A Worship Magazine
Easley Presbyterian Church
Easley, SC
Nov. 2017
Vol. 3 Issue 7
A common thread that joins us together with Christ and with each other.
Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 O God Who Does Provide all things necessary for our lives, be present with us now in our stewardship. For there is little in this life that will so starkly reveal our insecurities and our struggle to trust your tender care as will the state of our hearts when we consider the state of our finances — when we are anxious about our money, O Lord, we can slip so easily into the downward spiral of believing that simply having more of it would guarantee our security. As if our security could ever rest anywhere outside of you, O God. So guard our hearts against that lie. Let us learn to view money and all material things as an area in which to learn and practice a more faithful stewardship, and as a means by which to invest in things eternal—but never as ends in themselves. Where we have mishandled your provision, where we have stumbled in our stewardship and our undoing has been our own
doing, where we have through the workings of our own desires unwisely accrued expense or debt, grant us conviction, and vision, and better wisdom, that we would more faithfully steward these resources in months to come. But where we are merely beset by the common and inescapable expenses of faithfully tending the many needs within our spheres of responsibility, give us peace and, O Lord, give us even joy, to see as we allocate these funds for the paying of bills, how you have faithfully provided the means by which we pay them. And if we have enough to do that, let us practice contentment in what you have provided. And if we have more than enough to do that, then teach us what it would mean to begin to live more generously towards those whose needs are greater than out own, for we have you, and having you we have all things, and month-tomonth you are teaching us— in this paying of bills—the slow vocation of trust. Do not abandon us to our anxieties over finances, O Lord, but use those worries to turn our hearts and thoughts to you— then teach us both a greater contentment and a greater confidence in your constant care. Amen. —Douglas Kaine KcKelvey, “Every Moment Holy”
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Sunday, November 3 All Saint’s Sunday Psalm 131
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me 3 O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore.
Hymn Meditation: “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty” (click title to listen) 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!
Detail of tapestry “Communion of the Saints” by John Nava, combining historic saints of the church with everyday contemporary believers.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6
This hymn was written by Joachim Neander, born in 1650, whose father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and greatgreat-grandfather — all Joachim Neanders — had been preachers. But this Joachim had a rebellious streak and at 20, he and a group of students ransacked a church during Strings and voices, hands and hearts, Alleluia! the worship service. The preacher at that church reached In the concert, bear your parts, Alleluia! out to him and changed his views. A few years later, JoaAll the breathes, your Lord adore, Alleluia! chim was assistant preacher at that very church. Singing praise forevermore, Alleluia! Joachim would often take long walks in Hochdal, Germa— Henry Francis Lyte, 1836 ny. He called them worship walks where he 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.” 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!
—from “Then Sings My Soul” by Robert J. Morgan
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Prayer Response : “Jesus, Remember Me” (click title to listen)
“Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.”
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 Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43
Anthem : “Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal” (click title to listen) 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 Hark, I hear the harps eternal ringing on the farther shore, As I hear those swollen waters, with their deep and solemn roar. the rest of us. Even though I might not know Hallelujah, Hallelujah, praise the Lamb. the people they name, I appreciate them Hallelujah, hallelujah, Glory to the great I AM. and love them for being a part of my friends' And my soul though stained with sorrow, fading as the light of day, lives. And I realize that no matter what beliefs we have, we can each point to specific peoPasses swiftly o’er those waters to the city far away. ple in our lives who have nurtured us in our Souls have crossed before me, saintly, to that land of perfect rest; faith, stood by us, and helped us navigate And I hear them singing faintly in the mansions of the blest. through life. In the same way that my own Hallelujah, Hallelujah, praise the Lamb. saints helped to guide me, I hope that I have Hallelujah, hallelujah, Glory to the great I AM. —traditional been and will be a guide to someone else. — Joanne Hirase-Stacey (Idaho, USA)
4 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)
Hymn Meditation: “Great God of Every Blessing” title to listen)
Every Good and Perfect Gift
Great God of every blessing, of faithful, loving care, You are the fount of goodness, the daily bread we share. How can we hope to thank you? Our praise is but a start: Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. Your Word is our salvation, the source of endless grace, (click In death and life extending your covenant embrace. In Christ we are one body; each member has a part;\: How can we hope to thank you? Our praise is but a start: Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart.
Every good and perfect gift is from Your Spirit is our teacher, the light that guides our search, above, coming down from the Father of the Transforming broken people into the holy church. heavenly lights, who does not change like shift- For feeding us with mercy, for wisdom you impart: How can we hope to thank you? Our praise is but a start: ing shadows. James 1:17 Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. Have you ever been faced with overwhelm—David Gambrell, 2009 ing self-doubt? Have you ever been paralyzed by fear of failure? Have you ever been consumed by the certainty that you are just not good enough? I know all of those things very well! But I have also come to understand that I have been given a good and perfect gift. It is a precious thing — not of my own making, or of my own doing, but it is a gift from above. The Father of Lights, whose faithfulness endures forever has graciously given every good and perfect gift. I find so much comfort in this understanding: “I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 The One who gave the gift will be faithful to nurture it and complete it. Along with that comfort also comes responsibility. The gift is given with a purpose—His purpose. What is God calling you to do? What good and perfect gift has he given to you? How is He perfecting it and completing that good work in your life? How will you gratefully give back to the Father of Lights? — Robert Norris
5 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!
Hymn Meditation: “For All the Saints” (click title to listen)
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 marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, Who are the Saints of God? Every believer Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, 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. Bishop William W. How wrote the text of “For All O blest communion, fellowship divine! the Saints” in 1864, for use in the Anglican church We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; 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 Witnesses - Hebrews 12:1” How do we best honor And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, the memory of loved ones and friends who have Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, contributed to our lives? By rededicating our own And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. 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 for the memories of those believers from our local Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, church who were called home during this past Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: year. We should be thankful for their influence in Alleluia, Alleluia! — William W. How, 1864 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! 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!
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Sunday, November 12 Commitment Sunday 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
Hymn Meditation: “Come, Sing O Church in Joy” (Click title to listen)
Come Sing, O Church, in Joy!
One of my favorite “journey” bible verses comes from Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Trying to follow and walk by faith can sometimes be a frightening thing to do. The word of God is not a “Spotlight” shining out into the distance, it is a lamp at our feet. And in that is the faith — we do not see our destination, we do not even 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. —RN
Come sing, O church in joy! Come join, O church in song! For Christ the Lord has led us through the ages long! In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord! Long years have come and gone, and still God reigns supreme, Empowering us to catch the vision, fream the dream! In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord! Let courage be our friend, let wisdom be our guide, As we in mission magnify the Crucified! In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord! Come sing, O church in joy! Come join, O church, in song! For Christ the Lord has triumphed o’er the ages long! In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
— Brian Dill, 1988
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Anthem Meditation: “For Everyone Born” (click title to listen)
Shirley Erena Murray’s hymns transcend time and place. While she is from New Zealand, Murray (b. 1931) has collaborated with people across the world. One of Murray's hymns that has gained popularity over the years is "For Everyone Born.” It reflects many of the themes that appear in her hymns: justice, peace, equality, honoring of women, ecological concerns, and social responsibility. The words in stanza one reflect the table on which we break bread. Everyone, regardless of their stature, deserves "clean water and bread" and a "safe place" to live. It also alludes to the star that shone the night Christ was born. This could mean that all people, who are created in God's image, deserve a birth that is celebrated and wanted. Stanza two reflects a table of equality. Too For everyone born, a place at the table, often, women have been deemed second-class for everyone born, clean water and bread, citizens in the home, church, and society at a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing, large. Murray's words mean that someone for everyone born, a star overhead, should not be regulated to certain tasks or roles And God will delight when we are creators of because of their gender or gender identity. The justice and joy, compassion and peace: roles must be divided fairly with no single person yes, God will delight when we are creators of possessing all of the power. It is through the justice, justice and joy! "wisdom and grace" that only comes from God For woman and man, a place at the table, that there can be "a system that's fair" for all revising the roles, deciding the share, people. with wisdom and grace, dividing the power, A table of acceptance is the theme in stanza for woman and man, a system that's fair, (refrain) three. It is a place where no matter the age, For young and for old, a place at the table, people's voices will be heard. Young and old will a voice to be heard, a part in the song, have "a part in the song." This table reflects a the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled, place where the old and the young walk handfor young and for old, the right to belong, (refrain) in-hand and support each other no matter the For just and unjust, a place at the table, circumstances. It is a place where everyone beabuser, abused, with need to forgive, longs. in anger, in hurt, a mindset of mercy, A table of reconciliation is prevalent in the for just and unjust, a new way to live, (refrain) fourth stanza. However, it is a stanza that is not For everyone born, a place at the table, without controversy because it is a radical idea. to live without fear, and simply to be, This is the table where the "just and unjust" and to work, to speak out, to witness and worship, the "abuser [and] abused" come together. A tafor everyone born, the right to be free, (refrain) ble where those who have hurt and those who —Shirley Erena Murray hurt are sitting together is difficult to accept, but it is what we should and must strive for. It is a ta-
8 ble where the anger and hurt can be let out in a safe place and where mercy and grace can help begin the healing process that brings about "a new way to live." The final stanza is a table of dignity. It is a place where people can safely "live without fear, and simply to be." This table is a space for people "to work, to speak out, to witness and worship." People can freely work, speak their minds, and worship in the ways they have been called to do so. It is a place where everyone has "the right to be free." Murray's hymn not only reflects human concerns, but it demonstrates God’s care and concern for humankind, hence the refrain, in which God delights in those who create "justice, joy, compassion, and peace." God is concerned about humanity’s well-being, is active in our lives, and uses people to make creation a better place for everyone and everything that dwells in it. As Carl P. Daw says in Glory to God: A Companion, the stanzas are "dense and telegraphic " An environment that is more "spacious" is created for the refrain where the word "joy" becomes "the emotional center" in which it is the only time a melisma (several notes for one word) occurs in the music.4 Wes Moore, The Hymn Society of U.S. and Canada
Hymn Meditation: “God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending” God, whose giving knows no ending, From the rich and endless store, Nature’s wonder, Jesus’ wisdom, Costly cross, grave’s shattered door; Gifted by you, we turn to you, Offering up ourselves in praise; Thankful song shall rise forever, Gracious donor of our days.
(click title to listen)
Churches that grow in giving know that generosity increases with participation in ministry and community, and so they work to deepen the core ministries of worship, small group learning, and mission. They know that many churches do not have enough money because they don’t provide sufficient ministry and mission. Rather than becoming obsessed with income, survival, and maintenance, they continually return their focus to Skills and time are ours for pressing, changing lives, reaching out to new people, and offering sigToward the goals of Christ, your Son: nificant mission. Bt growing in ministry, giving increases. All at peace in health and freedom, Congregations that practice Extravagant Generosity adRaces joined, the church made one. dress the challenge of growing in giving to long-term members Now direct our daily labor, Lest we strive for self alone. as well as to adults who are new to the faith. They also teach, Born with talents, make us servants model, and cultivate generosity among children and youth. Fit to answer at your throne. Sunday school classes, after-school children’s ministries, VacaTreasure, too, you have entrusted, tion Bible School, and youth ministries all offer opportunities to Gain through powers your grace conferred: give individually and to work together in groups to achieve a Ours to use for home and kindred, ministry goal that is significant, tangible, and compelling. RaAnd to spread the gospel word. ther than collecting offerings in a perfunctory way, children’s Open wide our hands in sharing, As we heed Christ’s ageless call, and youth leaders explain, teach, and connect the action of Healing, teaching, and reclaiming, giving to the work of God. Children and youth are taught Serving you by loving all. about responsible earning, spending, saving, and giving. Con— Robert L. Edwards, 1961 gregations equip parents with ideas, suggestions, and practic-
9 es that foster generosity for children and youth of all ages. The spiritual maturity that comes from growth in giving and the extraordinary engagement that results from tithing bring clarity of purpose and greater integrity to all the church’s ministries. The practice of Extravagant Generosity is the fruit of maturation in Christ., the result of God’s sanctifying grace that molds our hearts and changes our values and behaviors. Extravagant Generosity supports the other four practices, helping the church fulfill its ministry to make disciples of Jesus Christ in robust and fruitful ways, opening the message of God’s love in Christ to more people now and for generations to come. —From “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations”, chapter 5 by Robert Schnase.
Anthem Meditation: “Christ Has No Body”
Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, Yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours. — St. Teresa of Ávila When I first read the words of this beautiful prayer by St. Teresa of Ávila, I felt they truly summed up how I wanted to live my life — by sharing God’s love with those around me. My own prayer became focused on finding ways to love the people I meet, even in the routine circumstances of my day. He was perhaps 5 years old, standing in my open doorway and waiting for me to notice him. When I greeted the little boy, he whispered in his best English: “My mother asks you give her painkillers. Her tooth is hurting.” Because my husband and I run a tourist lodge in Gambia, I spend the winter months in this tiny West African country. Many people live hand-to-mouth, and finding money to go to a health clinic is beyond them. Our neighbors know I keep a basic first aid kit and painkillers on hand, so it’s a rare week when someone doesn’t appear at our door asking for help. It’s one small way I can show love to my community. Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself, and he lived out that commandment daily. He brought God’s love to those on the margins of society, stood up against injustice, and showed compassion for those he met. When Jesus looked at people he met, he didn’t judge them by the standards of the day. He looked beyond the outward circumstances of their lives — circumstances that sometimes invited condemnation from the religious leaders and the community — and showed love toward them. Think about his compassionate exchange with the woman caught in adultery or his interactions with Zacchaeus, the tax collector reviled in his community. With these examples in mind, I’m trying to look at others with the same com-
10 passion, without judging or condemning, even those who perhaps don’t invite it easily. Learning to live St. Teresa’s prayer means looking for opportunities to bring God’s love to others, including small acts of compassion in our daily lives. Praying St. Teresa’s prayer has made me much more aware of God’s compassion toward people I meet every day — in line at the grocery store, waiting for the bus, or simply someone I pass in the street. I feel closer to God because I’m learning to see others through his eyes. So every day, I’m trying to look for ways to use my hands, feet, and whole body to show God’s love to everyone. — Elizabeth Manneh from “Busted Halo” Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of thy love. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the Take my feet, and let them be Swift and beautiful for thee. glory of God..” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Hymn Meditation: “Take My Life and Let it Be Consecrated”
In this day of self-centered living and pleasure-oriented lifestyle, the total commitment of God of body, mind, and possessions portrayed in this text is difficult for many Christians to achieve. Even though we realize that we have nothing we have not received and that we are only stewards of the good gifts God has entrusted to us, we often fail to apply this basic truth to our daily lives. It was said of Frances Ridley Havergal, author of this text, that the beauty of a consecrated life was never more perfectly revealed than in her daily living. She has rightfully been called “The Consecration Poet.” “These little couplets that chimed in my heart one after another” were for Mrs. Havergal the result of an evening in 1874 passed in pursuing a deeper consecration of herself to God. “Take my voice and let me sing always only for my King” was personally significant for Frances. She was naturally very musical and had been
Take my voice, and let me sing Always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages from thee. Take my silver and my gold; Not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use Every power as thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it thine; It shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is thine own; It shall be thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour At thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be Ever, only, all for thee. — Frances R. Havergal, 1873
trained as a concert soloist with an unusually pleasant voice. Her musical talents could have brought her much worldly fame. However, she determined that her life’s mission was to sing and work only for Jesus. Frances also sent over 50 pieces of jewelry and other family heirlooms to the church missionary house to be sold and used for the work of Christ. Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise! Amen.
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Sunday, November 17 Honor with your hearts Mark 7:1-13
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it;[ and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.’ But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban’ (that is, an offering to God)— then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.”
Hymn Meditation: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim. 1:17
The city of Edinburgh, Scotland, with its Royal Mile and rugged hilltop castle, has produced some of Christianity’s greatest hymnists: George Matheson (“O Love that Wilt Not Let me go”), Horatio Bonar (“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”), Elizabeth Celphane (“Beneath the Cross of Jesus”), and William MacKay (“Revive Us Again”), to name a few. And who but the sturdy Scotch Presbyterians could produce such a powerful hymn on the sovereign, eternal power of God as Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”? Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, The author, Walter Chalmers Smith, was born in Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise. Aberdeen on December 5, 1824. After attending grammar school at the University of Aberdeen, he Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, and was or- Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; dained as a minister in the Free Church of Scotland Thy justice like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love. in 1850. He pastored churches in several places, including the lovely Scottish village of Millnathort To all, life thou givest, to both great and small; In all life thou livest, the true life of all; from 1853-1858. In 1874, he became pastor of the Free High We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, And wither and perish, but naught changeth thee. Church (Presbyterian) of Edinburgh, a charge he kept until his retirement in 1894. In 1902, a collection Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light; of his poems was published. His poems reflect his Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight; All laud we would render: O help us to see Scottish nature and remind us of Roebrt Burns. “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” was based 'Tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.
—Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867
12 on 1 Timothy 1:17. It was originally published in six stanzas. Today’s version uses Smith’s first three stanzas, and the fourth stanza is pieced together from lines in the now-discarded verses. The powerful melody is called ST. DENIO based on a Welsh folk song. — Robert J. Morgan, “Then Sings My Soul”
Anthem Meditation: “If ye Love Me” click on title to listen
He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, you God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”—Matthew 22:34-40 The question on what is the greatest for the Lord is a If ye love me, keep my commandments, question that everyone can ask. People question on what And I will pray the Father, to do to gain everlasting life and what to do to please the And he shall give you another comforter, Lord. The question may really be a sincere question com- That he may bide with you forever, Even the spirit of truth, ing from innocent people but in our gospel it was with Even the spirit of truth malice. The intention of the query was only to test Jesus —John 14:15-17 how knowledgeable he is about the Scriptures. In our gospel reading, one of the scholars of the law dared to test Jesus; he asked him what he thinks is the greatest commandment of all. Jesus gave him a clear answer: the greatest among many things that man could do is to love. To love God wholly and totally (with one’s heart soul, and mind) and to love one’s neighbor are the greatest commandments of all. These two are inseparable. One cannot say “I love God” but hates his/ her neighbor or has nothing to do with his/ her neighbor. Because God is love and that is why we are able to love. What pleases the Lord and what makes one worthy of the Lord’s saving grace. From God’s love, mercy and compassion follow. But loving God and loving one’s neighbor are vague concepts unless concretized, let us then make our love real so we may share real love with those who need it. To love is to serve. To serve lovingly our brothers and sisters, especially those who are in need in our midst. By serving others one expresses his/ her authentic love to God. There are a lot of ways of showing our love for God and others, we don’t need to go out and look outside us. When we make everyone accepted and content with who they are and what they have and what they can—that is love. Loving is accepting who you are and who other people are. Loving God is abstract unless it leads us to serving our community and others. Our community may mean our neighborhood community or our parish community. Are we good neighbors? How do we share our time, talents and treasures to our community? How are we involved in building our community? Loving is also a call to fidelity, becoming faithful to your one true love who is God. You can only love the “One” who is love. And because of the love of God to us which is actually the first one to love us, that is why we are able to love. Prayer Almighty and Loving God, we thank you for loving us so dearly and you allow us and make us to love. We learn to enjoy the love give us and realize that in everything we do, we must do it with love and in love. May we become living flames of your divine love so we may share that holy love with the people
13 we meet day by day and to the people who need love in their lives. May our loving you be concretely manifested in our loving of our brothers and sisters. This we ask through Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn Meditation: “Jesus Lover of My Soul” click on title to listen
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high. Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last. Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on thee; leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me. All my trust on thee is stayed, all my help from thee I bring; cover my defenseless head with the shadow of thy wing.
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7 The universal recognition of a personal dependence upon the infinite God has no doubt made this appealing hymn he best loved of the more than 6500 texts of Charles Wesley. Written shortly after Charles’ “Heart- Thou, O Christ, art all I want, warming” experience at the Aldersgate Hall in London in more than all in thee I find; 1738, this text has since brought comfort and inspiration raise the fallen, cheer the faint, to countless numbers during “the storms of life.” heal the sick, and lead the blind. The simple yet vivid language of this hymn gives it a Just and holy is thy name, special quality, Some have called it the “finest heart- I am all unrighteousness; hymn in the English language.” Also the exaltation of false and full of sin I am; Christ is truly noteworthy in such picturesque terms as thou art full of truth and grace. “lover, “ Healer,” “fountain,” “wing,” and “pilot.” But pos- Plenteous grace with thee is found, sibly the greatest appeal of these lines is the assurance grace to cover all my sin; they give of Christ’s consolation and protection through let the healing streams abound, all of life and then for eternity. make and keep me pure within. There is no authenticated information as to what par- Thou of life the fountain art, ticular situation caused Wesley to write this test. A fright- freely let me take of thee; ening storm at sea that he experienced while returning spring thou up within my heart; home from America may account for the nautical refer- rise to all eternity. ences. A story also has been mentioned of a bird flying into Charles’ cabin for safety, while another incident is given of his hiding in a hedge after the attack by an angry mob opposing his ministry. Still others see this text as a picture of Wesley’s own life as a young man as he struggled to find his peace with God before his dramatic Aldersgate conversion experience. Remember to fly to Christ for refuge whenever the “storms of life” becomes overwhelming. He alone is our refuge and the one true foundation of life. —Kenneth W. Osbeck from “Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions”
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Hymn Meditation: “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples” God condemns the two-facedness of his people, who offer praise to him in song and sacrifice but fail to uphold his laws of social justice: I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me Today we all are called to be disciples of the Lord, the noise of your songs; To help to set the captive free, make plowshare out of sword, to the melody of your To feed the hungry, quench their thirst, make love and peace our fast, harps I will not listen. But To serve the poor and homeless first, our ease and comfort last. let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness God made the world and at its birth ordained our human race To live as stewards of the earth, responding to God’s grace. like an ever-flowing But we are vain and sadly proud; we sow not peace but strife. stream. —Amos 5:21–24 I have not said to my people: Our discord spreads a deadly cloud that threatens all of life. “Get rid of your discontent.” Ra- Pray justice may come rolling down as in a mighty stream, ther, I have tried to say that this With righteousness in field and town to cleanse us and redeem. normal and healthy discontent For God is longing to restore an earth where conflicts cease, can be channeled into the cre- A world that was created for a harmony of peace. ative outlet of nonviolent direct May we in service to our God act out the living word, action. And now this approach And walk the road the saints have trod till all have seen and heard. is being termed extremist. As stewards of the earth may we give thanks in one accord But though I was initially disTo God who calls us all to be disciples of the Lord. appointed at being catego— Kenn Carmichael, 1985 rized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Was not Amos an extremist for justice: “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel: “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Was not Martin Luther an extremist: “Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God.” And John Bunyan: “I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience.” And Abraham Lincoln: “This nation cannot survive half slave and half free.” And Thomas Jefferson: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal . . .” So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary’s hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime—the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment. Perhaps the world is in dire need of creative extremists. —Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail
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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 24 Christ the King Sunday/ Thanksgiving Mark 7:14-23 Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, “Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Hymn Meditation: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, You are worthy, our Lord, to receive glory and honor and And crown him Lord of all. power, for you created all things, and by Your will they were Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11 Ye ransomed from the fall, Sometimes called the “National Anthem of Christendom,” Hail him who saves you by his grace, this is one of the truly great worship hymns of the church. And crown him Lord of all. Written by a young English minister, it was published in 1779. Hail him who saves you by his grace, The strong exuberant lines lead us to heartfelt worship of And crown him Lord of all. Let every kindred, every tribe God every time we sing them. We can be thankful that God moved an 18th century pas- on this terrestrial ball, tor to write this stirring hymn text that reminds us so forcibly to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all. that the angels in heaven and the saints from “every kin- To him all majesty ascribe, dred, every tribe” on earth are worshiping with us even now. and crown him Lord of all. And we will one day all join together in singing “the everlastO that with yonder sacred throng ing song” — when Christ is crowned “Lord of all.” We at his feet may fall! Edward Perronet came from a family of distinguished We'll join the everlasting song, French Huguenots who had fled to Switzerland and then And crown him Lord of all. England to escape religious persecution. He was ordained to We'll join the everlasting song, the ministry of the Anglican church but was always more And crown him Lord of all. —Edward Perronet, 1779 sympathetic to the evangelical movement led by John and Charles Wesley. Soon Edward left the state church to join the
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Anthem Meditation: “Simple Praise” (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 the table; aromas fill the room. Yet no one sits down. The question is asked, "Who isn't with us today?" The names of people who are not able to join us are spoken. All those around the table are free to speak the name of anyone they miss, anyone who has touched their lives. Some named are family, friends, teachers, pastors, and neighbors. Our tradition also encourages us to name those who have For a canvas of colors, For a concert of sound; touched our lives but are now in the presFor the unfolding seasons, The earth spinning round. ence of the Lord. For the birth of each sunrise, For the sky set ablaze; Often there are tears of thanksgiving For these simple gifts, We give simple praise. for what these people have added to Simple praise for the Giver, And thanks to the One our journeys through life. Each one has Who has given us breath And given His Son. been a gift of grace from God. Gratitude To the Giver of blessings For all of our days, fills our hearts. For these simple gifts, We give simple praise. Who has had an impact on your life? For the love of a mother, For the touch of a hand; Why not begin today to offer thanks to For the deeper emotions We can’t understand. God for that person? To speak the name For the lessons we learn From the trials we face; at this season's celebration gives witness For these simple gifts, We give simple praise. to another's life of faith, which is God's gift to you. The heart of the Giver, the hand of the One —Viola Ruelke Gommer (Pennsylvania, From whom every blessing of living has come; For measureless mercy and limitless grace, U.S.A.) For these simple gifts we give simple praise. For a canvas of colors, For a concert of sound; For the unfolding seasons, The earth spinning round. For the birth of each sunrise, For the sky set ablaze; For these simple gifts, We give simple praise. Simple praise for the Giver, And thanks to the One Who has given us breath And given His Son. To the Giver of blessings For all of our days, For these simple gifts, We give simple praise. — Pamela Martin, 2005
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)
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Hymn Meditation: “We Gather Together”
“So the nations shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory.” Psalm 102:15 Those who have visited the Netherlands with its picturesque dikes and windmills may be unaware of the terrific struggle for religious freedom that took place there in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. For many, many years, this country was caught in a bloody battle between Catholicism and Reformation. Many thousands of people were killed, all in the name of Christ! The country was eventually divided into what is modern-day Belgium and Holland based on religious divisions. This hymn, We Gather Together,” which we We gather together To ask the Lord's blessing; Americans associate with the Thanksgiving holi- He chastens and hastens His will to make known. day, was actually written sometime in 1597 to The wicked oppressing Now cease from distressing. celebrate Holland’s separation from Spain. It’s Sing praises to his name, He forgets not his own. author, an unknown Dutchman, was full of Beside us to guide us, Our God with us joining, thanksgiving that his people were free to wor- Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine; ship as they chose. So from the beginning The fight we were winning; This hymn should be remembered in its his- Thou, Lord, wast at our side, All glory be thine! torical context, but it should also be adopted We all do extol thee, Thou leader triumphant, by us today as thanksgiving for God’s leader- And pray that thou still Our defender wilt be. ship and God’s preservation of our lives as well. Let thy congregation Escape tribulation; That is the beauty of the great hymns of the Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free! church. We add our voice to the many voices who have sung before us. We add our hearts and minds and souls to the music that praises God and shares thanks for His actions in the past, in our present, and in our children’s future. God has been and will be faithful to guide us, and he is deserving of our thanks
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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 Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices, sword? No in all these things we are more than conquerors Who wondrous things has done, through Him who loved us. Romans 8:35,37 In whom this world rejoices; From some of the severest human sufferings imaginable Who from our mothers' arms during the 30 Years’ War of 1618-1684 - a war that has been Has blessed us on our way described as the most devastating in all history - this great With countless gifts of love, hymn of the church was born. And still is ours today. Martin Rinkart was called at the age of 31 to pastor the state Lutheran church in his native city of Eilenberg, Germany. He O may this bounteous God arrived there just as the dreadful bloodshed of the 30 Year’s Through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts War began, and there Rinkart spent the remaining 32 years of And blessed peace to cheer us; his life faithfully ministering to these needy people. And keep us still in grace, Germany, the battleground of this conflict between warring And guide us when perplexed; Catholic and Protestant forces from various countries And free us from all ills, throughout Europe, was reduced to a state of misery that In this world and the next. baffles description. The German population dwindled from 16 million to 6 million. Because Eilenberg was a walled city, it All praise and thanks to God became a frightfully over-crowded refuge for political and The Father now be given; military fugitives from far and near. Throughout these war years The Son, and him who reigns With them in highest heaven; several waves of deadly diseases and famines swept the city, The one eternal God, as the various armies marched through the town, leaving Whom earth and heaven adore; death and destruction in their wake. The plague of 1637 was For thus it was, is now, particularly severe. At its height Rinkart was the only minister And shall be evermore. remaining to care for the sick and dying. Martin Rinkart’s — Martin Rinkart triumphant, 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.”
fought great odds to follow God's word and keep their faith, often losing their lives in the process.. All Saints' Day began as a day to honor 4. Spend the day with your family watching Christians who were martyred in the Roman movies or documentaries about saints. You persecutions. Over time, it has been trans- can find them at the library, or even online. formed into an opportunity to honor all de- 5. Help to continue the work started by a saint. Look for a charity that parted Christians. In speaks to you or reminds you The Presbyterian of a loved one and contact Church, it is a day of the coordinator. Ask if there remembrance for are any volunteer opportunithe saints, with the ties or any other way in New Testament which you can help. meaning of all Chris6. Donate to charities in hontians of every time or of the person who has had and place. In many the most positive influence in local churches, All your life. You can donate Saints' Day serves as money, food or goods. the congregation's 7. Pass the lesson on. Teach "memorial day," others what you have where the names learned from the people and lives of departwho have touched your life. ed members and The stories will be especially friends who died in helpful for children who need the past year are rerole models. membered. 8. Light candles in honor of Honor Saints on All someone who was a positive Saints Day. Here are force in your life. Prepare a some ideas for hontable in a safe corner of your oring those Saints in house, place a few pictures you own life: of your loved one on the ta1.Attend a church ble and light some candles service. The readings This tapestry from the Cathedral of Our Lady of and hymns are spe- the Angels was woven in Belgium using Egyptian and quietly reflect on their lives, how they have touched cially chosen for this cotton and digital files from the artist, John Nava. What's so lovely about the tapestry is that recog- you, and how you can touch day and they focus nized, canonized saints are side by side with some others in the name of Christ. on those in the Bible unknown saints, ordinary people. 9. Spend the day in reflecwho have shown tion. Think about the lives of faith in God. 2.Read books about saints. Before they the saints you know, the problems they enwere called saints, they were regular peo- countered and how they solved them. Also ple dealing with everyday life. Many books think about what effects their achievehave been written to show the kind of ments may have had on your walk with Christ, and how you may like to apply their struggles they had to deal with. 3. Read sections of the Bible containing sto- life lessons to your own life. ries of saints. The books of the Old and New Testament contain stories of people who
All Saints Day