A Worship Magazine
Easley Presbyterian Church
Easley, SC
Oct. 2015
Vol. 1 Issue 2
A common thread that joins us together with Christ and with each other.
World Communion World Communion Sunday -- celebrated the first Sunday in October -- is one of the most venerable of “special Sundays.” The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice -- and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God's earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve -- a world ever more in need of peacemaking. This Sunday is celebrated by many different churches in many different denominations all over the world. It is one of my favorite of the “special” Sundays of the year. I have had the opportunity to go on several different mission trips and experience worship in several different cultures. I am reminded just how big this world really is. And I am reminded that God is even bigger. No matter what language is spoken or how different the cultures may be, it is the same God we worship, and the same God we serve. I love the idea of being part of something bigger than myself. That is one reason I love the choir. In a choir, all of our small individual voices are joined together to be something greater than the sum of its parts. We all contribute, we all have a voice to raise, but togeth-
er we are stronger and better and more beautiful than anyone alone. World Communion Sunday reminds us that the church— the whole body of believers, is larger than our congregation, or presbytery, or denomination, or even our country. We are a part of something bigger, something wonderful. We are part of the body of Christ. In a world where peace is hard to find, this Sunday reminds us that we are One in Christ. And that is a wonderful reason to celebrate. —Robert Norris
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Sunday, October 4
David Builds an Altar 2 Samuel 24:18-25
On that day Gad went to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 So David went up, as the Lord had commanded through Gad. 20 When Araunah looked and saw the king and his officials coming toward him, he went out and bowed down before the king with his face to the ground. 21 Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” “To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I can build an altar to the Lord, that the plague on the people may be stopped.” 22 Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever he wishes and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. 23 Your Majesty, Araunah gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the Lord your God accept you.” 24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them. 25 David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.
“Funga Alafia” Funga Alafia, Ashe, Ashe Funga Alafia, we welcome you!
The children’s choir will be presenting this lively African song as we enter into worship on this World Communion Sunday. On this Sunday, we celebrate with Christians around the world, acknowledging that He’s got the whole world in His hands. This song originates from Liberia. Funga (or Fanga) is a welcome dance in Liberia. Alafia means hello, or good health. This is a call and response song, with the response being “Ashe, ashe” (ah-shay). Which would be similar to an “Amen” in western culture. As our children enter worship playing chimes and percussion and singing a song of welcome, be reminded that we worship a God who so loved the whole world that he gave his Son. Celebrate that we are part of such a Morning has broken like the first morning; grand multi-cultural family of God. — Robert Norris
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them springing fresh from the Word!
Hymn Meditation: Morning Has Broken (Click title to listen)
Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit form heaven, Like the first dewfall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, Sprung in completeness where God’s feet pass.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.... and God saw that it was good. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Genesis 1:1; John 1:1
Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning, Born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation; praise every morning, God’s re-creation of the new day!
— Eleanor Farjeon, 1931
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A new morning, a new light dawning, new opportunities, second chances, new mercies. A new ‘creation’ of life in every breath that we take. The Lord, the living Word of God, who breathed life into the universe, continues to breathe His life into His creation. “Praise for the morning! Praise them for springing fresh from His Word!” “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing for joy.” (Psalm 98:8). “The heavens are telling of the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1). In the presence of the Creator, nature itself trembles in awe and shouts for joy. How can we, His creation, His church, His children, do any less. Every morning His mercies are new, and every morning, we need new mercies. Thanks be to God. “Praise with elation, praise every morning, God’s re-creation of the new day!”
“Abba, Father” By [the Spirit] we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. — Romans 8:15-16 “Abba, Father” is a beautiful word picture that portrays the balanced relationship God desires with each of his children. Together these words capture for us the healthy balance of how children of God may view and approach the heavenly Father. Abba is an affectionate name used by children in the Jewish culture for addressing their father; it’s similar to our word Daddy, communicating a sense of childlike dependence, love, and vulnerability. When we cry out, “Abba,” we are expressing our complete trust in and dependence on our Father God. We call God “Abba” because Jesus paid for our sin and removed our guilt so that we can personally approach God. The picture of a little child in Daddy’s strong arms is a portrait of our dependence on and intimacy with God himself. Pairing “Abba” with “Father” helps us balance our view of God, combining Abba intimacy with Father respect. We are to respect God and even fear the Lord as Maker of the universe and Judge of all living things. At the same time, we are welcomed to trust and rest and find comfort in Abba’s tenderness as he leads us through the journey of life. Have you discovered the joy and comfort of getting to know your Abba, Father? It’s essential to a healthy spiritual life. You’re the God of all the ages, the Beginning and the End, Omnipotent and mighty, I cannot understand. But I can come to You in worship, and you hear this one small voice. Your love and peace surround me and in wonder I rejoice. Abba Father, Abba Father, You hear me when I call You and I know I’m not alone. Abba Father, Abba Father, You love me like a child and I’m Your own.
Prayer: Abba, Father, thank you for expressing your love for us and inviting us into relationship with you. Help us know and enjoy all the benefits of full life with you. In Jesus, Amen.
— David L. Ray, 2012 — Rev. Rob Jansons, New Hope Fellowship,
Monroe Washington
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Anthem Meditation: “One Bread, One Body” (click title to listen)
“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ: The bread that we break, is it nor a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different One bread, one body, one Lord of all, kinds of service, but One cup of blessing which we bless. the same Lord. There And we, though many, throughout the earth, are different kinds of We are one body in this one Lord. working, but the same God works all Many the gifts, many the works, of them in all men. One in the Lord of all. The body is a unit, though it is made up Grain for the fields, scattered and grown, of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one Gathered to one for all. body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit One bread, one body, one Lord of all, into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we One cup of blessing which we bless. were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now you are the body of And we, though many, throughout the earth, Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” We are one body in this one Lord. —John B. Foley I Corinthians 12:4-6;11-13; and 27.
Hymn Meditation: “Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken” (click title to listen)
Taking part in the Holy Communion is a fixed ritual in the Christian religion, part of a glorious tradition that stretches Loaves were broken, words were spoken by the Galilean shore. back to the first Passover of Jesus, Bread of Life from heaven, was their food forevermore. Moses recorded in the Bible. By your body broken for us, by you wine of life outpoured, During the first communion, Jesus, feed again your people. Be our Host, our Life, our Lord. the people of God trusted in Loaves were broken, words were spoken in a quiet room one night. Him to deliver them from a In the bread and wine you gave them, Christ, you came as Light from Light. desperate situation, and By your body broken for us, by you wine of life outpoured, then praised Him for that de- Jesus, feed again your people. Be our Host, our Life, our Lord. liverance. Taking part in Loaves are broken, words are spoken, as in faith we gather here. communion today should Jesus speaks across the ages: “A am with you; do not fear!” remind us of that long ago By your body broken for us, by you wine of life outpoured, demonstration of the grace Jesus, feed again your people. Be our Host, our Life, our Lord. of God. We should also look By the loaves you break and give us, send us in your name to share back to the more recent Bread for which the millions hunger, words that tell your love and care. past of the Last Supper, By your body broken for us, by you wine of life outpoured, when Jesus Christ vowed to Jesus, feed again your people. Be our Host, our Life, our Lord. — Herman G. Stuempfle, 2005 make a new covenant with
5 his people. The act of taking communion reduces all of us to the same level—removing all of our notions of status and importance, all of our pride, and any prejudices or conflicts we have with each other. In fact, the word "communion" means "joining together," so the act itself should serve to unite all of those participating in the meditation. As each of us takes part in the elements of the ritual, we are saying to each other that we are all sinners saved by the grace of God. We acknowledge to ourselves and to others that we love God and need the continuing renewing power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We see that together, before God, we may all be worthless but we are treasured by Him anyway. And as a result of this knowledge, we are called to take His love for us with us when we leave the communion service, and spread it into our daily lives. We renew our pledge to serve the Lord together. —Reformed Worship
Hymn Meditation: “Great God of Every Blessing” (Click title to listen)
“Great God of Every Blessing” was written for the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth. It is a summary of our theology of worship, which might best be described as grace and gratitude, and ends each stanza with Calvin’s personal motto: “Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart.” It is a hymn of thanksgiving. I had a conversation earlier this week with David Gambrell, the author of this song, to let him know we would be learning it today. He shared with me some of what he was thinking when he wrote it. The image of the fountain (second line of first Great God of every blessing, of faithful, loving care, stanza) was one of Calvin’s favorite metaphors You are the fount of goodness, the daily bread we share. for God’s overflowing goodness.[4] Of course, How can we hope to thank you? Our praise is but a start: there’s the centrality of the salvation through the Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. Word (first line of second stanza), and the theme of covenant relationship (second line of second Your Word is our salvation, the source of endless grace, In death and life extending your covenant embrace. stanza) in Reformed thought. And then the third In Christ we are one body; each member has a part: stanza reflects Calvin’s emphasis on role of the Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. Holy Spirit. The third stanza also seeks to reflect Your Spirit is our teacher, the light that guides our search, not only the reality of sin but the promise of reTransforming broken people into the holy church. demption (transforming broken people into the For feeding us with mercy, for wisdom you impart: holy church). Sincerely and completely I offer you my heart. — David Gambrell, 2009 But as the note in our new hymnal suggests, the key to the hymn is the move from plural to singular in the last (repeated) line of each stanza: you see, we receive our faith through community, but we must claim it and live it in personal ways: “sincerely and completely, I offer you my heart.” My friends, stewardship is primarily about giving ourselves, our whole selves, to God, and using all that God has given us in grateful and appropriate ways. Stewardship is about living thanksgiving in every aspect of our lives. —Rev. Jeffrey A. Geary, White Plains Presbyterian Church, NY
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“Christ Be Our Light” (click title to listen) The Light of Life
Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you. Make us your own, Your holy people, Light of the world to see.
Read Ephesians 5:8-17 [Jesus] said, "I am the light of the world." "You might as well throw that out!" I said in astonish- Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
ment. My husband had just planted a Christmas gift, an Longing for hope Many despair. amaryllis. When he opened the box, he had discov- Your word alone has power to save us. Make us your living voice. ered that an eight-inch stem had been growing. Nourished only by the bulb, since the soil was in a plastic Longing for food, many are hungry. bag, the shoot had grown at a right angle from the Longing for water, many still thirst. bulb, and having had no light, it was sickly yellow. Its Make us your bread, broken for others, budding end lay across the rim of the pot. It was a sad Shared until all are fed. sight. Longing for shelter, many are homeless. "Let's see what it will do," he said, placing the pot in Longing for warmth, many are cold. Make us your building, sheltering others, a sunny window. In only three days something amazing had oc- Walls made of living stone. curred. The plant had grown toward the light, its color Christ, be our light! had changed to green, the bud had become pink, Shine in our hearts. and the stem was almost vertical. What caused this? Shine through the darkness. Christ. Be our light! Being in the light, of course! For years I had read Jesus' words, "I am the light of Shine in your church Gathered today. the world," but this plant's transformation brought me — Bernadette Farrell new understanding of the verse's significance. As we turn more and more toward the Light of the world, we grow, change, and receive new understanding and insight. In time, we can become the persons we are meant to be. —Margaret Tansley (Ontario, Canada) Prayer: Loving Spirit, thank you for Christ, the Light, who came to make clear the way to a truly fulfilled life. Amen.
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Sunday, October 11 The Burning Bush — The Call of Moses Exodus 3:1-12
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-inlaw, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. 7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concernedabout their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Hymn Meditation: “Arise, Your Light Is Come!”(click title to listen)
“Light in the Darkness” Robert Norris, 2008
Arise, your light is come! The Spirit’s call obey; Show forth the glory of your God, Which shines on you today. Arise, your light is come! Fling wide the prison door; Proclaim the captives’ liberty, Good tidings to the poor.
Arise, your light is come! All you in sorrow born, In her poem “You Are the Sun”, author Sara Groves de- Bind up the broken-hearted ones scribes Christ as the Sun, the Light of the World. We are the And comfort those who mourn.
moon, reflecting that light of Christ. We cannot shine unless Arise, your light is come! we turn our face to the Sun. The mountains burst in song! You are the sun shining down on everyone Light of the world giving light to everything I see Beauty so brilliant I can hardly take it in And everywhere you are is warmth and light And I am the moon with no light of my own Still you have made me to shine And as I glow in this cold dark night
Rise up like eagles on the wing; God’s power will make us strong.
— Ruth Duck, 1974
8 I know I can't be a light unless I turn my face to you During the month of October, we will be looking toward our stewardship by Igniting Our Generosity. Be on the lookout for allusions to “light” throughout these services, and remember that we are not the Light, but we reflect the Light when we live generously. —Robert
Extravagant Generosity Churches that grow in giving know that generosity increases with participation in ministry and community, and so they work to deepen the core ministries of worship, small group learning, and mission. They know that many churches do not have enough money because they don’t provide sufficient ministry and mission. Rather than becoming obsessed with income, survival, and maintenance, they continually return their focus to changing lives, reaching out to new people, and offering significant mission. By growing in ministry, giving increases. Congregations that practice Extravagant Generosity address the challenge of growing in giving to long-term members as well as to adults who are new to the faith. They also teach, model, and cultivate generosity among children and youth. Sunday school classes, after-school children’s ministries, Vacation Bible School, and youth ministries all offer opportunities to give individually and to work together in groups to achieve a ministry goal that is significant, tangible, and compelling. Rather than collecting offerings in a perfunctory way, children’s and youth leaders explain, teach, and connect the action of giving to the work of God. Children and youth are taught about responsible earning, spending, saving, and giving. Congregations equip parents with ideas, suggestions, and practices 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 other 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: When You Call” (click title to listen) The Whisper
Waiting in the stillness as I open my heart to you, Waiting in the stillness, wondering what you would have me do. The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the Will I recognize that still, small voice when it speaks my name? mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the Will I know you when you call? Will I year your voice at all?
LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was 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
When you speak, Lord, I will listen, when you call me, I will hear. I am yours Lord, and I pray nothing earthly interferes. Where you lead me, I will follow. Where you send me, I will go. I am yours, Lord, I am yours. Speak, Lord, in the stillness as I open my heart to you. Speak, Lord, in the stillness, show me what you would have me do. I will recognize that still, small voice when it speaks my name. I will know you when you call. I will know you when you call.
— Ruth Elaine Schram
9 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 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? Can you hear the call? 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. —Robert Norris
Moses and the Burning Bush; Byzantine mosaic, St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai
10 I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry, All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save. I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Hymn Meditation: “Here I Am, Lord”
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I; send me!'" - Isaiah 6:8 "Here I Am, Lord" by Dan Here I am, Lord. Schutte, speaks to our love for Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. God and our love for his children. When we sing the words I will go, Lord, if you lead me. of God's call to the prophet I will hold your people in my heart. Isaiah "Whom shall I I, the Lord of snow and rain, send?" (Isaiah 6:8), our reI have borne my people’s pain. sponse comes with conviction I have wept for love of them, as we sing, "Here I am, Lord. . . They turn away. I will break their hearts of stone, . I will go, Lord, . . . I will hold Give them hearts for love alone. your people in my heart." I will speak my word for them, Luke's Gospel tells us Jesus Whom shall I send? began his preaching ministry as he read from the scroll of I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame, Isaiah (58:6 and 61:1-2). He announced he would go to the brokenI will set a feast for them. hearted, oppressed and imprisoned peoples of the world. In the conMy hand will save. cluding chapters of Matthew's Gospel, as Jesus faced the cross, he told Finest bread I will provide his disciples they must care for those who were hungry, thirsty, naked, Till their hearts be satisfied. imprisoned and strangers in a foreign land. To serve "the least of these" is I will give my life to them. to serve Jesus (Matthew 25:40). Whom shall I send? — Dan Schutte Since you do not yet see God, you merit the vision of God by loving your neighbor. By loving your neighbor, you prepare your eyes to see God. — St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 5th Century
Hymn Meditation:Lord, Speak to me That I May Speak” (click title to listen) Frances Ridley Havergal came by her love of hymnology naturally. Her father, Rev. William Henry Havergal, was an Anglican clergyman who devoted his life to improving the music of the Church of England. By age seven, Frances was already writing poems. She went on to Lord, speak to me that I may speak become a deeply spiritual writer of hymns and devotional books. In living echoes of you tone. As you have sought, so let me seek This hymn, originally titled “A Worker’s Prayer,” was written on April Your erring children, lost and lone. 28, 1872, at Winterdyne, Bewdley, England, for the use of lay helpers in the church. O lead me, Lord, that I may lead Effective service for Christ must always begin with prayer and fol- The wandering and the wavering feet. low the direction of Christ. John Wesley wrote this covenant prayer: O feed me, Lord, that I may feed Your hungering ones with manna sweet. I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; O teach me, Lord, that I may teach put me to doing, put me to suffering; The precious truths which you impart. let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, And wing my words that they may reach exalted for you, or brought low for you; The hidden depths of many a heart. let me be full, let me be empty, O fill me with your fullness, Lord, let me have all things, let me have nothing: Until my will, and when, and where I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things Until your blessed face I see, to your pleasure and disposal. Your rest, your joy, your glory share. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, — Frances Ridley Havergal, 1872 you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
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Sunday, October 18 Unshakeable Kingdom Hebrews 12:18-29
You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hymn Meditation: “Pass It On” (click title to listen)
In correspondence with the author, Mr. Kaiser provided the background to "Pass It On," one of his most famous songs: "In 1969, Ralph Carmichael and I collaborated on a musical, Tell It Like It Is. It was written to get young people involved in the Church. After reviewing what we had written, we decided there needed to be a closer to pull it all together. "On a Sunday night I was sitting in our den by the fireplace where there were remnants of a fire, and it occurred to me that it only takes a It only takes a spark to get a fire going And soon all those around can spark to get a fire warm up to its glowing going . . . and the That's how it is with God's love Once you've experienced it rest came very You spread your love to everyone quickly. My wife You want to pass it on suggested that I should say something about shouting it from mountain tops, and that ended up in the third verse. It only What a wondrous time is spring took about 20 minutes to write the lyrics. Afterwards my wife when all the trees are budding The birds begin to sing, and I went for a walk, letting the song ruminate in our minds." the flowers start their blooming This song reflects the power of a simple idea set to a singaThat's how it is with God's love ble tune. Such songs take on a life that the composer never Once you've experienced it considered. Mr. Kaiser notes, "I am always amazed how the You want to sing, it's fresh like spring Lord can take a little song and use it to reach so many people. You want to pass it on It has been sung at countless weddings and funerals, at ordination services, by the Sea of Galilee, in Rhodesia, on the aircraft I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I've found carrier Enterprise, and, of course, lots of camps." You can come join in, it matters Few songs from this era have reached the iconic status of not where you're bound “Pass It On,” which, though informal in its jargon, might be seen I'll shout it from the mountain tops as an extension of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. I want the world to know —-Methodist General Board of Discipleship Hymn Devotions The joy of friends has come to me
I want to pass it on
— Kurt Kaiser, 1969
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A nt hem M ed it a ti o n : “Z i o n’ s Walls” (click title to listen)
Come fathers and mothers, Come sisters and brothers, Come join us in singing the praises of Zion. O fathers don’t you feel determined to meet within the walls of Zion, We’ll shout and go round, shout and go round Shout and go round the walls of Zion —Aaron Copland
This song is reminiscent of one of the Psalms of Ascent. These psalms were used during the yearly pilgrimages to the holy city of Jerusalem (Zion). Psalm 84 is one such pilgrimage hymn that would have been sung as the faithful traveled to Jerusalem for festivals, as they entered the gates of the city and approached the temple. The psalmist is exuberant with joy at entering into God’s dwelling place. The psalm celebrates the joy of drawing near to God. The psalmist delights to be in the presence of God and yearns to be with God in worship. This worshiper trusts fully in God as his source of strength, hope, victory, and joy. For this writer, God has left this incredible set of promises! Why? God is for us! He is our sun and shield, he lavishes his grace and glory upon us, and he will not withhold any good thing from us. I have the privilege of working everyday in the House Take my life, and let it be of the consecrated, Lord, to thee. Lord, and Take my moments and my days; this Psalm let them flow in ceaseless praise. has special meaning — “I’d rather be a door keeper in the Take my hands, and let them move house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.” It at the impulse of thy love. Take my feet, and let them be is an honor to be a Keeper of the Door. We, as Christians, all swift and beautiful for thee. share that responsibility and that honor. Will you join me this Sunday as a Keeper of the Door, and rejoice in it? “Come Take my voice, and let me sing fathers and mothers, come sisters and brothers, come join us always, only, for my King. in singing the praises of Zion!” —Robert Take my lips, and let them be
Hymn Meditation: “Take My Life”
(click title to listen)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God..” 1 Corinthians 10:31
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.
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 all we have is given by God, 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
13 living. She has rightfully been called “The Consecration Poet.” “These little couplets that chimed in my heart on 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 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.
Hymn Meditation: “This Little Light of Mine” (click title to listen) Another song that centers on the individual relationship with God is “This Little Light of Mine.” Popular as a Sunday school song, this is a simple commitment to living a life of service, humility, and obedience to the word of God. It is a claim that personal integrity matters. There are many biblical texts regarding light, but Matthew 5:14 -16 is the special text from which this song is derived. It reads, “You — Traditional Spiritual are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” “This Little Light of Mine” is one of many examples of the slaves building upon a favorite verse and setting it to music. This made the verse easy to remember and available to share with others This little light of mine I’m gonna’ let it shine. This little light of mine I’m gonna’ let it shine. This little light of mine I’m gonna’ let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
—- Marsha Hansen “My Soul Is a Witness” Abingdon Press, 2006
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Sunday, October 25 Stewardship: Ignite Your Service 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Hymn Meditation: “My Hope is Built” (click title to listen) ““With the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” Ephesians 1:18
The Bible likens our faith to a house. Some homes are built to last while others crumble easily in strong wind or rain. The difference is not in the severity of the storm but in the quality of the foundation upon which the structure is built. The author of this hymn test wisely chose “the solid rock” on which to build his own life, and he rested on Christ’s “unchanging grace” until his homegoing at age 77. Edward Mote was the son of poor innkeepers in London, England. He was unaware of the Hope of Christ until the age of 16 when his life was changed. He eventually became a minister in Sussex, England. He remained there, preaching this hope until 1873 when his health no longer My hope is built on nothing less permitted it. He died Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, a year later. During But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. his busy life as a minister, Edward On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; Mote wrote more All other ground is sinking sand; than 150 hymn texts. All other ground is sinking sand. In 1836 he published When darkness seems to hide his face, a collection titled I rest on his unchanging grace; Hymns of Praise and In every high and stormy gale, included “The Solid My anchor holds within the veil. Rock” in it. Determine His oath, his covenant, his blood to build your life on a Support me in the whelming flood; firm foundation, and When all around my soul gives way, praise God for Christ, He then is all my hope and stay. the Solid Rock.
When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found, Dressed in his righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. —Edward Mote, 1834
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Anthem: “Built on a Rock” (click title to listen) “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:22-23 The nobis chiefpacem cornerstone verse is the second most frequentDona in terra Old pax hominibus ly Et quoted Testament verse used in the New Testament voluntatis toBonae describe the rejection of Jesus as Messiah by the Jewish leaders. A very old Give us peace. Jewish tradition is Built Church will Andonona rock, earththe peace to all ofstand, good will Even when steeples are falling. —Traditional that it came from the Built on a rock, in every land. time of the building Christ, our Lord, is calling. of Solomon’s temple. Calling to the young and the old to rest. When King Solomon built the temple on the place where the dome Calling to the souls of those oppressed. of the rock now stands in Jerusalem, There was no sound of hamBuilt on a rock, the Church will stand. mer or saws and or pounding of any kind. The temple was erected Christ, our Lord, is calling. in silence. The rocks that formed the temple were taken from a This is a house of living stone quarry underneath the temple mount still today called Solomon’s Built for God’s habitation. quarries. It was built to such exacting blueprint dimensions that He is a rock, on humble throne each rock was shaped perfectly before it ever left the quarry. Granting us salvation. When it arrived at the temple, it would fit perfectly in its proper Whenever two or more come to seek his face, place. According to this tradition a huge rock was quarried and God will be among them to show his grace. He is a rock, and this his place, shaped to the exacting dimensions and sent to the temple. When it Granting us salvation. arrived at the temple site the builders could find no place to use it. It didn’t seem to match any of their blueprints, so they placed it to Built on a rock, the Church will stand one side. Some time passed and it was always getting in the way Firmly on one foundation. so workers pushed it over the edge of the bank and it rolled down Built on a rock in every land, into the Kidron Valley and was lost. However, when time came to This, God’s new creation. Together we have come for to give and receive. hoist the cornerstone or keystone into place, the great rock that In Christ, our Lord, we do believe. held everything in place, could not be found. The builders sent Built on a rock, the Church will stand. word to the quarry that they were ready for the cornerstone. The This. God’s new creation. masons sent word back that cornerstone had already been deliv—Jay Althouse, 2002 ered. Then someone remembered the huge “extra” rock that had been pushed over the cliff. When the workers retrieved the stone and hoisted it into place it fit perfectly as the keystone of the temple. We do know that He was rejected by some of the most religious people in the 1st century who were expecting the Messiah. — Rev. Ed Rea, “Daily Devotions”
Hymn Meditation: “Lord of All Good” (click title to listen) A Plate of Cookies Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 Give, and it will be given to you. . . . For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. -Luke 6:38 MY grandma could have won an award for her giving. Whenever Mom took a plate of cookies to her, Grandma would always return the plate full of some treats that she had baked for us. Grandma never sent back an empty plate. Likewise she always returned a smile for a smile and a hug for a hug. By her actions I learned how to be a giver, too. Sometimes I've found that I cannot return a favor to the person who helped me or gave me something, but I can pass the kindness on to someone else by doing something helpful for another. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us that whatever we do for others in need, we do for him. By expressing my love and concern for others through my giving, I am showing my love for Jesus. Jesus demonstrated giving through his healing, his teaching, and the ultimate gift of his life. Love was the motivator of all that he did. We, too, can love others by giving of our talents, time, and material pos-
16 14 sessions. Jesus promised in Luke 6:38 that in whatever measure we give, God will give back to us. Our giving doesn't have to be in large quantities. God blesses even the small things that we do for others. Giving is like a boomerang; whatever we give usually comes back, just like the plate from Grandma always came back full. Dona nobis pacem Carol Forehand (Iowa, U.S.A.) Et in terra pax hominibus Bonae voluntatis Prayer: Generous Provider, thank you for all that you have given Giveus. usHelp peace.us to give back to you by giving to others, no matter small thetogift be. Amen. Andhow on earth peace all may of good will
—TraditionalFrom Upper Room January 11, 2008
Lord of all good, our gifts we bring to you; Use them your holy purpose to fulfill, Tokens of love and pledges brought anew, That our whole life is offered to your will. We give our minds to understand your ways; Hands, eyes, and voice to serve your great design; Heart with the flame of your own love ablaze, Till for your glory all our power combine. Father, whose bounty all creation shows; Christ, by whose willing sacrifice we live; Spirit, from whom all life in fullness flows: To you with grateful hearts ourselves we give.
Hymn Meditation: “In My Life” (click title to listen)
—Albert F. Bayly, 1962
The first question of the Westminster Chatechism is: “What is the chief end of man?” Answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” What is the meaning of life? Some would say that it is beyond our ability to find the answer to this question; and yet it remains a question that In my life, Lord, be glorified; be glorified. every generation asks. What’s it all about? Why are In my life, Lord, be glorified; be glorified today. we here? This question lies in every heart, because the answer gives us meaning and purpose for life. In our song, Lord, be glorified; be glorified. In our song, Lord, be glorified; be glorified today. The message of God’s word is that we do have purpose, there is meaning in this life. Ultimately, as the In your church, Lord, be glorified; be glorified. catechism teaches, our purpose, our “chief end” is In your church, Lord, be glorified today. to glorify God In your world, Lord, be glorified; be glorified. and enjoy Him In your world, Lord, be glorified today. forever. Bob Kilpatrick. 1978 We were created for God’s glory; that is, all of creation glorifies its creator by nature and by calling. By nature, creation glorifies God much as an artist’s work brings the artist praise and glory. However, as beings created in the image of God, men and women have a special calling to bring glory to God. Moreover, we were created to enjoy God. For some, this may seem like a strange idea. God is viewed as the ultimate killjoy, giving rules and regulations to keep people from having any fun. But God has created us for joy, to enjoy His presence and the good gifts of His creation. How, then, do we do this, glorify God and find joy in His presence? The answer is found in God’s word, His revelation to us of His will. The word of God is our guide as we seek to glorify and enjoy God. If we want to live up to this grand and glorious calling, we must turn to His word for us. Prayer Gracious God, Thank you for creating us and giving us purpose in life. Help us to live our lives in a way that will bring you glory, and may we continue to find great joy in your presence. Teach us, by your word, how we are to live and believe, that we may walk according to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen. See also: 1 Cor. 10:31; Rom 11:36; Ps 73:24-26; Gal 1:8-9; Isa 8:20; II Tim 3:15-17; Mic 6:8; John 3:16
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Stewardship verses Ownership
Owners, especially owners of vast enterprises, appoint managers. Good owners give managers room to make decisions and use their abilities. And good managers remember who the owner is. They keep in mind the desires and designs of the owner, and they treat things as if they were their own, knowing full well that they are not! When someone lends you something of worth, there is a sense of privilege involved, a sense of honor — because the lending of something of worth implies a wonderful level of trust. It implies that the lender has confidence in your character. The lender wants the gift to be used, to bless and help the borrower flourish. Do you feel a sense of privilege at God’s provision and a responsibility to use his gifts wisely? The Owner of all things wants us to flourish so deeply that even when his servant-kings rejected him, he went out of his way to reveal the truth of his goodness and the depth of his love and the wonder of his generosity. “What is mine is yours,” says God the Father. And he gives us Jesus. Early on, God placed Adam in the garden and said, “It’s all yours.” And then, in Jesus, God makes it personal: “I’m all yours!” —-Cecil Van Niejenhuis “Reformed Worship” June 2008
“Grapes and Wheat Wreath� tapestry in the chairs in the chancel area of Easley Presbyterian Church. The grapes and wheat have long been symbols of Holy Communion, representing the wine and the bread. A wreath is a symbol of unity. Communion unites us together as one body in Christ Jesus. Throughout the world, throughout time, we are joined together with Christians from long ago and far away. It is a beautiful thing to be united in and through Christ.