Notes on the Notes – November 16, 2014

This week’s theme:

Managing Money Faithfully/

Baptism/Retiring the Lift Fund

This week’s scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

This week’s music:

“This is the Day” (MV #122)

“This is the day that God has made; we will rejoice and be glad!
This is the day that God has made; we will rejoice and be glad!
Singing hallelu! Singing hallelu! Singing hallelu!
We will rejoice and be glad!
Singing hallelu! Singing hallelu! Singing hallelu!
We will rejoice and be glad!”

This hymn by Bruce Harding (2003) is inspired by the words of Psalm 118:24.   Harding wrote both the text and music, which was translated to French by David Fines in 2005.  To hear the song go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88a-8OXGYk4

“Draw the Circle Wide” (More Voices #145) –

“Draw the circle wide.  Draw it wider still.
Let this be our song, no one stands alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide.

God the still-point of the circle, ’round whom all creation turns;
nothing lost, but held forever, in God’s gracious arms.

Let our hearts touch far horizons, so encompass great and small;
Let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call.

Let the dreams we dream be larger than we’ve ever dreamed before;
Let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door.”

This now-familiar hymn of inclusion was written by Gordon Light of the Common Cup Company in 1994.  It was arranged by Michael Bloss in 1998.

“Lord, We Bring to You Our Children”

 “Lord, we bring to you our children on this festive, holy day;
Grant to them your benediction; grant to us your help, we pray.
Bless the children! Bless the parents! May they grow in Christ our Lord:
Joined in faith and loving service, in his Spirit and his Word.

Now may we in honest worship, in this glad and sacred hour,
Give ourselves in true commitment to your service and your power;
To the task of christian nurture: teaching, training, leading still
In the way of Christ-like living till life’s purpose we fulfill.”

This hymn comes from Mennonite song book “Sing the Journey.”  The text was written by Frank von Christierson in 1976.  Frank von Christierson (1900-1996) was born near Helsinki, Finland. He attended San Jose (California) High School, Stanford University (BA, Psychology, 1923), and San Francisco Theological Seminary (BD 1929). In 1983 he was awarded the citation of distinguished alumnus, and became a Fellow of The Hymn Society.  He has served as youth director at First Presbyterian Church, San Luis Obispo, and pastor at Calvary Presbyterian Church, Citrus Heights, California.   The hymn’s tune, NETTLETON, is an American folk melody more commonly associated with the hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
To hear the melody on piano, go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pui56XyO4d8

“I Will Give Thanks”

“I will give thanks to the Lord, my God,
I will give thanks to the Lord.
I will sing praise to the Lord, Most High.
With my whole heart I will give thanks.

In the seasons of my plenty,
In the seasons of my need
God has faithfully provided growing harvest from the seed.

With my whole heart I will love him.
With my lips I’ll sing his praise.
With my life I’ll seek his guidance as I serve him all my days.”

This anthem of thanks to God is composed by Lloyd Larson, based on the words of Psalm 7:17. It was written in 1997.

“Faithful God, You Have Been Our Guide”

“Faithful God, you have been our guide, year by year walking by our side,
Blessing challenge and healing strife, leading us on the way of life.
Faithful God of the living covenant, lead us onward in this new day.

God, whatever the future holds, keep us faithful as life unfolds.
Write your covenant on our hearts; send the gifts that your love imparts.
Faithful God of the living covenant, lead us onward in this new day.”

This hymn was written by Ruth Duck in 1995 for the celebration the 125th anniversary of Covenant United Methodest Church in Evanston, Illinois.  Expressing a theology of covenant, it grew out of stories about the church’s history.  It is sung to the tune, LINSTEAD, which is a Jamaican tune adapted by Doreen Potter for use with Fred Kaan’s text “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ.”

“Halle, Halle, Halle” (VU #958)

“Halle, halle, hallelujah!”

This melody, CARIBBEAN, is arranged by The Iona Communion (1990).  In directions on singing this response, we see the following: “Sing either in unison or harmony, or improvise harmonies beyond those printed.  Accompaniment is also not restricted to the printed page;  improvise freely and rhythmically…Everyone who is able should stand, and body movement and clapping by all singers is encouraged.”   Enjoy!