Notes on the Notes – June 2, 2019

This week’s music:

“Praise our Maker” (VU #316)

“Praise our Maker, peoples of one family;
God is love, God is love!
Praise our Maker, peoples of one family;
God is love, God is love!

Love our Saviour, followers of Jesus;
God is love, God is love!
Love our Saviour, followers of Jesus;
God is love, God is love!

Care for others, children of the Spirit;
God is love, God is love!
Care for others, children of the Spirit;
God is love, God is love!”

This hymn was adapted by Gerald Hobbs, who also added a third verse to include the Spirit for inclusion in Songs for a Gospel People (1987) – the original lyrics being “Praise Him, Praise Him, all ye little children.”  The hymn tune PRAISE HIM was arranged by Carey Bonner for the Sunday School Hymnary (1905).    The arrangement used in Voices United was written by Toronto composer Ruth Watson Henderson (1995).

Hear the hymn played on piano at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tobB0oe4Tg

“Love is the Touch” (MV #89)

“Love is the touch of intangible joy;
Love is the force that no fear can destroy;
Love is the goodness we gladly applaud;
God is where love is, for love is of God.

Love is the lit in a lingering voice;
Love is the hope that can make us rejoice;
Love is the cure for the frightened and flawed;
God is where love is, for love is of God.

Love is the light in the tunnel of pain;
Love is the will to be whole once again;
Love is the trust of a friend on the road;
God is where love is, for love is of God.

Love is the Maker and Spirit and Son;
Love is the kingdom their will has begun;
Love is the path which the saints all have trod;
God is where love is, for love is of God.”

This hymn about love, quoting 1 John 4:7, is by Alison M. Robertson (1998). We will be using the tune, OLDHAM, which we know as the tune from the hymn “Give to Us Laughter,” written by Ron Klusmeier in 1974.

“This is My Commandment”

“This is my commandment – that you love one another,
That your joy may be full. 
This is my commandment – that you love one another,
That your joy may be full.
That your joy may be full. That your joy may be full.
This is my commandment – that you love one another,
That your joy may be full.”

The composer for this song is not known, but the words are inspired by the Great Commandment given by Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

“Love One Another”

“Love is patient, love is kind.
Love is gentle, love divine.
Love forgives, is never rude.
Love rejoices in the truth.

Love one another, as God has also loved you.
Love one another, as God has also loved you.

Love is faithful, love is pure.
Love is hopeful, love endures.
Love is humble, love is strong.
Love is such a joyous song.”

This week’s anthem is based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and John 13:34. The words are by Roger Thornhill with music by Brad Nix.

“Move in the World”

“Move in the world, with kindness as your creed;
Open your eyes to see its deepest need;
Let peace and justice be the truths we heed,
Alleluia, alleluia.

Live in the world, strive for a better day,
Let truth and fairness birth a kinder way,
Where people, all, the love command obey,
Alleluia, alleluia.”

The words for this hymn were written by Peggy McDonagh of St. David’s United Church in Calgary.  We will be using the tune, SINE NOMINE, familiar as the tune for the hymn “For all the Saints,” which was written by Ralph Vaughn Williams in 1906.

See the hymn played on keyboards at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2HMPcu7yDk  

To ponder:  

Eighty percent of all communication is non-verbal.  Or, as the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.”  What are we saying as individuals and as congregations with our non-verbal communication?