Notes on the Notes – April 27, 2025

Second Sunday of Easter

This week’s music: 

“Draw the Circle Wide” (MV #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 hymn of inclusion was written by Gordon Light of the Common Cup Company in 1994 and arranged by Michael Bloss in 1998.  If God’s love is the centre point of our lives, everything we do ripples out from God’s love and grows to encompass everyone we meet.

“Alleluia” (MV #50)

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.”

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

“The Doors Were Locked” 

“The doors were locked, the voices hushed, confusion filled the air,
When suddenly the risen Christ appeared among them there.
“Peace be with you,” he greeted them. “Come see my hands and side.
I send you now as I was sent, the Spirit as your guide.”

Now one was absent from the room, for Thomas was away.
When others told what they had seen his judgement would not sway.
“Unless I touch his wounded side and feel the marks of nails,
Unless I see with my own eyes, my skeptic’s mind prevails.”

Another night in that same room, disciples standing by,
“Peace be with you,” Christ said, and then looked Thomas in the eye.
“Come see the nail marks on my hands, reach out and touch my side” –
An invitation to his friend to put his doubts aside.

Did Thomas know the world had changed one morning in a tomb?
He simply said, “My Lord, my God,” within that silent room.
Christ did not chide his doubting friend, but offered him instead
God’s boundless and redemptive grace: “Peace be with you,” he said.”

This hymn is a retelling of the Thomas story from the gospel of John.  The words were written by Jacque B. Jones (2014).  We will be using a tune often attributed to Franz Joseph Haydn (ca 1790), which may be familiar as the tune used for the hymn, “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” at Voices United #231.

“Love Over Hate” 

“Love over hate, our sacred song.
Sing in our hearts our voices strong.
All of the earth, each place, faith,
each one belongs. 

You of my heart, You of my soul.
You are the Love that makes us whole.
You of my heart, You of my soul,
You are the Love that makes us whole.

Love over fear, our common dream.
Justice that flows, a mighty stream.
Kindness and mercy calling, 
for you and for me. 

You of my heart, You of my soul.
You are the Love that makes us whole.
You of my heart, You of my soul,
You are the Love that makes us whole.

Love over lies, our promise true.
Healing and hope held high anew.
Strengthen our lives with courage
to carry us through.

You of my heart, You of my soul.
You are the Love that makes us whole.
You of my heart, You of my soul,
You are the Love that makes us whole.”

The words for this song were written by John Oldham and Pat Mayberry in 2019 in response to the shootings of Muslims in New Zealand.  In this time of political unrest, the lyrics remind us that, no matter our faith, God is love and we find our wholeness in God’s love.  The arrangement we are using is by David Kai (2019).

“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.

“Christ of Compassion”

“Christ of compassion, Christ of all giving,
our hearts are full with your comfort and care.
Love’s living presence, Spirit of Sharing,
nourish and strengthen the faith that we bear.

Love for our neighbour, friend to the stranger,
gently we open a place in our heart.
Peace to the fearful, hope to the lonely,
spirits renewed through the care we impart.

Travelling companions, friends on the journey,
sharing our kindness, our joy to increase.
Truth gives our faith its courage and wisdom,
shaping our world with the love we release.

Love from the heart, the sweetest expression,
tells of the Spirit alive in this place.
Spreading that love to people around us,
touching our living with honour and grace.”

The words for our closing hymn were written by Peggy McDonagh of St. David’s United Church in Calgary, Alberta (2015).  The tune we will be using is TENDERNESS by Colin Gibson (1991), which is also the tune for the hymn “Touch the Earth Lightly,” found at #307 in Voices United.  As we leave this time of worship we take our faith and love into the world to share with others.

“Amen” (VU #974)

“Amen, amen, hallelujah, amen!
Amen, amen, hallelujah, amen!”

Our sung benediction response this week was written by Jim Strathdee (1985).