A Worship Magazine
Easley Presbyterian Church
Easley, SC
September 2016 Vol. 2 Issue 4
A common thread that joins us together with Christ and with each other.
The Season of Kingdomtide Kingdomtide is the church season following Pentecost. The liturgical color for the season is green — representing growing. Kingdomtide emphasizes growing the Kingdom of God. The beginning of the season is intended to inspire personal, spiritual growth. The second half of the season draws us outward and encourages acts of service to grow the Kingdom around us. At the Music Conference at Lake Junaluska, Rev. Susan Leonard-Ray (District Superintendent Anderson, SC) preached a sermon on Building the Kingdom of God: According to Luke 13:18, the Kingdom of God is like a tree. We are reminded to plant our roots deep into the heart of God's sustaining Presence and Word. Simultaneously, we stretch out our arms in hospitality to the world. Jesus came announcing the good news of the Kingdom of God. In fact, the first words out of his mouth as he began to preach and teach were these: “the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent (literally —turn around, you’re going the wrong way) and believe in the good news.” And not only was this the very first thing he spoke about – it was the central thing he spoke about. He went about sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God. And as he made his way through Galilee and through scripture, you can find him again and again issuing the invitation to follow. “Come, follow me,” he would say. For Jesus, living in the Kingdom of God was not something that happened to you after you died, it was something that you could participate in here now, and continue here after. It was the grand invitation that he extended to all people to live into the way God had willed the world to be in the first place.
At baptism we are each marked as God’s beloved. That is our true, right name – “Beloved.” When you know that you are loved, you can do amazing things. You can be bold, take risks, be courageous, because someone believes in you. Someone loves you. It’s true for our children. Our love for them gives them incredible strength. (Read Mark 2 for the Calling of Levi). Levi is an onpurpose-sinner, and the other followers questions Jesus’ choice. They could not see in Levi what Jesus could see in him. I see Levi and wonder if there has ever been anyone in his life who has reminded him that he his loved, and that his true right name is Beloved? So rather than shame him, rather than criticize him, rather than overlook him, Jesus calls him and offers him a better alternative to the life he is living. Levi, come, follow me. It seems that Jesus is more interested in the choices that Levi will make rather than the mistakes he has made. Anyone who says ‘Come follow me’ is more interested in the future than in the past. And Levi pushes his chair away from the table and begins to follow Jesus. Kingdom ways are different, Jesus will try to explain, because found people find people. In the Kingdom of God, loved people are called to love people. Sharing the good news with people who think church is only for good people requires hands, feet and words to translate love from intangible idea to a tangible reality. And so it is in the Kingdom of God, because hurting people hurt people and those who know they are beloved…loved people love people.
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Sunday, September 4 “Feeding Five Thousand Matthew 14:13-21
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Hymn Meditation: “All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly” click on title to listen
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8
We will not get very far in our relationship with God unless we understand that He is to be feared. In The Chronicles Of Narnia, an allegory by C. S. Lewis, the author tells about two girls, Susan and Lucy, who are getting ready to meet Aslan the lion, who represents Christ. Two talking animals, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, prepare the children for the encounter. "Ooh," says Susan, "I thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion." "That you will, dearie," replies Mrs. Beaver. "And make no mistake, if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly." "Then he isn't safe?" asks Lucy. "Safe?" says Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king, I tell you!" The psalmist understood this awesome wonder when he
All who hunger, gather gladly; Holy manna is our bread. Come from wilderness and wandering. Here, in truth, we will be fed. You that yearn for days of fullness, All around us is our food. Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good. All who hunger, never strangers, Seeker, be a welcome guest. Come from restlessness and roaming. Here, in joy, we keep the feast. We that once were lost and scattered In communion’s love have stood. Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good. All who hunger, sing together; Jesus Christ is living bread. Come from loneliness and longing. Here, in peace, we have been led. Blest are those who from this table Live there days in gratitude. Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.
— Sylvia G. Dustan, 1990
3 wrote, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!" (Psalm 34:8-9). We need not cringe in terror, but we must live before Him with reverence and awe. Our holy God isn't "safe," but He is good. —HWR O taste and see that God is good To all who seek His face; Yea, blest that one who trusts in Him, Confiding in His grace. -Psalter Even when everything looks bad, God is good. Oh, how I fear Thee, living God, With deepest, tenderest fears And worship Thee with trembling hope And penitential tears! —Psalter If you fear God, you need fear nothing else. Jesus Christ be praised!”
Anthem Meditation: “Hymn of Mercy” click on title to listen
AFTER my husband died from lung cancer, I found it hard to face each day. One morning after a restless night, I missed him more than ever. As I went about my morning routine, I stepped out of the shower and noticed that the bathroom mirror was steamed over. Looking closer, I saw the words: "Love ya, Gram. Mike." My grandson had showered at my house and had left me a message on the mirror. As I stood looking at the message, a warm feeling came over me; I felt loved and knew I was not alone. How many times we receive similar messages from Gracious Lord, Thy mercy filleth all the earth below; God! We often overlook God's tender mercies, the And from heaven’s throne it falleth when to Thee I go. little things God sends to help us through each Mercy flowing, swift pursuing like a river strong, day. We get so caught up in our busy lives and Sympathizing with my weakness; mercy suffering long. worries that we forget to see our blessings. Mercy calling with compassion: “O return to me.” I stopped right there and prayed, thanking God Wounded are the hands extended, loving is the plea. for love, for the 40 years I had with my husband, and for all the blessings that have filled and still fill How can I refuse Thy mercy? Wither would I flee? my life. I thanked my grandson for the message From my idol shrine I turn, Lord, reaching up to Thee. and didn't wash the mirror for a while. I also resolved to watch more closely for God's tender Tender mercy of the Savior gently drawing nigh With the blood that cleanseth sinners ready to apply. mercies. Gracious Lord, Thy mercy filleth all the earth below; And from heaven’s throne it falleth when to Thee I go. Prayer: God, may we see your tender mercies and — Eileen Berry (Hosea 14:1-4) hear your words of comfort. Teach us to express your love to others in need. Amen. — Joann Lovejoy, Upper Room Daily Devotions, March 16, 2004
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“Come and Find a Quiet Center”click on title to listen
Remember to Breathe I have spent my adult life caring for severely premature babies. One of their common problems is forgetting to breathe, requiring a touch by a caretaker to remind them to resume normal respiration. They are surrounded by life-giving air but are at risk of dying because their immature brain fails to send the signal to breathe. Come and find the quiet center I think my spirin the crowded life we lead, itual life is someFind the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: times like that. I am surrounded by the presence of God, but my immaturity causes Clear the chaos and the clutter, me not to breathe spiritually. I skip reading my Bible, ignore my need clear our eyes that we can see All the things that really matter, for quiet time, shy away from talking to God. All these are necessary be at peace and simply be. for breathing in the Holy Spirit and for cleansing my soul of the toxic elements of life that accumulate within all of us. When I become spiritually "air hungry," the hand of God touches me, much like a nurse who cares for the premature infant. Then I realize that I feel empty because I have forgotten the most important of daily activities -- breathing in the life of God's Holy Spirit. When I realize I am not "breathing" regularly, I return to my quiet time and am renewed by God's loving presence. —Keith J. Peevy (Alabama, USA) Upper Room, July-Aug. 2010
Hymn Meditation: “Break Thou The Bread of Life”click on title to listen
“And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35 Mary Artemesia Lathbury was a daughter of a Methodist preacher and was a native New Yorker. She served as general editor of publications for the children and youth division of the Methodist Sunday School Union. Her hymns, however, have been her most enduring legacy, including the popular “Day is Dying in the West”, written on the beautiful shores of Lake Chautauqua. She was asked to write a hymn for a sudy of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. In response, mary wrote this hymn, “Break Thou the Bread of Life”. This hymn connects the Bread of Life with the Word of God — the Bible, as well as the Bread of Life in Jesus Christ, the Word of God
5 Break thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me, As thou didst break the bread beside the sea. Beyond the sacred page I seek thee, Lord. My spirit pants for thee, O Living Word!
incarnate. Just as the bread was multiplied as Christ broke it and shared to the thousands of hungry congregants, the scriptures profoundly multiply our understanding of Christ at each reading of the Word. — “Then Sings My Soul 2”, Morgan, (and RN)
Bless thou the truth, dear Lord, now unto me, As thou didst bless the bread by Galilee. Then shall all bondage cease, all fetter fall. And I shall find my peace, my all in all.
— Mary. A. Lathbury, 1877
Hymn Meditation: “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”click on title to listen
The Good Shepherd Jesus said, “ I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me.” John 10:14 MANY years ago I lived in the area now known as Yemen, and I frequently traveled into the country, away from cities. On one such trip I realized as never before the meaning of Jesus' words in John, chapter 10. I met a shepherd with his sheep, and through an interpreter I told him that Jesus referred to himself as a shepherd. One thing puzzled me. Jesus claimed to know his own sheep by name. Could that be true? Did he, my newfound friend, know his sheep like that? With a smile he asked me to point out one sheep in the flock. I did so, and after a brief pause, he gave a peculiar whistle. The sheep to which I had pointed came slowly toMy shepherd will supply my need; Jehovah is his name. In pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream. He brings my wandering spirit back when I forsake his ways, And leads me, for his mercy’s sake, in paths of truth and grace.
wards him. The shepherd nuzzled the sheep before asking me to point out another. This time his whistle was slightly different, and When I walk thro’ the shades of death your presence is my stay; again the sheep I pointed to came to the One word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away. shepherd. Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread; When I commented, "So Jesus could My cup with blessings overflows; your oil anoints my head. speak about knowing his own sheep by The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; name?" the shepherd nodded. Then he O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise. said, "Your Jesus must have been a good There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come; shepherd." I watched as he slowly walked No more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home. away, the sheep following him, their trust —Isaac Watts, 1719 obvious. — E. Philip Schofield (Chester, England) Prayer: Good Shepherd, teach us to trust you and to follow you always. In your name we pray. Amen. — Upper Room Daily Devotionals, November 18, 2001
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“Make Us Holy, Make Us Whole” In your love, make us whole. May we rest in your compassion. Calm the lost, weary soul In the warmth of your love. May your peace fill our hearts. May we know the love of Jesus. By your grace, you console. Make us holy, make us whole. — Mark Friedman
This contemporary painting by Rik Berry portrays the multitude in modern clothing. The image of the Spirit of God is seen as a dove in the clouds. The central figure, Christ, is illuminated in the light of the Spirit as he breaks and shares the Bread of Life. The artist’s portrayal demonstrates that Christ continues to feed the multitude of hungry people with the spiritual Bread of Life.
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Sunday, September 11, 2016 Walk on Water Matthew 14:22-36
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
Hymn Meditation: “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Sing praise to God who reigns above, The God of all creation, Above”click on title to The God of power, the God of love, The God of our salvation. “ The Lord reigns; let With healing balm my soul is filled, And every faithless murmur stilled: the earth rejoice; let To God all praise and glory! listen
the multitude of isles be glad… the heavens declare his righteousness, and all the peo-
ple see his glory.” Psalm 97:1, 6 This stately hymn is the product of several significant historical events of the 16th and 17th centuries: the german Reformation, the dynamic beliefs of the Bohemian-Moravian movement, and the terrible tragedies of the Thirty-Years War between Protestants and Catholics. Thiese led to the Pietistic Movement with an emphasis on involvement of laypersons in the church. Many of the hymnwriters of this time in Germany included lay people from all walks of life. One such writer was Johann Schutz. He wrote a number of publications for the church, including this hymn text. It was not until the nineteenth century that this text was discovered by the English-speaking world. Frances M. Cox was one fo the first to rediscover this grand text and translated it into English. Her collection of many of these German hymns were first published in 1841. —Keneth W. Osbeck “101 Hymn Stories”
What God’s almighty power has made God’s gracious ,ercy keepeth; By morning glow or evening shade God’s watchful eye ne’er sleepeth. Within the kingdom of God’s might, Lo! All is just and all si right: To God all praise and glory! The Lord is never far away, but, through all grief distressing, An everpresent help and stay, Our peace and joy and blessing, As with a mother’s tender hand God gently leads the chosen band: To God all praise and glory! Thus all my toilsome way along I sing aloud thy praises, That all may hear the grateful song My voice unwearied raises. Bejoyful in the Lord, my heart; Both soul and body, take your part: To God all praise and glory!
— Johann Jacob Scutz, 1675
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Anthem Meditation: “Secure” click on title to listen When Storms Howl Read Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Matthew 14:27 (NRSV) Have you ever been desperately afraid when you passed through a stormy patch in your life? If so, then you probably understand the terror and fear that the disciples experienced when they saw Jesus walking on the storm-tossed lake, coming toward their little boat. The Sea of Galilee is almost completely surrounded by steep hills. It is 686 feet below sea level, and in no time the wind can blow down the v al l e y an d A storm is raging, Lord. whip the sea The boat I sail is small and, oh, so frail. into a boisterThe wind is blowing, Lord. ous turmoil. I cannot hold the course against the gale. The lightning strikes on every side, It was probNowhere to run, nowhere to hide. ably during Your hand alone can hold the tide, such a storm Lord, rescue me. that Jesus walked on the I am sinking, Lord. The boat is taking water, going down. water toward Part the waters, Lord. the boat in which the disciples were traveling. The disciples I long to plant my feet on solid ground. were terrified; they imagined the figure they saw to be a Oh, Lord of earth and sky and sea, ghost. But Jesus calmed their fear and said, "Take heart, it Your hand is reaching out to me, is I; do not be afraid." I know that You have heard my plea, Jesus gave them peace in the midst of the storm, and My hope is sure. Jesus can give us peace too. When we fear the storm, Oh, Lord of earth and sky and sea, Your when frightening figures hover in the shadows like ghosts, hand is reaching out to me, we can remind ourselves that Christ says, "Take heart. I'm I know that You have heard my plea, here with you." I am secure. I am secure. I am secure! — Elaine S. Massey (Gauteng, South Africa) —Susan Bentall Boersma Prayer: Source of strength, give us peace when storms come. Make us conscious of your abiding presence each day. Amen. (From Upper Room Aug. 29, 1998)
Hymn Meditation: “My Faith looks Up to Thee” click on title to listen “But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s suffering, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:13 In the early 1830s, Lowell Mason moved to Boston from Savannah, where he had worked in a bank while directing church choirs on the side. In relocating to Boston, he wanted to focus exclusively on his musical interests. Soon he was directing three choirs, publishing hymns, compiling a songbook, and trying to get music education in the Boston public schools.
9 While in Boston, he met Ray Palmer, a young ministerial student. Palmer shared a personal devotional poem he had written. “The words for these stanzas were born out of my own soul with very little effort.” I recall that I wrote the verses with tender emotion. There was not the slightest thought of writing for another eye, least of all writing a hymn for Christian worship.” After reading the poem, Mason quickly copied down the text, went home, poured over this poem, and hammered out the perfect tune for it. Mr. Palmer went on to do many great things and write many more hymns, but this text will forever be known as his greatest gift to the church.
My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray; take all my guilt away; O let me from this day be wholly thine! May thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire; As thou hast died for me, O may my love to thee Pure warm and changeless be, a living fire! While life’s dark maze I tread and griefs around me spread, Be thou my guide; Bid darkness turn to day; wipe sorrow’s tears away; Nor let me ever stray from thee aside. When ends life’s transient dream, when death’s cold, sullen stream Shall o’er me roll; Blest Savior, then, in love, fear and distrust remove; O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul! —Ray Palmer, 1830 —-Robert J. Morgan “Then Sings My Soul.”
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Anthem Meditation: “ I Am Not Afraid” click on title to listen In the emptiness of silence when the world has turned away; Beneath the weight of sorrow when I can no longer pray; In the wilderness of worry, in the desert of despair; In the never-ending darkness when it seems that no one cares, I am not afraid, I am not alone. You hold me in Your hands and will not let me go. Though the waters rise and though the winds may blow, I will not be afraid, for I am not alone. When there are no words of comfort that can stem the flow of tears; When I’m stranded at the center of a rising tide of fear; When there is no path before me, when my feet have lost their way, I remember You are with me and I am not afraid! I am not afraid, I am not alone. You hold me in Your hands and will not let me go. Though the waters rise and though the winds may blow, I will not be afraid, for I am not alone. — Pamela Martin
“What Are the Moments that Shape Our Lives?” There are moments that change us. That quickly — one moment we are one person, the next, we are a different person. There are moments in history that change this country, change our world, change us as a person. Pearl Harbor, was one such moment. Perhaps the assassination of President John Kennedy was another. My first such world changing event was the Challenger accident. We were all stunned in disbelief and as witness to that
moment, it changed me. More recently were the events of September 11th when the world stopped in that moment and when the world breathed again, it had been changed. But there are other life-changing moments for us all. That moment when we say, “I do.” The sound of your baby’s first crying breath — these moments also change us. We live our lives from moment to moment, from hour to hour, and day to day. How many moments have we missed or wasted or let slip away? What do we do with 24 hours? Truth be told, some days, getting out of bed is an accomplishment. We busy ourselves with work. We eat. We sleep. We love and laugh and sometimes cry. But what do we do with 24 hours? What did Christ do with 24 hours? What Jesus did in those moments and hours has altered history and changed lives in ways we cannot begin to comprehend. The change continues to progress toward the completion of the Kingdom. And we are called to bear witness. We are called to share in the process of change. We are called to build the Kingdom. And we are united in purpose and direction because God took a moment to change the world. Amen. Holy Father, Guide me on this journey. Give me the courage to take these moments that you have given and build your Kingdom. Change the world inside of me so that I can be an effective tool to change the world around me. May all things be done for your glory and for your purpose. Amen. — Robert Norris
Hymn Meditation: “The Solid Rock” click on 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
11 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 text 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 permitted it. He died a year later. During his busy life as a minister, Edward Mote wrote more than 150 hymn texts. In 1836 he published a collection titled Hymns of Praise and included “The Solid Rock” in it. Determine to build your life on a firm foundation, and praise God for Christ, the Solid Rock.
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand. When Darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. His oath, his covenant, his blood Supports me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. 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
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Sunday, September 18, 2016 What Comes From the Heart
Hymn Meditation: “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” click on title to listen
Matthew 15:1-20
Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides.[d] If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.” “Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for you, O God. My Soul thirsts for God, for the living God: When shall I appear before God?” Psalm 42:1, 2 This hymn comes from the height of the Middle Ages, a period of history often scornfully called “The Dark Ages.” The spiritual and moral darkness of then out of the body? But the things Jesus, the very thought of thee the Church reached a new that come out of a person’s mouth With sweetness fills my breast; But sweeter far thy face to see, blackness. The institution come from the heart, and these defile And in thy presence rest. founded by Christ some 1,000 them. For out of the heart come evil years prior was for the most thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek, part degenerate and corrupt. immorality, theft, false testimony, To those who fall, how kind thou art! Bernard of Clairvaux was slander. These are what defile a perHow good to those who seek! born to a noble family at Fon- son; but eating with unwashed hands But what to those who find? Ah, this taine in Burgundy, France; his does not defile them.” Nor tongue nor pen can show; father was a knight and his The love of Jesus, what it is, mother a person of radiant goodness. At an early age young BerNone but his loved ones know. nard showed a bent for piety and scholarship. With his natural Jesus, our only joy be thou, charms and talents Bernard had many opportunities open to him for As thou our prize wilt be; a successful secular life. However, while in his early twenties, he Jesus, be thou our glory now, chose the life of a monk at the monastery of Citeaux. Within three And through eternity. — Bernard of Clairvaux years, his talents and leadership qualities were recognized , and he
13 was asked to form other branches of this order throughout Europe. It is generally agreed that Bernard of Clairvaux was the greatest of the medieval leaders of this period. Martin Luther wrote of him: “He was the best monk that ever lived, whom I admire beyond all the rest put together.” Bernard became an important church leader and a respected preacher who worked hard to reform the church and change the lives of his parishioners. Through his leadership, 162 new churches were built throughout Europe. — “101 Hymn Stories”, Kenneth W. Osbeck
Anthem Meditation: “Think on These Things” click on title to listen “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 Paul’s final encouragement is deceptively simple: think on what is right, on what is good, on what is best. That’s about it. Simple, indeed. Yet also powerful. I am regularly amazed at how much what we think about shapes how we feel. We all have a mixture of memories, some of good things, some of difficult. Some of successes, others of regrets. Some of what we are proud of, others of what most shames us. The memories that we choose to dwell on shape not only our view of the past but dominate our present and largely define our future. What we think about sets, in many ways, the boundaries of what we can imagine. And so Paul invites the Philippians to shape their imaginations – individually and collectively – around those things that are honorable, just, true, and commendable. What would it take for us to do the same? As individuals, what would it be like to practice thinking about what is just and pleasing while at work or school, or about what is commendable and true while at home? How might that shape how we interact with those around us? And what might it mean for us in relation to our families and friends? Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, How might encouraging each other to think about Whatever is just, whatever is pure, what is praiseworthy shape our relationships? And Whatever is lovely, Whatever is gracious, If there’s any excellence or anything worthy of praise, what about as communities of faith? Can we imagThink on these things. Think on these things. ine that our congregations are places that lift up beWhat you have learned from me, fore us what is honorable, inviting us to be inspired what you have heard from me, by and promote the beauty and integrity of this life What you have seen in me you too must do, we share? And if you do, the God of peace will be with you. It takes time, of course, to practice to acquire the Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, skill of thinking on what is honorable and true. (It’s Whatever is just, whatever is pure, part of our Holy Habits!) Because, by and large, our Whatever is lovely, Whatever is gracious, If there’s any excellence or anything worthy of praise, culture does not encourage us in this direction. Can Think on these things. Think on these things. you imagine, for instance, the evening news being — Lee Dengler dominated by a series of stories about what is pleasing and commendable? Sure, perhaps the occa-
14 sional “character story” near the end of the program to leave us on a high note, but for the most part the news is dominated by the axiom “if it bleeds it leads.” Or what about the commercials that sponsor the evening news and all the other television programs we watch? They definitely don’t invite us to think on what is honorable and true; rather they focus our attention on what we lack, inviting us to think about what we don’t have and about our insufficiencies and deficits. Why? Because these things induce us to buy. Honorable and true don’t sell any more than pleasing and commendable grab our attention. This doesn’t mean we need to shun popular media but that we do need to cultivate the practice of thinking beyond what we see on billboards and screens so that we might contemplate those things that we most value. Paul, you see, recognizes that what we spend the most time thinking about shapes, over time, who we are, what we see, what we can imagine, and therefore what we can do. And so he invites us to raise our sights so that we may be inspired – and transformed – by what is best in this life, for as we do this we will experience ever more fully the peace of the God who created and gave us all those good things in the first place. Prayer: Dear God, help us to fasten our eyes on what is best in this life and to allow these thoughts to shape our words and deeds throughout the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen. — Daily Bread, November 27, 2012
Hymn Meditation: “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Heart” click on title to listen This song is another of the fine hymn texts that originated during the Middle Ages. It is thought to be written by the monk Bernard of Clairvaux-- one of the most prominent religious leaders of his day. An important part of the medieval church was the role of the monks and their monasteries. Since these churchmen were among the few who could read and write, their institutions became powerful influences in shaping the religious and cultural development of western civilization. This hymn is based on a devotional poem of prayer that contained over 40 stanzas. A number of hymns have been translated from portions of this larger work, including the well known hymn, "Jesus, the very Thought of Thee." This hymn was translated by Ray Palmer, an American pastor and poet.
—”Amazing Grace” Ken W. Osbeck
Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts, Thou fount of life, thou light of all, From the best bliss that earth imparts We turn, unfilled, to heed thy call. Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood; Thou savest those that on thee call; To them that seek thee thou art good, To them that find thee, all in all. We taste thee, O thou living bread, And long to feast upon thee still; We drink of thee, the fountain-head, And thirst our souls from thee to fill. Our restless spirits yearn for thee, Where’er our changeful lot is cast, Glad when thy gracious smile we see, Blest when our faith can hold thee fast. O Jesus, ever with us stay; Make all our moments calm and bright. O chase the night of sin away; Shed o’er the world thy holy light.
— 12 cent. Latin; trans. Ray Palmer
15 O Love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
Hymn Meditation: “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”
click on title to
listen
“Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great.” 1 Chronicles 21:13 George Matheson was only a teenager when he learned that his poor eyesight was deteriorating further. Not to be denied, he continued straightway with his plans to enroll in Glasgow University, graduation at age nineteen. During his O Joy that sleekest me through pain, graduate studies in ministry, he lost his eyesight completely. I cannot close my heart to thee; His spirit collapsed when his fiancée, unwilling to be married I trace the rainbow through the rain, to a blind man, broke their engagement. And feel the promise is not vain George never married and that pain of rejection never That morn shall tearless be. totally left him. He consoled himself in thinking of God’s perO Cross that liftest up my head, fect love that is never limited, never conditional, never withI dare not ask to fly from thee; drawn, and never uncertain. Out of this experience, he I lay in dust life’s glory dead, wrote the hymn “O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go, “ on June And from the ground there blossoms red 6, 1882. Life that shall endless be. Matheson went on to become one of Scotland’s favorite —George Matheson, 1881 preachers. —-”Then Sings My Soul” Robert J. Morgan O Light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to thee; My ehart restores its borrowed ray, That in the sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.
“The Worth of a Soul” Liz Lemon Swindle, artist When Mothers Without Borders approached me about going to Africa, I told them I was not interested. For me Africa was a world away, “and besides,” I thought, “I am too busy.” Imagine my surprise when I found myself on a plane to Zambia in June 2007. One of the first children I met was Kennedy, the little boy you see in the painting. At three years old he has lost both of his parents to AIDS and was found living alone with his six year old brother and ten year old sister. When I thought of those three children struggling to survive and the millions of others across Africa in similar circumstances, I felt an overwhelming hopelessness and said to myself, “No amount of money can fix this.” Later that day while we were filming, Kennedy climbed into the arms of the man portraying the Savior. As I stood watching them, Kennedy turned towards me and our eyes met. At that moment I knew it wasn’t hopeless. I realized that the Savior could fix not only the problems of Africa, but of the whole world…and we can be His hands to do it. For the first time in my life I felt what Isaiah meant when he said, “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.” To Kennedy and all who struggle to understand why, I promise that God has not forgotten you. Looking back I realize that my reasons for not wanting to go to Africa are likely the same as yours. We are busy and feel like we cannot make a difference, but I know now that neither is true. We are never too busy to lift another and every good work is known to Him who said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of… these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
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Sunday, September 25 Crumbs from the Master’s Table Matthew 15:21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great on title to listen faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. “From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised.” exclaims Psalm 113:3. That’s the theme behind this anonymous German hymn, first published in 1744. It was translated into English a hundred years later by Edward Caswall, a Roman Catholic priest. Edward had grown up in an Anglican parsonage in Yately, England, where his father was a Church of England minister. Edward took great delight in translating Latin hymns into English. In translating “When Morning Gilds the Skies,” he rendered the verses freely and even added some of his own. The original English version had twenty-eight stanzas. On Sunday, we will sing only the four stanzas printed in our hymnal. “Be this the eternal song through all the ages long: May Jesus Christ be praised!”
“Hymn Meditation: “When Morning Gilds the Skies” click
— Joann Lovejoy, Upper Room Daily Devotions, March 16, 2004
Anthem Meditation: “Beloved, Let Us Love One Another” click on title to listen
When morning gilds the skies My heart awakening cries: May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer, To Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised! Does sadness fill my mind? A solace here I find: May Jesus Christ be praised! Or fades my earthly bliss? My comfort still is this: May Jesus Christ be praised! Let earth’s wide circle round In joyous notes resound: May Jesus Christ be praised! Let air and sea and sky From depth to height reply: May Jesus Christ be praised! Be this, while life is mine, My canticle divine: May Jesus Christ be praised! Be this the eternal song Through all the ages long: May Jesus Christ be praised!
— Anonymous
“Let Us Love One another” echoes the ideas set in Romans 12 — “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to
17 strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Hymn Meditation: “Jesus Hands Were Kind Hands” listen
Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all, Healing pain and sickness, blessing children small, click on title to Washing tired feet, and saving those who fall; Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all.
The Healing Touch Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you; Make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he Let me watch you, Jesus, till I’m gentle too, said to him, “If you choose, you can make me Till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you. clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand —Margaret Cropper, 1975 and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. Mark 1:40-45 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. Mark 1:41 (niv) I walked into the man's hospital room, wearing the gloves, gown, and mask that I was required to wear as a precaution. The year was 1983; and research into the patient's disease, AIDS, was relatively new. I was the hospital chaplain. The man was frail and thin. He glared at me, apparently resenting the fact that even I, a messenger of God, would wear the gloves that kept him from experiencing a human touch. Without thought, I took off the gloves, held his hands, and prayed with him. He smiled and said, "The prayer was nice, but what really counted was that you touched me." Compassion compels us to touch people who seem untouchable and to love those who seem unlovable. Compassion breathes new life into us and shows other people the love of God. And that is what really counts. — Malinda Fillingim (North Carolina, U.S.A.) Wednesday, September 1st, 1999
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Hymnology Part 1 Introduction to the Hymn Mention the word hymn to almost anyone and the first image that comes to mind is a hymn tune. It is quite natural for the word to conjure up some kind of musical idea, because hymns are meant for singing. Hymnologically speaking, however, the hymn as a term refers to the text. A hymn is a poem with special criteria. In most hymnals published even today outside the United States, words and music are separated. The hymnal looks like most other collections of poetry, with the words neatly placed in stanzas on the page. In the 18th and 19th centuries, these hymnals were personally owned and brought by
individuals to worship, and used for personal devotions just like small Bibles or Testaments. It was the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson who said, “A good hymn is the most difficult thing in the world to write.� But a few outstanding literary figures have produced hymns that would qualify as fine poetry. Let us examine a stanza from George Herbert: Come my Way, my Truth, my Life: Such a way as gives us breath, Such a truth as ends all strife, Such a life as killeth death.
John Wesley's Singing Rules
Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find a blessing. Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of it being heard, then when you sing the songs of Satan. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before, not stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too John Wesley slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first. Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.
19 Page number (Well, we have to start somewhere.)
Hymns are divided into Stanzas. (A ver se is a single line or phrase of poetry; a stanza is a division of a hymn consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a recurring pattern of meter and rhyme.)
Author of the Text, approximate date of its writing, and scriptural reference.
Composer of the music, and the approximate date of its writing.
Hymnology 101: Anatomy of a Hymn Topical index. The left side of the page is the title of the section. The right side of the page is the title of the topic.
Title of Hymn Text. In Amer ican hymnals, the title is most often, but not always, the opening line of the first stanza. This is a German tradition that we adopted. The Some hymn writers like the Wesleys and Isaac Watts often titled hymns based on their topic or doctrine, and gospel hymns are often titled after the Hymn Tune or refrain.
Title of Hymn Tune. This title is found in different places depending on the editors of the hymnal. In our hymnal, the tune is found in the bottom right corner of the page. It is always written in all capital letters. I include the hymn tune in the bulletin under the hymn title.
What is a Hymn?
Carl F. Price, 'What Is a Hymn' [Paper of the Hymn Society of America, 1937]
A Christian hymn is a lyric poem, reverently and devotionally conceived, which is designed to be sung and which expresses the worshipper's attitude toward God, or God's purposes in human life. It should be simple and metrical in form, genuinely emotional, poetic and literary in style, spiritual in quality, and in its ideas so direct and so
Some hymns, particularly hymns in the Gospel tradition, include a Refrain. A r efrain, or chorus, repeats at the end of each stanza.
The Poetic Meter. The meter is determined by the number of syllables in a phrase. This hymn has 4 phrases with 11 syllables each and then a refrain.
Have you ever looked at the bulletin and wondered what that word beneath the hymn means, or wondered why it is in all capital letters? How about that string of numbers at the bottom of the page in the hymnal? Well, this article is just for you. Hymnology is the study of hymns and we will start with the “Anatomy of a Hymn.�
immediately apparent as to unify a congregation while singing it. The essential ingredients of this definition are: 1. a metrical poem, 2. reverent and devotional in nature, 3. poetic and literary in style, 4. spiritual in quality, 5. expresses the worshipper's attitude toward God, 6. unites the congregation who SINGS it.
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, Oh 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.) —RN