Notes on the Notes – September 22, 2024

Third Sunday in the Season of Creation/Communion

This week’s music:

“Called by Earth and Sky” (MV #135)

“Called by earth and sky, promise of hope held high,
This is our sacred living trust,
Treasure of life sanctified,
Called by earth and sky.

Precious these waters, endless seas,
Deep ocean’s dream,
Waters of healing, rivers of rain,
The wash of love again.

Precious this gift, the air we breathe;
Wind born and free.
Breath of the Spirit, blow through this place,
Our gathering and our grace.

Precious these mountains, ancient sands;
Vast fragile land.
Seeds of our wakening, rooted and strong,
Creation’s faithful song.

Precious the fire that lights our way,
Bright dawning day.
Fire of passion, sorrows undone,
Our faith and justice one.

Called by earth and sky…”

This beautiful song by Pat Mayberry and Margaret Stubbington (2005) is a call to live with respect in Creation, celebrating the ancient tradition of the four elements: water, air, earth and fire.

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

“O Beautiful Gaia” (MV #41)

“O beautiful Gaia,
O Gaia, calling us home.
O beautiful Gaia,
Calling us on.”

The term Gaia (guy-ah) represents “Mother Earth,” inviting us to live into our care and respect for all creation. It asks us to consider our relationship to the earth in the context of our faith. During the Season of Creation, we will be using the chorus as our response to the Words of Assurance.  The words and music are by Caroly McDade and the arrangement is by Lydia Pedersen (2006).

“Who is Greatest in the Kingdom”

“Who is greatest in the kingdom? Who among us is the best?”
The disciples were debating: “In God’s reign, who will be blest?”
Jesus, had those twelve forgotten? Faithful living has a cost —
And to journey where you’d lead them, they would journey to the cross.

“Who is greatest in the kingdom?” The disciples heard your call:
“If you want to be the first one, you must be the last of all.”
Do not think that high position is a thing that you deserve!
“If you want to be the first, then, be the first to humbly serve.”

“Who is greatest in the kingdom? Who will take the throne and reign?”
Christ, you put a child among them, and you told them once again:
“If you give a child a welcome, then you also welcome me.”
Faithful service, not ambition, builds up God’s community.

This hymn was written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette and references this week’s gospel reading from Mark.  We will be using the tune NETTLETON, which was composed by John Wyeth (1813).

“Like a Tree Beside the Waters” 

“Like a tree beside the waters, nurtured by your loving care,
We, O God, your sons and daughters, your enduring witness bear.
In each passing generation may your voice of love be heard.
Bless, we pray, this congregation with your holy, living Word.

Like a tree beside the river, drawing life from holy streams,
Fill us with your love forever; recreate our hopes and dreams.
Through the storms of life sustain us by the wisdom of your grace.
May the changing of the seasons find us in your warm embrace.

We, beside the living waters, drink from your eternal life.
Give to all, your sons and daughters, faith that rises over strife.
O Living God, most glorious, strengthen us for life today.
By the hope of timeless promise guide your church upon the Way.”

James Martin wrote this text at the invitation of Campbellsport (Wisconsin) United Church of Christ for the celebration of its 125th anniversary year in 1993.  The tune we will be using is ALL THE WAY, which was written for the hymn “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me” by Robert S. Lowry in 1875.

“For the Gift of Creation”  (VU #538)

For the gift of creation, the gift of your love,
And the gift of the Spirit by which we live,
We thank you and give you the fruit of our hands.
May your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give.

Our offering dedication is from the United Methodist Book of Worship (1991) and is especially appropriate during the season of Creation.  The composer, Steve Garnaas-Holmes is a United Methodist pastor in Montana.

“Deep in Our Hearts” (MV #154)

“Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling creation that we are one.

Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose;
Deep in our hearts there is a common goal;
Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message,
Justice and peace in harmony.

Deep in our hearts there is a common longing;
Deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
Deep in our hearts there is a common current,
Flowing to freedom like a stream.

Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling Creation that we are one.”

Our closing hymn, with words by John Oldham and music by Ron Klusmeier, speaks to the human longing for the divine that is common across time and faith divisions.  It was written in 1996.

See the song, with Ron Klusmeier at the piano at:  https://youtu.be/YnZaO8udMcQ

“When You Walk from Here” (VU #298)

“When you walk from here,
When you walk from here,
Walk with justice, walk with mercy,
And with God’s humble care.”

Our benediction response was written by Linnea Good of Vancouver.  It was published in Stickpeople (1993). The text is derived from Micah 6:8.

Hear the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvd2PUoEj9g