Sunday, November 10th

(First time here? Read the Introduction for more information)


Opening Hymn: Immortal, Invisible H-423

Sometimes I pick hymns based on the Old Testament readings for the opening hymn. Or hymns that fit the theme, if it's a themed Sunday. When neither of those approaches work, I go with a general hymn of praise to God. "Immortal, Invisible" is essentially a laundry list of the qualities of God - a great way to start any Sunday. It's always important to remember Who we come to worship when we come to church. 


Sequence Hymn: Canticle of Zachary G-561

The Gospel reading this week is another one of those with absolutely no hymns based on it whatsoever. Maybe someday someone will write a rousing hymn called, "The Sadducees asked a stupid question and Christ did call them on their nonsense," but until that happens, I'll have to improvise. I chose "Canticle of Zachary," mainly for the last verse (although the other two go fairly nicely with the Epistle passage). In the Gospel passage, Jesus says, "Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive." I was looking for hymns about death, or life after death, and stumbled across this hymn:

Now bless the God of Israel, Who comes in love and power
Who raises from the royal house delivrrance in this hour
Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm
To save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm

Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear
That we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year
And you, my child, shall go before to preach, to prophesy
That all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high

In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high
Our rising sun, the light of life, for those who sit and sigh
God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more
Sing praises to the Holy One! O worship and adore.



I think the last verse sings the sentiment of "Not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all of them are alive" quite nicely. The tune is "Forest Green" which you may know to other words. 


Communion Hymn: Table Song G-616

This beautiful song includes the phrase "We are the body of Christ, broken and poured out, promise of life from death." This continues along with the triumph over death theme from the Gospel passage.


Recessional: We Will Extol You H-404

I chose this hymn in connection with "Immortal, Invisible" - the hymns are similar both thematically and musically, and serve as "musical bookends" to the service. 

We will extol you, ever blessed Lord;
Your holy Name for ever be adored;
Each day we live our psalm to you we raise;
You, God and King, are worthy of all praise,
Great and unsearchable in all your ways.



I hope this adds to your worship experience - See you there!