A New Year Has Begun

The readings for the first Sunday of Advent were:
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
1Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37

Our introit hymn this morning was Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying . The words were written by Phillipp Nicolai (Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme) in 1599. The words may have been inspired by a 1523 poem by Nuremberg's Meistersinger Lutheran poet Hans Sachs, Catherine Winkworth translatee the lyrics from German in her book Lyra Germanica, 1858. I recently purchased a reprint of this important book through an EBay auction. Catherine Winkworth's translations are a great gift to all English speaking churches. The hymn tune Wachet Auf was composed by Phillipp Nicolai and harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1731.

1. Wake, awake, for night is flying:
The watchmen on the heights are crying,
Awake, Jerusalem, arise!
Midnight's solemn hour is tolling,
His chariot wheels are nearer rolling,
He comes; prepare, ye virgins wise.
Rise up, with willing feet,
Go forth, the Bridegroom meet:
Alleluia!
Bear through the night your well-trimmed light,
Speed forth to join the marriage rite.

2. Sion hears the watchmen singing,
Her heart with deep delight is springing,
She wakes, she rises from her gloom:
Forth her Bridegroom comes, all glorious,
In grace arrayed, by truth victorious;
Her Star is risen, her Light is come!
All hail, Incarnate Lord,
Our crown, and our reward!
Alleluia!
We haste along, in pomp of song,
And gladsome join the marriage throng.

3. Lamb of God, the heavens adore thee,
And men and angels sing before thee,
With harp and cymbal's clearest tone.
By the pearly gates in wonder
We stand, and swell the voice of thunder,
That echoes round thy dazzling throne.
No vision ever brought,
No ear hath ever caught,
Such bliss and joy:
To raise the song, we swell the throng,
To praise thee ages all along. Amen.

The hymn sung during the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath we sang O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The words are a twelfth century Latin poem, translated in 1851 by John Mason Neale. The hymn tune Veni Emmanuel is a fifteenth century plainsong. We sang the first four verses this morning. We will sing different verse each Sunday in Advent as another candle is lit.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Wisdom from on high,
who orderest all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go. Refrain

O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan's tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them victory over the grave. Refrain

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight. Refrain

O come, thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times once gave the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain

O come, thou Root of Jesse's tree,
an ensign of thy people be;
before thee rulers silent fall;
all peoples on thy mercy call. Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid thou our sad divisions cease,
and be thyself our King of Peace. Refrain

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear. Refrain


The third hymn today was Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates.
The hymn was written in 1642 by George Weissel and translated in 1855 by Catherine Winkworth. Thank you again, Miss Winkworth. The hymn tune is called Truro, written by Thomas Williams in his Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789.

Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates;
behold the King of glory waits!
The King of kings is drawing near;
the Savior of the world is here.

O blest the land, the city blest,
where Christ the ruler is confessed!
O happy hearts and happy homes
to whom this King of triumph comes!

Fling wide the portals of your heart;
make it a temple, set apart
from earthly use for heaven's employ,
adorned with prayer and love and joy.

Redeemer, come, with us abide;
our hearts to thee we open wide;
let us thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in us reveal.

Thy Holy Spirit lead us on
until our glorious goal is won;
eternal praise, eternal fame
be offered, Savior, to thy Name!

Our anthem today was Christ Will Come Again by Paul Laubengayer.

Christ will come again.
Trust despite the deepn'ning darkness. Christ will come again.
Lift the world above its grieving
Through our watching and believing. Christ will come again.

Probe the present with the promise, Christ will come again.
Let your daily action witness, Christ will come again.
Let your loving and your giving
And your justice and forgiving.
Be a sign to all the living. Christ will come again.

Match the present to the promise, Christ will come again.
Make this hope your guiding premise, Christ will come again.
Pattern all your calculating
And the world you are creating
To the advent you are waiting: Christ will come again.
Christ will come again.
Christ will come again.
Christ will come again.

The final hymn was Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Charles Wesley in 174, published in his collection Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord. The tune is Hyfrydol, composed by Rowland H. Prichard in 1830.

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art:
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child, and yet a king,
born to reign in us for ever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Thanksgiving Sunday

The readings for November 20, last Sunday after Pentecost, Christ the King Sunday. We didn't really have the readings from Ezekiel and Ephesians, because our pastor wanted to concentrate on Thanksgiving rather than Christ the King Sunday. He substituted the Deuteronomy and II Corinthians readings. I'm not too happy when the pastor deviates from the Lectionary. Oh well!

Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

Psalm 100

Psalm 95:1-7a
Ephesians 1:15-23

II Corinthians 9:6-15

Matthew 25:31-46

Our choral introit was based on Psalm 100. "jubliate Deo" by Dale Wood

O sing to the Lord with a jubilant voice; Glory to God in the highest!
O serve him with gladness, before him rejoice; Praise to the Lord in the highest!
The Lord is our God, our Creator not we; Glory to God in the highest!
The sheep of his pasture we ever shall be; Praise to the Lord in the highest!
O enter his gates with thanksgiving and praise; Glory to God in the highest!
To honor his name thankful voices we raise; Praise to the Lord in the highest!
For good is the Lord and his mercy is sure; Glory to God in the highest!
To all generations, his truth shall endure;
Glory to God! Glory to God! Praise to the Lord in the highest!
—text adapted from U. K. Koren (1826-1910)

The first hymn was Come, Ye Thankful People Come The text is by Henry Alford. The hymn tune is called “St. George’s Wind­sor” by George J. El­vey.

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

I noticed for the first time today that the Methodist Hymnal editorial committee messed around with this hymn also. Wherever there is a "Him" the words have been changed. I, of course, sang the real words. I am so bad!

The second hymn was We Gather Together
The hymn text is from the Nederlandtsch Gedencklanck; translated by Theodore Baker. The hymn tune is Kremser, a 16th century Dutch melody arranged by Edward Kremser.

1. We gather together
to ask the Lord's blessing;
he chastens and hastens
his will to make known.
The wicked oppressing
now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to his name,
he forgets not his own.

2. Beside us to guide us,
our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining
his kingdom divine;
so from the beginning
the fight we were winning;
thou, Lord, wast at our side,
all glory be thine!

3. We all do extol thee,
thou leader triumphant,
and pray that thou still
our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation
escape tribulation;
thy name be ever praised!
O Lord, make us free!

Our anthem at the 11 am service was The Lord of the Harvest by Austin Lovelace. It is the text of Come, Ye Thankful People Come set to the Welsh tune Arfon.

The handbell choir played The Battle Hymn of the Republic arranged by Cynthia Dobrinski. It was a fairly difficuly piece, but we did a fabulous job.

The final hymn was Now Thank We All Our God The words were written by Martin Rinkart in 1636, translated by Catherine Winkworth in 1858. The hymn tune is Nun danket alle Gott by Johann Crüger.

Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom his world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms
Has blest us on our way
With countless gifts of love
And still is ours today.

Oh, may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us
And keep us in his grace
And guide us when perplexed
And free us from all harm
In this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son, and him who reigns
With them is highest heaven,
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.

Hymns for November 13, 2005

The Readings for the twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Judges 4:1-7
Psalm 1231
Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30

As an introit we sang Rise Up O Men of God

The text was written by William Pierson Merrill in 1909. The hymn tune is Festal Song. In our hymnal the words are made “inclusive” and are “Rise up Ye Saints of God”. Now I’m pretty radical when it comes to women’s rights, but I don’t like people messing around with literature. They should leave the words the way the poet wrote them.

Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things,
give heart and soul and mind and strength
to serve the King of kings.

Rise up, O men of God!
His kingdom tarries long:
bring in the day of brotherhood
and end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God!
The Church for you doth wait;
her strength unequal to her task;
rise up, and make her great!

Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where his feet have trod;
as brothers of the Son of Man,
rise up, O men of God!

The first hymn was O God Our Help in Ages Past . The hymn was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748) in 1719. The hymn tune “St. Anne” was probably composed by William Croft in 1708.

O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home:

Under the shadow of thy throne,
thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone,
and our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,
from everlasting thou art God,
to endless years the same.

A thousand ages in thy sight
are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
bears all its sons away;
they fly, forgotten, as a dream
dies at the opening day.

O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
be thou our guide while life shall last,
and our eternal home!

The second hymn was my all time favorite How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.


Our anthem was based on Jane Marshall’s excellent hymn What Gift Can We Bring?

What gift can we bring, what present, what token?
What words can convey it, the joy of this day?
When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing,
what song can we offer in honor and praise?

Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision,
who planted and watered so dreams could come true.
Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship,
for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed.

Give thanks for tomorrow, full of surprises,
for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring,
the Word is our promise always, forever;
we rest in God’s keeping and live in God’s love.

This gift we now bring, this present, this token,
these words can convey it, the joy of this day!
When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing,
this song we now offer in honor and praise.

The final hymn was Pass It On , text and music by Kurt Kaiser, written in 1969. The teenagers love this one. It always reminds me of Joan Baez’s song Carry It On.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

What a wonderous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

All Saints Sunday

Here are the readings for All Saints Day, which was actually Tuesday, November 1, but which we celebrated this morning in church. It was a day for singing and for weeping. Before the service began we learned that our wonderful associate pastor is being transferred in January to do special outreach work with migrant workers. He's a good preacher and a good priest, and we'll miss him very much.

Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10, 221
Ephesians 1:11-23
Matthew 5:1-12

The processional hymn was For All the Saints.
The text was written by William Walsham How in 1864. The wonderful hymn tune Sine nomine was composed by Ralph Vaughn Williams. What a glorious hymn! After the first three verses the singing paused, and the names of all parishioners who had died during the past year were read out. Candles were lit as each name was read. Unfortunately, we had an awful lot of candles this year. Many of our faithful old members died this year.

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the apostles' glorious company,
who bearing forth the cross o'er land and sea,
shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,
like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
is fair and fruitful, be thy Name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
and seeing, grasped it, thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win, with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
and singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The second hymn was I Sing a Song of the Saints of God written by Lesbia Scott. The hymn tune is Grand Isle by John H. Hopkins. In years past the children's choir members would dress up like some of the saints in the hymn and process and sing.

1. I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true,
who toiled and fought and lived and died
for the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and one was a shepherdess on the green;
they were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God helping, to be one too.

2. They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
and his love made them strong;
and they followed the right for Jesus' sake
the whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest,
and one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
and there's not any reason, no, not the least,
why I shouldn't be one too.

3. They lived not only in ages past;
there are hundreds of thousands still.
The world is bright with the joyous saints
who love to do Jesus' will.
You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
in church, by the sea, in the house next door;
they are saints of God, whether rich or poor,
and I mean to be one too.

One Eucharistic hymn was
This Is the Feast of Victory for Our God
The text was written by John W.Arthur © Concordia Publishing House
The hymn tune is called Festival Canticle and was composed by Richard Hillert
© Richard Hillert. The link is to a recording of a church choir singing the anthiphon for this hymn. We don't use it at communion very often. I love it.

This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.

Power and riches and wisdom
and strength and honor and blessing and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.

Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation:
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.

Blessing and honor and glory
and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.

This is the feast of victory for our God,
for the Lamb who slain has begun his reign. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.

The second Eucharistic hymn was For the Bread, Which You Have Broken
The text was written by Louis F. Benson in 1924. The hymn tune is by V. Earle Copes.

For the bread, which you have broken,
for the wine which you have poured,
for the words which you have spoken,
now we give you thanks, O Lord.

By this pledge, Lord, that you love us,
by your gift of peace restored,
by your call to heaven above us,
hallow all our lives, O Lord.

As our blessed ones adore you,
seated at our Father's board,
may the Church still waiting for you
keep love's tie unbroken, Lord.

In your service, Lord, defend us;
in our hearts keep watch and ward,
in the world to which you send us
let your kingdom come, O Lord.

The final hymn was Natalie Sleath's wonderful Hymn of Promise

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity,
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

The closing voluntary was a jazz trio playing When the Saints Go Marching In just in case anyone missed the point about what the day was.

All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted

Here are the readings for October 30, twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost:
Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12

The first hymn for today was Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
The hymn was written by William Williams in 1745 and translated from the Welsh by Peter Williams in 1771. The hymn tune is "Cwm Rhondda" composed by John Hughes in 1907.

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim though this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through;
strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer.
be thou still my Strength and Shield,
be thou still my Strength and Shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
bear me through the swelling current,
land me safe on Canaan's side;
songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee,
I will ever give to thee.

The second hymn was one based on a folksong from Ghana that we sing a lot, Jesu, Jesu . Thomas S. Colvin wrote the words in 1969. The hymn tune is also by Colvin. It's called "Chereponi.
© 1969 and 1989 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. Used by permission.

Jesu, Jesu,Fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
The neighbors we have from You.

Kneels at the feet of his friends,
Silently washes their feet,
Master who acts as a slave to them.
Jesu, Jesu,Fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
The neighbors we have from You.

Neighbors are rich and poor,
Neighbors are black and white,
Neighbors are near and far away.
Jesu, Jesu,Fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
The neighbors we have from You.

These are the ones we should serve,
These are the ones we should love;
All these are neighbors to us and You.
Jesu, Jesu,Fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
The neighbors we have from You.

Loving puts us on our knees,
Serving as though we are slaves,
This is the way we should live with You.
Jesu, Jesu,Fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
The neighbors we have from You.

Kneel at the feet of our friends,
Silently washing their feet,
This is the way we should live with You.
Jesu, Jesu,Fill us with Your love,
show us how to serve
The neighbors we have from You.

Our anthem was an interesting arrangement of the American folk hymn On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand.
The text is by Samuel Stennett (1727-1795).
The hymn tune is called Promised Land from that important book The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion by William Walker, first published in 1835. The University Press of Kentucky has published a fascimile of the book. Here's what their publisher's notes say about the work.

The Southern Harmony was the most popular tune book of the nineteenth century, containing 335 sacred songs, dominated by the folk hymns of oral tradition and written in the old four-shape notation that was for generations the foundation of musical teaching in rural America. Born in 1809 in South Carolina, William Walker grew up near Spartanburg and early became devoted to the Welsh Baptist Church of his ancestors and to the musical heritage that church had brought to early America. Walker became a singing master, and Southern Harmony was compiled for his students in hundreds of singing schools all over North and South Carolina and Georgia and in eastern Tennessee. Southern Harmony reached Kentucky in the company of music-loving pioneers, and today an annual singing in Benton, Kentucky, remains the only such occasion on which Southern Harmony is consistently the source of the music.

I really enjoyed singing the anthem. The amazing thing to me was that about half of the choir members did not know this familiar tune. The choir members who didn't know the tune were all Yankees. I guess The Southern Harmony never got too far north. Here are the original words. Our anthem left off the refrain, which I thought was a bit strange.

1. On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
and cast a wishful eye
to Canaan's fair and happy land,
where my possessions lie.
Refrain:
I am bound for the promised land,
I am bound for the promised land;
oh, who will come and go with me?
I am bound for the promised land.

2. O'er all those wide extended plains
shines one eternal day;
there God the Son forever reigns,
and scatters night away.
(Refrain)

3. No chilling winds or poisonous breath
can reach that healthful shore;
sickness and sorrow, pain and death,
are felt and feared no more.
(Refrain)

4. When I shall reach that happy place,
I'll be forever blest,
for I shall see my Father's face,
and in his bosom rest.
(Refrain)

The final hymn was A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.
The hymn, of course, is by Martin Luther. The hymn tune is called "Ein' Feste Burg" which is just German for "A Mighty Fortress". The last Sunday in October used to be celebrated as Reformation Sunday, but churches don't seem to do that anymore. When I was growing up Reformation Sunday was a big deal in Louisville, with thousands attending an afternoon service at Freedom Hall at the fairgrounds with some famous preacher preaching.

This is a hymn that will be sung robustly even by those people in the congregation who hardly ever sing the hymns.

1. A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevaling.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2. Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabbaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

3. And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

4. That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.

Hymns for October 23, 2005

The readings for the twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost:

Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46

The readings included the story of the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34 and the Gospel story of the Great Commandment. The sermon was based on the reading from Matthew.

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "`You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Our first hymn was Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
The words were written in 1834 by Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847). The tune also dates from 1834 and is called Lauda Anima. It is by John Goss (1800-1880)

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
To his feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore his praises sing:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise him for his grace and favor
To our fathers in distress;
Praise him still the same for ever,
Slow to chide and swift to bless:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness.

Father-like, he tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame he knows;
In his hand he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows.

Angels in the heights adore him;
Ye behold him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before him,
Dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace.

The second hymn was O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

The text was written by Washington Gladden (1836-1918). The hymn tune is called Maryton by H. Percy Smith (1825-1898)

1. O Master, let me walk with thee
in lowly paths of service free;
tell me thy secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.

2. Help me the slow of heart to move
by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way.

3. Teach me thy patience; still with thee
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong;

4. In hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broadening way,
in peace that only thou canst give,
with thee, O Master, let me live.

Our anthem was Make Spaces for Spirit by Carlton Young. It's a nice anthem with a flute and drum accompaniment. Unfortunately we didn't get a proper cue from the choir director, and the women came in a measure too late. So the congregation didn't hear the first phrase.

Makes spaces for Spirit! For energy rising,
For Pentecost presence, the wind and the fire,
A new kind of languauge, a voice and a vision
To shift and uplift us, to rouse and inspire.

Make spaces for action by spirited people;
The leader, the teacher, the healer of ill,
The builder, the artist, the bringer of laughter,
The melding and welding of spirit and will.

Make spaces for graces! The gifts of the Spirit,
The fruit of the garden where love is the spring,
The water of blessing, the incense of worship,
The wine poured for sharing, the hope that will sing.

Make spaces for Spirit! By changing of systems
By opening prisons, by debtors' release,
The flaming of courage, the firing of justice,
The Spirit of Jesus, the coming of peace.

Make spaces for Spirit! Make spaces for action!
Make spaces for graces! Make spaces for Spirit!

The closing hymn was Where Charity and Love Prevail
The text is based on the ninth century Latin Ubi Caritas; translated by Omer Westendorf. The hymn tune is St. Peter by Alexander R. Reinagle. This is the tune we also use for In Christ There Is No East Nor West.

Where charity and love prevail
There God is ever found
Brought here together by Christ’s love
By love are we thus bound.

With grateful joy and holy fear
God's charity we learn
Let us with heart and mind and soul
Now love God in return.

Let us recall that in our midst
Dwell's Christ, God's Holty Son.
As members of each body joined
In Him we are made one.

We now forgive each other's faults
As we our own confess,
That we may love each other well
In Christian gentleness.

Render unto Caesar

Here are the readings for October 16, 2005, the twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost.
The Gospel reading is the story of the questioning of Jesus by the Pharisees and Herodians. Christ answered "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." or as the Authorized Version words it, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's"

Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 99
Isaiah 45:1-7
Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22

The opening hymn today was Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above written by Johann J. Schutz and translated by Frances E. Cox. The tune is Mit Freuden Zart from Bohemian Bretheren's Kirchengasange harmonized by Maurice F. Bell

1. Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled
and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.

2. The Lord is never far away,
but through all grief distressing,
an ever present help and stay,
our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother's tender hand,
God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

3. Thus all my toilsome way along,
I sing aloud thy praises,
that earth may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart,
both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.

4. Let all who name Christ's holy name
give God all praise and glory;
let all who own his power proclaim
aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol from its throne,
for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:
To God all praise and glory.


Take My Life and Let It Be by Frances R. Havergal. The tune is called Messiah by Louis J. Herold.

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.


The closing hymn was one of my favorites:

Lord of the Dance written by Sydney Carter in 1963. The tune is a a much loved 19th century Shaker tune.

I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth,
At Bethlehem I had my birth.

Refrain

Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,
But they would not dance and they would not follow me;
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;
They came to me and the dance went on.

Refrain

I danced on the sabbath when I cured the lame,
The holy people said it was a shame;
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high;
And they left me there on a cross to die.

Refrain

I danced on a Friday and the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back;
They buried my body and they thought I’d gone,
But I am the dance and I still go on.

Refrain

They cut me down and I leapt up high,
I am the life that’ll never, never die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.

Refrain

Our anthem was Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation which we sang as a congregational hymn on October 2. That was sort of odd, but it was wonderful.

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Here are the readings for October 9.

Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14


Our anthem was Rejoice in the Lord Alway by Henry Purcell.
It's perfect for the Epistle reading for the day. The web link takes you to a fabulous recording by the Deller Consort. We didn't sound at all as good, but we did ok.


Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men.
The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing;
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Since the sermon and Gospel reading were about repentence the hymns were about repentence. I like them all.

Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy

The words are by Joseph Hart, Hymns Composed on Various Subjects, 1759,
The hymn tune is called "Restoration,” from The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, by William Walker, 1835

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and power.

Refrain

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.

Refrain

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

Refrain

View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies.
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice?

Refrain

Lo! th’incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.

Refrain

Let not conscience make you linger,
Not of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.

Refrain

It's Me, It's Me, It's Me, O Lord
by Harry Thacker Burleigh

It's a me, It's A Me, O Lord,
Standin' in the need of prayer. Not my brother, Not my sister
It's A Me O Lord, Standin' in the need of prayer.

It's a me,It's A Me, O Lord,
Standin' in the need of prayer.
Not my father,Not my mother,It's A Me O Lord,
Standin' in the need of prayer. :


O, Jesus I Have Promised

The text is by John Ernest Bode. Bode wrote the words for his daughter’s and two sons’ confirmation service. At the time, Bode was a pastor in Castle Camps parish, Cambridgeshire, England. It was published in the appendix of Psalms and Hymns of the Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge, 1869.

The hymn tune is “Angel’s Story,” Arthur H. Mann, in The Methodist Sunday School Hymn­book (London: 1881)

O Jesus, I have promised
to serve thee to the end:
be thou ever near me,
my Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
if thou art by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if thou wilt be my guide.

O let me feel thee near me!
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
the tempting sounds I hear;
my foes are ever near me,
around me and within;
but Jesus, draw thou nearer,
and shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear thee speaking
in accents clear and still,
above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
thou guardian of my soul.

O let me see thy features,
the look that once could make
so many a true disciple
leave all things for thy sake:
the look that beamed on Peter
when he thy name denied;
the look that draws thy lovers
close to thy piercèd side.

O Jesus, thou hast promised
to all who follow thee,
that where thou art in glory
there shall thy servant be;
and, Jesus I have promised
to serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
my Master and my friend.

O let me see thy footmarks,
and in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
is in thy strength alone.
O guide me, call me, draw me,
uphold me to the end;
and then in heaven receive me,
my Savior and my Friend.

Hymns for October 2, 2005

Here are the readings for October 2, twentieth Sunday after Pentecost and World Communion Sunday. We had several altar cloths on the altar today, folk art from many countries.

Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 19
Isaiah 5:1-7
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46

It was a great Sunday for hymns. I really like the hymns today.

The Church's One Foundation

The hymn is by Samuel J. Stone. The tune is Aurelia by Samuel Sebastian Wesley. This composer of many hymn tunes was the grandson of Charles Wesley.

1. The church's one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word.
From heaven he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.

2. Elect from every nation,
yet one o'er all the earth;
her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith, one birth;
one holy name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with every grace endued.

3. Though with a scornful wonder
we see her sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping;
their cry goes up, "How long?"
And soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.

4. Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
she waits the consummation
of peace forevermore;
till, with the vision glorious,
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great church victorious
shall be the church at rest.

5. Yet she on earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with thee.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

The hymn is by Isaac Watts, written about 1707. The tune is Hamburg by Lowell Mason and dates from 1824.

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.


As the Bread of Life Is Broken

This was our choir anthem today. It is by James Chepponis. The hymn tune is Thaxted. It is the C theme from Jupiter of The Planets.


As the bread of life is broken,
the cup of love outpoured,
we are one in Christ, our Savior,
and sent to serve the Lord.
We, the many who are gathered,
are united here as one.
In this joyful celebration,
recall what God has done.

As the bread of life is broken,
the cup of love outpoured,
we are one in Christ, our Savior,
and sent to serve the Lord.
In the word of God proclaimed here,
the good news of truth is heard.
In the telling of the stories,
be open to God’s word.

As the bread of life is broken,
the cup of love outpoured,
we are one in Christ, our Savior,
and sent to serve the Lord.
In the bread of life here given,
we become what we receive.
In the cup of love here offered,
affirm what we believe.

As the bread of life is broken,
the cup of love outpoured,
we are one in Christ, our Savior,
and sent to serve the Lord.
Sent as blessing for God’s people,
to go forth in love and peace,
in our witness to God’s kingdom,
may charity increase.

As the bread of life is broken,
the cup of love outpoured,
we are one in Christ, our Savior,
and sent to serve the Lord.

Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Theis seventh century Latin hymn was translated by John Mason Neale in the early nineteenth century. The hymn tune is Westminster Abbey by Henry Purcell. I've also sung this hymn to Regent Square, the hymn tune that is usually associated with the hymn Angels from the Realms of Glory.


1. Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one;
holy Zion's help forever,
and her confidence alone.

2. To this temple, where we call thee,
come, O Lord of Hosts, today!
With thy faithful loving-kindness
hear thy people as they pray,
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.

3. Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
what they ask of thee to gain;
what they gain from thee forever
with the blessed to retain,
and hereafter in thy glory
evermore with thee to reign.

4. Laud and honor to the Father,
laud and honor to the Son,
laud and honor to the Spirit,
ever three and ever one;
one in might and one in glory,
while unending ages run.

The Last Two Sundays

The Last Two Sundays of September

It’s been a hectic month. I can’t believe September is over today. I’m behind in my blogging.
I just bought a copy of The John Rutter Collection with the Cambridge Singers and the City of London Sinfonia. Our choir sings a lot of Rutter anthems.

Here are the hymns from the last two weeks. Some of the hymns from both weeks seemed like funeral hymns to me, but they fit the scripture readings.

Readings for September 25, Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32

Hymns for September 25

Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

This very popular hymn was written by the Reverend Augustus Montague Toplady, and music by Thomas Hastings. The tune is actually called “Toplady”. The lyrics to the hymn were first published in The Gospel Magazine in 1775, with the music added in around 1830.

1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.

2. Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.

3. Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.

4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.

At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow

Philippians 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,

Words: Caroline M. Noel, The Name of Jesus, and Other Verses for the Sick and Lonely, 1870. Music: “Wye Valley,” James Mountain, 1876.

At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess Him King of glory now;
’Tis the Father’s pleasure we should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

Mighty and mysterious in the highest height,
God from everlasting, very light of light:
In the Father’s bosom with the spirit blest,
Love, in love eternal, rest, in perfect rest.

At His voice creation sprang at once to sight,
All the angel faces, all the hosts of light,
Thrones and dominations, stars upon their way,
All the heavenly orders, in their great array.

Humbled for a season, to receive a name
From the lips of sinners unto whom He came,
Faithfully He bore it, spotless to the last,
Brought it back victorious when from death He passed.

Bore it up triumphant with its human light,
Through all ranks of creatures, to the central height,
To the throne of Godhead, to the Father’s breast;
Filled it with the glory of that perfect rest.

Name Him, brothers, name Him, with love strong as death
But with awe and wonder, and with bated breath!
He is God the Savior, He is Christ the Lord,
Ever to be worshipped, trusted and adored.

In your hearts enthrone Him; there let Him subdue
All that is not holy, all that is not true;
Crown Him as your Captain in temptation’s hour;
Let His will enfold you in its light and power.

Brothers, this Lord Jesus shall return again,
With His Father’s glory, with His angel train;
For all wreaths of empire meet upon His brow,
And our hearts confess Him King of glory now.

O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
The text is a fifteenth century Latin hymn, translated by Benjamin Webb. The tune is called Deo Gracias, an English melody.

1. O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
it fills the heart with ecstasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals' sake!

2. For us baptized, for us he bore
his holy fast and hungered sore,
for us temptation sharp he knew;
for us the tempter overthrew.

3. For us he prayed; for us he taught;
for us his daily works he wrought;
by words and signs and actions thus
still seeking not himself, but us.

4. For us to evil power betrayed,
scourged, mocked, in purple robe arrayed,
he bore the shameful cross and death,
for us gave up his dying breath.

5. For us he rose from death again;
for us he went on high to reign;
for us he sent his Spirit here,
to guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.

6. All glory to our Lord and God
for love so deep, so high, so broad:
the Trinity whom we adore,


Readings for September 18, Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Matthew 20:1-16

If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee

The text is by Georg Neumark, 1621-1681; translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878
The tune is Wer Nur den Lieben Gott by Georg Neumark.

1. If thou but suffer God to guide thee,
and hope in God through all thy ways,
God will give strength, whate'er betide thee,
and bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God's unchanging love
builds on the rock that naught can move.

2. Only be still, and wait God's leisure
in cheerful hope, with heart content
to take whate'er thy Maker's pleasure
and all-discerning love hath sent;
we know our inmost wants are known,
for we are called to be God's own.

3. Sing, pray, and keep God's ways unswerving;
so do thine own part faithfully,
and trust God's word; though undeserving,
thou yet shalt find it true for thee.

God never yet forsook at need
the soul that trusted God indeed.


The Lone, Wild Bird

The text is by Hery Richard McFayden. There are two other stanzas by Marty Haugen that are still under copyright. The tune is called Prospect. It is from Walker's Southern Harmony, 1835.

1. The lone, wild bird in lofty flight
is still with you, nor leaves your sight.
And I am yours! I rest in you,
Great Spirit, come, rest in me, too.

2. The ends of earth are in your hand,
the sea's dark deep and far off land.
And I am yours! I rest in you,
Great Spirit, come, rest in me, too.

3. Each secret thought is known to you,
the path I walk my whole life through;
my days, my deeds, my hopes, my fears,
my deepest joys, my silent tears.


Abide with Me

The words are by Henry Francis Lyte, written in 1847. The tune is called Eventide by William Henry Monk.

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide:
when other helpers fail and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, O abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour;
what but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's dark sting? where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Horse and Rider Are Cast into the Sea

Hymns and readings for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 11, 2005

Exodus 14:19-31
Psalm 114
Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35

The fourteenth and fifteenth chapters of Exodus tell the story of the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of Pharoah's army. I like this modern praise song which is sung as a round.

The Horse and Rider

I will sing unto the Lord
for He has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and rider thrown into the sea...

The Lord my God,
My strength and song
Is now become my victory.

The Lord is God
And I will praise Him,
My father’s God, and I will exalt him.



Awake, Awake to Love and Work
This hymn was written by G.A. Studdert-Kennedy. The tune is called "Morning Song" and comes from Wyeth's Respository of Sacred Music, Part Second from 1813.

1
Awake, awake to love and work!
The lark is in the sky;
The fields are wet with diamond dew;
The worlds awake to cry
Their blessings on the Lord of life,
As He goes meekly by.

2
Come, let thy voice be one with theirs,
Shout with their shout of praise;
See how the giant sun soars up,
Great lord of years and days!
So let the love of Jesus come
And set thy soul ablaze.

3
To give and give, and give again,
What God hath given thee;
To spend thyself nor count the cost;
To serve right gloriously
The God who gave all worlds that are,
And all that are to be.
.

God of the Sparrow
This poem by Pastor Vajda has been published as a beautiful picture book. I couldn't find a MIDI file for the tune.
Tune: Carl F. Schalk, 1983
Lyrics: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1983

1. God of the sparrow God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature say Awe
How does the creature say Praise

2. God of the earthquake God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature cry Woe
How does the creature cry Save

3. God of the rainbow God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say Grace
How does the creature say Thanks

4. God of the hungry God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say Care
How does the creature say Life

5. God of the neighbor God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature say Love
How does the creature say Peace

6. God of the ages God of the hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children say Joy
How do your children say Home

The Gospel reading was the story of the man who was forgiven his debts by the king, but would not forgive his debtors. This is a most perfect hymn for the reading.

Freely, Freely
by Carol Owens

Verse

God forgave my sin in Jesus' name,
I've been born again in Jesus' name;
And in Jesus' name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to:

Chorus

He said, "Freely, freely you have received,
Freely, freely give;
Go in my name and because you believe,
Others will know that I live."


All pow'r is givn' in Jesus' name,
In earth and heav'n in Jesus' name;
And in Jesus' name I come to you
To share His pow'r as He told me to:

Chorus

He said, "Freely, freely you have received,
Freely, freely give;
Go in my name and because you believe,
Others will know that I live."

Help Us Accept Each Other

Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;
Teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.
Be present, God, among us, and bring us to believe
We are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.


Teach us, O God, your lessons, as in our daily life
We struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.
Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some,
To love them as we find them, or as they may become.


Let your acceptance change us, so that we may be moved
In living situations to do the truth in love;
To practice your acceptance, until we know by heart
The table of forgiveness and laughter's healing art.


God, for today's encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and bread,
Bring us new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on;
Renew us with your Spirit; God! Free us, make us one!

Hymns for September 4

The readings for September 4, sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 149
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20

The connection between the readings and the hymns today were a bit hard to see, but I loved the hymns.

Soldiers of Christ, Arise

Soldiers of Christ, arise,
and put your armor on,
strong in the strength which God supplies
through his eternal Son;

Strong in the Lord of hosts,
and in his mighty power:
who in the strength of Jesus trusts
is more than conqueror.

Stand then in his great might,
with all his strength endured,
and take, to arm you for the fight,
the panoply of God.

From strength to strength go on,
wrestle and fight and pray:
tread all the powers of darkness down,
and win the well-fought day.

That, having all things done,
and all your conflicts past,
ye may obtain, through Christ alone,
a crown of joy at last.

Jesus, eternal Son,
we praise thee and adore,
who art with God the Father one,
and Spirit evermore.

The words are by Charles Wesley and based on Ephesians 6:13-18. The reading from Romans 13 was about putting on the "armor of light". The tune is Diademata by George J. Elvey.

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
This hymn by Kathleen Thomerson is one of my ten favorite hymns. I love it when we get a chance to sing it.

I want to walk as a child of the Light
I want to follow Jesus
God set the stars to give light to the world
The Star of my life is Jesus.

In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The love is the Light of the city of God
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.

I want to see the Brightness of God
I want to look at Jesus
Clear Son of righteousness shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father.

In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The love is the Light of the city of God
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.

I'm looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus.

In Him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The love is the Light of the city of God
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.

I Come with Joyto Meet my Lord
I come with joy to meet my Lord,
forgiven, loved, and free,
in awe and wonder to recall
his life laid down for me.

I come with Christians far and near
to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love
in Christ's communion bread.

As Christ breaks bread and bids us share,
each proud division ends.
That love that made us makes us one,
and strangers now are friends.

And thus with joy we meet our Lord.
His presence, always near,
is in such friendship better known:
we see and praise him here.

Together met, together bound,
we'll go our different ways,
and as his people in the world,
we'll live and speak his praise.

Draw Us In The Spirits' Tether
This hymn was written by Percy Dearmerin 1931. It perfectly fit the Gospel reading for today. The music is the tune "Union Seminary by Harold Friedell.


Draw us in the Spirit's tether;
For when humbly, in thy name,
Two or three are met together,
Thou art in the midst of them:
Alleluya! Alleluya! Touch we now thy garment's hem.

As the faithful used to gather
In the name of Christ to sup,
Then with thanks to God the Father
Break the bread and bless the cup,
Alleluya! Alleluya! So knit thou our friendship up.

All our meals and all our living
Make as sacraments of thee,
That by caring, helping, giving,
We may true disciples be.
Alleluya! Alleluya! We will serve thee faithfully.

They'll Know We Are Christians
Oh those heady days of Vatican Two!. We held joint Vacation Bible School with the nearby Catholic church. We had church dinners and pageants together, and sand this hymn together a lot. It was good to sing it again this morning.

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

Go Down, Moses

The Readings for August 28 were
Exodus 1:8-2:10
Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20

What a great Sunday! All of the readings, hymns, sermon and anthem fit together so well you couldn't miss the significance of each part. Larry preached from the Old Testament reading about Moses and the Burning Bush. Our anthem was Moses by Ken Medema. Here's an Interesting commentary on this anthem.

The first hymn was The God of Abraham Praise. The words are from the Yigdal by Daniel ben Judah, circa 1400. The lyrics are based on the thirteen creeds of Moses Maimonides. The words were paraphrased in 1775 by Thomas Olivers. The melody is Leoni from Sacred Harmony, 1780. WHen I was in ninth grade my dad did a fifteen minute sermonette on television in Paducah, Kentucky. He asked a quartet from our church choir sing on his program. This is the first hymn we sang for the program. My first time on television. It was very exciting.

Here are all of the verses. We don't sing them all.

The God of Abraham praise,
who reigns enthroned above;
Ancient of everlasting days,
and God of love;
Jehovah, great I AM,
by earth and heaven confessed:
I bow and bless the sacred Name
for ever blessed.

The God of Abraham praise,
at whose supreme command
from earth we rise, and seek the joys
at his right hand;
we all on earth forsake,
its wisdom, fame and power;
and him our only portion make,
our Shield and Tower.

The goodly land we see,
with peace and plenty blessed:
a land of sacred liberty
and endless rest;
there milk and honey flow,
and oil and wine abound,
and trees of life for ever grow,
with mercy crowned.

There dwells the Lord, our King,
the Lord, our Righteousness,
triumphant o'er the world and sin,
the Prince of Peace;
on Zion's sacred height
his kingdom he maintains,
and, glorious with his saints in light,
for ever reigns.

The God who reigns on high,
the great archangels sing,
and "Holy, holy, holy," cry,
"Almighty King!"
Who was and is the same,
and evermore shall be:
Jehovah, Father, great I AM,
we worship thee."

The whole triumphant host
give thanks to God on high;
"Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost"
they ever cry;
hail, Abraham's God and mine;
I join the heavenly lays;
all might and majesty are thine,
and endless praise!

The second hymn was Go Down, Moses

Exodus 8:1"And the LORD spake unto Moses, go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him,thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me."

When Israel was in Egypt’s land, Let My people go;
Oppressed so hard they could not stand, Let My people go;
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt’s land,
Tell old Pharaoh: Let My people go.

The Lord told Moses what to do, Let My people go;
To lead the children of Israel through, Let My people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt’s land,
Tell old Pharaoh: Let My people go.

The pillar of cloud shall clear the way, Let My people go;
A fire by night, a shade by day, Let My people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt’s land,
Tell old Pharaoh: Let My people go.

As Israel stood by the water-side, Let My people go;
At God’s command it did divide, Let My people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt’s land,
Tell old Pharaoh: Let My people go.

When they had reached the other shore, Let My people go;
They dang the song of triumph over, Let My people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt’s land,
Tell old Pharaoh: Let My people go.

Oh, let us all from bondage flee, Let My people go;
And let us all in Christ be free, Let My people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt’s land,
Tell old Pharaoh: Let My people go.

The third hymn was Where He Leads Me I Will Follow . The words are by Ernest W. Blandly and the music is by John S. Norris. Both date from 1890. This isn't a hymn that I'm usually thrilled to sing, but this week it just fit perfectly with everything else in the service, so I really enjoyed it.

I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
“Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.”

Refrain

Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow;
I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.

I’ll go with Him through the garden,
I’ll go with Him through the garden,
I’ll go with Him through the garden,
I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.

Refrain

I’ll go with Him through the judgment,
I’ll go with Him through the judgment,
I’ll go with Him through the judgment,
I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.

Refrain

He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory,
And go with me, with me all the way.

Refrain

Hymns from August 21

Readings for August 21
Exodus 1:8-2:10
Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20

"Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph." Every time I hear that verse from Exodus 1 I think about my father. He remained active in the church after he "retired". Since he had been involved in the administration of the annual conference for many years he expected to have influence after he retired. And he did, until a new bishop was sent to Kentucky, a bishop who had never worked with Daddy. Oh yes, it was interesting. As the verse says, " Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph."

Hymns for the week:
A Mother Lined Her Basket

On Eagle's Wings
Written by Michael Joncas

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust."
Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear;
Under His Wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day,
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.

Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

For to His angels He's given a command,
To guard you in all of your ways,
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Lord Whose Love Through Humble Service



Christ for the World We Sing
Text: Samuel Wolcott, 1813-1886 Music: Felice de Giardini, 1716-1796 Tune: ITALIAN HYMN

Christ for the world we sing,
The world to Christ we bring,
with loving zeal,
The poor and them that mourn,
the faint and overborne,
Sin sick and sorrow worn,
whom Christ doth heal.

Christ for the world we sing,
The world to Christ we bring,
with fervent prayer;
The wayward and the lost,
by restless passions tossed,
Redeemed at countless cost,
from dark despair.

Christ for the world we sing,
The world to Christ we bring,
with one accord;
With us the work to share,
with us reproach to dare,
With us the cross to bear,
for Christ our Lord.

Christ for the world we sing,
The world to Christ we bring,
with joyful song;T
The newborn souls, whose days,
reclaimed from error’s ways,
Inspired with hope and praise,
to Christ belong.

Catching Up on Two Weeks of Hymns

These are the readings for August 14
Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

One of the hymns for this day is a favorite by Brian Wren. Although it could be described as an Easter hymn it is very fitting for the reading from Genesis, which is the story of Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers.

This Is a Day of New Beginnings
This is a day of new beginnings,
time to remember and move on,
time to believe what love is bringing,
laying to rest the pain that's gone.

For by the life and death of Jesus
,love's mighty Spirit, now as then,
can make for us a world of difference,
as faith and hope are born again.

Then let us, with the Spirit's daring,
step from the past and leave behind
our disappointment, guilt, and grieving,
seeking new paths, and sure to find.

Christ is alive, and goes before us
to show and share what love can do.
This is a day of new beginnings;
our God is making all things new.
-Brian Wren, 1978

In Christ There Is No East Or West
The hymn is by William Dunkerley, written for the Pageant of Darkness and Light at the London Missionary Society’s exhibition “The Orient in London,” which ran from 1908 to 1914. Many hymnals credit the words to John Oxenham, Dunkerley’s pseudonym. The hymn tune is St. Peter by Alexander Reinagle. This is one of my all time favorite hymns.

In Christ there is no East or West,
in him no South or North,
but one great fellowship of love
throughout the whole wide earth.

In him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find,
his service is the golden cord
close-binding all mankind.

Join hands, disciples of the faith,
whate'er your race may be!
Who serves my Father as a son
is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West,
in him meet South and North,
all Christly souls are one in him,
throughout the whole wide earth.

Ok. The next hymn listing is strange and sad. It is Ubi Caritas or "Where Love and Charity Prevail" It is a Taize Community hymn. It fits the readings for August 14. On August 16, 2005 Brother Roger, founder of the ecumenical Taizé Community, was murdered. How very sad. Why would anyone want to kill Brother Roger? I think the newspaper said the woman was deranged, but I haven't read why she focused on this good old man.

The text is Latin from the ninth century. The modern chant and tune are by Jacques Berthier and the Taize Community.

Live in charity and steadfast love,
live in charity; God will dwell with you.
(Latin)
Ubi caritas et amor,
ubi caritas Deus ibi est.

We usually alternate Latin and English. The choir has some descants and harmonies that enrich the hymn while the congregation repeats the chant.

My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Text: Ray Palmer, 1808-1887
Music: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872 Tune: Olivet

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!

Here I Am, Lord

Here I Am Lord
Words and Music are by Daniel L. Schutte, copyright 1981. Mr. Schutte's Web site is at http://www.danschutte.com/main.htm

Today none of the hymns matched the readings for the day. Our anthem was a choral arrangement of one of the most popular of “modern” hymns. Catholics and Protestants of every kind seem to have this in their hymnbooks. It’s one of those hymns that will make the charismatics in your congregation raise their hands as they sing. It’s also one of those hymns that will make you cry. If you’re afraid of weeping and wallowing in religious sentimentality just think of this – the tune is very similar to the theme from “The Brady Bunch”. Ok, I hope I didn’t spoil it for you. It’s a wonderful hymn. I have a link to the tune at the end. I don’t understand MIDI files, but I appreciate those who have put them on the Internet for us.

1. I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

Chorus
Here am I, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

2. I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

3. I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.

Chorus

4. I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

5. I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.

Chorus

6. Finest bread I will provide,
'Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

Chorus

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~sorem002/here_i_am_lord.mid

Isn’t that wonderful? Well done, Daniel Shutte.

Our opening hymn today was God Hath Spoken by His Prophets. The hymn is by George Wallace Briggs.

God has spoken by His prophets,
Spoken His unchanging Word,
Each from age to age proclaiming
God, the one, the righteous Lord.
Mid the world's despair and turmoil,
One firm anchor holding fast;
God is King, His throne eternal,
God the first, and God the last.

2God has spoken by Christ Jesus,
Christ, the everlasting Son,
Brightness of the Father's glory,
With the Father ever one;
Spoken by the Word incarnate,
God of God, ere time began,
Light of light, to earth descending,
Man, revealing God to man.

3God yet speaks by His own Spirit
Speaking to the hearts of men,
In the age-long Word expounding
God's own message, now as then;
Through the rise and fall of nations
One sure faith yet standing fast,
God is King, His Word unchanging,
God the first, and God the last.

This is sung to the hymn tune “Ebenezer” by Thomas John Williams. In the last edition of The Methodist Hymnal this tune was used with Once to Every Man and Nation, a poem by James Russell Lowell. It’s a stirring hymn that I wish had made it to the new United Methodist Hymnal. I guess “By the Light of burning Martyrs” wasn’t PC enough for the hymnal committee. There were tremendous fights about our new hymnal. There was insistence on “inclusive” language. Inclusive language is a good idea, except sometimes it means either butchering or ignoring some wonderful old hymns. Here are the words. Play the midi file and sing along.

Once to every man and nation,
comes the moment to decide,
in the strife of truth with falsehood,
for the good or evil side;
some great cause, some great decision,
offering each the bloom or blight,
and the choice goes by forever,
'twixt that darkness and that light.

Then to side with truth is noble,
when we share her wretched crust,
ere her cause bring fame and profit,
and 'tis prosperous to be just;
then it is the brave man chooses
while the coward stands aside,
till the multitude make virtue
of the faith they had denied.

By the light of burning martyrs,
Christ, thy bleeding feet we track,
toiling up new Calvaries ever
with the cross that turns not back;
new occasions teach new duties,
ancient values test our youth;
they must upward still and onward,
who would keep abreast of truth.

Though the cause of evil prosper,
yet the truth alone is strong;
though her portion be the scaffold,
and upon the throne be wrong;
yet that scaffold sways the future,
and behind the dim unknown,
standeth God within the shadow,
keeping watch above his own.

Ebenezer