Notes on the Notes – August 25, 2024

This week’s music: 

“Creator God, You Gave Us Life” (MV #27)

“Creator God, you gave us life, your image formed within our souls,
Yet through the mist of time and space, we search for that which makes us whole.

In every flower and every tree, we see your great diversity,
Yet greater still we see your love, expressed in our humanity.

When with our hearts, our hands, our minds, we share our gifts with all the world,
Our spirits soar beyond the veil, to touch the very face of God.

Through hands that paint majestic skies, and voices chanting melody,
With words that reach beyond the page, we comprehend your mystery.”

Both the tune and text of this hymn were written by Judith Snowdon in 2004. Judith Snowdon was born in England but completed her formal music education in Canada at Canadian Mennonite University and the University of Winnipeg.   The lyrics are a reminder that when we open ourselves to truly look at the many facets of Creation, we are able to see God’s touch everywhere and in everyone.

Hear the hymn at:  https://youtu.be/Z9ZOmMQeYmU

“Alleluia” (MV #50)

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.”

Our sung response to the Words of Assurance has music written by Norah Duncan IV (1987).

“How Lovely, God” – Psalm 84 (VU #801)

“How lovely, God, how lovely is your abiding place;
My soul is longing, fainting, to feast upon your grace.
The sparrow finds a shelter, a place to build her nest;
And so your temple calls us within its walls to rest.

In your blest courts to worship, O God, a single day
Is better than a thousand if I from you should stray.
I’d rather keep the entrance and claim you as my Lord,
Than revel in the riches the ways of sin afford.

A sun and shield forever are you, O God Most High;
You shower us with blessings, no good will you deny.
The saints, your grace receiving, from strength to strength shall go,
And from their life shall rivers of blessing overflow.”

This setting of Psalm 84 has words paraphrased by Arlo D. Duba in 1984.  The melody, MERLE’S TUNE, was written by Hal Hopson in 1983.  This psalm is classified as a pilgrimage psalm, sung as praise by those who traveled to Jerusalem to worship. Such journeys were often beset with hardship as the traveler moved through the wilderness over great distances in order to reach Jerusalem. The psalm teaches that there is nothing better than being in the presence of God in God’s holy temple.

“All the Way My Saviour Leads Me” (VU #635)

“All the way my Saviour leads me, what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt his tender mercy who through life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in him to dwell,
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Saviour leads me, cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter, and my soul a-thirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before me, lo, a spring of joy I see!

All the way my Saviour leads me; O the fullness of his love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed, immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages, “Jesus led me all the way!”

“All The Way My Savior Leads Me” was written by Fanny Crosby and is her statement of faith and trust that God, through Jesus, will always be with her.  She sent the text to Robert Lowrey who composed the tune for it.  It was first published in Chicago, in Brightest and Best (1875), a tune book for Sunday schools.

Hear The Haven Quartet at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEOtFEs0Jos

Hear Melody St Clair Randazzo at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9u38XpHI7Q&index=31&list=PLWfKlHQoDKDWVBl9mE90_wpU-WDjhrGqs

“What Can I Do?” (MV #191)

“What can I do? What can I bring?
What can I say? What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer.
I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share.”

This joyful song of offering and dedication was written by Paul Rumbolt and Michele McCarthy (2005). The arrangement in More Voices is by Alan C. Whitmore.

“Body, Mind and Spirit” (MV #153)

“Body, mind and spirit, holy, earthly trinity,
Joy of God, Creator, life lived abundantly.

Body, mind and spirit, challenged, battered by earth’s ills,
Know that Christ rest with in us, and stormy water stills.

Body, mind and spirit, nurtured in community,
Prayer, concert, loving action, faithful humanity.

Body, mind and spirit, in God’s image born to be.
Sing, rejoice in life most sacred. Revel in mystery.”

The words and music for this hymn were written by Margaret Motum of Oshawa, Ontario and offer us a personal interpretation of the Trinity within us.

Hear the hymn sung by singers from Transcona United at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4jj-r2dO-c

“I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” (VU #575)

“I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, any time.
I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, any time.

I’m gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, any time.
I’m gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, any time.”

This traditional African-American spiritual is from the Presbyterian Hymnal (1990).  As our worship service comes to end, we go into the world ready to be used by God “anywhere, any time.”

This week we will be having a “Pop-up Choir” lead the music in worship!
If you would like to help lead the congregational singing this week, please come at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday to run through the music – all welcome!