown Sinfonietta is composed of professional musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and other major New York ensembles, and performs several concerts throughout the season. Downtown Music Chorus features 16 professional singers, drawn from the ranks of New York’s finest choirs. West Point Brass, a small ensemble of eight players, is called on for special celebratory performances throughout the season. Guest Artists Downtown Music provides a prestigious showcase for professional musicians, 70% of whom return often to perform. Guest artists include internationally-recognized artists and local professional performers across a wide spectrum of musical talent. Noted for its diversity of programming, Downtown Music stars have included Mariachi Real de Mexico, the Voices of Ascension, several members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, as well as jazz great Jay Hoggard.