Notes on the Notes – March 5, 2025 – Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday Service music: 

“Come and Find the Quiet Centre” (VU #374)

“Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.

Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, face to face,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.

In the Spirit let us travel, open to each other’s pain,
Let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain:
There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!”

This hymn was written by Shirley Erena Murray for a Presbyterian Women’s Conference on the theme of “Making Space.” In our busy and chaotic world, it is a reminder to take the time to “be at peace, and simply be.”  As we enter the season of Lent, we give ourselves the space to welcome in God and the Spirit.  Tonight we will be using a recording of the song by The Harmony Singers (2022).

“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.”

We are assured that God is with us.  This response was written by Lynn Bauman in 2000, with music by Linnea Good (2004).  This piece of music was recorded by the Worship Choir (2024).

“Come to My Heart” (VU #661)

“Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.
Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; come to my heart today.
Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.
Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.

Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.
Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; fill me with love today.
Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.
Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.

Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.
Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; answer my prayer today.
Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.
Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.”

This song was written by Joe Pinson in 1979.  Its simple lyrics are an invitation for Jesus to be with us  now, during this time of worship, and as we go through life’s journey. Tonight’s recording is of The Praise Singers (2021).

Psalm 51 (VU #776 – Refrain 1)

“God, I call to you for help,
In your mercy hear my prayer.”

As we hear the words of Psalm 51, we respond with this refrain, which comes from a hymn that was written by Joseph Parry in 1879.  The response is led by Jam Calvez and Laura Steidl (2025).

“A New Heart”

“God gives a deep assurance to people in despair.
When the future feels uncertain and no one seems to care,
The word of God comes ringing to still our deepest fear:

Doubt crowds our fragile vision, our energy runs low.
We’re gripped by deep confusion and our response is slow.
Then Jesus stands among us and clearly helps us know:

Each fibre of our being cries out that we may see
God’s will and purpose for us and all humanity,
While echoes through the ages the song that sets us free:

A new heart I will give you,
A new hope for today;
A new heart and a new hope
And strength to walk the way.”

This song was written by Dianne Taylor and Ken Powers, of Heritage United Church in Regina in 1988.  The words expand on the idea of the need for a clean heart, as in Psalm 51, in order to serve God. The recording for this service was made by Jam Calvez and Laura Steidl (2025).

“May the Christ Who Walks on Wounded Feet” 

“May the Christ who walks on wounded feet
Travel with you all your journey through.
May you see Christ’s face in all you meet
And may all you meet see Christ’s face in you.”

Our benediction response was written by Allan Baer in 2013 and arranged by S. Porter. The words are adapted from a traditional Celtic prayer and the song was recorded by The Praise Singers (2021).