Notes on the Notes – May 10, 2020

Mother’s Day

Proverbs 1:20-23

Luke 15:3-10

This week’s music:

“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” (VU #644)

“I was there to hear your borning cry,  I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,  to see your life unfold.

I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well,
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.

When you heard the wonder of the word,  I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make you verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun.

In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.

When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.

I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.”

This is perhaps the best known song of Iowa composer John Ylvisake.  The words of the song are spoken in the voice of God, and assure us that we are never alone through our life’s journey.

Hear the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEJFNbwoKZg

Watch a video of the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSIjIpkVrk0

“It Only Takes a Spark” (VU #289)

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing:
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it:
You spread God’s love to everyone,
You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding,
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it:
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you, my friend, this happiness that I’ve found –
On God you can depend, it matters not where you’re bound;
I’ll shout it from the mountain top;
I want my world to know:
The Lord of love has come to me,
I want to pass it on.”

This folk gospel song was written in 1968 by Kurt Kaiser.  It was recorded on the album, “Tell It Like It Is,” a Christian youth musical.

Learn more about the history of the song at:  https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-pass-it-on

Hear an instrumental version of the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCjR4dlY33k

Hear the original recording at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H5XE4NhE_0

“A Woman and a Coin – The Coin is Lost” (VU #360)

“A woman and a coin – the coin is lost!
How much it means to her, what time and toil,
What part it was to play in her bright dreams!
Am I that treasured coin worth searching for?
I’m found, and you rejoice!
What love! What love!

A shepherd and a sheep – the sheep is lost!
Far from the flock, the one in hundred cries,
Then, risking life – the shepherd’s voice and staff!
Am I that treasured sheep worth dying for?
I live, and you rejoice!
What love! What love!

A parent and a child – the child is lost!
The parent feeds on memories and hope,
The prodigal on husks and one last chance.
Am I that treasured child worth waiting for?
I’m home, and you rejoice!
What love! What love!

Dear God, you sought us when the world was lost,
You gave your only son at what a cost;
Your spirit welcomes home the tempest-tossed:
Now we can be all you were dreaming of.
We’re safe and you rejoice!
What love! What love!

The words for this hymn were written by Jaroslav J. Vajda in 1990.  Each verse references a different story from the Bible and connects the message of the reading to the love of God for each of us.  In verse one we hear the story from Luke 15:8-9 of the parable of the lost coin.  Verse 2 references the parable of the ninety and nine from Luke 15:3-7.  Verse 3 tells of the parable of the prodigal from Luke 15:11-32 and verse 4 reminds us of Jesus’ redeeming love.  The committee for Voices United wanted to include these lyrics in the hymn book but were looking for a more modern tune.  In 1995,  Fred Kimball Graham wrote the tune especially for these words and it was included in the new hymn book.

“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.

“Would You Bless Our Homes and Families” (VU #556)

“Would you bless our homes and families, source of life who calls us here;
In our world of stress and tension teach us love that conquers fear.
Help us learn to love each other with a love that constant stays;
Teach us when we face our troubles, love’s expressed in many ways.

When our way is undemanding, let us use the time that’s ours
To delight in simple pleasures, sharing joys in gentle hours.
When our way is anxious walking and a heavy path we plod,
Teach us trust in one another and in you, our gracious God.

From the homes in which we’re nurtured, with the love that shapes us there,
Teach us, God, to claim as family everyone whose life we share.
And through all that life may offer, may we in your love remain;
May the love we share in families be alive to praise your name.

Let us reach beyond the boundaries of our daily though and care
Till the family you have chosen spills its love out everywhere.
Help us learn to love each other with a love that constant stays;
Teach us when we face our troubles love’s expressed in many ways.”

This hymn, by Walter Farquharson and Ron Klusmeier, was published in Worship the Lord (1977), a collection of hymns by Walter Farquharson, Fred Kaan, and Ron Klusmeier, and it was also a popular selection in the United Church Hymnary supplement, Songs for a Gospel People (1987).

“May the Blessing of God Be Upon You” (VU #429)

“May the blessing of God be upon you.
May God’s love light all your way.
May the grace of Christ enfold you
And peace around you stay.
May the Spirit of God dwell within you.
May you live in joy each day.”

The words for our benediction response were written by R. Gordon Nodwell in 1989.
The music is by William H.M. Wright (1989).

Bonus video: