March 16, 2008: Palm Sunday Cantata
On Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 11 a.m. United Methodists will gather together at Christ UMC, Vineyard Haven, to sing and about "Hosanna in the highest!"Our combined service will begin with a dramatic interpretation of historical fact and legend surrounding the writing of the hymn, "All glory, laud and honor" by Bishop Theodulph of Orleans, France, in the ninth century. Bishop Theodulph, a pastor, poet and educator, was wrongly imprisoned in Angers, France in the District of Orleans, by King Louis I, king of France and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. According to legend, King Louis was leading the Palm Sunday Procession through the streets of Angers in 821 when suddenly from the prison tower he heard a voice bursting forth singing, "All glory, laud and honor." The king stopped the procession and inquired as to who was singing so magnificently. When the king was informed that it was Bishop Theodulph, whom he had unjustly imprisoned, the king was moved to compassion and released the bishop. The bishop rejoicing, joined the king in leading the procession.
Phil Dietterich is producing this prelude to our Palm Sunday Worship. The cast includes Bishop Theodulph, a jailer, King Louis I and a Palm Sunday Procession of townspeople. Phil says, "We really need more townspeople." They play an important role in this dramatization. They sing and cheer and convince the king that Bishop Theodulph is innocent of the charges and that they need his pastoral leadership."
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