On Jordan's Banks, the Baptist's Cry

The third Sunday of Advent brings the story of John the Baptist.
Isaiah 65:17-25
1 Thessalonians 5:(12-15)16-28
John 1:6-8,19-28
Psalm 126

This wonderful hymn is not in the current United Methodist Hymnal. What a shame. it is a wonderful hymn.





On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings.

Then cleansed be every breast from sin;
make straight the way for God within,
prepare we in our hearts a home
where such a mighty Guest may come.

For thou art our salvation, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward;
without thy grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.

To heal the sick stretch out thine hand,
and bid the fallen sinner stand;
shine forth and let thy light restore
earth's own true loveliness once more.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee,
whose advent doth thy people free;
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Ghost for evermore.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Words: Charles Coffin, 1736;
trans. John Chandler, 1837
Music: Winchester New

Dedication Concert for Our New Organ

Friday night our new organ was formally dedicated with a concert by duo organists, Elizabeth & Raymond Chenault from Atlanta. The link leads to an article about them.

Ray studied organ at our church as a teenager under Harold Abmyer. Mr. A was the music director of our church for almost 40 years. When he arrived in town he lifted the level of church music in the entire city to a much higher level. He also taught many fine organists.

I couldn't find a video posted of the Chenaults playing. They are a wonder to watch as well as hear.

Here's one of their CDs.

One Week Late, but Still Wonderful

I found this video of For All the Saints.

This is an older video. Bob Swift, organist-choirmaster, leads choirs, sinfonia, and congregation in the opening processional hymn for "All Saints' Sunday," November 2, 1997 at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, Arlington, Virginia. We need someone in our church to start making these YouTube videos.

I've Just Discovered Hymns on YouTube

I've just discovered that some clever churches and other groups have posted hymn videos on YouTube. This one is from the north of England and features the favorite hymn of the English people, William Blake's Jerusalem.

It is a strange poem to be set as a hymn, but it is glorious. I like the video tour.

The Organ Is Being Rebuilt

I have not posted on this blog for almost two years because the hymn selections at church have been so uninspired (as has much of the preaching!) that I didn't have much to say.

Now I have something interesting to talk about. Our church organ is being rebuilt. It is a fascinating process. The Monday after Pentecost all of the pipes were removed and sent away to be refurbished. Some of the pipes were not reused. Those were sold to church members. I bought two of the chimes. They're hanging in the trees in my garden. When a strong wind comes along they bump against branches and make a wonderful sound.

The console was removed about six weeks ago leaving a big old hole in the choir loft. I'm afraid of falling in the hole while I'm singing.

Most of the pipes were rebuilt. Last week the pipes returned from the factory. Here are some pictures of the return.