October 2016

A Worship Magazine

Easley Presbyterian Church

Easley, SC

Oct. 2016

Vol. 2 Issue 5

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 2 Feed 4 Thousand

In celebration of World Communion Sunday, we will share in music and worship from around Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee.

Then he went up on a mountainside and sat the world. Listen for music from Africa, India, Jadown. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, pan, Taiwan, Sweden, Germany, the Caribbethe blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people an, and others. Many voices, many countries, were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the many languages, but all One God that we worcrippled made well, the lame walking and the blind ship. Thanks be to God for the many ways He seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have has called us to praise.

Matthew 15:29-16:12

compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”

34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

“Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”

35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children.39 After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.

16 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.[a] 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”

8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand?

Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

“Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather”(click title to listen)

(Tokyo) tune from Japan Whenever we gather for public worship, it is because we have been summoned. That is what "church" means: ekklesia, "called out."

We as Christians, worship a Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -One God. Christians are Here, O Lord, your servants gather, called to live as a com- Hand we link with hand; munity of believers — Looking toward our Savior’s cross, Joined in love we stand.

One Body. In worship, As we seek the realm of God, we leave our individual- We unite to pray: ism and join together in Jesus, Savior, guide our steps, One community, One For you are the Way. — Tokuo Yamaguchi, 1958 Body, joined together through Christ — “called out” to be His church.

—RN

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Meditation: “How Great Thou Art” (Click title to listen)

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

A Hymn from Sweden

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

“Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2 Today’s inspiring hymn of praise and When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, adoration reminds us of God’s unlimited power And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. and love in creation and redemption.

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Although written in the past century, the hymnhas become familiar to congregations And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; just since That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. the —Stuart K. Hine close of WWII. It especially became an international favorite after the Billy Graham Evangelistic Team used it in theeir crusades during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.

The original text was written by a Swedish pastor, Carl Boberg, in 1886. While visiting a beautiful country estate, Boberg was caught in a sudden thunderstorm. The awesome and violent lightning and thunder quickly ended, leaving clear brilliant sunshine and the calm, sweet singing of the birds in the trees. Falling on his knees in awe and adoration of Almighty God, the pastor wrote nine stanzas of praise. It was sung to a familiar Sweedish folk tune. The text was later translated into German, Russian, and English by Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Hine. The Hines were missionaries to the people of Ukraine. When war broke out in 1939, it was necessary for the Hines to return to Britain.

They brought with them this wonderful hymn of praise. “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee: How Great Thou Art!”

Anthem Meditation: “Halle, Halle, Halle” (click title to listen) “Hallelujah” is a Hebrew word that is usually translated as “Praise the Lord!” The text of this lively Caribbean song is taken from Psalm 150 which proclaims over and over again to “praise the Lord with…” which in the Hebrew would be “Hallelujah”.

4 Psalm 150 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Halle, halle, hallelujah!

Praise God in this holy place, Every nation, every race.

Come, make joyful music to the Lord.

Sound the trumpet, sound it clear, Sound it for the world to hear.

Come, make joyful music to the Lord.

Halle, halle, hallelujah!

Hymn Meditation: “We Come as Guests Invited” (click title to listen)

A tune from Germany

O taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8 The psalmist calls for us to fully experience God’s goodness — experience with all of our senses.

This morning, as you come into worship. Look over at the stained glass windows. See how the Light of Christ transHalle, halle, hallelujah!

— Hal Hopson forms the glass into something radiant and beautiful. Thank God for his transforming power and for the beauty around us.

Listen as the organ plays. Let the music wash over you and reach into you and move you. Thank God for the beauty of music. Thank Him for the way He reaches deep inside us and stirs our heart toward worship.

Touch the pew in front of you. Feel the smooth and strong wood. Thank God for His sturdiness — for His strong and never-changing faithfulness to us.

Open the Bible and smell the pages. (I happen to love the smell of old books.) That’s the smell of learning. It’s a smell that stretches back through time and connects us to the past. Thank God for this connection with worshippers throughout the centuries who have studied the Word and passed it down with great love and dedication.

During communion, savor the taste of the bread and juice. Taste the sweetness of God’s mercy. Thank Everything that breathes now praise; Sing your songs, let voices raise.

Come, make joyful music to the Lord.

Play the cymbals, play the lute; Play the timbrel, play the flute.

Come, make joyful music to the Lord.

5 Him for the bitterness He drank so we could experience this sweetness. Thank him for all of our senses and how He “speaks” to us through them all.

A few years ago, while I was helping serve We eat and drink, receiving from Christ the grace we need, communion, a little boy came to the altar to And in our hearts believing on him by faith we feed; With wonder and thanksgiving for love that knows no end, be served. He knelt down beside his parents We find in Jesus living our ever-present friend. and held out his hands to receive the little cup of grape juice. He drank the juice with One bread is ours for sharing, one single fruitful vine, gusto, smacked his lips and let out a big “Ah!” Our fellowship declaring renewed in bread and wine: Renewed, sustained, and given by token, sign, and word, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself at this The pledge and seal of heaven, the love of Christ our Lord. child’s exuberance in receiving holy com— Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1975 munion.

After the service I had time to let that moment sink in a bit. The verse from Psalms echoed in my mind: “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” What a wonderful image of joy that pared with that verse. Communion is a holy act that strengthens us and sustains us. It fills us with grace. But this is a reminder that it also satisfies us in deep ways and fills us with joy. This communion, let us come to the table that the Lord has prepared. Let us come with joy to taste and see the goodness of our Lord. Let us smack our lips and say “Ah”, and leave satisfied and refreshed. Thanks be to God. Amen. — Robert Norris We come as guests invited when Jesus bids us dine, His friends on earth united to share the bread and wine; The bread of life is broken; the wine is freely poured For us, in solemn token of Christ our dying Lord.

Call to Prayer: “Karthave, Kirubaiyayirum” Song from India.

Gracious Lord, have mercy on us.

Call to Communion: “For the Bread Which You Have Broken” (Beng-Li) tune from Taiwan The tune BENG-LI was written in 1970 by composer I-to Loh. He sensitively combines his melody, composed in the style of traditional Asian vocal music, with a three-part accompaniment. It was written For the bread which you have broken, for a scene For the wine which you have poured, in a passion For the words which you have spoken, Now we give you thanks, O Lord. play that depicts the In your service, Lord, defend us, Last Supper. In our hearts keep watch and ward; In the world where you have sent us, Let your kingdom come, O Lord.

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Hymn Meditation: “Christ Be Beside Me”

(Click title to listen)

A text from Ireland and Tune from Wales

There is a great beauty in the simple, yet formal greeting and blessing that is so much a part of Irish culture. These blessings are very often strongly connected to nature and God as Creator. Christ is revealed through His creation and all Christ be beside me; Christ be before me; of nature praises it’s creator.

Christ be behind me, King of my heart.

Christ be within me; Christ be below me; The natural rhythm of the Christ be above me, never to part. words form it’s poetic strucChrist on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, ture — each word is artfully chosen and flow easily from Christ all around me, shield in the strife.

Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, the lips. Even when spoken, Christ in my rising, Light of my life. there is music in the speech.

Scripture is full of blessings Christ be in all hearts thinking about me; and greetings.: Christ be on all tongues telling of me.

Christ be the vision in eyes that see me; “The Lord bless you and In ears that hear me Christ ever be. keep you: the Lord make His —From St. Patrick’s Breastplate face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

“May the God of hope Fill you with all joy and peace in believing, So that you may abound in hope By the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. “

Benediction: We Are Marching in the Light of God”

(click title to listen)

The African church is a reflection of the African idea of family. The Swahili word ujamaa (community) may best describe the concept of family among African peoples. In addition to close family members and relatives, members We are marching in the light of God. of the community are also regarded as family. Visitors are generally We are marching in the light of God. welcomed and highly valued. The community that forms an African We are marching in the light of God. congregation is inclusive and invitational in nature; it welcomes We are marching in the light of God. We are marching Ooo strangers and visitors.

We are marching in the light of God. —From a South African Freedom Song John Mbiti, a prominent African theologian, says, "I am because we are, and since we are, therefore, I am." Although this proverb has been interpreted to mean that one cannot live without the existence of the whole community, it has a deeper meaning for Africans. In addition to the importance of the community as a whole, there is a profound sense of love, solidarity, care, and mutual assistance that binds the people who live in community. When a child is born to one family, that child belongs not only to that particular family but to the whole community.

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Sunday, October 9 Stewardship: A Cheerful Giver 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

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.

Hymn Meditation: “The Church’s One Foundation” "Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.” Ephesians 5:23 During an especially heated period of theological controversy in England, when liberalism threatened to detroy the the doctrins of the church, this hymn was written by Pastor Samuel Stone. In 1866, Stone desired to write a hymn that would reaffirm the Lordship of Christ as the foundaiton of the church. Stone was described as the poor man’s pastor. He demonstrated his firm belief that the church was the instrument of Christ for meeting the needs of people. The “church” is a group of people who are called out from the world by God Himself. The church consists of people who meet regulalrly for worship, inspiration, instruction, and fellowship. After that, Christ our Head sends His own back into the The church's one foundation Their cry goes up, "How long?" world to represent Him Is Jesus Christ her Lord; And soon the night of weeping and to model His love She is his new creation Shall be the morn of song.

By water and the Word. for all mankind. Give Mid toil and tribulation, heaven he came and sought her thanks to God for your From And tumult of her war, To be his holy bride; She waits the consummation local church as well as With his own blood he bought her, Of peace forevermore; for fellow-believers of And for her life he died.

Till, with the vision glorious, the Church universal Elect from every nation, Her longing eyes are blest, And the great church victorious throughout the world. Yet one o'er all the earth; Shall be the church at rest. let us reaffirm our Her charter of salvation, One Lord, one faith, one birth; conviction in Christ as One holy name she blesses, Yet she on earth hath union With God the Three in One, the head of the church Partakes one holy food, And mystic sweet communion as we sing this musical And to one hope she presses, With those whose rest is won. truth — “The church’s With every grace endued.

O happy ones and holy!

Lord, give us grace that we one foundaiton is Jesus Though with a scornful wonder Like them, the meek and lowly, Christ her Lord; with His We see her sore oppressed, By schisms rent asunder, On high may dwell with thee. own blood He bought By heresies distressed, —Samuel J. Stone, 1866 her, and for her life he Yet saints their watch are keeping; died.”

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Anthem Meditation: Draw the Circle Wide” (click title to listen)

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no one stands alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide.

God, the still point of the circle, ‘round whom all creation turns; nothing lost but held forever in God’s gracious arms.

Let our hearts touch far horizons so encompass great and small; let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call.

Let the dreams we dream be larger, than we’ve ever dreamed before; let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door.

Amen.

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

Intertwining Arms Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. -Galatians 6:2

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

No one stands alone, we’ll stand side by side.

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song: No one stands alone.

Standing side by side, The biologist led us through the wetlands. He Draw the circle, draw the circle wide.

—Gordon Light

pointed out the tree roots that had spread along the surface of the forest. Then he said, "Look at the canopy overhead. If one of these trees stood alone, a fierce wind could fell it. Because the branches overhead intertwine, the trees protect and hold up one another." The canopy is one. Though each tree has its own trunk and shallow roots, together they form one canopy.

Christian unity is like the supporting canopy of the forest wetlands. Each of us is an individual with unique gifts; but we are joined together to become the church, which supports, protects, and encourages us. Together we form a canopy, the arms of Christ that intertwine to form the community of faith and that keep each of us from falling.

—Grace M. Frounfelker (Ohio, U.S.A.) Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that in you we are one. Help us to hold one another in arms of love so we all may stand strong in faith. Amen

Hymn Meditation: “God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending”

(click title to listen)

Churches that grow in giving know that generosity increases with participation in ministry and community, and so they work to deepen the core ministries of worship, small group learning, and mission. They know that many churches do not have enough money because they don’t provide sufficient ministry and mission. Rather than becoming obsessed with income, survival, and maintenance, they continually return their focus to changing lives,

9 reaching out to new people, and offering significant mission. Bt growing in ministry, giving increases.

Congregations that practice Extravagant Generosity address the challenge of growing in giving to long-term members as well as to adults who are 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 God, whose giving knows no ending, with ideas, suggestions, and practices that foster generosity for From the rich and endless store, children and youth of all ages.

Nature’s wonder, Jesus’ wisdom, The spiritual maturity that comes from growth in giving and Costly cross, grave’s shattered door; the extraordinary engagement that results from tithing bring Gifted by you, we turn to you, Offering up ourselves in praise; clarity of purpose and greater integrity to all the church’s minisThankful song shall rise forever, tries.

Gracious donor of our days.

The practice of Extravagant Generosity is the fruit of maturaSkills and time are ours for pressing, tion in Christ., the result of God’s sanctifying grace that molds Toward the goals of Christ, your Son: our hearts and changes our values and behaviors. Extravagant All at peace in health and freedom, Generosity supports the other four practices, helping the Races joined, the church made one. church fulfill its ministry to make disciples of Jesus Christ in roNow direct our daily labor, Lest we strive for self alone. bust and fruitful ways, opening the message of God’s love in Born with talents, make us servants Christ to more people now and for generations to come.

Fit to answer at your throne.

Treasure, too, you have entrusted, Gain through powers your grace conferred: Ours to use for home and kindred, And to spread the gospel word.

Open wide our hands in sharing, As we heed Christ’s ageless call, Healing, teaching, and reclaiming, Serving you by loving all.

— Robert L. Edwards, 1961

—From “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations”, chapter 5

by Robert Schnase.

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Sunday, October 16 Stewardship: Cheerful Giver 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: “A Grateful Heart” (Psalm 111) (click title to listen)

The text of this hymn was written during the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. It echoes the theme of Calvin’s personal motto: “My heart I offer to you, Lord, promptly and sincerely.”

Psalm 111 Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

Great are the works of the LORD; they are ponA grateful heart is what I bring, dered by all who delight in them.

A song of praise, my offering.

Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his Among the saints I lift my voice: righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gra- In you, O God, I will rejoice. cious and compassionate. He provides food for Your name is known in all the lands.

You feed the poor with gentle hands. those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power Your word is true, your works are just; In you, O God, the faithful trust. of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; With saving love you set us free, all his precepts are trustworthy. They are estabAnd still you dwell in mystery lished for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness With wisdom none can comprehend. and uprightness. He provided redemption for his Your praise, O God, will never end.

—David Gambrell, 2009 people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.

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Anthem: “How Can I Keep From Singing?” (click title to listen) My life flows on in endless song, Above earth’s lamentation.

I hear the real though far off hymn That hails a new creation.

NoDona stormnobis can shake my inmost calm, pacem While to that Rock I’m clinging.

Et in terra pax hominibus Since Love is lord of heaven and earth, Bonae voluntatis How can I keep from singing?

Robert Lowry was born in Philadelphia, March 12, 1826. His fondness for music was exhibited in his earliest years. As a child he amused himself with the various musical instruments that came into his hands.

At the age of seventeen he joined the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and soon became an active worker in the Sunday-school as teacher and chorister.

At the age of twenty-two he gave himself to the work of the ministry, and entered upon a course of study at the University of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. At the age of twenty-eight he graduated with the highest honors of his class.

Give us peace.

Through the tumult theof strife, In the same year of his graduation, he entered upon the work of the ministry.

And onallearth peaceand to all good will I hear that music ringing; He served as pastor at West Chester, Pennsylvania, 1854-1858; in New York —Traditional It sounds and echoes in my soul; City, 1859-1861 ; in Brooklyn, 1861-1869; in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, 1869How can I keep from singing?

1875. While pastor at Lewisburg, he was also professor of literature in the UniNo storm can shake my inmost calm, versity and received the honorary degree of D. D. in 1875.

While to that Rock I’m clinging.

After the death of William Bradbury, Lowry became the editor for the Sunday Since Love is lord of heaven and earth, School music literature. Lowery saw himself as a preacher and a pastor and beHow can I keep from singing? lieved that to be his highest calling. However, it is his legacy of musician and poet that lives on today. His texts and tunes are an inspiration to Christians The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, around the world.

A fountain ever springing; Some of his best known texts and tunes include: “Up from the Grave He Arose”, All things are mine since I am his; “Nothing But the Blood”, “I Need Thee Every Hour” (tune), “Marching to ZiHow can I keep from singing? on” (tune), and “Shall We Gather at the River.”

No storm can shake my inmost calm, How Can I Keep From Singing is a beautiful text and tune that proclaims God’s While to that Rock I’m clinging. goodness. Regardless of the difficult situations in life, I will sing praises. Since Since Love is lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singing?

Love is Lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singing?

—Robert Lowry

Hymn Meditation: “We Give Thee But Thine Own” (click title to listen)

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 We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be; All that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from thee.

that the lender has confidence in your character.

The lender wants the gift to be used, to bless and May we thy bounties thus as stewards true receive, And gladly, as thou blesses us, to thee our first-fruits give. help the borrower flourish. Do you feel a sense of privilege at God’s provision and a responsibility to The captive to release, to God the lost to bring, use his gifts wisely?

To teach the way of life and peace: it is a Christ-like thing.

The Owner of all things wants us to flourish so And we believe thy word, though dim our faith may be; deeply that even when his servant-kings rejected Whate’er we do for thine, O Lord, we do it unto thee. him, he went out of his way to reveal the truth of —William How, 1858 his goodness and the depth of his love and the

12 14 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

Dona nobis pacem Et in terra pax hominibus Bonae voluntatis

Hymn Meditation: “Take My Life and Let it be Consecrated” (click title to Give us peace. listen) Andwhether on earth peace all ofor good will or So youtoeat drink —Traditional

whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God..” 1 Corinthians 10:31 In this day of self-centered living and pleasure-oriented lifestyle, the total commitment of God of body, mind, and possessions portrayed in this text is difficult for many Christians to achieve. Even though we realize that we have nothing we have not received and that we are only stewards of the good gifts God has entrusted to us, we often fail to apply this basic truth to our daily lives.

Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days; Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be Swift and beautiful for thee.

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

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 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, October 23 Stewardship: Cheerful Giver Dona nobis pacem Et in terra pax hominibus Bonae voluntatis

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap Give us peace. sparingly, whoever generously And onand earth peace tosows all of good will will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have —Traditional 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!

“Te Deum”

(click title to listen)

The Te Deum is an Early Christian hymn of praise. The hymn remains in regular use in the Office of Readings found in the Liturgy of the Hours, and in thanksgiving to God for a special blessing either after Mass or Divine Office or as a separate religious ceremony. The hymn also remains in use in the Anglican Communion and some Lutheran Churches in similar settings.

The text has been set to music by many composers, with settings by Haydn, Mozart, Berlioz, Verdi, Bruckner, Dvořák, Britten, and Pärt among the better known. The Te Deum was written in the 4th century. It was one of the most important of the latin Hymns. It has even found itself placed on the level of the New Testament Canticles. “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” is a metrical version of the Te Duem. (See the Presbyterian Hymnal No. 4).

This anthem is takes its text from the first section of the much longer hymn of praise. It paints the picture found in Isaiah chapter 6 (and again the book of Revelations) of a glimpse into heaven. God the Father is seated majestically on the throne and angels hover around singing praises to the triune God. We are called to add our voices to this unending hymn of praise.

In our worship service, this ancient text will be presented in a new anthem, sung by our Children’s Choirs, Youth Choir, (youth bells), and Adult Choir.

Te Deum laudamus!

We praise thee, O God. We acknowledge thee to be the Lord.

All the earth doth worship thee, The Father everlasting.

To thee all angels cry aloud, The heavens and all the powers therein.

To thee cherubim and seraphim Continually do cry.

Holy! Holy! Holy!

Lord, God of Hosts!

Heaven and earth are full Are full of your glory!

Te Deum laudamus!

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Hymn Meditation: “Holy God, We Praise Your Name” (click title to listen) Translators are hymn writers too, and they contribute significantly to Christian hymnody. Translating hymns for singing is even more challenging than translating prose. The translator must honor the content of the original poetry, while writing a version that fits the meter and word accent of a pre-existing tune. Then the words should sing as naturally as possible in the new language. In many ways, translating a hymn for singing is like writing a new hymn.

Clarence Augustus Walworth (1820-1900) studied for the ministry at Union College (1838), considering a vocation as an Episcopal priest. Then, following his father’s bidding, he studied law, passed the bar, and became an attorney in 1841.

Abandoning law, he continued his study at General Theological Seminary, New York City. According to his Holy God, we praise your name; obituary, Walworth decided to become a Roman Catholic Lord of all we bow before you. priest while in New York. Following a severe bout with malarAll on earth your scepter claim; All in heaven above adore you. ia, he became a pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Albany, New Infinite your vast domain, York, from 1866-1892. He died in Albany in 1900. In addition Everlasting is your reign. to publishing a number of works, he was an amateur geoloHark! The glad celestial hymn gist, developing an extensive knowledge of the geological Angel choirs above are raising; topography of New York State.

Cherubim and seraphim.

In unceasing chorus praising, Fill the heavens with sweet accord: “Holy, holy, holy Lord!”

Turning to the author of the German text, Ignaz Franz (17191790), born in Poland, was a German Roman Catholic priest and hymnologist who compiled song collections. Franz editAll apostles join the strain ed several hymnbooks, one of which was the source of the As your sacred name the hallow; melody. The original German “Grosser Gott, wir loben dich” Prophets swell the glad refrain, And the blessed martyrs follow, is a paraphrase of the important fourth- or fifth-century canAnd from morn to set of sun, ticle, Te Deum Laudamus (“We praise you God”), a TrinitariThrough the church the song goes on. an hymn The original Latin text follows within 200 years of Holy Father, Holy Son, the important Council of Nicea (325 C.E.), where the nature Holy Spirit, three we name you, of the Trinity was the topic, and out of which the Nicene While in essence only one; Creed was formed. It is no wonder that Walworth wanted to Undivided God we claim you, translate this important historical text into metrical English.

And adoring, bend the knee While we own the mystery.

—Ignaz Franz In this case, the trek to the hymn that appears in hymnals

begins with the original Latin in the fourth century, through the translation in the Book of Common Prayer (1662) in the seventeenth century, to the German versification by Franz in the eighteenth century, and finally to Walworth’s translation in the nineteenth century. Actually, there is one more stop along the way, but I fear that I am asking a lot of all but the most dedicated reader! This is the journey of one of the oldest and most historically important Christian hymn.

— C. Michael Hawn, Perkins School of Theology

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Anthem: “An Offering” (click title to listen)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 Have you ever been faced with overwhelming self-doubt? Have you ever been paralyzed by fear of failure? Have you ever been consumed by the certainty that you are just not good enough?

—Traditional Yet if behind my open hands, my heart shrinks from the cost, I know all of those things very well! But I Teach me nothing offered you is ever truly lost. have also come to understand that I have A hundred-fold reward awaits in one glimpse of your face, been given a good and perfect gift. It is a My sacrifice forgotten in the riches of your grace. p r e —Eileen Berry cious 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 O Christ, Who spared not any cost, nor any grace withheld, But poured forth your redeeming blood in love unparalleled.

What would you have me offer, Lord? What must I count as loss That I may taste the fellowship that brings me near the cross?

Dona nobis pacem Et inshould terra pax hominibus Why I cling to gifts you give? Why grasp in foolish pride Bonae voluntatis What you gave yourself for me now bid me lay aside?

To know you is my highest gain, worth any sacrifice, Give us peace.

AAnd treasure worthy to possess any will earthly price. on earth peace to all ofat good

Hymn Meditation: “Lord of All Good” (click title to listen) 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.

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 We give our minds to understand your ways; you. -Luke 6:38 Hands, eyes, and voice to serve your great design; MY grandma could have won an award for her Herat with the flame of your own love ablaze, giving.

Whenever Mom took a plate of cookies to Till for your glory all our powers combine. her, Grandma would always return the plate full of Father, whose bounty all creation shows; some treats that she had baked for us. Grandma Christ, by whose willing sacrifice we live; never sent back an empty plate. Likewise she alSpirit, from whom all life in fullness flows: ways returned a smile for a smile and a hug for a To you with grateful hearts ourselves we give. hug. By her actions I learned how to be a giver, —Albert F. Bayly. 1962

16 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 possessions. 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.

Carol Forehand (Iowa, U.S.A.)

Prayer: Generous Provider, thank you for all that you have given us. Help us to give back to you by giving to others, no matter how small the gift may be. Amen.

From Upper Room January 11, 2008

Hymn Meditation: “In My Life” (click title to listen)

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.”

In my life, Lord, be glorified.

What is the meaning of life? Some would say that it is beyond In our song, Lord, be glorified. our ability to find the answer to this question; and yet it remains a In your church, Lord, be glorified. question that every generation asks. What’s it all about? Why are In your world, Lord, be glorified.

—Bob Kilpatrick, 1978 we here? This question lies in every heart, because the answer gives us meaning and purpose for life. The message of God’s word is that we do have purpose, there is meaning in this life. Ultimately, as the catechism teaches, our purpose, our “chief end” is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

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 73:2426; Gal 1:8-9; Isa 8:20; II Tim 3:15-17; Mic 6:8; John 3:16

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Sunday, October 30 Take Up Your Cross Dona nobis pacem Et in terra pax hominibus Bonae voluntatis When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his us disciples, Give peace. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 They John the Baptist; Andreplied, on earth“Some peacesay to all of good will others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one—Traditional of the prophets.”

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades [b] will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be [c] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be [d] loosed in heaven.”20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life[e] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

28 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Matthew 16:13-28

Tim. 6:15), Bread of God (John 6:33), Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48), Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7), Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20), Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4), Christ (1 John 2:22), Creator (John 1:3), Deliverer (Rom. 11:26), Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20), Everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6), Gate (John 10:9), Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11), Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5), Faith and True Witness (Rev. 3:14), First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13), Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5), God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.), Good Shepherd

Hymn Meditation: “O Lord, Our God, How Excellent” click title to listen)

After personally experiencing the authority and power of Jesus as He spoke peace to a raging sea, the disciples were left sitting in the stillness, wet from the rain and wondering: “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” –Matthew 8:27 Over and again the Bible answers this amazing question by giving us glimpses of the character of Jesus through the names and descriptions we find of Him. Here is a list of 100 Names of Jesus we find in the pages of the Bible. How do these different glimpses of Christ speak to you?

Advocate (1 John 2:1), Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18), Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13), Amen (Rev. 3:14), Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1), Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2), Author of Life (Acts 3:15), Author and Perfector of our Faith (Heb. 12:2), Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10), Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13), Blessed and only Ruler (1

O Lord, our God, how excellent, how glorious is your name.

Your majesty surrounds the earth, and children sing your fame.

The heavens shout your handiwork; we stand beneath in awe, To think the One who made all things should care for us at all.

Yet you have made us less than gods, surpassing all but you, With heart and mind, with strength and will, to search for what is true.

Into our hands you’ve placed all things: the earth, the sea; each place We’re called to probe for secret gifts and venture into space.

O Lord, our God, how excellent, how glorious is your name, Majestic in your holiness. We sing and praise your fame.

— Fred R. Anderson, 1986

18 (John 10:11,14), Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20), Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14), Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23), Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2), High Priest (Heb. 2:17), Holy and True (Rev. 3:7), Holy One (Acts 3:14), Hope (1 Tim. 1:1), Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27), Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69), I Am (John 8:58), Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4), King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17), King of Israel (John 1:49), King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11), King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16), King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3), Lamb (Rev. 13:8), Lamb of God (John 1:29), Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19), Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45), Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4), Light of the World (John 8:12), Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5), Living One (Rev. 1:18), Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4), Lord (2 Pet. 2:20), Lord of All (Acts 10:36), Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8), Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16), LORD [YHWH] our Righteousness (Jer. 23:6), Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48), Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15), Mighty God (Isa. 9:6), Morning Star (Rev. 22:16), Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16), Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9), Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13), Our Holiness (1 Cor.

1:30), Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2), Our Protection (2

Thess. 3:3), Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30), Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30), Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7), Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24), Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6), Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), Prophet (Acts 3:22), Resurrection and Life (John 11:25), Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5), Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1), Rock (1 Cor. 10:4), Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16), Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14), Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5), Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20), Son of David (Lk. 18:39), Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14), Son of Man (Mt. 8:20), Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32), Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Heb. 5:9), The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5), The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11), True Bread (John 6:32), True Light (John 1:9), True Vine (John 15:1), Truth (John 1:14; 14:6), Way (John 14:6), Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24), Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6), Word (John 1:1), Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

Anthem Meditation: “Be Still” (click title to listen)

Be still and know that I am God. Be still and know that I am with you.

Be still and know that I will comfort you in your hour of need.

Be still and know that I am God. Be still and know that I am here for you; And I will wipe your tears; You will be renewed.

Three months after the new Denver International Airport (DIA) opened in February 1995, several hundred people threw a loud party to celebrate something they hadn't heard for many years-silence. The celebrants were residents of Denver's Park Hill neighborhood, near Stapleton International Airport, which closed when DIA Come unto me, my child, be still opened.

"It's just like we moved and settled in a new place," one man said. And know that I will give you rest.

"You can carry on conversations, listen to television, and work in the I am present in your pain And I always will remain yard without noise."

We often call our personal devotions a "quiet time." For a few Your Comforter and Friend. minutes each day, we shut out the sounds of the world to obey the Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. Peace.

Almighty's command, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10).

— Herb Frombach It seems strange, then, to fill the rest of the day with headphones, background music, radio talk shows, and television sets blaring in empty rooms. Have we become threatened by stillness? T. S. Eliot wrote, "Where shall the word be found, where will the word resound? Not here, there is not enough silence."

We can't stop the thundering planes. But what can we turn off today so that we can listen more carefully and quietly to hear the voice of God? Alone with God, the world forbidden, Alone with God, O blest retreat!

Alone with God, and in Him hidden, To hold with Him communion sweet. --Oatman To hear God's voice, turn down the world's volume.

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Hymn Meditation: “Take Up Your Cross”

I will have to admit that I am completely fascinated with crosses.

I think that they are truly beautiful. Over the years, I have collected quite a number of crosses.

One of my best friends really hates crosses and cannot imagine pacemand hateful thing has come to represent a loving whyDona suchnobis a brutal Et in terra pax hominibus and merciful Savior. He would much prefer using the symbol of a Bonae voluntatis fish, or the trinity rings, or a chalice, etc… And we have had many debates the topic over the years.

Give uson peace.

And onChrist earth peace to all of only good will Jesus came, not to save the world, but to transform it.

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

Fill your weak spirit with alarm; So, the God who transforms also has the power to transform Christ’s strength shall bear your spirit up And brace your heart and nerve your arm. this image of hate and shame into an image of mercy, love, and grace — the cross.

Take up your cross; heed not the shame, “What you meant for evil, God intended for good.” Genesis And let your foolish pride be still; The Lord for you accepted death 50:20 Upon a cross, on Calvary’s hill.

If God has the power to transform the cross, then what can he do with a life? I believe the cross is such a thing of beauty Take up you cross, then, in Christ’s strength, because it was once so very ugly, but touched by Loving Hands And calmly every danger brave: It guides you to abundant life and transformed. And when we are touched by those same And leads to victory o’er the grave. hands, we are never the same. We too are transformed.

— Charles William Everest, 1833

Hymn Meditation: ”Love Divine” (click title to listen)

—Robert Norris

Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven to earth come down, Fix in us thy humble dwelling; All Thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, thou art all compassion, Pure unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation; Enter every trembling heart.

After their marriage, Charles and Sally Wesley set up housekeeping in Bristol, England, heading up the Methodist activities there. Later they moved to London so Charles could work more closely with his brother, John. All the while, however, he was writing hymns. There are few stories behind specific hymns because Charles was just always writing them. He didn’t need events to inspire him or quiet stretches of meditative time in which to develop his Finish then thy new creation; thoughts. He was just always writing hymns, and afterward he had few if Pure and spotless let us be; any dramatic stories to tell about the occasion for writing them.

Let us see thy great salvation He had inherited this gift from his father and although it had undoubtedly Perfectly restored in thee: been resident in him since childhood, his conversion unlocked it and set it Changed from glory into glory, free. He had within him virtually a treasury of poetry. He constantly experi- Till in heaven we take our place, enced the emotions of the true poet, his mind instinctively invested words Till we cast our crowns before thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise. with harmony, and hymn after hymn flowed from his pen.

— Charles Wesley, 1747 How many hymn texts did Wesley write? No one has been able to count them. In all, Charles wrote over nine thousand literary texts of one kind or another, but not all of them could be classified as hymns. Experts put the number somewhere between three thousand and six thousand. Among all of them, “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” is the favorite of many.

—Robert J. Morgan, “Then Sings My Soul” book 2

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Hymnology Part 2 The Hymn as Poetry: “A Time to Rhyme” “The Hymn is the most popular kind of English poetry.” — Jeremiah B. Reeves.

It may be a given that hymns are popular, but it is often overlooked that the hymn is a form of poetry.

Parts of the hymn: Hymns are made up of single lines (or verses) that are grouped together into stanzas, with each stanza sung to the same music. A stanza consists of a series of lines arranged in a recurring pattern of meter and rhyme. The term stanza is often confused with verse. A more precise definition of verse is a single line of poetry. Hymn stanzas are usually found with either 4, 6, or 8 lines (or verses) each. Stanzas may contain a refrain — a line or group of lines that is repeated with each stanza and that usually summarizes the thought of the stanza. A special type of refrain is a burden, which appears at the beginning of the hymn and at the end of each stanza. (Lift High the Cross.)

“A Time to Rhyme” One of the most obvious features of poetry is the use of rhyme scheme.

Rhyme: the correspondence of sounds between different words. Rhyme is frequently found in hymns at the end of lines as an aid to memorization.

A favorite rhyme pattern is rhyming couplets or rhyming lines grouped into pairs. This is designated as AABB form.

All creatures of our God and King, ...................... A Lift up your voice and with us sing ...................... A O brother sun with golden beam .......................... B O sister moon with silver gleam ........................... B

Another popular pattern is an alternating pattern known as cross rhyme. This is designated as ABAB form.

The head that once was crowned with thorns, ......A Is crowned with glory now ...................................B A royal diadem adorns ..........................................A The mighty victor’s brow .....................................B

Some hymn writers do not choose to rhyme all lines.

Just as I am without one plea, .............................. A But that thy blood was shed for me ...................... A And that thou bidst me come to thee .................... A O Lamb of God, I come ....................................... B

21 When a hymn has 6 or more lines, the possibilities of rhyme scheme patterns increase.

Great God, your love has called us here, ............. A As we, by love, for love were made ..................... B Your living likeness still we bear ......................... A Though marred, dishonored, disobeyed ................ B We come, with all our heart and mind .................. C Your call to hear, your love to find ....................... C

False rhyme: sounds that are similar but not identical (Silent/Island).

Eye Rhyme: syllables that look like they should rhyme, but do not (good/food).

Internal Rhyme: correspondence of sounds within a single line (Fair and glorious, all victorious) — think Dr. Seuss.

Some successful hymns use no rhyme at all (O Come all Ye Faithful.)

Occupational Hymnology The Dentist's Hymn: Crown Him With Many Crowns .

The Weatherman's Hymn: There Shall Be Showers of Blessings .

The Contractor's Hymn: The Church's One Foundation The Tailor's Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy The Golfer's Hymn: There is A Green Hill Far Away .

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The Politician's Hymn: Standing On The Promises .

The Optometrist's Hymn: Open My Eyes That I May See .

The IRS Agent's Hymn: I Surrender All

“Angels Playing Violin” William-Adolphe Bouguereau

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The Farmer's Hymn: Bringing In The Sheaves .

The Gossip's Hymn: Pass It On .

The Electrician's Hymn: Send Out Thy Light .

The Shopper's Hymn: Sweet By And By

Choose some of your favorite hymns and determine the rhyme scheme pattern chosen by its author.

Can you find some examples of False Rhyme or Eye Rhyme?

How about Internal Rhyme?

Unity and Identity in a Robe This summer, I received an email with a question about the function, purpose, and history of the choir robe. I thought this would be a good opportunity to research and share about the robe.

The earliest evidence of a formal choir is found in pictures in ancient Egyptian tombs form 2700 BC. Choirs were quite popular in Greek theater from around 425 BC. Urn paintings show the beginnings of a unified attire for the choir. There are a number of choirs mentioned in the Old Testament. There are specific robe requirements given for the temple leaders, so it is possible that the choirs wore unified, formal robes, but nothing specifically addresses the choir.

It is the Medieval Church that first develops specific clergy robes and choral robes soon followed. The Renaissance, Classical, and Romantic periods brought about very elaborate robes for choirs with lots of brocade and embroidery. It was a garment of honor and high esteem.

(Everyone wanted to join the choir!)

Our modern sensibilities of clergy and choral robes developed during the Reformation period.

Our traditional black clergy robes were originally educational robes and represented the minister as a scholar.

Choral robes followed the trend to a more simple, respectable garment.

Throughout the history, from Old Testament temple to modern day churches, the Robe is a garment that is used to signify someone as “set apart” as a leader and servant in worship. The robe sets an identity as a part of a group.

There is no “I” in choir! (OK so that doesn’t really work out so well.) But the word “Choir” is singular — it is one unified group rather than a number of individual members. The robe helps visually unify the group. The robe unifies and equalizes the group.

So, why do we wear choir robes? The robe identifies us as a member of the Choir. It sets us apart as leaders and servants for worship. It unifies us as One singular group. It unifies us in function and in purpose — to bring glory and honor to God —not to us as individuals. (It also just makes us look so classy.)

—Robert