Tapestry February 2020

A Worship Magazine

Easley Presbyterian Church

Easley, SC

February 2020 Vol. 6 Issue 1

A common thread that joins us together with Christ and with each other.

“Swords and Slings” We all know the story of David and Goliath. It’s the story of a little boy with only a little sling shot (and a very big God) defeating the powerful giant that had an entire military shaking in their boots (or sandals). But there’s more to this story.

David was chosen and called by God for this task. The first thing that really strikes me about the story is the strong conviction of this young man. He heard the clear call from God; then he had the strength of faith to follow that call. He even had the strength to stand up to his own brothers, and even King Saul when questioned about this call. Strong conviction, strong faith, no doubt!

Long before David had ever heard the name Goliath, he had been equipped with the knowledge and the skills that would be needed to fulfill this task. Long before God called him, God equipped him. Long before he knew what would be required of him, he had practiced and refined his skills with the sling. So when the time came, he was ready to follow the call.

A sling is a very strange choice of weapon against a giant, but God had equipped David with skills with the sling and David knew his strengths. Saul tried to convince David that he needed to use a sword and shield, armor and spear. But the sword was heavy and clumsy, and the shield was cumbersome, and the armor just did not fit young David. No, David relied on his strengths — the strength of his faith, and the strength of his skills. David chose to be the man that God had called him to be rather than the man the world wanted him to be — the man the world was convinced

he must be in order to complete this “giant” task.

Sometimes, there are too many voices telling us who we should be, what we should do, and how we should do it. I admit that I have been pulled and pushed and torn apart by these opinions. David chose the better way. God has called me.

My call may be different from your call.

God has equipped me with knowledge and skills. My knowledge and skills may be different from yours. I will chose to be the man God has called me to be and use the gifts and abilities that He has given me to use. A sword may be a perfectly good choice — even a more reasonable choice, but God has given me a sling. And David has taught me that with faith and skill and God, a sling is more than sufficient.

Who has God called you to be? What has he called you to do? How has he gifted you for the task? Are you strengthening your faith in preparation to hear and follow the call? Are you practicing your skills in preparation for the moment God calls you into action? Are you ready to be the person God has created you to be? With confidence, pick up your sling and follow.

Amen.

—Robert Norris

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Sunday, February 2 Pharisees and Yeast

Mark 8:11-21

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.

Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Hymn Meditation: “I Sing the Almighty Power of God”

I sing the almighty power of God, that made the mountains rise, that spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.

“He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from I sing the wisdom that ordained the rivers unto the ends of the earth.” Psalm 72:8 the sun to rule the day; Isaac Watts, the father of English hymnody, had a the moon shines full at God's command, fervent concern about the dismal state of congrega- and all the stars obey. tional singing that had developed in the Englishspeaking churches during the late 17th and early 18th I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food, centuries. He wrote many new paraphrased versions of who formed the creatures thru the Word, the Psalms to replace the ponderous literal settings that and then pronounced them good. had long been used. Watts also believed that writers Lord, how thy wonders are displayed, should be free to express praise and devotion to God in where'er I turn my eye, their own words. For having such convictions, Watts was if I survey the ground I tread, often known as a revolutionary churchman of his day. or gaze upon the sky.

Although he never married or had children of his own, Isaac Watts always loved children and wrote There's not a plant or flower below, but makes thy glories known, many hymns for them. In 1715 he wrote a book of songs and clouds arise, and tempests blow, especially for children titled Divine Songs for Children. by order from thy throne; This hymnal, the first ever written exclusively for children, while all that borrows life from thee includes the text for “I Sing the Almighty Power of God.” is ever in thy care; How important it is, whether child or adult, that we and everywhere that we can be, recognize and praise the mighty power of our Creator thou, God, art present there.

God. This hymn also teaches that we should sing of his —Isaac Watts click on title to listen

3 goodness and wisdom as well as His omnipresence. God’s people have much to sing about!

Anthem Meditation: “Oh, Peter, Go Ring Dem Bells!” click on title to listen Like so many Spirituals, “O Peter, Go Ring Dem Bells” has multiple meanings. On it’s face, the Spiritual references the death of a loved one. It is a combination of both mourning and rejoicing. St. Peter meets the loved one at the gates of heaven and rings the bells, celebrating a saint who has come home to be with the Lord. It was often sung at the end of a wake, when the family stays up all night with the body of the loved one. In the early morning, as the body is taken in preparation for burial, the members of the wake would sing this song. The question called out in mourning—”I wonder where my mother (or father, etc.) has gone, is answered with comfort—”They’ve gone where Elijah’s gone! Of course, they would know the story of Elijah where he is taken up in a fiery chariot to be with the Lord.

Oh, Peter, go ring dem bells, “Funeral Procession”, Ida Jackson Peter, go ring dem bells, The secondary Peter, go ring dem bells, meaning, or I heard from heaven today. “code” meaning, references the separation of family memI heard from heaven today, bers through those sold as slaves, or more often, those who I heard from heaven today, had escaped to the north for freedom. Friends and family I thank God and I thank you too, would often not know if their loved one made it to freedom I heard from heaven today. safely or perished on the way. Whenever some word was reI wonder where my mother is gone, I wonder where brother Moses is gone, ceived, the song “Peter, Go Ring Dem Bells” would call the I wonder where brother Daniel is gone, community together because the had “heard from heaven today”, meaning that they have heard from those who had Dey’s gone where Elijah’s gone, I heard from heaven today. escaped to freedom. It becomes a song of celebration that — Traditional Spiritual freedom has come to their dear friend. The word from heaven is that they are safe and well.

—Robert Norris

Hymn Meditation: “Be Thou My Vision”

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that thou art; Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, “Where there is no vision, the people perish, but thy presence my light. whoever keeps the law is happy.” Proverbs 29:18.

Be thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word; I For the Christian, vision is true awareness of Christ in ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; all of His fullness and enabling power. This 8th century Thou my great Father, and I thy true son, hymn text from Ireland is still meaningful for us today Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one. with its expression of a yearning for the prescence Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise; and leading of God in our lives. The earnest prayer is Thou mine inheritance, now and always; enhanced by such quaint but tender phrases as “Lord Thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure thou art. of my heart,” “Thy presence my light,” “bright heav’n’s Sun,” and “Heart of my own heart.” The text High King of heaven, my victory won, states that when we allow God to have first place in May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, our lives, He becomes our treasure; we care no longer Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. for the pursuit of riches or “man’s empty praise.” Christ — Ancient Irish Text came to offer sight to the blind. More than just clear click on title to listen

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Hymn Meditation: “Come, Sing O Church in Joy”

(Click title to listen)

One of my favorite Come sing, O church in joy! Come join, O church in song! “journey” bible verses comes For Christ the Lord has led us through the ages long! from Psalm 119:105: “Your In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord! word is a lamp to my feet and Long years have come and gone, and still God reigns supreme, a light to my path.” Trying to Empowering us to catch the vision, dream the dream! follow and walk by faith can In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord! sometimes be a frightening Let courage be our friend, let wisdom be our guide, thing to do. The word of God is As we in mission magnify the Crucified! not a “Spotlight” shining out In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord! into the distance, it is a lamp Come sing, O church in joy! Come join, O church, in song! at our feet. And in that is the faith — we do not see our des- For Christ the Lord has triumphed o’er the ages long!

In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord! tination, we do not even — Brian Dill, 1988 clearly see the path — we see a small, dimly lit step. But in the light of the word of God, that one step is enough. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Learning to trust God in each of those steps is the beginning of finding the Joy of trusting in God. Another favorite “journey” verses comes from Micah 6:8 — “What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” When I was younger, there was a lot of thought and prayer about “finding the will of God for my life”. And there it was in the little book of Micah — do justice, love mercy, and walk with God. (Easier said than done).

Some days, the journey is more successful than others, but “God’s mercies are new every morning”. Wait patiently for the light at my feet, step into the journey; love deeply; walk with God. There is a joy in the journey—led

by Christ, encouraged by one another, inspired by beauty along the way.

—Robert Norris

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Sunday, February 9 Jesus Messiah

Mark 8:22-30

They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” And the man[e] looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.”

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Hymn Meditation: “I’ll Praise My Maker” (click title to listen) Isaac Watts is often called the “Father of English Hymnody.” Watts (1674-1748) was not the first person to write hymns, but he was the first English-language poet who produced a significant number of hymns of high quality.

In the 18th century, hymns could be distinguished from metrical psalms. During the time of Watts, congregational song was dominated by strict metrical versions of the Psalms. Watts wanted to break the stranglehold of metrical psalms on congregational singing. To facilitate this he composed psalm paraphrases that were freer in their relationship to the original psalm and, in addition, “hymns of human composure”—freely composed hymns such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

“I’ll Praise My Maker” is Watts’ paraphrase of Psalm 146. It was originally entitled “Praise to God for his Goodness and Truth” and published in his famous Psalms of David, Imitated in the Language of the New Testament (1719).

Compare the first stanza of the hymn above to the first two verses of the psalm as found in the King James Version: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises

I’ll praise my maker while I’ve breath; And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers.

My days of praise shall ne’er be past While life and thought and being last, Or immortality endures.

How happy they whose hopes rely On Israel’s God, who made the sky And earth and seas with all their train; Whose truth forever stands secure, Who saves the oppressed and feeds the poor, And none shall find God’s promise vain.

The Lord pours eye-sight on the blind; The Lord supports the fainting mind And sends the laboring conscience peace.

God helps the stranger in distress, The widowed and the parentless, And grants the prisoner sweet release.

I’ll praise my maker while I’ve breath; And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers.

My days of praise shall ne’er be past While life and thought and being last, Or immortality endures.

—Isaac Watts/John Wesley/Psalm 146

8 unto my God while I have any being.” (Psalm 146:1-2) Watts is not confined to the psalm but poetically expands it.

John Wesley played a prominent role in preserving this hymn as we know it today, slightly adapting four of the six original stanzas. Wesley strengthened Watts’ first line of the hymn which originally read, “I’ll praise my Maker with my breath.”

The Scripture for the second stanza is:“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever.”

Watts’ paraphrase follows: Happy the man whose hopes rely On Israel’s God: he made the sky, And earth and seas, with all their train. . . .

Wesley included it in the first hymnal published in America, the Charlestown Collection of Psalms and Hymns (1737). Its appearance in every Methodist hymnbook since 1737 attests to its popularity. J.R. Watson noted: “In its shortened and less threatening form, this hymn was greatly loved by John Wesley, who died singing it.”

Dr. Hawn is professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology, SMU.

Anthem Meditation: “At the Name of Jesus” click on title to listen “The first will be last and the last will be first.” That is a theme that ran throughout Christ’s ministry. He came to earth to show us the better way — a way of putting others before ourselves—-a way of loving others and loving God more than loving ourselves.

Philippians chapter 2 includes a beautiful hymn of praise encouraging us to imitate the life of Christ.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient even unto death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above Jesus, though he was God, did not cling to his rights as God, every name, that at the name of But laid aside his mighty power, His mighty power and glory, Jesus every knee should bow, in Taking the form of a servant, and becoming like man.

He humbled himself, he humbled himself heaven and on earth and under And became obedient unto death, even death on the cross. the earth, and every tongue conAt the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow fess that Jesus Christ is Lord , to In heaven and in earth. the Glory of God the Father.

That every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Whatever the day brings, even That Jesus Christ is Lord! At the name of Jesus! when we stray from God’s way for us, let us take comfort in the

9 reflections of Psalm 139. Our Lord and Savior is with us always (Matthew 28:20). We can also consider an ancient prayer attributed to St. Patrick: Prayer “Christ be with me, Christ within me; Christ behind me, Christ before me; Christ beside me, Christ to win me; Christ to comfort and restore me.” Amen!

— Norman Brown “Today’s Devotion”

Hymn Meditation: “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” click on title to listen Written for Ascension Day, this hymn was originally entitled "Redemption by the Precious Blood". It was inspired by the "Song to Christ" found in Revelation 5:9: “…You were slain and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation…”

Though it may seem odd, the death of Jesus (coupled Alleluia! Sing to Jesus; with His resurrection) was the most important aspect of his His the scepter, his the throne; life. Many biographers make only brief mention of the Alleluia! His the triumph, death of their subject, but the Gospel writers make the His the victory alone! events of Jesus' last days—His trial, torture and crucifixion— Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion a major part of their account. And for His followers, ChrisThunder like a mighty flood: “Jesus out of every nation tians, Jesus gave them a "supper" that they would be sure Has redeemed us by his blood.” to remember His death: This is my body which is for you…

This cup is the new covenant in My blood which is poured Alleluia! Not as orphans out for many…1 Corinthians 11:24,25) Are we left in sorrow now; What is the reason for this emphasis on Jesus’ death?

Alleluia! He is near us; Faith believes nor questions how.

Let an illustration from James Denney answer that quesThough the cloud from sight received him, tion: Suppose two men are standing on a pier that juts out When the forty days were o’er into the ocean. Presently one to his friend, ‘I love you very Shall our hearts forget his promise: much and to prove it I am going to jump off this pier and “I am with you evermore”? drown myself. ‘ He does so and next day, the papers tell Alleluia! Bread of angels, the story of this strange, senseless suicide. Let us imagine, Here on earth our food, our stay; however, that these two men are there again and one Alleluia! Here the sinful flee to you inadvertently trips and falls into the water. His friend, From day to day. though a poor swimmer, plunges to his rescue and manIntercessor, friend of sinners, ages to push him to a ladder of safety. But in saving his Earth’s redeemer, hear our plea friend, he himself sinks and loses his life. Next day, the paWhere the songs of all the sinless pers will tell the story of a hero who gave his life to save his Sweep across the crystal sea. friend.

Alleluia! King eternal, The Bible says that The wages of sin (that is, yours and Lord omnipotent we own; mine) is death--a spiritual death that separates a person Alleluia! Born of Mary, from God. But the Bible also says that God made Earth you footstool, heaven your throne.

Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us. That is spiritual As within the veil you enter, life—forever!

Robed in flesh, our great high priest; Here on earth both priest and victim in the Believe it: Rejoice in it: Live gratefully because of it!

Eucharistic feast.

— William C. Dix, 1866

10 William Dix wrote "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" as a communion hymn for Ascension Sunday. This hymn was originally called "Redemption through the Precious Blood" and was inspired by Revelation 5:9, "And they sang a new song, saying, You are worthy . . . for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood." Our hymns proclaims "His the triumph, His the victory alone." "Jesus . . . hath redeemed us by His blood."

"Though the cloud from sight received Him," sings of Christ's ascension. Even as He assured us he would not leave us as orphans, this hymn also reminds us of His faithful promise, "I am with you evermore."

—from “Center for Church Music” website

Hymn Meditation: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” click on title to listen

You are worthy, our Lord, to receive glory and honor and All hail the power of Jesus' name! power, for you Let angels prostrate fall; created all Bring forth the royal diadem, things, and by Your will they were created and have their And crown him Lord of all. being.” Revelation 4:11 Bring forth the royal diadem, Sometimes called the “National Anthem of ChristenAnd crown him Lord of all. dom,” this is one of the truly great worship hymns of the Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, church. Written by a young English minister, it was pubYe ransomed from the fall, lished in 1779. The strong exuberant lines lead us to heartHail him who saves you by his grace, felt worship of God every time we sing them.

And crown him Lord of all.

We can be thankful that God moved an 18th century Hail him who saves you by his grace, pastor to write this stirring hymn text that reminds us so forciAnd crown him Lord of all. bly that the angels in heaven and the saints from “every Let every kindred, every tribe kindred, every tribe” on earth are worshiping with us even on this terrestrial ball, now. And we will one day all join together in singing “the to him all majesty ascribe, everlasting song” — when Christ is crowned “Lord of all.” and crown him Lord of all.

Edward Perronet came from a family of distinguished To him all majesty ascribe, French Huguenots who had fled to Switzerland and then and crown him Lord of all.

England to escape religious persecution. He was ordained O that with yonder sacred throng to the ministry of the Anglican church but was always more We at his feet may fall! sympathetic to the evangelical movement led by John We'll join the everlasting song, and Charles Wesley. Soon Edward left the state church to And crown him Lord of all. join the Wesleys in their ministry.

We'll join the everlasting song, And crown him Lord of all.

—Edward Perronet, 1779

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Sunday, February 16 Take Up Your Cross Mark 8:31-9:1

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words[j] in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes click on title to listen in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some Will you come and follow me if I but call your standing here who will not taste death until they see that [a] name? the kingdom of God has come with power.”

Hymn Meditation: “Will You Come and Follow Me” Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known, will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?*

One of the most important intentional communities of the 20th and 21st centuries is Scotland’s Iona Community. Founded on the remote Island of Iona in far western Scotland, the community traces its inspiration back to the 6th century, when St. Columba found his way from Ireland and established an outpost from which he evangelized all of Scotland. Eventually, he spread a Celtic form of Christianity that still resonates strongly today.

George MacLeod (1895-1991), an iconoclastic spirit, left a popular parish in Glasgow and established the Community in the 1930s to train ministers in engaging the poor workingclass people of Glasgow and also in working alongside artisans to rebuild the abandoned Benedictine Abbey on the Island of Iona.

John Bell (b. 1949) grew up in Kilmarnock, a rural town south of Glasgow. He received degrees in arts and theology from the University in Glasgow. He was ordained by the Church of Scotland in 1978 and appointed youth coordinator for the Presbytery of Glasgow. In 1980 he was admitted to membership of the Iona Community, having applied not primarily because it was a place of liturgical innovation but because it was “a place where the potentials of the socially marginalized as well as the socially successful would be attested.” Since then he has become the international troubadour of the Community, guiding its publications in worship and music, preaching at conferences around the world and composing many songs that enumerate the themes of the Community.

14 12 Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?

“Will you come and follow me is perhaps Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known, the most famous of Mr. Bell’s hymns. The hymn appeared initially in the first collection will you let my life be grown in you and you in me? of music produced by the Wild Goose WorWill you leave yourself behind if I but call your name? ship Group, Heaven Shall Not Wait: Songs of Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same? nobis Creation, the Incarnation, and the Life of JeWill Dona you risk thepacem hostile stare should your life attract or scare? terra hominibus Will Et youinlet mepax answer prayer in you and you in me? sus (1987). The song asks a series of 13 quesBonae voluntatis tions, perhaps a record in the annals of hymWill you let the blinded see if I but call your name? us the peace.

Will Give you set prisoners free and never be the same? nody. Characteristic of Mr. Bell’s style, the text on earth peaceclean to all and of good will as this unseen, Will And you kiss the leper do such is prophetic, using many words not usually —Traditional and admit to what I mean in you and you in me? found in traditional hymns. “The Summons” of Will you love the ‘you’ you hide if I but call your name?

Christ is to a radical Christianity. We are chalWill you quell the fear inside and never be the same? lenged to “leave yourself behind” and to “risk Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around the hostile stare” (stanza two), “set the prisonthrough my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me? er free” and “kiss the leper clean” (stanza Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name. three), and “use the faith you’ve found to reLet me turn and follow you and never be the same. shape the world around” (stanza four).

In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.

The tune is a traditional Scottish ballad entiThus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

—John Bell tled KELVINGROVE, named after a section of Glasgow. Mr. Bell often uses traditional melodies from Ireland, Scotland and England for his hymns. These tried and true tunes make the songs not only singable, but often provide a Celtic flavor that is popular today.

For Mr. Bell, the purpose for singing is to engage people in a fuller participation in the congregation’s song, stretch their faith and encourage them to live in a manner that reflects justice.© 1987 The Iona Community (Scotland), admin. by GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Dr. Hawn is professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology.

Anthem Meditation: “ I Am Not Afraid” click on title to listen “What Are the Moments that Shape Our Lives?”

There are moments that change us. That quickly — one moment we are one person, the next, we are a different person.

There are moments in history that change this country, change our world, change us as a person.

Pearl Harbor, was one such moment. Perhaps the assassination of President John Kennedy was another.

My first such world changing event was the Challenger accident. We were all stunned in disbelief and as witness to that moment, it changed me.

More recently were the events of September 11th when the world stopped in that moment and when the world breathed again, it had been changed.

But there are other life-changing moments for us all. That moment when we say, “I do.” The sound of your baby’s first crying breath — these moments also change us.

We live our lives from moment to moment, from hour to hour, and day to day. How many moments have we missed or wasted or let slip away?

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13 What do we do with 24 hours? Truth be told, some days, getting out of bed is an accomplishment. We busy ourselves with work. We eat. We sleep.

We love and laugh and sometimes cry. But what do we do with 24 hours?

What did Christ do with 24 hours?

What Jesus did in those moments and Bonae voluntatis When there are no words of comfort that can stem the flow of tears; hours has altered history and When stranded at the center of a rising tide of fear; Give usI’m peace. changed lives in ways we cannot When no path before me,will when my feet have lost their way, And onthere earthispeace to all of good begin to comprehend. The change I remember You are with me and I am not afraid!

—Traditional continues to progress toward the I am not afraid, I am not alone. completion of the Kingdom. And we You hold me in Your hands and will not let me go.

Though the waters rise and though the winds may blow, are called to bear witness. We are I will not be afraid, for I am not alone. called to share in the process of — Pamela Martin change. We are called to build the Kingdom. And we are united in purpose and direction because God took a moment to change the world. Amen.

In the emptiness of silence when the world has turned away; Beneath the weight of sorrow when I can no longer pray; In the wilderness of worry, in the desert of despair; In the never-ending darkness when it seems that no one cares, I am not afraid, I am not alone.

You hold me in Your hands and will not let me go.

Though thepacem waters rise and though the winds may blow, Dona nobis IEtwill not be for I am not alone. in terra paxafraid, hominibus

Holy Father, Guide me on this journey. Give me the courage to take these moments that you have given and build your Kingdom. Change the world inside of me so that I can be an effective tool to change the world around me. May all things be done for your glory and for your purpose.

Amen.

— Robert Norris

Hymn Meditation: “Take Up Your Cross” (click on title to listen)

I will have to admit that I am completely fascinated with crosses. I think that they are truly beautiful. Over the years, I have collected quite a number of crosses.

One of my best friends really hates crosses and cannot imagine why such a brutal and hateful thing has come to represent a loving and merciful Savior. He would much prefer using the symbol of a fish, or the trinity rings, or a chalice, etc… And we have had many debates on the topic over the years.

Jesus Christ came, not only to save the world, but to transform it. Water was changed to wine. The sick and blind were transformed into whole and healthy people. Even the dead were transformed into the living. Christ challenged the way we see creation. He challenged the way we thought about widows and orphans and those trapped in poverty. He transformed fishermen into Take up your cross, the Savior said, preachers, and transformed skeptics into true believers. If you would my disciple be; Take up your cross with willing heart, You might even say that he was in the very business of And humbly follow after me. transforming lives. And he is still in that business today.

So, the God who transforms also has the power to Take up your cross; let not its weight Fill your weak spirit with alarm; transform this image of hate and shame into an image of Christ’s strength shall bear your spirit up mercy, love, and grace — the cross.

And brace your heart and nerve your arm.

“What you meant for evil, God intended for good.”

Take up your cross; heed not the shame, Genesis 50:20 And let your foolish pride be still; If God has the power to transform the cross, then The Lord for you accepted death what can he do with a life? I believe the cross is such a Upon a cross, on Calvary’s hill. thing of beauty because it was once so very ugly, but touched by Loving Hands and transformed. And when Take up you cross, then, in Christ’s strength, And calmly every danger brave: we are touched by those same hands, we are never the It guides you to abundant life same. We too are transformed.

And leads to victory o’er the grave.

—Robert Norris

— Charles William Everest, 1833

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Hymn Meditation: “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”

(click on title to listen)

In the years following the Civil War and the birth of the Industrial Revolution, the social gospel emerged. Washington Gladden (1838-1918) was one of the most distinguished clergymen of his era and a leader in the social gospel movement.

This hymn was published in 1879 in three eight-line stanzas in Sunday Afternoon, a magazine prepared by the author, under the title “Walking with God.” C.H. Richards discovered the poem and included it in his 1880 hymnal, Christian Praise. The stanzas were placed into four four-line stanzas and paired O master let me walk with thee with the durable Victorian tune MARYTON. The hymn has In lowly paths of service free; Tell me thy secret; help me bear become one of the most significant devotional hymns of The strain of toil, the fret of care. this era.

The hymn addresses Christ as “Master” both at the beHelp me the slow of heart to move ginning of stanza one and end of stanza four. The more By some clear, winning word of love; Teach me the wayward feet to stay, commonly used reference to Christ, “Lord,” indicates a And guide them in the homeward way. relationship of a feudal noble to a vassal, while “Master” perhaps implies more of a reciprocal respect between a Teach me thy patience, still with thee teacher and disciple.

In closer, dearer company, In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, Throughout the remaining stanzas, the singer makes In trust that triumphs over wrong. several petitions to the Master. In stanza one, we petition for the privilege of walking with Christ “in lowly paths of In hope that sends a shining ray service.” We want to understand the “secret” of how we, Far down the future’s broadening way; as we serve Christ and others, can “bear the strain of toil, In peace that only thou canst give, With thee, O Master, let me live. the fret of care.”

—Washington Gladden, 1879 In stanza two, we petition Christ for sensitivity toward “the slow of heart”—those who do not recognize the wisdom offered by the Master. We ask to be taught how to guide those with “wayward feet” along “the homeward way.”

Stanza three turns inward, as we request to be taught “thy patience” so that we may dwell with Christ “in closer, dearer company.” Our labor will maintain a “faith [that is] sweet and strong” and our “trust” in the Master will help us “triumph... over wrong.”

In the final stanza, we look “far down the future’s broadening way” with “hope” and therefore have “peace” that only the Master “canst give” when we dwell with him.

Gladden was a native of Pennsylvania, and served churches in New York and Massachusetts before accepting a call to First Congregational Church, Columbus, Ohio, a parish he served for 32 years. Educated at Owego Academy and Williams College, he was the moderator of the National Council of Congregational Churches from 1904-1907. He served as one of the editors of the Pilgrim Hymnal(1904).

As editor of the Independent, he made important contributions to the cause of social justice.

While a pastor in Massachusetts, Gladden began preaching about labor-management problems, encouraging cooperation between employers and employees.

This theme aroused opposition from those who felt the role of a minister was “to save souls, not to regulate business.” Furthermore, he challenged the idea that the Bible was inerrant in matters of science and history.

From the Ohio pulpit, Gladden found willing listeners to his message at the State University of Columbus. He received invitations to deliver lectures at a number of universities including the Yale Divinity School. His tracts, Social Facts and Forces (1897) and Organized Labor and Capital (1904), were very influential.

Perhaps this hymn is a paradox. Few singers realize that behind the relatively peaceful words of Gladden’s poem, sung to a placid Victorian melody, one can find the witness of a champion for social justice.

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Sunday, February 23 Transfiguration Dona nobis pacem Et in terra pax hominibus Bonae Sixvoluntatis days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by

Mark 9:2-13

themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on

Give us peace. earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then And on earth peace to all of good will

Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it—Traditional is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.”

Hymn Meditation: “Jesus, Light of Joy” (click on title to listen) The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are at the heart of the Christian gospel, and Good Friday and Easter are two of the most significant celebrations of the Christian year. Lent is a season of preparation and repentance during which we anticipate Good Friday and Easter. Just as we carefully prepare for big events in our personal lives, such as a wedding or commencement, Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus' passion and celebrating Jesus' resurrection.

The practice of a forty-day preparation period began in the Christian church during the third and fourth centuries. The number forty carries biblical significance based on the forty years Israel spent in the wilderness and Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness. The forty days of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday and continue through holy week, not counting Sundays (which are reserved for celebratory worship). In practice, many congregations choose to focus Sunday worship on the themes of repentance and renewal.

As a period of preparation, Lent has historically included the instruction of persons for baptism and profession of faith on Easter Sunday; the calling “Transfiguration” by Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov, 1824 back of those who have

16 Jesus, light of joy, surround us; Let you splendid glory shine: Source of every earthly blessing, Heaven’s everlasting sign.

Alleluia, alleluia, We adore you, light divine.

Now the shadows fall around us; Now the evening has begun: Still your gracious light is with us, Brighter than the morning sun.

Alleluia, alleluia, God of glory, Three-in-One. With the saints we lift our voices, God of power, God of might.

All creation shines with glory, Singing praises day and night: Alleluia, alleluia, Holy, holy, holy light.

Abide with us, till when this life Of suffering shall be past, An Easter of unending joy We may attain at last.

become estranged from the church; and efforts by all Christians to deepen their piety, devotion, and readiness to mark the death and resurrection of their Savior. As such, the primary focus of the season is to explore and deepen a "baptismal spirituality" that centers on our union with Christ rather than to function only as an extended meditation on Christ's suffering and death. would pray and meditate and often write hymns as he walked.

He wrote this hymn while battling tuberculosis at age 30.

He died later that same year.

“Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation.

O my soul praise Him, for He is Thy health and Salvation.”

—from “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert J. Morgan

Anthem Meditation: “Pacem”

Blessed are the peacemakers.

Are you a peace maker or a — David Gambrell, 2009 peace lover? Perhaps you are wondering, “What’s the differ-

Dona, dona nobis pacem.

Et in terra pax hominibus Bonae voluntatis

ence?”

(Lord, give us peace and on A “peacemaker” is someone who works for peace, even when it is unpopular and costly. On the other hand, a “peace lover” is earth to all of good will.) someone who wants, “peace at any price”. Peacemakers look beyond the presenting conflict. They want to know what is causing the war or fight. They are looking for ways to achieve lasting friendship and harmony. Often, this involves addressing issues of injustice and oppression.

In contrast, peace lovers don’t like confrontation. They don’t want to address awkward or difficult issues. They especially don’t like feeling uncomfortable or challenging others. The risk for them in pursuing real peace is that it might be costly. They might even get involved with people and feel their pain. They may get hurt in the process of seeking lasting solutions.

They prefer to cover over problems and hope that they will go away.

James describes “peacemakers” as being like farmers who are sowing seed for a harvest. This requires time and patience. But the outcome is a “harvest of righteousness”. This describes a life of peace and justice for both individuals and society. The Hebrew word for this is “shalom”. It is more than the absence of conflict. It is a deep seated connection and harmony between people, the creation and the Creator. The prophet Isaiah describes it as a setting in which, “the wolf and the lamb will feed together” (Isaiah 65:25) The theologian, William Barclay is a preacher and writer of some note in the Church of Scotland. In part, here is what he said about this beatitude: "The blessing is on the peacemakers not necessarily on the peace-lovers. It very often happens that if a person loves

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17 peace in the wrong way, he succeeds in making trouble and not peace. We may, for instance, allow a threatening and dangerous situation to develop and our defense is that for peace's sake we do not want to take any action. There is many a person who thinks he is loving peace, when in fact he is piling up trouble for the future, because he refuses to face the situation and to take the action which the situation demands. The peace which the bible calls blessed does not come from the evasion of issues; it comes from facing them, dealing with them and conquering them. What Dona pacem demands is not the passive acceptance of things because we are afraid of the this nobis beatitude Ettrouble in terra pax hominibus of doing anything about them, but the active facing of things and the making of peace Bonae evenvoluntatis when the way to peace is through struggle" (Daily Bible Study, Matthew, I, Westminster Press).

Give us peace.

And on earth peace to all of good will

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

—Traditional

Hymn Meditation: “Christ Whose Glories Fill the Skies” (click title to listen) Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday Transfiguration Sunday is the last Sunday of Epiphany — when Christ “reveals” himself to humans. This marks an important time when Christ reveals himself as the Son of God. The word Transfiguration means a changing of appearance or form. In Christianity The Transfiguration is a miraculous event in the Synoptic Gospel accounts of Jesus (Matthew 17:1–6, Mark 9:1–8, Luke 9:28–36): Jesus led three of his apostles, Peter, John, and James, to pray at the top of a mountain, where he became transfigured, with his face shining like the sun, and with brilliant white clothes; Elijah and Moses appeared with Jesus, and talked with him, and then a bright cloud appeared overhead, and a voice from the cloud proclaimed, "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him." According to Luke, Moses and Elijah also appeared in "glorious splendor", and Jesus spoke with them concerning his upcoming death.

Moses and Elijah have been interpreted to represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively, recognizing and adoring Jesus, and speaking of how his upcoming Christ, whose glory fills the skies; death and resurrection would fulfill the Law and the Prophets.

Christ the true, the only light; This event was one of the Sun of Righteousness, arise; “Moses” by Michelangelo main “Epiphanies” of Christ, Triumph o’er the shades of night; when he made himself known, Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar, in my heart appear. not only as Christ the anointed teacher, but as the very Son of God. “The Son is in God’s likeness, in glory and in brightness, in Dark and cheerless is the morn high authority.” Just as at His baptism, the voice of God is heard Unaccompanied by thee ; declaring, “This is My Beloved Son.” Joyless is the day’s return

Till thy mercy’s beam I see; (Side Note: In art, Moses is usually depicted with horns coming Till they inward light impart, Cheer my eyes and warm my heart. from his forehead. While this may be disturbing for some, the reaVisit then this soul of mine; Pierce the gloom of sin and grief; Fill me, radiancy divine; Scatter all my unbelief; More and more thyself display, Shining to the perfect day

— Charles Wesley

son is simple and even comical — based on a mistranslation of the Old Testament story of Moses and the 10 commandments. In an ancient translation, instead of Moses returning from the mountain with his face shinning with ‘beams of light’, Moses returned with ‘horns of light.’)

Hymn Meditation: Arise Your Light Is Come

Arise, your light is come!

The Spirit’s call obey; Show forth the glory of your God, Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord Which shines on you today. rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1 Arise, your light is come!

Fling wide the prison door; Proclaim the captives’ liberty, Throughout the book of John, Jesus refers to Himself as Good tidings to the poor. “the Light of the world.” This Light, by miraculous means, entered the world and forever changed it. We are to allow this Arise, your light is come!

All you in sorrow born, Light to consume us, renew us, and transform us from the inBind up the broken-hearted ones side out, so that we might lead lives that proclaim the name And comfort those who mourn. of Jesus and the glory of God. Arise, your light is come!

In the hustle and bustle of our ordinary lives, it is all too easy The mountains burst in song! to lose sight of the people, possessions, or opportunities with Rise up like eagles on the wing; which we have been blessed. Regardless of the stress of work God’s power will make us strong. or school, financial or familial situations, let us allow ourselves — Ruth Duck, 1974 to be poured into by God and His word, as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that we may pour into others, both strangers and friends, as we are filled to the brim with God’s love, peace, hope, and grace in accordance with Romans 15:13, which reads, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Even amidst the toughest of times, we have so much to be thankful for. Even the breath in our lungs is enough reason to fall humbly before our God. May we keep our eyes fixed on our Heavenly Father, trusting the Light that defeated darkness. May we be led to love and help the poor, the brokenhearted, and the lost. Let us dwell in the blessings that Christ has provided for us and relish in all that He has done for us and through us. May we keep this passage from Matthew 5:16 fresh on our minds and close to our hearts: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Marie Galvan, “College Station Devotional”

“Alpha and Omega” from Trinity chair: God the Father “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8 Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. It is a symbol of God’s omnipresence—He is in the beginning and in the end.

The three chairs in the pulpit area represent the Trinity. This is the middle chair, representing God the Father