A Worship Magazine
Easley Presbyterian Church
Easley, SC
Oct. 2017
Vol. 3 Issue 6
A common thread that joins us together with Christ and with each other.
World Communion World Communion Sunday -- celebrated the first Sunday in October -- is one of the most venerable of “special Sundays.” The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice -- and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God's earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve -- a world ever more in need of peacemaking. This Sunday is celebrated by many different churches in many different denominations all over the world. It is one of my favorite of the “special” Sundays of the year. I have had the opportunity to go on several different mission trips and experience worship in several different cultures. I am reminded just how big this world really is. And I am reminded that God is even bigger. No matter what language is spoken or how different the cultures may be, it is the same God we worship, and the same God we serve. I love the idea of being part of something bigger than myself. That is one reason I love the choir. In a choir, all of our
small individual voices are joined together to be something greater than the sum of its parts. We all contribute, we all have a voice to raise, but together we are stronger and better and more beautiful than anyone alone. World Communion Sunday reminds us that the church— the whole body of believers, is larger than our congregation, or presbytery, or denomination, or even our country. We are a part of something bigger, something wonderful. We are part of the body of Christ. In a world where peace is hard to find, this Sunday reminds us that we are One in Christ. And that is a wonderful reason to celebrate. —Robert Norris
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Sunday, October 1
“Lamech the Vengeful” Genesis 4:17-26
Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch; and he built a city, and named it Enoch after his son Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael the father of Methushael, and Methushael the father of Lamech. 19 Lamech took two wives; the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the ancestor of those who live in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 Zillah bore Tubal-cain, who made all kinds of bronze and iron tools. The sister of Tubal In celebration of World Communion Sunday, -cain was Naamah. we will share in music and worship from around 23 Lamech said to his wives:
“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold 25
Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, for she said, “God has appointed[a] for me another child instead of Abel, because Cain killed him.” 26 To Seth also a son was born, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to invoke the name of the Lord.
the world. Listen for music from Africa, India, Japan, Taiwan, Sweden, Germany, the Caribbean, and others. Many voices, many countries, many languages, but all One God that we worship. Thanks be to God for the many ways He has called us to Here, O Lord, your servants gather, praise. Hand we link with hand;
“Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather” (click title to listen)
(Tokyo) tune from Japan Whenever we gather for public worship, it is because we have been summoned. That is what "church" means: ekklesia, "called out." We as Christians, worship a Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -One God. Christians are called to live as a community of believers —One Body. In worship, we leave our individualism and join together in One community, One Body, joined together through Christ — “called out” to be His church. —RN
Looking toward our Savior’s cross, Joined in love we stand. As we seek the realm of God, We unite to pray: Jesus, Savior, guide our steps, For you are the Way.
— Tokuo Yamaguchi, 1958
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Meditation: “Be Still, My Soul” (Click title to listen) A Hymn from Finland
Be still my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide, Who through all changes faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
This lovely text was inspired by Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake nations, I will be exalted in the earth." and written by To guide the future surely as the past. Katharina von Schlegel, 1752. The tune was written by Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; Jean Sibelius, a famous Finnish, and one of the most popu- All now mysterious shall be bright at last. lar composers of the late 19th and early 20th century. His Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know music and genius have also played an important role in His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below. forming the Finnish national identity. Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on This tune has been woven with Bach’s first prelude in C to When we shall be forever with the Lord; form this new arrangement by Mr. J. Robert Norris. When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, Spiritual revivals throughout history have always been Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored. accompanied by an outburst of new song. In the latter half Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past of the 17th century, the revival in Germany was known as All safe and blessed we shall meet at last. the Pietistic revival (similar to the Puritan and Wesleyan —Katharina von Schlegal movements in England.) Katharina von Schlegal was the outstanding woman of this revival movement. Little is known of her other than that she was a Lutheran and was probably the director of a women’s seminary in Germany. We do know that she contributed a number of lyrics to a collection of spiritual songs published in 1752. Approximately 100 years later, this hymn was translated into English by Jane Borthwick, a scholar noted for her fine work in translating German hymn texts. This hymn tune, is an arrangement of one movement from Jean Sibelius’ “Finlandia.” Sibelius was Finland’s best-known composer, and his music is generally characterized by a strong nationalistic fervor. God has used the talents of three individuals from different lands to provide his people with a hymn that teaches so well the biblical truth that we need to relearn daily: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31).
Anthem Meditation: “Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord” (click title to listen) Song from Camaroon Extend a Hand: A Meditation for World Communion Sunday (Based on Luke 17:5) by Safiyah Fosua If I really had faith the size of a mustard seed, What would I do?
4 Would I wave a hand to hurl Mount Kilimanjaro into Lake Victoria Just to prove that I could? If I really had mustard-seed faith, what would I do?
Praise, praise, praise the Lord. Praise God’s holy name. Alleluia!
Would I start by extending a hand of peace To the church across the street Whose sign says something different from mine?
— Traditional
Would I start by extending a hand of peace To the Ol' G that terrorizes the old people down the street? Or to the grizzled homeless man who sits on the corner with a sign? Would I start by extending my hand of peace To those who brawl on schoolyards And to those who brawl on battlefields In search of a future with hope? Maybe I could begin by just taking my hand of peace Out of its hiding place Long before the moment That I cup my hands to receive Communion. O, Lord, Increase our faith!
Hymn Meditation: “We Come as Guests Invited”(click title to listen) A tune from Germany O taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8 The psalmist calls for us to fully experience God’s goodness — experience with all of our senses. This morning, as you come into worship. Look over at the stained glass windows. See how the Light of Christ transforms the glass into something radiant and beautiful. Thank God for his transforming power and for the beauty around us. Listen as the organ plays. Let the music wash over you and reach into you and move you. Thank God for the beauty of music. Thank Him for the way He reaches deep inside us and stirs our heart toward worship. Touch the pew in front of you. Feel the smooth and strong wood. Thank God for His sturdiness — for His strong and never-changing faithfulness to us. Open the Bible and smell the pages. (I happen to love the smell of old books.) That’s the smell of learning. It’s a smell that stretches back through time and connects us to the past. Thank God
5 for this connection with worshippers throughout the centuries who have studied the Word and passed it down with great love and dedication. During communion, savor the taste of the bread and juice. Taste the sweetness of God’s We eat and drink, receiving from Christ the grace we need, mercy. Thank Him for the bitterness He drank so And in our hearts believing on him by faith we feed; With wonder and thanksgiving for love that knows no end, we could experience this sweetness. Thank him We find in Jesus living our ever-present friend. for all of our senses and how He “speaks” to us through them all. One bread is ours for sharing, one single fruitful vine, Our fellowship declaring renewed in bread and wine: A few years ago, while I was helping serve Renewed, sustained, and given by token, sign, and word, communion, a little boy came to the altar to be The pledge and seal of heaven, the love of Christ our Lord. served. He knelt down beside his parents and — Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1975 held out his hands to receive the little cup of grape juice. He drank the juice with gusto, smacked his lips and let out a big “Ah!” I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself at this child’s exuberance in receiving holy communion. After the service I had time to let that moment sink in a bit. The verse from Psalms echoed in my mind: “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” What a wonderful image of joy that pared with that verse. Communion is a holy act that strengthens us and sustains us. It fills us with grace. But this is a reminder that it also satisfies us in deep ways and fills us with joy. This communion, let us come to the table that the Lord has prepared. Let us come with joy to taste and see the goodness of our Lord. Let us smack our lips and say “Ah”, and leave satisfied and refreshed. Thanks be to God. Amen. — Robert Norris We come as guests invited when Jesus bids us dine, His friends on earth united to share the bread and wine; The bread of life is broken; the wine is freely poured For us, in solemn token of Christ our dying Lord.
Call to Prayer: “Karthave, Kirubaiyayirum” Song from India. Gracious Lord, have mercy on us.
Call to Communion: “For the Bread Which You Have Broken” (Beng-Li) tune from Taiwan The tune BENG-LI was written in 1970 by composer I-to Loh. He sensitively combines his melody, composed in the style of traditional Asian vocal music, with a three-part accompaniment. It was written for a scene in a passion play that depicts the Last Supper.
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. In your service, Lord, defend us, In our hearts keep watch and ward; In the world where you have sent us, Let your kingdom come, O Lord.
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Hymn Meditation: “Christ Be Beside Me” (Click title to listen) A text from Ireland and Tune from Wales
There is a great beauty in the simple, yet formal greeting and blessing that is so much a part of Irish culture. These blessings are very often strongly connected to nature and God as Creator. Christ is revealed through His creation and all of nature praises it’s creator. The natural rhythm of the words form it’s poetic structure — each word is artfully chosen and flow easily from the lips. Even when spoken, there is music in the speech. Scripture is full of blessings and greetings.: “The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” “May the God of hope Fill you with all joy and peace in believing, So that you may abound in hope By the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed Christ be beside me; Christ be before me; Christ be behind me, King of my heart. you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ be within me; Christ be below me; Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and adChrist be above me, never to part. monishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And Christ all around me, shield in the strife. whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Christ in my rising, Light of my life. “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead Christ be in all hearts thinking about me; the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eterChrist be on all tongues telling of me. nal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good Christ be the vision in eyes that see me; thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His In ears that hear me Christ ever be. —From St. Patrick’s Breastplate sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. “
Benediction: We Are Marching in the Light of God”
(click title to listen)
The African church is a reflection of the African idea of family. The Swahili word ujamaa (community) may best describe the concept We are marching in the light of God. of family among African peoples. In addition to close family mem- We are marching in the light of God. bers and relatives, members of the community are also regarded as We are marching in the light of God. family. Visitors are generally welcomed and highly valued. The com- We are marching in the light of God. We are marching Ooo munity that forms an African congregation is inclusive and invitationWe are marching in the light of God. al in nature; it welcomes strangers and visitors. —From a South African Freedom Song John Mbiti, a prominent African theologian, says, "I am because we are, and since we are, therefore, I am ." Although this proverb has been interpreted to mean that one cannot live without the existence of the whole community, it has a deeper meaning for Africans. In addition to the importance of the community as a whole, there is a profound sense of love, solidarity, care, and mutual assistance that binds the people who live in community. When a child is born to one family, that child belongs not only to that particular family but to the whole community.
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Sunday, October 8 Enoch Walked with God Genesis 5:1-32
This is the list of the descendants of Adam. When God created humankind, he made them in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them “Humankind” when they were created. When Adam had lived one hundred thirty years, he became the father of a son in his likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years; and he had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred thirty years; and he died. When Seth had lived one hundred five years, he became the father of Enoch. Seth lived after the birth of Enoch eight hundred seven years, and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Seth were nine hundred twelve years; and he died. When Enosh had lived ninety years, he became the father of Kenan. Enosh lived after the birth of Kenan eight hundred fifteen years, and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enosh were nine hundred five years; and he died. When Kenan had lived seventy years, he became the father of Mahalalel. Kenan lived after the birth of Mahalalel eight hundred and forty years, and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and ten years; and he died. When Mahalalel had lived sixty-five years, he became the father of Jared. Mahalalel lived after the birth of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years; and he died. When Jared had lived one hundred sixty-two years he became the father of Enoch. Jared lived after the birth of Enoch eight hundred years, and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years; and he died. When Enoch had lived sixty-five years, he became the father of Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after the birth of Methuselah three hundred years, and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty-five years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him. When Methuselah had lived one hundred eighty-seven years, he became the father of Lamech. Methuselah lived after the birth of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years; and he died. When Lamech had lived one hundred eighty-two years, he became the father of a son; he named him Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the toil of our hands.” Lamech lived after the birth of Noah five hundred ninety-five years, and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy-seven years; and he died. After Noah was five hundred years old, Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Hymn Meditation: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (click title to listen)
Robert Robinson ther died when he was young, and his mother sent him to London to learn barbering. What he learned instead was drinking and troublemaking. But, one evening, something stirred within him to go to an evangelistic meeting held by George Whitfield. Whitfield was one of history’s greatest preachers, with a voice that was part foghorn and part violin. Upon hearing
had a rough beginning. His faCome, thou fount of every blessing; Tune my heart to sing thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above; Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, Mount of God’s unchanging love! Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by thy help I’m come; And I hope, by thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed his precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be! Let that grace now, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart; O take and seal it; Seal it for thy courts above.
—Robert Robinson, 1758
8 Whitfield’s dynamic sermon, Robert immediately sobered up and soon entered the ministry. Three years later at age 23, while serving Calvinist Methodist Chapel in Norfolk, England, he wrote a hymn for his sermon on Pentecost Sunday. It was a prayer that the Holy Spirit flood into our hearts with his streams of mercy, enabling us to sing God’s praises and remain faithful to him. “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” has been a favorite of the church since that day. —”Then Sings My Soul” Robert J. Morgan
Anthem Meditation: “To Touch the Heart of God (click title to listen)
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ronically the cross, the means of executing Jesus, has become a symbol of hope for many in our world. In this piece the crown of thorns is shown transfigured into something of real beauty. The message is clear – what defeats us, what weighs us down, what crucifies us, can become the source of renewed life. How? By making ourselves vulnerable to God’s generous grace, by tuning into God’s ways of creativTo come before the throne, to know His boundless love; ity and love. To feel the breath that moves like the wings of a dove; As we move deeper into the Autumn, and To lift my heart and mind to the nobler things above; the days shorten and grow colder, we are To touch the heart of God, this is prayer. made aware once again of the temporary To offer my request to the pure and holy One, nature of things in this life. Plants which To give my thought and cares to the interceding Son; sprung up so strongly in the Spring are now To place my faith in Him by Whom all that’s good is done, dying back; their fresh, uncurling leaves are To move the hand of God, this is prayer. now yellowing and brittle. We are reminded To trust in Him who is outside of time, by everything around us that we, too, are And who knows before I speak what I need. I ask of Him who has promised to provide; mortal, and our time here is really quite I ask, believing every good and perfect gift can be mine! short. I come into His courts, I enter by His gates, Much of our dread of death comes from a I offer up my thanks in a song of earnest praise. deeply held belief that this life is good, and I know I have His ear when I call in jesus’ name; it will only last as long as our bodies hold To touch the heart of God, this is prayer. —Ruth Elaine Schram out. The fact of the Resurrection changes that. Jesus passed through death into fullness of life, and if we are one with him, he takes us with him, through our physical death and on into the fullness of life in heaven. We pray for vision to see the possibilities of new life. We pray for your grace to touch us and inspire us . God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in my eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at my end, and at my departing. Amen.
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Hymn Meditation: “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 Divine guidance is the very essence of Christianity. The Bible equates being led by the Spirit of God with being a child of God (Romans 8:14). With implicit faith we must recognize that God has a planned path for each of His children, and we must deeply desire to follow that path wherever it leads. Scriptural promises such as Jeremiah 29:11 become our source of daily encouragement: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The author of this popular hymn text, Dorothy Thrupp, was born and lived in London, England. She was a rather prolific writer of children’s hymns and devotional materials although she seldom signed her name to any of her works. For this reason it has never been fully proven that she was the actual author of “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us.” This hymn first appeared unsigned in her collection Hymns For the Young, in 1836. The tune BRADBURY was written in 1859 by William B. Bradbury.
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need thy tender care; In thy pleasant pastures feed us, For our use thy folds prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are. We are thine, thou dost befriend us, Be the guardian of our way; Keep thy flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray. Thou hast promised to receive us, Poor and sinful though we be; Thou hast mercy to relieve us, Grace to cleanse and power to free. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to thee. Early let us seek thy favor, Early let us do thy will; Blessed Lord and only Savior, With thy love our bosoms fill. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Hymn Meditation: “Lord, Speak to me that I May Speak”
— Dorothy A. Thrupp
Frances Ridley Havergal came by her love of hynology naturally. Her father, Rev. William Henry Havergal, was an Anglican clergyman who devoted his life to improving the music of the Church of England, writing over 100 hymns himself. Frances, born December 14, 1836, was a delightful child who began reading and memorizing the Bible at age four. By age seven, she Lord, speak to me, that I may speak in living echoes of your tone. was already writing poems. As you have sought, so let me speak your erring children, lost and lone. Through joys and sorrows, Frances O lead me, Lord, that I may lead the wandering and the wavering feet. remembered all the words her parO feed me, Lord, that I may feed your hungering ones with manna sweet. ents taught her about the Loving SavO teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious truths which you impart. ior. She went on to become a deeply And wing my words that they may reach the hidden depths of many a heart. spiritual writer of hymns and devotionO fill me with your fullness, Lord, until my very heart o’er flow al books. This hymn, originally titled “A In kindling thought and glowing word, your love to tell, your praise to show. Workers Prayer” was written on April O use me, Lord, use even me, just as you will, and when, and where 28, 1872, for the use of lay helpers in Until your blessed face I see, your rest, your joy, your glory share. the church. — Frances Ridley Havergal, 1872
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Sunday, October 15 Grieved Him to His Heart Genesis 6:5-8
The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out from the earth the human beings I have created—people together with animals and creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the sight of the Lord.
Hymn Meditation: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” (click title to listen) Charles Wesley is one of the most prolific hymn writers. Charles did not write any hymn tunes, his art was poetry, hymnody in particular. He did have two sons, Charles and Samuel, and a grandson, Samuel Sebastian, who were all fine musicians. (Samuel Sebastian Wesley wrote such tunes as: AURELIA: “The Church’s One Foundation,” and LEAD ME LORD: “Lead Me, Lord.”) It is generally considered that Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley have been the two most influential writers of English hymnody to date. Following the new metrical psalmody introduced by Watts, the eighteenth-century Christian church was ready for the more warm, experiential hymns of Charles Wesley. While students at Oxford University, John and Charles Wesley formed a religious “Holy Club” because of their dissatisfaction with the spiritual lethargy at the school. As a result of their methodical habits of living and studying, they were jokingly called ‘methodists’ by their fellow students. Upon graduation, the Anglican church sent the brothers to America. On board ship, the brothers came into contact with a group of German Moravians, a small evangelical group characterized by missionary concerns and enthusiastic hymn singing. The deep spirituality of the Moravians had a lasting impact on the Wesley brothers. Charles wrote no less than 6,500 hymn texts, with hardly a day or an experience passing without its crystallization into verse. Charles wrote “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” on the anniversary of his own “heart warming” experience.
Anthem: “If I Forget” (click title to listen)
As she swings higher at twilight, there is only quietness. Only all these quiet prayers with the sun on the nape.
O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer's praise, The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of his grace! My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To spread through all the earth abroad The honors of thy name. Jesus! the name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease; 'Tis music in the sinner's ears, 'Tis life, and health, and peace. He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood availed for me. He speaks, and listening to his voice, New life the dead receive; The mournful, broken hearts rejoice, The humble poor believe.
In Christ, your head, you then shall know, Shall feel your sins forgiven; Anticipate your heaven below, And own that love is heaven. —Charles Wesley
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11 Prayer is this moving towards God, heat of a holy fire, and feeling the dross burn away, burning away that word that comes too quickly, “I.” Because “I,” it isn’t my name, but His — He alone is the Great I AM. Life, it’s not about me. It’s not about what I want. It’s Dona nobis pacem about being wholly I AM‘s. Et in terra pax hominibus And in the praying — it becomes not about what I Bonae voluntatis want — but what He wills. The nearer you draw to a holy, loving God, all the “I”s, Give us peace. they away this Yes. Andburn on earth peaceinto to all of willing good will There is light in the trees. —Traditional There is light in the If I forget, yet God remembers! leaves and in her If these hands of mine cease hair falling and I from their clinging, how she Yet the hands divine hold me so firmly watch that I cannot fall. throws her head And if sometimes I am too tired to call back and she for him to help me, laughs — Then he reads the prayer unspoken the release of letting in my heart, go — right into light. And lifts my care. — Ann Voskamp, “A Holy — Robert Browning Experience”
Hymn Meditation: “O My Soul, Bless Your Redeemer” (click title to listen)
God, Thou Art Love By: Robert Browning If I forget, Yet God remembers! If these hands of mine Cease from their clinging, yet the hands Divine Hold me so firmly that I cannot fail; And if sometimes I am too tired to call For Him to help me, then He reads the prayer Unspoken in my heart, and lifts my care. I dare not fear, since certainly I know That I am in God's keeping, shielded so From all that else would harm, and in the hour Of stern temptation strengthened by His power; I tread no path in life to Him unknown; I lift no burden, bear no pain, alone: My soul is calm, sure hiding-place is found: The everlasting arms my life surround. God, Thou art love! I build my faith on that, I know Thee Who has kept my path, and made Light for me in the darkness, tempering sorrow So that it reaches me like a solemn joy; It were too strange that I should doubt Thy love.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits— who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live o that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust. As for mortals, their days are like grass; they flourish like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who
12 14 O my soul, bless your Redeemer; All within me bless God’s name; Bless the Savior, and forget not all God’s mercies to proclaim.
fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, obedient to his spoken word. Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will. Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul.
God forgives all your transgressions, All diseases gently heals; God you from destruction, Donaredeems nobis pacem And kindly deals. Et in with terrayou pax so hominibus Bonae voluntatis Far as east from west is distant, God has put away our sin; Give us peace. Like the pity of a father And on earth to all of been. good will Has the Lord’speace compassion —Traditional As it was without beginning, So it lasts without an end; To their children’s children ever shall God’s righteousness extend. — Psalter, 1871
Hymn Meditation: O Jesus, I have Promised” (click title to listen)
—Psalm 103
God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them… Show the same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. — Hebrews 6:10-11 We usually make our new resolutions at the beginning of the new year, but it certainly can and should be done at any time of the year. Take the time for reflecting on and evaluating the past as well as setting serious goals for the future. Because it is so easy to get caught up in a blur of daily sameness, special days and events are important in life. We need these highlights for our growth and development. “O Jesus, I have Promised” was written by O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; an English clergyman on such a special day. It Be thou forever near me, my master and my Friend; was penned especially for a confirmation ser- I shall not fear the battle if thou are by my side, vice in which John Bode’s own daughter and Nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide. two sons were making their life’s vows of com- O let me feel thee near me! The world is ever near; mitment to God and his service. He told his I see the sights that dazzle; the tempting sounds I hear. three children: “I have written a hymn con- My foes are ever near me, around me and within; But, Jesus, draw thou nearer and shield my soul from sin. taining all the important truths I want you to O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still, remember when you are fully confirmed.” Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of selfwill; Without doubt, the three children of John O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control; Bode never forgot that confirmation service O speak, and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul and their father’s concern for them as they O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee sang the words of this hymn throughout their That where thou art in glory there shall thy servants be. lives. And, Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; Take some time this week for reflection and O Give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend. — John Bode, 1866 ponder ways in which your spiritual life can be deepened and developed.
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Sunday, October 22 Stewardship Dona nobis pacem Et in terra pax hominibus Bonae voluntatis Give us peace. And on earth peace to all of good will
—Traditional
Hymn Meditation: “God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending”(click title to listen) Churches that grow in giving know that generosity increases with participation in ministry and community, and so they work to deepen the core ministries of worship, small group learning, and mission. They know that many churches do not have enough money because they don’t provide sufficient ministry and mission. Rather than becoming obsessed with income, survival, and maintenance, they continually return their focus to changing lives, reaching out to new people, and offering significant mission. Bt growing in ministry, giving increases. Congregations that practice Extravagant Generosity address the challenge of growing in giving to long-term members as well as to adults who are God, whose giving knows no ending, new to the faith. They also teach, model, and cultivate From the rich and endless store, generosity among children and youth. Sunday school Nature’s wonder, Jesus’ wisdom, classes, after-school children’s ministries, Vacation Bible Costly cross, grave’s shattered door; School, and youth ministries all offer opportunities to give Gifted by you, we turn to you, Offering up ourselves in praise; individually and to work together in groups to achieve a Thankful song shall rise forever, ministry goal that is significant, tangible, and compelling. Gracious donor of our days. Rather than collecting offerings in a perfunctory way, Skills and time are ours for pressing, children’s and youth leaders explain, teach, and con- Toward the goals of Christ, your Son: nect the action of giving to the work of God. Children All at peace in health and freedom, and youth are taught about responsible earning, spend- Races joined, the church made one. ing, saving, and giving. Congregations equip parents Now direct our daily labor, Lest we strive for self alone. with ideas, suggestions, and practices that foster gener- Born with talents, make us servants osity for children and youth of all ages. Fit to answer at your throne. The spiritual maturity that comes from growth in giving Treasure, too, you have entrusted, and the extraordinary engagement that results from tith- Gain through powers your grace conferred: ing bring clarity of purpose and greater integrity to all the Ours to use for home and kindred, And to spread the gospel word. church’s ministries. Open wide our hands in sharing, The practice of Extravagant Generosity is the fruit of As we heed Christ’s ageless call, maturation in Christ., the result of God’s sanctifying Healing, teaching, and reclaiming, grace that molds our hearts and changes our values and Serving you by loving all. — Robert L. Edwards, 1961 behaviors. Extravagant Generosity supports the other
14 four practices, helping the church fulfill its ministry to make disciples of Jesus Christ in robust and fruitful ways, opening the message of God’s love in Christ to more people now and for generations to come. —From “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations”, chapter 5 by Robert Schnase.
Anthem: “A Jubilant Song” (click title to listen)
Meditation: “Let Everything That Has Breath” Robert Norris, Director of Music Ministries Sing to the Lord a jubilant song. Rejoice and sing and let the earth be glad, Let the heavens be filled with joy, And a jubilant song.
Psalm 148, 149, and 150 all command creation to sing praise to the Creator. Psalm 148 begins: “Praise the Lord from the heavens. Praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his Sing alleluia to the Lord, alleluia. angles. Praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and Tell of his salvation from day to day. moon. Praise him, all you shinning stars. Praise him, you highShout his marvelous works among the people. est heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the For great is the Lord, great is the Lord name of the Lord.” And greatly to be praised. The psalm continues to command each tree and plant, each bird and fish and animal to praise the God, the Creator. Psalm Lord, you have been our refuge From one generation to another, 150 ends with: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Before the mountains were made, Praise the Lord!” Or the land and the sea were born, The heat of Summer is upon us. And it just seems like everyFrom age to age you are God, thing is bursting into glorious songs of praise. The plants and And we pray for the coming trees and flowers and bursting into color (and pollen — do Of your kingdom. sneezes count as sounds of praise?) The birds are singing away, We shall rejoice, we shall be glad the tree frogs are All the days of our lives. chirping merrily. Even the rain and thunder have to join in the cacophony. Sing to the Lord a jubilant song. I have read that scientists have now catalogued approximateRejoice and sing and let the earth be glad, ly 5, 400 species of singing animals. Some creatures even show Let the heavens be filled with joy, the capacity of learning and repeating musical lines, improvisAnd a jubilant song. ing melodies, and composing new tunes. Just sit in your back—Allen Pote yard and listen to the varied music of creation around us. God created this universe with a capacity for song, from the tiny cricket to the massive blue whale. All of creation is designed to sing his praises. I don’t want to be left out! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Great Creator and Giver of every good and perfect gift, You have created us for praise. You have given us this glorious gift of music, and we now give it back to you. May each note, each song, each breath, each sigh be a gift of gratitude to you. Amen.
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Hymn Meditation: “A Grateful Heart” (Psalm 111) (click title to listen) A grateful is what I bring, Dona nobis heart pacem A song of praise, my offering. Et in terra pax hominibus Among the saints I lift my voice: Bonae voluntatis In you, O God, I will rejoice. Give us peace. Youronname known lands. And earthispeace to in allall of the good will You feed the poor with gentle —Traditional hands. Your word is true, your works are just; In you, O God, the faithful trust.
The text of this hymn was written during the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. It echoes the theme of Calvin’s personal motto: “My heart I offer to you, Lord, promptly and sincerely.”
Psalm 111
Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by With saving love you set us free, all who delight in them. And still you dwell in mystery Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness With wisdom none can comprehend. endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be rememYour praise, O God, will never end. bered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. He provides —David Gambrell, 2009 food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.
Hymn Meditation: “Great God of Every Blessing”
(click title to listen)
Every Good and Perfect Gift Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 Have you ever been faced with overwhelming self-doubt? Have you ever been paralyzed by fear of failure? Have you ever been consumed by the certainty that you are just not good enough? I know all of those things very well! But I have also come to understand that I have been given a good and perfect gift. It is a precious thing — not of my own making, or of my own doing, but it is a gift from above. The Father of Lights, whose faithfulness endures forever has
16 graciously given every good and perfect gift. Great God of every blessing, of faithful, loving care, You are the fount of goodness, the daily bread we share. How can we hope to thank you? Our praise is but a start: Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. Your Word is our salvation, the source of endless grace, In death and life extending your covenant embrace. In Christ we are one body; each member has a part;\: How can we hope to thank you? Our praise is but a start: Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. Your Spirit is our teacher, the light that guides our search, Transforming broken people into the holy church. For feeding us with mercy, for wisdom you impart: How can we hope to thank you? Our praise is but a start: Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. —David Gambrell, 2009
I find so much comfort in this understanding: “I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 The One who gave the gift will be faithful to nurture it and complete it. Along with that comfort also comes responsibility. The gift is given with a purpose— His purpose. What is God calling you to do? What good and perfect gift has he given to you? How is He perfecting it and completing that good work in your life? How will you gratefully give back to the Father of Lights? — Robert Norris
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Sunday, October 29 Commitment Sunday Dona nobis pacem Et in terra pax hominibus Bonae voluntatis Give us peace. And on earth peace to all of good will
—Traditional
Hymn Meditation: “We Give Thee But Thine Own” (click title to listen)
Stewardship verses Ownership
We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be;
Owners, especially owners of vast enterprises, All that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from thee. appoint managers. Good owners give managers room to make decisions and use their abilities. And May we thy bounties thus as stewards true receive, good managers remember who the owner is. They And gladly, as thou blesses us, to thee our first-fruits give. keep in mind the desires and designs of the owner, The captive to release, to God the lost to bring, and they treat things as if they were their own, To teach the way of life and peace: it is a Christ-like thing. knowing full well that they are not! When someone lends you something of worth, And we believe thy word, though dim our faith may be; Whate’er we do for thine, O Lord, we do it unto thee. there is a sense of privilege involved, a sense of hon—William How, 1858 or — because the lending of something of worth implies a wonderful level of trust. It implies that the lender has confidence in your character. The lender wants the gift to be used, to bless and help the borrower flourish. Do you feel a sense of privilege at God’s provision and a responsibility to use his gifts wisely? The Owner of all things wants us to flourish so deeply that even when his servant-kings rejected him, he went out of his way to reveal the truth of his goodness and the depth of his love and the wonder of his generosity. “What is mine is yours,” says God the Father. And he gives us Jesus. Early on, God placed Adam in the garden and said, “It’s all yours.” And then, in Jesus, God makes it personal: “I’m all yours!” —-Cecil Van Niejenhuis “Reformed Worship” June 2008
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Anthem Meditation: “Consecration” (click title to listen)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God..” 1 Corinthians 10:31 . In this day of self-centered living and pleasure-oriented lifestyle, the total commitment of God of body, mind, and possessions portrayed in this text is difficult for many Christians to achieve. Even though we realize that we have nothing we have not received and that we are only stewards of the good gifts God has entrusted to us, we often fail Take my voice, and let me sing to apply this basic truth to our daily lives. Always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be It was said of Frances Ridley Havergal, author of this text, that the Filled with messages from thee. beauty of a consecrated life was never more perfectly revealed Take my silver and my gold; than in her daily living. She has rightfully been called “The ConsecraNot a mite would I withhold. tion Poet.” Take my intellect, and use Every power as thou shalt choose. “These little couplets that chimed in my heart on after another” were for Mrs. Havergal the result of an evening in 1874 passed in purTake my will, and make it thine; It shall be no longer mine. suing a deeper consecration of herself to God. “Take my voice and Take my heart, it is thine own; let me sing always only for my King” was personally significant for It shall be thy royal throne. Frances. She was naturally very musical and had been trained as a Take my love, my Lord, I pour concert soloist with an unusually pleasant voice. Her musical talents At thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be could have brought her much worldly fame. However, she deterEver, only, all for thee. — Frances R. Havergal, 1873 mined that her life’s mission was to sing and work only for Jesus. Frances also sent over 50 pieces of jewelry and other family heirlooms to the church missionary house to be sold and used for the work of Christ. Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise! Amen. 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.
Hymn : “Take My Life and Let It be Consecrated”
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Anthem Meditation: “I Believe”
In a dark and damp cellar in Cologne, Germany, where thousands of Jews once hid from Nazi torment, an inscription was discovered not long after the end of World War II. Scrawled across a stone wall by an anonymous author who was likely killed, the words serve as a prayer against the unspeakable evil of the Holocaust. "I believe in the sun even when it's not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I benobis pacem lieve Dona in God even when He is silent." Et in terra pax hominibus Today, those words echo through time and memory as Holocaust survivors and those who search for Bonae voluntatis meaning within the madness struggle with questions that have no answers. How could God allow the state -sponsored Give us mass peace. murder of innocent Jewish men, women and children deemed "life unworthy of life" by And onWhere earth peace all of when good will the Nazis? wastoGod those Jews, along with more than 1 million other "racially inferior" groups, —Traditional were being beaten and robbed, starved and humiliated, gassed and buried? Why God? Why? "No one emerged with their faith unchanged," says Holocaust scholar and author Michael Berenbaum, who currently serves as adjunct professor of theology at the University of Judaism in Bel Air, Calif. "Even the most devout believer left with the innocence of their faith shattered." But even Holocaust victims who lived through the worst degradations and pain retained their faith. "If it weren't for God, I would have died," says Riva (Schuster) Hirsch, a Holocaust survivor living in Birmingham. "He's the only thing I had left. They took everything else. Hitler was evil, but God never abandoned us. He was always there."
Hymn Meditation: “Lord of All Good” (click title to listen) A Plate of Cookies Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Give, and it will be given to you. . . . For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 MY grandma could have won an award for her giving. Whenever Mom took a plate of cookies to her, Grandma would always return the plate full of some treats that she had baked for us. Grandma never sent back an empty plate. Likewise she always returned a smile for a smile and a hug for a hug. By her actions I learned how to be a giver, too. Sometimes I've found that I cannot return a favor to the person who helped me or gave me something, but I can pass the kindness on to someone else by doing something helpful for another. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us that whatever we do for others in need, we do for him. By expressing my love and concern for others through my giving, I am showing my love for Jesus. Jesus demonstrated giving through his healing, his teaching, and the ultimate gift of his life. Love was the motivator of all that he did. We, too, can love others by givLord of all good, our gifts we bring to you; ing of our talents, time, and material possessions. Jesus promised Use them your holy purpose to fulfill, in Luke 6:38 that in whatever measure we give, God will give Tokens of love and pledges brought anew, back to us. Our giving doesn't have to be in large quantities. That our whole life is offered to your will. God blesses even the small things that we do for others. Giving is We give our minds to understand your ways; like a boomerang; whatever we give usually comes back, just Hands, eyes, and voice to serve your great design; like the plate from Grandma always came back full. Carol Forehand (Iowa, U.S.A.)
Herat with the flame of your own love ablaze, Till for your glory all our powers combine.
Prayer: Generous Provider, thank you for all that you have given us. Help us to give back to you by giving to others, no matter how small the gift may be. Amen.
Father, whose bounty all creation shows; Christ, by whose willing sacrifice we live; Spirit, from whom all life in fullness flows: From Upper Room January 11, 2008 To you with grateful hearts ourselves we give.
—Albert F. Bayly. 1962
Illuminated Scripture Recently, at our St. John’s Bible presentation, these beautiful works of art were created by all ages using the method called Visio Divina — seeing the word of God. As participants heard the Biblical passage of the father welcoming home the prodigal son from Luke 15, they illuminated words of phrases that were illuminated in their minds. See and reflect on their art work as they embody God’s word so beautifully and creatively.