Notes on the Notes – January 7, 2024

First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of Jesus 

This week’s music will be led by the musicians of Atlantic Garden City United Church:

“Behold, Behold, I Make All Things New”  (MV #115)

“Behold, behold,
I make all things new, beginning with you
and starting from today.
Behold, behold, 
I make all things new, my promise is true,
For I am Christ the way.” 

Our gathering song for the month of January was written by John L. Bell in 1995.

Hear the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xgmsynls3k

“River” (MV #3)

“River, rush-a-down to the ocean blue,
River, from a mountain high.
River, as you do what rivers do,
River, draw the Spirit nigh.

Spirit, come-a-down to the riverside,
Spirit, spark of wondrous thought. 
Spirit, I am free for you to guide,
Spirit, pray that I be taught!

Water, let me drink of your healing pow’r,
Water, strength and life you give.
Water, as I travel with each hour,
Water, help my body live.

River, flow-a-down where you ran before,
River, source of clearer view.
River, as I walk your rocky shore,
River, see my journey through. 

See my journey through…”

This week we are reading about Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River by John the Baptist.  At this time, the heaven’s open and Jesus’ divinity is revealed.  This hymn, written by Julian Pattison in 2003,  asks that the river brings the Spirit close, so that we, too, may be taught and live Spirit-filled lives.

See the song led in worship by Julian Pattison at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXF-C_RX7VM

“Herald!  Sound the Notes of Gladness” (VU #28)

“Herald!  Sound the note of gladness!
Tell the news that Christ is here;
Make a pathway through the desert for the one who brings God near.
Sound the trumpet!  Tell the message!  Christ the Saving One has come!

Herald!  Sound the note of judgement,
Warning us of right and wrong,
Turning us from sin and sadness,
Till once more we sing the song.
Sound the trumpet!  Tell the message!  Christ the Saving One has come!

Herald! Sound the note of pardon!
Those repenting are forgiven;
God receives these wayward children,
And to all new life is given.
Sound the trumpet!  Tell the message!  Christ the Saving One has come!

Herald!  Sound the note of triumph!
Christ has come to share our life,
Bringing god’s own love and power,
Granting victory in our strife.
Sound the trumpet!  Tell the message!  Christ the Saving One has come!”

The text of this hymn was written by United Church minister Moir A.J. Waters in 1968 for the dedication of a memorial window, depicting Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, installed at Robinson Memorial United Church in London, Ontario.   The melody, from 1680, was composed by Joachim Neander for his hymn text which began “Unse Herrscher, unset Koenig” (Our Master, our King).

Hear the hymn at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-pyL780lHE

“Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized” (VU #99)

“Christ, when for us you were baptized, God’s Spirit on your came,
As peaceful as a dove and yet as urgent as a flame.

God called you, “My beloved Son,” called you, “My servant true,”
Sent you God’s kingdom to proclaim, God’s holy will to do.

Straight-way and steadfast until death you then obeyed the call
Freely as Son of Man to serve and give your life for all.

Baptize us with our Spirit now, your cross on us be signed,
That likewise in God’s service we may perfect freedom find.” 

The words for this hymn were written in 1977 by F. Bland Tucker.  The music, ST BERNARD, was first published in Tochter Sion in Cologne, Germany in 1741.

Hear the hymn at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXF4Y12fElc

“I Praise You, O God” (MV #61) 

“I praise you, O God, with all of my heart.
With all the earth I will sing your praises.”

Our offering response for the month of January has words and music by David Robertson (2005) and was inspired by Psalm 138:1.

Hear this response at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLIH4X43Dxc

“And When You Call for Me” (MV #96)

“And when you call for me, I have already answered.
And when you call for me, I am already there.”

This sung introduction to prayer was written by Lynn Bauman in 2000, with music by Linnea Good (2004).

“Like a Healing Stream” (MV #144)

“Like a healing stream in a barren desert,
Spirit water bringing life to dusty earth,
God is trickling through our lives as in a dream unfolding,
Promising revival and rebirth…
Like a healing stream.

Like a gentle rain on a thirsty garden,
Spirit water come to nourish tiny seed,
God is bubbling through the soil to coax a new creation,
Yearning for an end to want and need…
Like a gentle rain.

Like a river strong with a restless current,
Spirit water rushing on to distant shore,
God is carving out a channel in a new direction,
Calling for an end to hate and war…
Like a river strong.

Like a mighty sea reaching far horizons,
Spirit water with a love both deep and wide,
God is working in our hearts to shape a new tomorrow;
God will always challenge and provide!
Like a mighty sea,
Like a river strong,
Like a gentle rain,
Like a healing stream.”

Our closing hymn was written by Bruce Harding in 2003.  Each of the 4 verses compare God to a different form of water, and picture the movement of God bringing a newness to life in the form of healing, fullness, peace and love.   If you were to consider God as water, which verse would best explain either the role of God’s presence in your life or God’s presence in the world today?

Hear the hymn at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhIXlT6kG-0

“Go Now in Peace, Guided by the Light” (MV #211)

This commissioning and prayer for guidance was originally written in Spanish (“Vayan en paz”) by Pedro Rubalcava in 2002.  It was arranged by Peter Kolar, also in 2002.

“Go now in peace, guided by the light of Christ,
So you may be nourished by the Word of Life.”

Bonus video: