Tapestry November 2016

A Worship Magazine

Easley Presbyterian Church

Easley, SC

Nov. 2016

Vol. 2 Issue 6

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

All Saints Day All Saints' Day began as a day to honor Christians their lives in the process.. who were martyred in the Roman persecutions. 4. Spend the day with your family watching movies Over time, it has been or documentaries about saints. transformed into an opporYou can find them at the library, or tunity to honor all departed even online.

Christians. In The Presbyteri5. Help to continue the work startan Church, it is a day of ed by a saint. Look for a charity remembrance for the that speaks to you or reminds you saints, with the New Testaof a loved one and contact the ment meaning of all Chriscoordinator. Ask if there are any tians of every time and volunteer opportunities or any othplace. In many local er way in which you can help. churches, All Saints' Day 6. Donate to charities in honor of serves as the congregathe person who has had the most tion's "memorial day," positive influence in your life. You where the names and lives can donate money, food or of departed members and goods. friends who died in the past 7. Pass the lesson on. Teach others year are remembered. what you have learned from the Honor Saints on All Saints people who have touched your Day. Here are some ideas life. The stories will be especially for honoring those Saints in helpful for children who need role you own life: models.

1.Attend a church service.

8. Light candles in honor of someThe readings and hymns one who was a positive force in are specially chosen for this your life. Prepare a table in a safe day and they focus on corner of your house, place a few those in the Bible who have pictures of your loved one on the shown faith in God. table and light some candles and 2.Read books about saints. quietly reflect on their lives, how Before they were called they have touched you, and how This tapestry from the Cathedral of Our Lady of saints, they were regular the Angels was woven in Belgium using Egyptian you can touch others in the name people dealing with every- cotton and digital files from the artist, John Nava. of Christ.

What's so lovely about the tapestry is that recog- 9. Spend the day in reflection. day life. Many books have nized, canonized saints are side by side with some been written to show the unknown saints, ordinary people.

Think about the lives of the saints kind of struggles they had you know, the problems they ento deal with. countered and how they solved 3. Read sections of the Bible containing stories of them. Also think about what effects their achievesaints. The books of the Old and New Testament ments may have had on your walk with Christ, and contain stories of people who fought great odds to how you may like to apply their life lessons to your follow God's word and keep their faith, often losing own life.

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Sunday, November 6 All Saint’s Sunday Matthew 17:1-13

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Detail of tapestry “Communion of the Saints” by John Nava, combining historic saints of the church with everyday contemporary believers.

Hymn Meditation: The Church’s One Foundation (click title to listen)

“Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.” Ephesians 5:23 In 1866, Pastor Samuel Stone desired to write a hymn that would reaffirm the Lordship of Christ as the foundaiton of the church. Stone was described as the poor man’s pastor. He demonstrated his firm belief that the church was the instrument of Christ for meeting the

The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.

She is his new creation by water and the word. needs of people. The “church” is a group From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride. of people who are called out from the With his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died. world by God Himself. The church consists Elect from every nations, yet one o’er all the earth, of people who meet regulalrly for worship, Her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth, inspiration, instruction, and fellowship. After One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, that, Christ our Head sends His own back And to one hope she presses, with every grace endued. into the world to represent Him and to Though with a scornful wonder this world sees her oppressed, model His love for all mankind. Give thanks By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, Yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up: “How long?” to God for your local church as well as for And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song. fellow-believers of the Church universal throughout the world. Let us reaffirm our Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war, She waits the consummation of peace forevermore: conviction in Christ as the head of the Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest, church as we sing this musical truth — “The And the great church victorious shall be the church at rest. church’s one foundaiton is Jesus Christ her Yet she on earth has union with God, the Three in one, Lord; with His own blood He bought her, And mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won: O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, and for her life he died.”

Like them the meek and lowly, may live eternally.

—Samuel John Stone, 1866

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Prayer Response : “Jesus, Remember Me” (click title to listen)

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”

And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with “Jesus, remember me, Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43 when you come into your kingdom.”

Hymn Meditation: “O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright” (click title to listen) God's Glory Revealed When Peter, James, and John accompany Jesus up the mountain, the sight of him transfigured fills their eyes. They hear the voice of God declaring, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" This comes just after Peter's declaration, "You are the Messiah" (Mark 8:29).

On the night of his arrest, Jesus again calls Peter, James, and John to accompany him. But when Jesus is arrested, the disciples flee. How can they turn from Jesus after having witnessed the transfiguration?

O splendor of God’s glory bright, From light eternal bringing light; O Light of Light, light’s living spring, True Day, all days illumining.

“The Transfiguration” Giovanni Bellini, 1480

Yet how many times do we experience the reality of God's glory in our lives, only to struggle when confronted with reallife fears and temptations?

Come, Holy Sun of heavenly love, Some of my friends have just returned from a great weekRain down your radiance from above, end retreat experience. Many times in the years since my atAnd to our inward hearts convey tending that same inspiring retreat, I have forgotten -- even The Holy Spirit’s cloudless ray. denied -- Christ by failing to follow him.

O joyful be the passing day Despite the failure of the disciples to stay with Jesus, the With thoughts as clear as morning’s ray, great news is that God responds to their failures with another With faith like noontide shining bright, Our souls unshadowed by the night. display of glory: a white-robed "young man" proclaims that Jesus is alive and goes ahead of them. In the face of dismal O Lord, with each returning morn, Your image to our hearts is born; human shortcomings, God's glory and grace shine forth to O may we ever clearly view heal, reconcile, and restore.

Our Savior and our God in you.  Lynne Lepley (North Carolina, U.S.A.) Upper Room, —Ambrose of Milan , 374  February 22, 2004

4 Prayer: Gracious God, forgive us for failing to live as those who have witnessed your glory.

Help us see the glorious gift of your love and grace. Amen.

For all the saints, who from their labors rest, Who thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; Thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; Thou in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Hymn Meditation: “For All the Saints”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, Who are the Saints of God? Every believer And win with them the victor's crown of gold. whom God has called by His grace and sanctified Alleluia, Alleluia!

by His Spirit has been called to sainthood.

O blest communion, fellowship divine!

Bishop William W. How wrote the text of “For All We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; the Saints” in 1864, for use in the Anglican church Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. liturgy commemorating All Saints Day. It was Alleluia, Alleluia! originally titled “Saints Day Hymn - Cloud of And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, Witnesses - Hebrews 12:1” How do we best honor Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, the memory of loved ones and friends who have And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. contributed to our lives? By rededicating our own Alleluia, Alleluia! life to God, obeying Him implicitly, and reaching From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, out to the needs of others. We should be thankful Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, for the memories of those believers from our local Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: church who were called home during this past Alleluia, Alleluia!

— William W. How, 1864 year. We should be thankful for their influence in our lives - directing us to God, tutoring us in truth, and modeling the virtues of the Christian life.

In preparation for this All Saints Day Service, let us take a moment to recall the various individuals who have especially influenced our lives for God. Let us breathe a prayer of thanks for their memory.

For all the saints who from their labors rest, who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest: Alleluia! Alleluia!

5 Celebrating the Saints “Remember

your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” -Heb. 13:7

I was raised in a denomination that didn't celebrate All Saints' Day. Later, I was introduced to what has become a celebration I look forward to each year.

The pastor at our church said he loved All Saints' Day because it is a good time to reflect on all the saints who have gone before us and those who have made an everlasting impact on our lives. Instead of preaching, he held one of the most memorable services I have ever experienced. He put unlit candles on the altar and invited the congregation to come forward and light a candle in honor of the "saints" in their lives.

I loved hearing my friends one by one gratefully share the names of their saints with the rest of us. Even though I might not know the people they name, I appreciate them and love them for being a part of my friends' lives. And I realize that no matter what beliefs we have, we can each point to specific people in our lives who have nurtured us in our faith, stood by us, “Light in the Darkness” Robert Norris, 2008 and helped us navigate through life. In the same way that my own saints helped to guide me, I hope that I have been and will be a guide to someone else.

— Joanne Hirase-Stacey (Idaho, USA) Prayer: God, thank you for those who teach us well and help us learn to follow you. Help us to support, encourage, and guide others in this same way. Amen.

(From Upper Room Daily Devotions)

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Sunday, November 13 Healing

Matthew 17:14-27

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

17 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” [21] [a] 22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Manis going to be delivered into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”

25 “Yes, he does,” he replied.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes— from their own children or from others?”

26 “From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Jan van Eyck, from Ghent Altarpiece

Hymn Meditation: “Praise the Lord! God’s Glories Show” (click title to listen) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6 THE lake was glimmering as I took my morning stroll in sight of autumn leaves in brilliant colors. The birds were chirping as if they were praising God, and puffy clouds were making their way across a bright blue sky.

But at the moment, I didn't find joy in nature's signs of praise. I was burdened with

7 Praise the Lord! God’s glories show, Alleluia!

Saints within God’s courts below, Alleluia!

Angels round the throne above, Alleluia!

All who see and share God’s love. Alleluia!

Earth to heaven exalt the strain, Alleluia!

Send it, heaven, to earth again, Alleluia!

Age to age, God’s mercies trace, Alleluia!

Praise God’s providence and grace! Alleluia!

many thoughts. I was concerned about my future now that I was retired. I wondered if we should move closer to our children and grandchildren. I worried about brokenness in the family circle. I fretted over people who were ill. I feared for our nation and our world.

Then what seemed to be a clear voice came to me, saying, "Why don't you praise me?"

Strings and voices, hands and hearts, Alleluia!

In the concert, bear your parts, Alleluia!

All the breathes, your Lord adore, Alleluia!

Singing praise forevermore, Alleluia!

I thought, Lord, is that you? I began to praise God. For the rest of my walk, I praised God for life, for every breath. I praised God for my children, my grandchil— Henry Francis Lyte, 1836 dren, and my wife of 50 years. I praised God for my church family, for people to love.

When I completed my walk and prepared to enter my home, I sang, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below."* I had cast my burdens on the Lord, and the Lord had sustained me.

Woody A. Adams (North Carolina, U.S.A.) Prayer: O God, we praise you in all circumstances, so that Hush, hush, somebody’s callin’ my name.

Hush. Somebody’s callin’ my name. our spirits may be renewed. Amen.

Hush, hush, somebody’s callin’ my name.

O, my Lord, o, my Lord, what shall I do?

Anthem Meditation: “Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name”

I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always.

I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always.

I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always.

O, my Lord, o, my Lord, what shall I do?

(click title to listen) The LORD said,

I’m so glad I got my ‘ligion in time.

“Go out and stand on the mountain in I’m so glad I got my ‘ligion in time. the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass I’m so glad I got my ‘ligion in time.

O, my Lord, o, my Lord, what shall I do? by.”

Then a great and I’m so glad. I’m gonna follow my Lord. p o w e r f u l I’m so glad. I’m gonna follow my Lord. wind tore the I’m so glad. I’m gonna follow my Lord. mountains apart O, my Lord, o, my Lord, what shall I do? and shatHush, hush, somebody’s callin’ my name. tered the rocks Hush. Somebody’s callin’ my name. before the LORD, Hush, hush, somebody’s callin’ my name. but the LORD was O, my Lord, o, my Lord, what shall I do?

— Traditional Spiritual not in the wind.

After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. — 1 Kings 19:11-13

We have had some powerful storms the last several nights. It certainly gets your attention! A storm would certainly be an extraordinary way for God to call us out of our ordinary lives that distract us from

8 following him. But in this story, God is not in the storm, or the earthquake, or the fire. God is in the whisper.

And that is remarkable.

There is also an amazing power in speaking a person’s name. It says that you know them. To know someone by name, implies that you know about them and care enough to learn more. The story does not tell us what the whisper said, but something made it clear to Elijah that God was in the still, small voice. Perhaps it was the whisper of his name.

Listen. Really listen. Can you hear the whisper?

Lord, you have called us.

Lord, you have called us by our name.

Lord, you have whispered.

Lord, you have called us in Your name.

Lord, we come to your table. Fill us.

Clear the clutter and noise from our lives so that we can more clearly hear and respond to your most powerful and loving whisper.

Amen.

Hymn Meditation: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”

(click title to listen)

But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s suffering, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:13 In the early 1830s, Lowell Mason moved to Boston from Savannah, where he had worked in a bank while directing church choirs on the side. In relocating to Boston, he wanted to focus exclusively on his musical interests. Soon he was directing three choirs, publishing hymns, compiling a songbook, and trying to get music education in the Boston public schools.

While in Boston, he met Ray Palmer, a young ministerial student. Palmer shared a personal devotional poem he had My faith looks up to thee, While life’s dark maze I tread written. “The words for Thou Lamb of Calvary, And griefs around me spread, these stanzas were born Savior divine!

Be thou my guide; out of my own soul with Now hear me while I pray; Bid darkness turn to day; very little effort.” I recall Take all my guilt away; Wipe sorrow’s tears away; O let me from this day be wholly thine!

Nor let me ever stray that I wrote the verses From thee aside. with tender emotion.

May thy rich grace impart There was not the slightStrength to my fainting heart, When ends life’s transient dream, est thought of writing My zeal inspire; When death’s cold sullen stream for another eye, least of As thou hast died for me, Shall o’er me roll; all writing a hymn for O may my love to thee Blest Savior, then, in love, Christian worship.”

Pure, warm, and changless be, Fear and distrust remove; After reading the poA living fire!

O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!

—Ray Palmer, 1830 em, Mason quickly copied down the text, went home, poured over this poem, and hammered out the perfect tune for it.

9 More love to thee, O Christ, more love to thee!

Hear thou the prayer I make on bended knee.

This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to thee; More love to thee, more love to thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; Now thee alone I seek, give what is best.

This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee; More love to thee, more love to thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief and pain; Sweet are thy messengers, sweet their refrain, When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to thee; More love to thee, more love to thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper thy praise; This be the parting cry my heart shall raise; This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee; More love to thee, more love to thee!

— Elizabeth Prentiss

Mr. Palmer went on to do many great things and write many more hymns, but this text will forever be known as his greatest gift to the church.

—-Robert J. Morgan “Then Sings My Soul.”

Hymn Meditation: “More Love to Thee, O Christ” (click title to listen)

“And this is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” Phil. 1:9-11 To love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul … out in the woods, and on my bed, and out driving, … the whisper keeps going up for more love, more love, more love!

These were the words of Elizabeth Prentiss, wife of a Presbyterian minister and author of this hymn text. She was often described by her many friends as “a very bright-eyed little woman with a keen sense of humor, who cared more to shine in her own happy household than a wide circle of society.” Although Elizabeth was strong in spirit, she was frail in body. Throughout her life, she was almost an invalid, scarcely knowing a moment free of pain.

“More Love to Thee” was written by Mrs. Prentiss during a time of great personal sorrow, following the loss of two children in a short period of time. During this period of grief, Mrs. Prentiss began meditating upon the story of Jacob in the Old Testament. She noted how God met him in a very special way during his moments of sorrow. Elizabeth prayed earnestly that she too might have a similar experience. While she was meditating and praying one evening, these four stanzas were born — words that have since become a universal prayer for devout believers everywhere: “This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ to Thee, more love to Thee, more love to Thee!

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Sunday, November 20 Christ the King Sunday Thanksgiving Sunday Matthew 18:1-14

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.[11] [a] 12 (click title to listen) “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills “Let us come before His presence with and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the with psalms.” Psalm 95:2 ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father The first American Thanksgiving was in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. decreed by Governor Bradford in 1621 to commemorate the Pilgrims’ harvest.

Later George Washington proFor the Lord our God shall come, claimed November 26, 1789, as Come, ye thankful people, come, Raise the song of harvest home; And shall take the harvest home; a national day of thanksgiving, All is safely gathered in, From the field shall in that day but the holiday was not repeat- Ere the winter storms begin.

All offenses purge away, ed on a national basis until God our Maker doth provide Giving angels charge at last Abraham Lincoln named it a For our wants to be supplied; In the fire the tares to cast; national Harvest Festival on No- Come to God's own temple, come, But the fruitful ears to store In the garner evermore. vember 26, 1861. After that Raise the song of harvest home. time, the holiday was pro- All the world is God's own field, Even so, Lord, quickly come, claimed annually by the Presi- Fruit as praise to God we yield; Bring thy final harvest home; dent and the governors of Wheat and tares together sown Gather thou thy people in, each state. Finally in 1941, Con- Are to joy or sorrow grown; Free from sorrow, free from sin, There, forever purified, gress passed a bill naming the First the blade and then the ear, In thy presence to abide; fourth Thursday of November Then the full corn shall appear; Lord of harvest, grant that we Come, with all thine angels, come, as Thanksgiving Day. Wholesome grain and pure may be.

Raise the glorious harvest home.

Henry Alford was born Octo-

Hymn: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

— Henry Alford

16 ber 7, 1810, in the Bloomsbury area of London. Henry was a powerful preacher and a brilliant scholar. He served in a small parish in Wymeswold for over 18 years before taking an appointment to a large church in London. While in Wymeswold, he wrote many hymns for use in worship at his small parish.

“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” was written for the English Harvest Festival, the British version of the American Thanksgiving holiday.

The first stanza of this harvest hymn is an invitation and exhortation to give thanks to God in his earthly temple for the heavenly care and provision of our earthly needs. The following two stanzas are a reference to the parable of the Wheat and Tares from Matthew 13:2443. The final stanza is a prayer for the Lord’s return — the “final harvest home.”

Anthem Meditation: “All Thy Gifts of Love” (click title to listen) Thanksgiving Tradition Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. -Hebrews 13:7 (NRSV) I am not sure when the tradition began for our family. We stand around the Thanksgiving table, holding hands. Nourishing foods are spread out on For food in a world where many walk in hunger, the table; aromas fill the room. Yet no one sits down.

For peace in a world where many walk in fear, The question is asked, "Who isn't with us today?"

For friends in a world where many walk alone, The names of people who are not able to join us are We give you thanks, O God. spoken. All those around the table are free to speak For health in a world where many walk in sickness, the name of anyone they miss, anyone who has For joy in a world where many walk in grief, touched their lives. Some named are family, friends, For friends in a world where many walk alone, teachers, pastors, and neighbors. Our tradition also We give you thanks, O God. encourages us to name those who have touched For love in a world where many walk in anger, our lives but are now in the presence of the Lord.

Light in a world where many walk in darkness, Often there are tears of thanksgiving for what Friends in a world where many walk alone, these people have added to our journeys through We give you thanks, O God. life. Each one has been a gift of grace from God. For these and all the many things unspoken, Gratitude fills our hearts.

For gifts unknown or, as of yet unseen.

Who has had an impact on your life? Why not For these and all thy gifts of love, begin today to offer thanks to God for that person?

We give thee thanks, O God. — Diocese of Huron and D. Brunner To speak the name at this season's celebration gives witness to another's life of faith, which is God's gift to

17 you.

—Viola Ruelke Gommer (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.)

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for those who touch our lives. Help us to touch the lives of others with your love. Amen. (From Upper Room Nov. 27, 2003)

Hymn: “Now Thank We All Our God” (click title to listen)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:35,37 Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices, From some of the severest human sufferings imaginable during the Who wondrous things has done, 30 Years’ War of 1618-1684 - a war that has been described as the In whom this world rejoices; most devastating in all history - this great hymn of the church was Who from our mothers' arms born.

Has blessed us on our way Martin Rinkart was called at the age of 31 to pastor the state With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.

Lutheran church in his native city of Eilenberg, Germany. He arrived there just as the dreadful bloodshed of the 30 Year’s War began, and O may this bounteous God there Rinkart spent the remaining 32 years of his life faithfully Through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts ministering to these needy people.

And blessed peace to cheer us; Germany, the battleground of this conflict between warring And keep us still in grace, Catholic and Protestant forces from various countries throughout And guide us when perplexed; Europe, was reduced to a state of misery that baffles description. The And free us from all ills, In this world and the next.

German population dwindled from 16 million to 6 million. Because Eilenberg was a walled city, it became a frightfully over-crowded All praise and thanks to God refuge for political and military fugitives from far and near.

The Father now be given; Throughout these war years several waves of deadly diseases and The Son, and him who reigns With them in highest heaven; famines swept the city, as the various armies marched through the The one eternal God, town, leaving death and destruction in their wake. The plague of Whom earth and heaven adore; 1637 was particularly severe. At its height Rinkart was the only minister For thus it was, is now, remaining to care for the sick and dying. Martin Rinkart’s triumphant, And shall be evermore.

— Martin Rinkart personal expressions of gratitude and confidence in God confirm for each of us this truth taught in Scripture, that as God’s children, we too can be “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

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Hymn: “Come, Thou Almighty King” (click title to listen)

“ Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord Almighty — He is the King of glory.”

Psalm 24:9-10 Come, thou almighty King, The doctrine of the Trinity help us thy name to sing, has been controversial help us to praise!

Father all glorious, since the earliest days of o'er all victorious, Christianity. In AD 325, the come and reign over us, Council of Nicaea affirmed Ancient of Days! its belief in the Triune GodCome, thou incarnate Word, head. During the 16th cengird on thy mighty sword, tury Reformation period, it our prayer attend!

Come, and thy people bless, was again denied by the and give thy word success, Socinians. And still today, Spirit of holiness, on us descend! many theologians deny the Come, holy Comforter, doctrine. thy sacred witness bear This familiar Trinity hymn is in this glad hour.

Thou who almighty art, also one of our most popunow rule in every heart, lar hymns for Sunday mornand ne'er from us depart, ing worship services. It apSpirit of power! peared anonymously in To thee, great One in Three, England in about 1757 to eternal praises be, commemorate Trinity Sunhence, evermore.

Thy sovereign majesty day. It has been attributed may we in glory see, by some to Charles Wesley and to eternity love and adore!

— Anonymous since it first appeared in a pamphlet published by John Wesley.

This is a hymn that must always be sung with all four stanzas. To omit any of the first three would be to slight one of the members of the Godhead. The final stanza is a grand affirmation of the mysterious doctrine of the Trinity, that God is One yet Three and ever worthy of our love and adoration.

— Kenneth W. Osbeck, “Amazing Grace”

2119

Church Music: “Gather ‘Round the Thanksgiving Table” In their book The Voice of Our Congregation, Terry York and David Bolin compare church music to the Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Norman Rockwell painted a series on freedoms. In his Freedom From Want, he paints a Thanksgiving scene.

The turkey is placed on the table and everyone’s face is smiling with the anticipation, we suppose, for the feast about to be eaten.

But a careful look at the Rockwell painting shows the subject is not food at all. The faces, with the exception of two figures setting the turkey on the table, are not looking at the dishes but at one another. The joy of the feast is in community — generations united by stories, dreams, and laughter — the fruit of freedom.

Tables are for community.

Some of our Lord’s greatest lessons were in the context of a meal. The feeding of the five thousand was one occasion. The miracle had nothing to do with the taste of the fish, but everything with people and their needs being met.

Worship, like a good meal, is an exercise in Christian community. Every congregation can be just as picky in their musical tastes as in their dining. Life experiences have brought a variety of musical tastes to the table. Some musical dishes are full of old favorites — comfort food, if

you will. Others are new recipes with strange spices from around the world. Some may love the carrots, but will pass on the green beans, but everyone should be fed. And as our mothers have always done, everyone should be encouraged to try new dishes.

Just like the Thanksgiving meal, the worship service has been lovingly prepared with the very best of all that we have. If you do not care for the broccoli, pass it along and be grateful that someone else at the table is being well-fed. When the mashed potatoes get passed, dig in and be grateful. When the paprika corn soufflé is passed, don’t just say “We’ve never had corn that way for Thanksgiving,” try it. You might find the new flavor very appealing.

Let’s take a look at that painting again. See the grandparents placing the turkey on the table? Well, that’s you and me — the worship leaders (and that includes the choir) should always be working to provide the very best of a variety of dishes to serve our family (the congregation).

Like the painting, the focus of the gathering should not be about the food or the music. It should be about being with family and enjoying the company.

This season, the choir and congregation will be singing a wide variety of musical styles. These songs may not appeal to everyone, but it is the intension that everyone is feed a well-prepared and healthy meal.

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Sunday, November 27 First Sunday of Advent Hymn Meditation: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (click title to listen) Anticipation is a necessary and important part of every believer’s life. In Old Testament times the people anxiously awaited a Messianic Kingdom.

Today we should be waiting with the same urgent expectancy as did the Israelites of old. But our anticipation is the Lord’s second advent - when victory over sin and death will be complete and final.

The Old Testament prophecies were very specific concerning Come, thou long-expected Jesus, our Lord’s first advent. The prophets gave the exact location of Born to set thy people free; his birth (Micah 5:2) as well as the sign that He would be virgin From our fears and sins release us; born (Isaiah 7:14). Likewise the New Testament gives clear Let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, instructions regarding the second advent: “There will be signs in Hope of all the earth thou art; the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth Dear desire of every nation, distress of nations ... and when these things begin to come to Joy of every longing heart. pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption Born thy people to deliver, draweth near” (Luke 21:25-28).

Born a child and yet a king, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” is another of the more Born to reign in us forever, than 6,500 hymns written by Charles Wesley. It was first published Now thy gracious kingdom bring. in 1744 in a small collection of 18 poems tittles Hymns for the By thin own eternal Spirit Nativity of Our Lord. The vibrant HYFRYDOL tune was composed Rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all-sufficient merit by a 20-year- Raise us to thy glorious throne. old Welshman, — Charles Wesley, 1744 Rowland H. Prichard, in about 1830. The tune means “good Cheer.” It has been used with many of our popular hymn texts.

Just as Christ’s birth 2,000 years ago dramatically changed the course of human history, so will the return of our Lord as the King of kings. With the saints of the ages we pray, “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus!”

Rejoice in the truth that God’s eternal promises are unchangeable: Christ was born and He will return.

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“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” (click title to listen)

S

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming From tender stem hath sprung!

Of Jesse’s lineage coming, As those of old have sung.

It came, a floweret bright, Amid the cold of winter, When half spent was the night.

ymbols are a curious thing. Some have universal meaning.

Others are more colloquial, having significance only in a smaller community. Some have both. The rose has been a symbol of many things. Some consider it to be the mightiest and most beautiful of all flowers. It is a symbol of beauty and love. “I am the rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley.” (Song of Solomon 2:1). It has Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, been the symbol of mighty families. It is also a symbol of our Lord The Rose I have in mind; Jesus Christ. The scriptures make a number of references to flow- With Mary we behold it, ers. Most of them allude to the flower fading and dying away. The Virgin Mother kind.

To show God’s love aright, Unique to Christ, though, is the knowledge that this rose blooms She bore to us a Savior, eternally. From the frail, tender stem of man blooms the beautiful, When half spent was the night. mighty, eternal Rose.

That said, this wonderful, beloved hymn was not originally O Flower, whose fragrance tender about a “rose” at all. The original line was “Behold a twig ever With sweetness fills the air, Dispel in glorious splendor sprouting.” The German word for twig is Reis. This word became The darkness everywhere. confused in translation and became Ros which means “rose”.

True man yet very God, But why might the Germans have thought Rose instead of Reis From sin and death now save us, (twig)? A likely explanation is in the common symbolism of the And share our every load.

— 15th century German wintertime feast. Europeans used plants that thrive in the winter as a symbol of hope and life in the spring to come. Today we use the poinsettia and the fir tree as a similar symbol. For the Europeans, the Christmas Rose has long been used this way. (The Christmas Rose is a winter blooming plant that is not really a rose at all.) God can take even a human mistake or misunderstanding and transform it into a powerful symbol.

Closely connected with the rose/flower image, this song speaks of the Promised One sprouting “amid the cold of winter when half-spent was the night.” This is certainly not the first hymn to use winter imagery describing the birth of Christ. Doubtless, this is based on the December observance of Christ’s birth. In truth, we do not know the time of year for the birth of Christ. Many even believe it was the Spring — the time when shepherds would have been in the fields with the sheep. Yet, though technically we cannot assert that Christ was born in the wintertime, the use of the imagery of winter to depict the plight of the sinful world needing a Savior to bring new life is fitting. The same may be said of fixing the time of the Savior’s birth as the middle of the night. The darkness sets the appropriate stage for the coming of the glorious “Light of the world.”

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Anthem Meditation: “See Amid the Winter’s Snow” (click title to listen) See amid the winter's snow, Born for us on earth below, See, the gentle Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years.

Coram Deo

The incarnation is a deep mystery, for we cannot fully understand how God could take on our humanity without giving up any of His deity. We can, however, understand that the incarnation reveals God’s infinite love and grace. He did not leave us alone in our sin but entered into the misery of this fallen Lo, within a manger lies world without becoming a sinner Himself in order to rescue us He who built the lofty skies; He who, throned in light sublime, from eternal damnation. We will never tire of thanking and Sits amid the cherubim. praising Him for this throughout all eternity.

Paul gives us some of the most profound reflections on the inSacred Infant, all divine, carnation in the entire New Testament. Philippians 2:5–11 tells What a tender love was thine, Thus to come from highest bliss us that the Son of God did not consider His equality with God Down to such a world as this. as something to be used solely for His own advantage at the expense of others; inHail that ever blessed morn, Hail redemption's happy dawn, stead, He voluntarily Sing through all Jerusalem: condescended and Christ is born in Bethlehem. took the form of a serv— Edward Caswall, 1858 ant and became “obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross” (v. 8). In this condescension, our Savior did not surrender any divine attributes such as omniscience or omnipotence, though He did veil His glory. Without giving up His glory, He chose not to fully manifest it to all who saw Him as He walked the earth. But this veiling was only temporary. On account of His work, God exalted the God-man Christ Jesus, rewarding Him for His obedience and revealing Him as the source of eternal salvation for all who believe (vv. 9–11).

Hail that ever blessed morn, Hail redemption's happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem.

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O Lord, How Shall I Meet You? (click title to listen) “God’s Extravagance is Our Instruction for Living” “It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.”

—Ephesians 2:10

W

O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright?

Your people long to greet you, my hope, my heart’s delight!

O kindle, Lord most holy, a lamp within my breast, To do in spirit lowly all that may please you best.

Love caused your incarnation; Love brought you down to me; Your thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.

O love beyond all telling, that led you to embrace In love, all loves excelling, our lost and fallen race.

You come, O Lord, with gladness, in mercy and goodwill,

e know that the season of Christmas To bring an end to sadness and bid our fears be still. is a season of giving, because of the In patient expectation we live for that great day When your renewed creation your glory shall display. gift we have received in the Baby, Jesus — Paul Gerhardt, 1653 Christ, but has anyone ever given you a COW for Christmas? Well, no one has ever given me a cow for Christmas, but someone has given money for a cow to be purchased for another family in honor of me. Christmas and Advent are seasons for us to reflect on something mysteriously wonderful and life changing…God sent His Son to the earth to walk with us, walk among us, dwell with us (Literally “pitch His tent among us). Not only that, but this babe came to give us something EXTRAVAGANT – His Life— so that we might have forgiveness for our sins and hope for our life now and hereafter. As we make plans for Christmas and what gifts we will give to our children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors, think about giving something extravagant, and life giving. We each already have so much – everything we literally NEED – and even more of what we just plain WANT. There are people and families in the world who are just struggling to make it through the day – wondering if they will have food to eat and clothes to put on their bodies. The money you spend on Christmas presents this season could easily rescue several families from day in, day out poverty. Even a small portion of what you spend on presents could transform the lives of people who have no hope. Consider giving the gift of hope through a charitable organization this Christmas and know that you have made a difference in the world beyond where you live. The gift of just $20 can supply a hungry family with a hen that will lay over 200 eggs in a years time! Can you imagine? These eggs can be eaten or sold for income!

Challenge yourself this year to think beyond your yearly traditions and expand the wealth and joy you have received to include families outside your circle! You will be the one who receives the blessing and in turn will challenge others to give extravagantly!

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Devotion on Advent Art

“The Annunciation” Jan Van Eyck

T

he picture (painted 1434-1436) depicts the Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38).

There is an inscription— words beside Gabriel’s mouth stating, “Ave Graplena” - “Hail, full of grace…” And again beside Mary is inscribed her response: “Behold the handmaiden of the Lord…” Her words are painted upside down for God above to see.

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit descend to her on seven rays of light from the upper window to the left, with the dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit following the same path. "This is the moment God's plan for salvation is set in motion. Through Christ's human incarnation the old era of the Law is transformed into a new era of Grace".

The setting develops this theme. Mary was believed in the Middle Ages to have been a very studious girl who was engaged by the Temple of Jerusalem with other selected maidens to spin new curtains for the Holy of Holies. She sits, studying the scriptures (possibly the book of Isaiah).

The temple is decorated with subjects from the Old Testament that prefigure the coming of the Messiah. In the floor tiles David's slaying of Goliath (centre front), foretells Christ's triumph over sin. Behind this, Samson pulls down the Temple of the Philistines, prefiguring both the Crucifixion and the Last Judgment. The rear wall has a single stained glass window, where Jehovah stands, surrounded by seraphim. Behind Mary, there are three windows, representing the Trinity. On either side of the single stained glass window are dim wall-paintings of the finding of Moses by Pharaoh's daughter (left, pre-figuring the Annunciation itself), and Moses receiving the Ten Commandments (right, paralleling the New Covenant Christ would bring).

The lilies (in the foreground) are a traditional attribute of Mary, standing for purity. The empty stool may be an "empty throne", a symbol for Christ going back to early Byzantine art.

25 Characters of the Nativity: Mary

M

ary was a young Jewish girl who was chosen to bear the longawaited Messiah. She possessed the remarkable courage to say “Yes, Lord” to such a daunting task. She faced the real possibility of losing the man she would soon marry. She certainly faced humiliation, ridicule, and even death for being an ‘unwed” mother. She most certainly passed along this same courage and strength of character to her son, Jesus, as he faced ridicule, scorn, and even death.

From the beginning of the 12th century, artists have depicted Mary wearing a blue cloak. Symbolism and color were important aspects of art. Blue symbolizes truth, clarity, and peace. Another significant symbol for Mary is the lily. This white flower and the fleur-de-lis represent purity and are closely associated with Mary.

Chrismon Symbols

C

hrismon is a combination of two words: Christ and Monogram. A Chrismon is a symbol of Christ. Christian symbols date back to the early church. Early Christians used them to identify themselves to one another. These symbols served to transmit the faith and beliefs of the followers of Christ.

Chrismons were first used in 1957 to decorate a Christmas tree in the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville, Virginia. They were composed of white and gold materials, WHITE is symbolic of our Lord’s purity and perfection, GOLD, of His majesty, glory, and triumph. The little white lights on the tree point to Christ as the Light of the World.

The Christian Year: Celebrating Our History of Faith Celebration describes what happens every time the

people of God gather for worship. The focus of every worship experience is to actualize the divine presence in our lives. Everything that happens centers on what God has done in Jesus Christ – his life, ministry, death, and resurrection. However, we are a people who share a history, not only of what God did in Jesus the Nazarene, but of God’s profound interest in the redemption of God's creation. From the beginning of the Old Testament we can see this divine concern in the call of Abraham and the liberation from slavery in Egypt, the formation of a nation, the calling of the prophets. In each event, we see God’s pursuit. All of this renders a fullness and enriches our sense of celebration in worship.

The chief aim in worship is that it be whole in every aspect. Celebrating the Christian Year offers us a natural rhythm involving the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

You may ask, "What is the Christian Year and how did it come to be?" From what we read in Acts, that fledgling community, following the resurrection of Jesus, centered its worship around the temple. They found their strength and devotion as they gathered as a community for study, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). Everything centered around the resurrection of Jesus. The focus was on remembering what Jesus had taught them. Those, then, were the beginnings of what we now know as the Christian Year.

Even though that early Christian community was maintained by a discipline tied to the temple, it very soon began to note the importance of the first day of the week or ‘the Lord’s Day' (Rev. 1:10).

In similar fashion, the various seasons began to take form, each with its own particular function in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must remember that the focus of all that took place when the people gathered to celebrate, was the resurrection of the Lord.

The Christian Year is divided into two cycles: Easter and Christmas. The first to surface was Resurrection or Easter. It is worthwhile to note that the

crucifixion of Jesus coincided with the Jewish Passover, a time for remembering God’s act of liberation of God’s people, from Egypt. Although every Lord’s Day the Christian community celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, every year as the Jewish Passover rolled around, it seemed proper and fitting to celebrate in a special way the resurrection of Jesus. As time went on, a time of preparation was added and extended to what we now know as Lent. Pentecost, the beginning of the Church, brought this season to an end.

The second cycle revolves around the birth of Jesus or Christmas. This appeared much later. It is interesting to note that the event of Epiphany was celebrated even before the birth event. As with Resurrection, there developed a time of preparation prior to the Nativity, which we know as Advent. The Chr istian Year begins with Advent, in anticipation of the coming of the Word made flesh.

Two blocks of time, one following Epiphany and the other following Pentecost are known as "ordinary time." In the weekly designations they are referred to as "Sunday after Epiphany...or Pentecost."

During these "ordinary times," the lectionary readings strive to cover the entire Scripture.

Making use of the Christian Year offers us an opportunity to address the "whole" in the proclamation of the gospel. It affirms and offers ample evidence that we are indeed one Church. No matter where we go or where we worship, we will always be at home. Indeed this is real celebration!

—Dr. Noé E. Gonzales is a Rio Gr ande Confer ence r etir ed clergyperson. He resides in San Antonio, TX.

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Hymnology Part 3 The Hymn as Poetry: “A Mater of Meter” Poetic Meter. Poetic meter is deter mined by the pattern of accented and unaccented syllables in the text.

Each rhythmic group is called a “foot.” The titles for these poetic feet come from the ancient Greeks. The most common poetic meters are iambic trochaic, dactylic, anapestic, and spondaic.

Iambic meter consists of an unaccented syllable followed by an accented syllable — this meter pulls forward into the next thought and works well with texts that are inviting, supplicatory, or questioning.

Trochaic meter is the r ever se of iambic, employing an accented followed by an unaccented syllable — often used for texts that are commanding.

Dactylic meter — accented followed by 2 unaccented syllables — sometimes referred to as galloping dactyles — generally used with joyous texts and celebratory texts.

Anapestic — 2 unaccented followed by 1 accented syllable — relatively uncommon in hymns.

Spondaic — two accented syllables — is very rare for an entire hymn but a single spondee can be very effective to emphasize specific words (Lord God — stanza 1 “Holy, Holy, Holy.”)

Hymnic Meter is indicated by a group of numbers on the bottom right corner of the hymn page (different hymnals may place them in different places). These numbers represent the syllables in each line of poetry.

If you count the syllables of each line of the Doxology, you will find that each line contains 8 syllables.

There are four lines with 8 syllables each, so the hymn meter for this hymn is 8888.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; ...... 8 Praise him all creatures here below .................. 8 Praise him above, ye heavenly host; ................. 8 Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost .................. 8

This meter is one of three special meters that are often used in church hymnody. These three meters are given special names. The meter 8888 is called long meter or LM. Another special meter is 6868. This is one of the most common meters used, and it is called Common Meter or CM. (“Amazing Grace”, “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and many other popular hymns are written in common

One “Angeli Musicante” — Bernardino Luini unit of each of these poetic meters is called a “poetic foot.”

Trochaic Come, ye faithful, raise the strain Of tr iumphant gladness; (M315) 6 Iambic Lead on, O King eternal The day of march has come. (M580).

7

7 6

When choosing a hymn tune for a text, it is important that the tune match the poetic foot (Iambic, trochaic, etc.). Try to sing the above hymns to the opposite hymn tunes. meter.) The last of the special meters is 6686. It is known as Short Meter, or SM. “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” has 8 lines that alternate between 8 and 7 syllables. It would be listed as 87878787. When a hymn is a simple repetition of two 4line phrases, it is usually written as 8787D. The D simply means that the pattern is repeated or doubled.

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, .................... 8 God of glory, Lord of love; ....................... 7 Hearts unfold like flow’rs before thee ....... 8 Op’ning to the sun above .......................... 7 Melt the clouds of sin and sadness ............ 8 Drive the dark of doubt away .................... 7 Giver of immortal gladness, ...................... 8 Fill us with the light of day. ...................... 7

If zas conmeter, it is listed as irregular or Irr.

the stanhave no sistent

19 Using the metrical index at the back of the hymnal, find a familiar hymn written in Short Meter.

Find 2 hymns written in 8787 and practice singing the texts to the different tunes. Do they work well? Why or Why not?

Hymnic Meter When matching hymns to tunes, great caution must be taken to ensure that the musical and textual accents agree, even when both are in the same hymn meter.

The style and emotions of the tune must also be appropriate to the style and emotions of the text.

“Three Musical Angels� Giovanni Bellini, c. 1500