(First time here? Read the Introduction for more information)
Another themed Sunday! This week's theme is Labor Day and we're celebrating work and vocations. Everyone is invited to bring a symbol of their work to place on the alter.
Opening Hymn: Moved By the Gospel, Let Us Move G-491
This is an example of why it's a good idea to have an open mind and listen to the input of others. I had a different song selected, but it wasn't familiar and it really wasn't that great. So one of my choir members suggested "Moved By the Gospel, Let Us Move" and it was perfect:
Moved by the Gospel, let us move with every gift and art
The image of creative love indwells each human heart
The Maker calls creation good, so let us now express
With sound and color, stone and wood, the shape of holiness
Let weavers form from broken strands a tapestry of prayer
Let artists paint with skillful hands their joy, lament, and care
Then mime the story, Christ has come, with reverence dance the word
With flute and organ, chime and drum, God's praise be ever heard
O Spirit, breathe among us here, inspire the work we do
May hands and voices, eye and ear attest to life made new
In worship and in daily strife create among us still
Great Artist, form our common life according to your will
I couldn't find a video or recording of this song online, but the tune has been used in other hymns. Here is a nice recording of someone playing this tune on the hammered dulcimer: Kingsfold
Sequence Hymn: Come to Me G-459
The Gospel reading this week comes from Luke 14. Jesus says that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. I was probably an adult before I realized that humbling yourself doesn't mean putting yourself down - we all know someone who insults themselves just to hear others compliment them - but rather being selfless and putting the needs of others before your own.
I found this hymn by looking in the topical index under "humility." I don't think I would have found it otherwise - it's in the Comfort section of the Gather hymnal, and "comfort" is not a keyword I would have assigned to this passage of scripture. But it's the verses that drew me to select it for this week.
1. All who labor and are burdened, let them come to me and I will give them rest
2. Take my yoke upon your shoulders, come and learn from me, for I am gentle of heart
3. For the heart I hold is humble, and my yoke is easy, my burden light, and you will find rest for your souls
So the first verse ties in to the theme for the whole Sunday (labor) and the third verse ties in to the Gospel passage (humility). You can listen to it here.
Offertory Anthem: Lord, When You Came (Pescador de Hombres)
This is a favorite of mine, although I know a slightly different translation than the one that seems to be most common. But it still makes the same point:
Lord, when you came to the seashore you weren't seeking the wise or the wealthy
But only asking that I might follow
Refrain:
O Lord, in my eyes you were gazing, kindly smiling, my name you were saying
All I treasured I have left on the sand there. Close to you, I will find other seas
Lord, have you need of my labor, hands for service, a heart made for loving
My arms for lifting the poor and broken?
Lord, send me where you would have me, to a village or heart of the city
I will remember that you are with me
I will expound on this more next week when we sing an anthem with some similar themes, but I confess that I didn't have some big "call" to ministry (well, I did grow up Baptist and so I thought I had a call to ministry a time or two but that's because you can't go to a Baptist youth event without either rededicating your life or expressing a call to ministry.) I was asked by my church to step in as the music director and the rest, as they say, is history. I like this particular song because it's not asking for us to be expert theologians or brilliant ministers, but simply to say, "Yes, God, I will follow you." I have hands - I can offer them for God's service. Unlike applying for jobs and tailoring your resume to make it seem like you and you alone were created for that job, all God asks is that you be available.
(Listen to it here)
Communion Hymn: We Plow the Fields and Scatter H-291
This is more of a thanksgiving hymn, but I really liked it for Labor Day, and I liked it for Communion. We humans grow the grain and the grapes that become the bread and the wine, but we are not the ones who turn them into a holy ceremony. Our work can only take us so far, and God does the rest. "We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand."
Recessional: Come, Labor On H-541
This one is probably the most obvious selection for this particular Sunday. It's right there in the title, "Come, Labor On." This hymn pretty much sums up what I've already said - you don't have to be amazing, you just have to be available.
A variation on 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "Whether you teach or are a student, whether you work in an office or outside, whether you're in entertainment or finance or waste management, whether you work nights or days, whether you make lots of money or a little, do it all for the glory of God!"
Happy Labor Day - hope to see you on Sunday!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Sunday, August 25th - Proper 16
(First time here? Read the Introduction for more info)
Themed Sunday! I love Sundays that have one unified theme. It's so much fun seeing how many different facets of the theme can be explored in the music. This week is Back to School/Blessing of the Backpacks/Teacher Installation Sunday.
Prelude: Children's Medley (arranged by Marilyn Hamm)
As soon as I found out that this would be Blessing of the Backpacks, I knew I wanted to play this as a prelude; it's been one of my favorite piano arrangements since high school. The arrangement incorporates Mozart's Sonata in C Major, Praise Him Praise Him All Ye Little Children, The Music Box Dancer, and Jesus Loves Me. It's a great piano piece for a Sunday that focuses on children.
Opening Hymn: As a Fire is Meant for Burning G-471
About a month ago, I was planning out music and I jotted down a note that said "Gather 471 - Backpacks." I'm glad I did, because I wouldn't have remembered it otherwise.
This hymn is set to "Beach Spring," an old hymn tune from the Sacred Harp. I've often joked that I could probably do two or three services in a row using only this hymn tune for every hymn and never repeat lyrics. It's been revisited and given new lyrics many, many times. I've even arranged it for handbells at one point in time.
I chose it for this week because the words are perfect for Back to School:
As a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame,
So the church is meant for mission, giving glory to God's name
Not to preach our creeds or customs, but to build a bridge of care
We join hands across the nations, finding neighbors everywhere
We are learners, we are teachers, we are pilgrims on the way
We are seekers, we are givers, we are vessels made of clay
By our gentle, loving actions we would show that Christ is light
In a humble, listening spirit, we would live to God's delight
As a green bud in the springtime is a sign of life renewed
So may we be signs of oneness 'mid earth's peoples, many hued
As a rainbow lights the heavens when a storm is past and gone
May our lives reflect the radiance of God's new and glorious dawn
Obviously, the second verse is what first grabbed my attention as a hymn for this particular Sunday, but on a closer look all the lyrics fit. I'm thinking of this as my prayer for students this year; I pray that they may be a sign of Christ's light - not through condemnation but through gentleness, love, and peace.
You can listen to this hymn here.
Sequence Hymn: Healer of Our Every Ill - G-642
Even on a themed Sunday, I still try to connect the sequence hymn to the gospel reading as much as possible. This week it's Luke 13:10-17, the story of Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath, to the shock and dismay of the leader of synagogue. I looked for hymns about healing and settled on "Healer of Our Every Ill."
This ended up being a sort of two-for-one special, because Kevin told me his sermon (which is for the children) is going to be about how God loves us, has a plan for us, and we never have to worry. This hymn, in addition to being about healing, is about freedom from fear and sadness and the desire for God to grant us vision. It's a win-win. And it's pretty, so it's a win-win-win.
Offertory Anthem: I Will Walk in the Presence of God
This anthem continues the "God has a plan for you and you don't have to worry" theme. Also, the phrase (which is repeated many times) "I will walk in the presence of God," could be a mantra for anyone's school year. It's been 5 years since I was in school of any kind and it's still a good mantra for my year.
Communion Hymn: I am the Bread of Life - H-335
The whole purpose of this blog is to show my thought process behind the selection of the hymns - how they tie into the scripture, etc. But sometimes, it's just plain old logistics. We're expecting a lot of guests this Sunday and we needed a long communion hymn and "I am the Bread of Life" fits the bill.
Recessional: We are Marching (Siyahamba) - G-357
I took this African spiritual and added school-themed lyrics. In addition to "we are marching in the light of God," we will also sing we are learning, we are teaching, and we are playing. I truly wish all teachers and students a blessed school year. Teachers, thank you for all you do. Students, listen and learn, even when it's hard.
Feel free to let me know your own thoughts on how the music and the scripture/theme connects. I hope this adds to your worship experience on Sunday. See you there!
Themed Sunday! I love Sundays that have one unified theme. It's so much fun seeing how many different facets of the theme can be explored in the music. This week is Back to School/Blessing of the Backpacks/Teacher Installation Sunday.
Prelude: Children's Medley (arranged by Marilyn Hamm)
As soon as I found out that this would be Blessing of the Backpacks, I knew I wanted to play this as a prelude; it's been one of my favorite piano arrangements since high school. The arrangement incorporates Mozart's Sonata in C Major, Praise Him Praise Him All Ye Little Children, The Music Box Dancer, and Jesus Loves Me. It's a great piano piece for a Sunday that focuses on children.
Opening Hymn: As a Fire is Meant for Burning G-471
About a month ago, I was planning out music and I jotted down a note that said "Gather 471 - Backpacks." I'm glad I did, because I wouldn't have remembered it otherwise.
This hymn is set to "Beach Spring," an old hymn tune from the Sacred Harp. I've often joked that I could probably do two or three services in a row using only this hymn tune for every hymn and never repeat lyrics. It's been revisited and given new lyrics many, many times. I've even arranged it for handbells at one point in time.
I chose it for this week because the words are perfect for Back to School:
As a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame,
So the church is meant for mission, giving glory to God's name
Not to preach our creeds or customs, but to build a bridge of care
We join hands across the nations, finding neighbors everywhere
We are learners, we are teachers, we are pilgrims on the way
We are seekers, we are givers, we are vessels made of clay
By our gentle, loving actions we would show that Christ is light
In a humble, listening spirit, we would live to God's delight
As a green bud in the springtime is a sign of life renewed
So may we be signs of oneness 'mid earth's peoples, many hued
As a rainbow lights the heavens when a storm is past and gone
May our lives reflect the radiance of God's new and glorious dawn
Obviously, the second verse is what first grabbed my attention as a hymn for this particular Sunday, but on a closer look all the lyrics fit. I'm thinking of this as my prayer for students this year; I pray that they may be a sign of Christ's light - not through condemnation but through gentleness, love, and peace.
You can listen to this hymn here.
Sequence Hymn: Healer of Our Every Ill - G-642
Even on a themed Sunday, I still try to connect the sequence hymn to the gospel reading as much as possible. This week it's Luke 13:10-17, the story of Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath, to the shock and dismay of the leader of synagogue. I looked for hymns about healing and settled on "Healer of Our Every Ill."
This ended up being a sort of two-for-one special, because Kevin told me his sermon (which is for the children) is going to be about how God loves us, has a plan for us, and we never have to worry. This hymn, in addition to being about healing, is about freedom from fear and sadness and the desire for God to grant us vision. It's a win-win. And it's pretty, so it's a win-win-win.
Offertory Anthem: I Will Walk in the Presence of God
This anthem continues the "God has a plan for you and you don't have to worry" theme. Also, the phrase (which is repeated many times) "I will walk in the presence of God," could be a mantra for anyone's school year. It's been 5 years since I was in school of any kind and it's still a good mantra for my year.
Communion Hymn: I am the Bread of Life - H-335
The whole purpose of this blog is to show my thought process behind the selection of the hymns - how they tie into the scripture, etc. But sometimes, it's just plain old logistics. We're expecting a lot of guests this Sunday and we needed a long communion hymn and "I am the Bread of Life" fits the bill.
Recessional: We are Marching (Siyahamba) - G-357
I took this African spiritual and added school-themed lyrics. In addition to "we are marching in the light of God," we will also sing we are learning, we are teaching, and we are playing. I truly wish all teachers and students a blessed school year. Teachers, thank you for all you do. Students, listen and learn, even when it's hard.
Feel free to let me know your own thoughts on how the music and the scripture/theme connects. I hope this adds to your worship experience on Sunday. See you there!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Sunday, August 18th - Proper 15
(First time here? Read the Introduction for more information.)
I'll be honest - this week was a real doozy. There are some scripture passages that have been turned into hymns and songs many times over and there are some that have probably never been "hymnified."
Opening Hymn: From All That Dwell Below the Skies H-380
The Old Testament passage comes from Jeremiah 23:23-29. "'Am I a God near by,' says the Lord, 'and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?' says the Lord. 'Do I not fill heaven and earth?' says the Lord." (verses 23-24)
God is immeasurable. God is far and near, simultaneously. I tried to find a song that praises this aspect of God and I settled on "From All That Dwell Below the Skies."
"From all that dwell below the skies
Let the Creator's praise arise
Let the Redeemer's Name be sung
Through every land, by every tongue.
Eternal are thy mercies, Lord
And truth eternal is thy word
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore
Till suns shall rise and set no more
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost"
The last verse is the Doxology, of course. I think it fits very well with the scripture passage - we praise God from here below and the heavenly host praise God from far away. We only occupy this space below the skies, but God is everywhere.
I found a video of someone singing this and playing the guitar - you can watch it here. (It was hard finding a recording of the hymn to this particular tune. Apparently these words are more commonly sung to another tune.)
Sequence Hymn: Spirit of God, Unleashed on Earth H-299
This is where it gets tricky. I try to match the sequence hymn to the Gospel reading as best I can but this is one of those uncomfortable Gospel passages. (Luke 12:49-56)
The middle of the passage speaks of division - Jesus says he does not come to bring peace but division. Households will be turned against each other. I'm going to let Kevin tackle that part on Sunday. As far as I know, there are no hymns called, "For Thou Hast Come to Bring Division," so for music purposes, I focused in on the first two sentences:
"Jesus said, 'I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed!'" (verses 49-50)
I really thought about fire and what it often represents in scripture: cleansing, refinement, the Spirit of God. I stumbled across a baptism hymn, "Spirit of God, Unleashed on Earth." I was unfamiliar with it (and so was my choir at rehearsal this week, so I'm guessing it's unfamiliar to most, if not all of you) but it's strangely perfect for these verses. Jesus mentions both fire and baptism; this hymn mentions both fire and baptism.
"Spirit of God, unleashed on earth
With rush of wind and roar of flame
With tongues of fire saints spread good news
Earth, kindling, blazed her loud acclaim.
You came in power, the church was born
O Holy Spirit, come again
From living waters raise new saints
Let new tongues hail the risen Lord
With burning words of victory won
Inspire our hearts grown cold with fear
Revive in us baptismal grace
And fan our smoldering lives to flame."
(You can listen to it here, but you have to have Quicktime player and even then, it's not a very good recording. But better than nothing!)
Offertory Choir Anthem: Sing Out, Earth and Skies!
This anthem is so much fun and it gets stuck in my head (in a good way). I chose it for this Sunday because it relates to the Old Testament reading a bit ("Sing out, earth and skies!") but also has a tie in or two with the Gospel passage ("Come, O God, of wind and flame, fill the earth with righteousness.")
There's a great rendition of it here, for those of you who won't get to hear it on Sunday (Hi, Mom and Dad)
Communion: I Myself am the Bread of Life G-593
This song is a pretty straight-forward communion song. So many communion songs are about unity and, well, communion with one another, that I couldn't find a suitable one to tie in with the Gospel reading. But it's a nice song and a familiar one to the congregation. (Listen to a snippet here)
Recessional: Canticle of the Turning G-376
Last week at choir practice, I asked for the choir to name some of their favorite anthems and other songs and "Canticle of the Turning" came up at least twice. The tune is an old folk tune, The Star of the County Down. I love folk music, so I mentally filed it away for later.
When I was trying to find a recessional for this week, I looked at a verse from the reading from Hebrews 11:29-12:2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." (12:1)
I looked up "perseverance" in the topical index of the Gather hymnal and "Canticle of the Turning" was listed. In addition to the theme of perseverance tying in the Hebrews passage, the chorus says, "My heart shall sing of the day you bring, let the fires of your justice burn," which is applicable to the desire for a righteous fire spoken of in the Gospel passage.
Listen to it here.
Feel free to let me know your own thoughts on how the music and the scriptures connect. I hope this adds to your worship experience on Sunday. Hope to see you there!
I'll be honest - this week was a real doozy. There are some scripture passages that have been turned into hymns and songs many times over and there are some that have probably never been "hymnified."
Opening Hymn: From All That Dwell Below the Skies H-380
The Old Testament passage comes from Jeremiah 23:23-29. "'Am I a God near by,' says the Lord, 'and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?' says the Lord. 'Do I not fill heaven and earth?' says the Lord." (verses 23-24)
God is immeasurable. God is far and near, simultaneously. I tried to find a song that praises this aspect of God and I settled on "From All That Dwell Below the Skies."
"From all that dwell below the skies
Let the Creator's praise arise
Let the Redeemer's Name be sung
Through every land, by every tongue.
Eternal are thy mercies, Lord
And truth eternal is thy word
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore
Till suns shall rise and set no more
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost"
The last verse is the Doxology, of course. I think it fits very well with the scripture passage - we praise God from here below and the heavenly host praise God from far away. We only occupy this space below the skies, but God is everywhere.
I found a video of someone singing this and playing the guitar - you can watch it here. (It was hard finding a recording of the hymn to this particular tune. Apparently these words are more commonly sung to another tune.)
Sequence Hymn: Spirit of God, Unleashed on Earth H-299
This is where it gets tricky. I try to match the sequence hymn to the Gospel reading as best I can but this is one of those uncomfortable Gospel passages. (Luke 12:49-56)
The middle of the passage speaks of division - Jesus says he does not come to bring peace but division. Households will be turned against each other. I'm going to let Kevin tackle that part on Sunday. As far as I know, there are no hymns called, "For Thou Hast Come to Bring Division," so for music purposes, I focused in on the first two sentences:
"Jesus said, 'I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed!'" (verses 49-50)
I really thought about fire and what it often represents in scripture: cleansing, refinement, the Spirit of God. I stumbled across a baptism hymn, "Spirit of God, Unleashed on Earth." I was unfamiliar with it (and so was my choir at rehearsal this week, so I'm guessing it's unfamiliar to most, if not all of you) but it's strangely perfect for these verses. Jesus mentions both fire and baptism; this hymn mentions both fire and baptism.
"Spirit of God, unleashed on earth
With rush of wind and roar of flame
With tongues of fire saints spread good news
Earth, kindling, blazed her loud acclaim.
You came in power, the church was born
O Holy Spirit, come again
From living waters raise new saints
Let new tongues hail the risen Lord
With burning words of victory won
Inspire our hearts grown cold with fear
Revive in us baptismal grace
And fan our smoldering lives to flame."
(You can listen to it here, but you have to have Quicktime player and even then, it's not a very good recording. But better than nothing!)
Offertory Choir Anthem: Sing Out, Earth and Skies!
This anthem is so much fun and it gets stuck in my head (in a good way). I chose it for this Sunday because it relates to the Old Testament reading a bit ("Sing out, earth and skies!") but also has a tie in or two with the Gospel passage ("Come, O God, of wind and flame, fill the earth with righteousness.")
There's a great rendition of it here, for those of you who won't get to hear it on Sunday (Hi, Mom and Dad)
Communion: I Myself am the Bread of Life G-593
This song is a pretty straight-forward communion song. So many communion songs are about unity and, well, communion with one another, that I couldn't find a suitable one to tie in with the Gospel reading. But it's a nice song and a familiar one to the congregation. (Listen to a snippet here)
Recessional: Canticle of the Turning G-376
Last week at choir practice, I asked for the choir to name some of their favorite anthems and other songs and "Canticle of the Turning" came up at least twice. The tune is an old folk tune, The Star of the County Down. I love folk music, so I mentally filed it away for later.
When I was trying to find a recessional for this week, I looked at a verse from the reading from Hebrews 11:29-12:2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." (12:1)
I looked up "perseverance" in the topical index of the Gather hymnal and "Canticle of the Turning" was listed. In addition to the theme of perseverance tying in the Hebrews passage, the chorus says, "My heart shall sing of the day you bring, let the fires of your justice burn," which is applicable to the desire for a righteous fire spoken of in the Gospel passage.
Listen to it here.
Feel free to let me know your own thoughts on how the music and the scriptures connect. I hope this adds to your worship experience on Sunday. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Sunday, August 11 - Proper 14
Welcome to the first look behind the scenes (or behind the hymns) of what goes on in my head during my hymn-selection process. Read the introduction post (You can either scroll down or go directly there by clicking the "Introduction" link to the right) for more information on the purpose of this blog.
Sometimes in preparing for Sunday worship, the Lectionary scriptures all have a very clear connection. Perhaps one week they are all on the subject of mercy, another week gratitude. Other times it's very difficult to find the commonality. This week was a mix of the two.
Opening Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise H-401
Two of the scripture passages fit together very well and very obviously: Genesis 15:1-6 and Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (Note: Those links will take you to the passages on BibleGateway.com). The verses from Genesis tell of God's promise to give Abraham descendants and the verses from Hebrews are about Abraham's faithfulness. In perusing the hymnal, I came across hymn #401, The God of Abraham Praise. I was not familiar with it, so I read through the words, sang through the melody, and fell in love with it. At first glance, it appears to be a straight-forward hymn proclaiming attributes of God and our worship thereof.
I've always believed that a song doesn't have to have words to have meaning, and part of the meaning of this hymn is in the music. It's an interesting blend of major and minor (if you want to impress your friends, this is called "mode mixture"), and where that crossover happens is important. In several of the verses, the first line (which is in minor) talks about God's reign or exultation. But the second line (in major) uses words like Love, Peace, Father. A human ruler might use power to oppress or to subjugate. But our heavenly ruler uses power for love - for peace - and to create a relationship with us. God showed that to Abraham and God still reveals that to us.
Sequence Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light G-352
The sequence hymn ties in with the Gospel reading from Luke 12:32-40. "Be ready for service and keep your lamps burning," Jesus says. I feel like I need to write that on my hand and look at it every day. I chose a hymn from the Gather hymnal called "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" Follow the link to listen to it. It's simple but perfect: "I want to walk as a child of the Light, I want to follow Jesus." It's a plea both to see the Light of God, and also to BE the Light of God.
Offertory Choir Anthem: People of Hunger (Tony Alonso)
Confession: This has less to do with scriptural themes than with picking something we can put together in one rehearsal. This is my first week of choir practice. Although, People of Hunger does tell of our need for Christ to fill us, which I think can tie back into the Gospel reading; "Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." If we hunger and thirst for Christ, then we are pursuing heavenly fulfillment.
Communion: Shepherd of Souls H-343
The gospel reading begins with Jesus saying, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." As I was flipping through the Eucharist section of the hymnal, I came across the words "Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless Thy chosen pilgrim flock." That line seemed to fit so perfectly with the first verse of the passage from Luke, so I selected it for Sunday.
Recessional: This Little Light of Mine G-358
"I'm gonna let it shine." Jesus instructed us in Luke to keep our lamps burning so "I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
I hope this adds to your worship experience on Sunday. See you there!
Sometimes in preparing for Sunday worship, the Lectionary scriptures all have a very clear connection. Perhaps one week they are all on the subject of mercy, another week gratitude. Other times it's very difficult to find the commonality. This week was a mix of the two.
Opening Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise H-401
Two of the scripture passages fit together very well and very obviously: Genesis 15:1-6 and Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (Note: Those links will take you to the passages on BibleGateway.com). The verses from Genesis tell of God's promise to give Abraham descendants and the verses from Hebrews are about Abraham's faithfulness. In perusing the hymnal, I came across hymn #401, The God of Abraham Praise. I was not familiar with it, so I read through the words, sang through the melody, and fell in love with it. At first glance, it appears to be a straight-forward hymn proclaiming attributes of God and our worship thereof.
I've always believed that a song doesn't have to have words to have meaning, and part of the meaning of this hymn is in the music. It's an interesting blend of major and minor (if you want to impress your friends, this is called "mode mixture"), and where that crossover happens is important. In several of the verses, the first line (which is in minor) talks about God's reign or exultation. But the second line (in major) uses words like Love, Peace, Father. A human ruler might use power to oppress or to subjugate. But our heavenly ruler uses power for love - for peace - and to create a relationship with us. God showed that to Abraham and God still reveals that to us.
Sequence Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light G-352
The sequence hymn ties in with the Gospel reading from Luke 12:32-40. "Be ready for service and keep your lamps burning," Jesus says. I feel like I need to write that on my hand and look at it every day. I chose a hymn from the Gather hymnal called "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" Follow the link to listen to it. It's simple but perfect: "I want to walk as a child of the Light, I want to follow Jesus." It's a plea both to see the Light of God, and also to BE the Light of God.
Offertory Choir Anthem: People of Hunger (Tony Alonso)
Confession: This has less to do with scriptural themes than with picking something we can put together in one rehearsal. This is my first week of choir practice. Although, People of Hunger does tell of our need for Christ to fill us, which I think can tie back into the Gospel reading; "Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." If we hunger and thirst for Christ, then we are pursuing heavenly fulfillment.
Communion: Shepherd of Souls H-343
The gospel reading begins with Jesus saying, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." As I was flipping through the Eucharist section of the hymnal, I came across the words "Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless Thy chosen pilgrim flock." That line seemed to fit so perfectly with the first verse of the passage from Luke, so I selected it for Sunday.
Recessional: This Little Light of Mine G-358
"I'm gonna let it shine." Jesus instructed us in Luke to keep our lamps burning so "I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
I hope this adds to your worship experience on Sunday. See you there!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Introduction
Music is a traditional and important element of Christian worship. Hymns have fallen out of popularity in many churches in favor of the simpler, more contemporary praise songs. However, I find the hymns to be full of theology and able to add much more to a service than simply sounding nice or making you feel good.
Sometimes on a Sunday morning, there's really not enough time to fully digest the beautiful, meaningful words of a hymn or to discuss how it enhances the message of the scriptures. This blog will (hopefully) go a long way to fix that.
My goal is to have a new post by Thursday or Friday of every week, explaining why I chose the hymns for the upcoming Sunday. You can either read it before Sunday worship so it's in your mind during the hymns, or afterwards for further reflection.
The H- and G- numbers refer to the hymn numbers in the Hymnal 1982 and Gather, the two main songbooks we use at St. George's.
I hope this adds to your worship experience.
Sometimes on a Sunday morning, there's really not enough time to fully digest the beautiful, meaningful words of a hymn or to discuss how it enhances the message of the scriptures. This blog will (hopefully) go a long way to fix that.
My goal is to have a new post by Thursday or Friday of every week, explaining why I chose the hymns for the upcoming Sunday. You can either read it before Sunday worship so it's in your mind during the hymns, or afterwards for further reflection.
The H- and G- numbers refer to the hymn numbers in the Hymnal 1982 and Gather, the two main songbooks we use at St. George's.
I hope this adds to your worship experience.
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