Notes on the Notes – October 28, 2012
“This is God’s Wondrous World” – (VU 296) – Yes, this is the well-loved CGIT hymn, slightly altered for inclusiveness. The original words for “This is My Father’s World” were by Rev. Maltbie D. Babcock. Babcock was a pastor in upstate New York. The story is told that he loved to go hiking in an area known as “the escarpment,” where there was a breathtaking vista of farms and orchards, with Lake Ontario about fifteen miles in the distance. It is said that upon leaving for these walks, he would tell his wife, “I’m going out to see my Father’s world.” This hymn (or poem as it was at the time) was not published until after Babcock’s death in 1901. Shortly after he died, his wife put together a book of his poems and this one, “My Father’s World,” which originally had sixteen stanzas, was included. The melody is said to have been adapted from an English folk tune published by Franklin L. Sheppard.
“We are Pilgrims” – (VU #595) – This hymn, also known as “The Servant Song” was first published in 1977. It was written by Richard Gillard and arranged by Betty Pulkingham. In Voices United, the order of the verses and the words have been changed slightly. To see the songwriter singing this song click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL3vStmoMDw. For a beautiful choral version of the song click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-Pk2NHKg_o&feature=related
“Tapestry of Love” – UCW Celebrates 50 Years in 2012! The United Church Women was formed in 1962 by the coming together of the Woman’s Association (WA) and the Woman’s Missionary Society (WMS), organizations with impressive legacies. Over the ensuing 50 years the UCW has upheld the faith and commitment of the women of the past while taking on the challenges of each new decade and forming an equally impressive legacy for women of the future. A special anniversary song, “A Tapestry of Love,” was written by Diana Chappell, and will be sung at many UCW events throughout 2012. We welcome the women of the UCW who will join with the women of the Worship Choir to sing this special anthem.
“Grant us, God, the Grace of Giving” (VU 540)- Our offering response, this text comes from the Mennonite hymn book, “Hymnal: a Worship Book.” The tune is also used for the Advent hymn “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (VU #2)
“Spirit of Gentleness” – (VU #375) – This popular hymn by songwriter James K. Manley grew out of a sabbatical leave at the School of Theology at Claremont, California. It was first sung at Waiokeola Congregational Church in Honolulu, after which Manley added the fourth verse at the suggestion of a church member. The hymn was first introduced to the congregation at WPUC in the green hymn book “Songs for a Gospel People.”
