Notes on the Notes – September 6, 2020

To Gather in God’s Love

Communion

Romans 13:8-14            Matthew 18:15-20

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

“Spirit, Open My Heart” (MV #79)

“Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving, Spirit, open my heart.

God, replace my stony heart with a heart that’s kind and tender.
All my coldness and fear to your grace I now surrender.

Write your love upon my heart as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed, may my living bring you glory.

May I weep with those who weep, share the joy of sister, brother.
In the welcome of Christ, may we welcome one another.”

The words for this hymn were written by Ruth Duck in 1994. The hymn is an plea to God to (re-)open our hearts to the natural feelings of the human life that, over time, we may have become less responsive to.  It reminds us that, if God’s love is our guiding principle, we will live our lives and respond to others differently.  This hymn connects to Psalm 51,  which expresses the desire to have God create in us a clean/new heart, to better serve God and the world.

The words are sung to the traditional Irish melody WILD MOUNTAIN THYME, which was arranged by Arthur G. Clyde in 1997.

Hear an instrumental version of the tune at: https://youtu.be/5UnHsbWZss4

Hear the hymn sung at Geneva Presbyterian Church at:  https://youtu.be/SrxqxL4_2qM

“Where Two or Three are Gathered” (MV #14)

“Where two or three are gathered in my name,
I am there, I am there.”

This response is based on Matthew 18:20.  It was written by Bruce Harding (2002).

“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.

“Kingsford Communion Set” (MV 203-205)

“O holy, holy, holy God,
O God of time and space.
All earth and sea and sky above bear witness to your grace.
Hosanna in the highest heav’n, creation sings your praise.
And blessed is the One who comes and bears your name always!”

“Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again!
Sing Christ has died and Christ is risen, Christ will come again!”

“Amen, amen, O Holy One!
Hosanna and Amen!
Amen, amen, O Holy One!
Hosanna and Amen!”

This communion set by William S. Kervin and Paul Stott (2005) is comprised of the Sanctus and Benedictus, the Memorial Acclamation and the Great Amen of our communion liturgy.  The music is the tradition English/Irish melody, KINGSFOLD.

“Long Ago and Far Away” (MV #195)

“Long ago and far away Jesus lived and worked and prayed;
Healed the sick and the fearful and lonely
Lived his life to show us God’s way.

Jesus called all his friends to be with him
Share the bread and the cup once again
Life to you I will offer it gladly
Love will be with you right to the end.

Stretched his arms out as he said
Fill the cup and share the bread
Remember me in love and joy and blessing.” 

This communion hymn was written by Pat Mayberry in 2000 and arranged by Margaret Stubbington in 2008.

“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.

“May the Grace of Christ”

“May the grace of Christ attend us,
And the love of God surround us,
And the Holy Spirit keep us,
Now and ever, always.
Amen, amen, forever and ever,
Amen.”

Our benediction response was written by Jeeva Sam.