Notes on the Notes – August 11, 2024

This week’s music: 

“As the Deer”

“As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you;
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To you alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you!

You’re my friend and you are my brother even though you are a King
I love you more than any other so much more than anything
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To you alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you!

I want you more than gold or silver only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy-giver and the apple of my eye
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To you alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you!

This song by Martin J. Nystrom was written in 1981.  The first line comes from Psalm 42 and then the song reflects on this, expressing the desire to make Christ the most important aspect of our lives.  Our souls long for connection with the divine and we are able to make this connection through worship.

The second verse refers to Christ as a friend and brother and the longing for the closeness of these relationships, even though Christ is also a King.  In the third verse we are reminded that true joy is only found through our connection with Jesus, and through Jesus, God, as God is the giver of every good and perfect gift.  The end of each verse emphasizes that Christ alone is the source of everything that our spirits need.

“Alleluia” (MV #50)

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.”

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

Hear the Harmony Singers (2024):

“Call on Me”  

“Call on me and I will answer you;   
Lean on me and I will carry you through.
When life’s lessons seem too hard to learn,
I’m here for you when there’s nowhere to turn

For I’ll be with you even when you’re alone
And I’ll wait for you, for you’re one of my own.
All of your days when you follow my ways,
You’ll be building my kingdom on earth.

Search for me and I will come to you;
Let me guide you when your choices seem few.
You’ll fulfill all you were meant to be
Whenever you come and journey with me

For I’ll be with you even when you’re alone
And I’ll wait for you, for you’re one of my own.
All of your days when you follow my ways,
You’ll be building my kingdom on earth.

Tend my earth and you will see it bloom;
Plunder it and you will make it a tomb.
See how rainbows mark my covenant:
This promise of mine to al life is sent.

For I’ll be with you even when you’re alone
And I’ll wait for you, for you’re one of my own.
All of your days when you follow my ways,
You’ll be building my kingdom on earth.

Live in me and I will live in you;
I give meaning to whatever you do.
Share my love, it will come back to you;
Let faith reconcile and wholly renew.

For I’ll be with you even when you’re alone
And I’ll wait for you, for you’re one of my own.
All of your days when you follow my ways,
You’ll be building my kingdom on earth.”

This song was written by Allan Baer (2007).  On the website,   (http://www.crossroadsunited.ca/spirit/) Allan says,

“Does God still speak to us? In 2004, the United Church of Christ (an American denomination, rather than my own United Church of Canada) began its “God is still speaking” campaign inspired by the Gracie Allen quote “Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” This led me to wonder about how God speaks today.
It seemed unlikely that God would actually use words until one day someone said something to me that was both unexpected and profound. Although I have since forgotten those words, it occurred to me that when our neighbour consoles or inspires us, God may be speaking in their words.
Of course, they’re not quoting God verbatim – that’s why we gather in community to sort out what is loving and from God and what is not. So the unusual “first person voice” (using “me” instead of “him” or “her”) of this song reflects that God may be trying to start a dialogue with you through the singing of the person beside you. In that way, perhaps something of what Christ has to say might come to live in us. This is not a one-way conversation, for God hopes that we will reply by sharing God’s love and being all we were intended to be.
In the process, we build God’s kingdom (or kin-dom, as some would say) – a two-way street forming a covenant in which both parties participate. But we also need to remember that God doesn’t make the promise of love and support to humanity alone but to all life (as symbolized in the story of Noah and the rainbow). And an important ingredient in building that kingdom is to take care of it, and each other. “

“Shout to the Lord”

“My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love.
My Comfort, my Shelter, Tower of refuge and strength,
Let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King!
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand;
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You!”

This week’s anthem was written by Darlene Zschech and published in 1993. The refrain of the song echoes several of the psalms, especially Psalm 47:1, “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph” (KJV). Later in the refrain, the phrase, “I sing for joy at the work of your hands” is drawn directly from Psalm 92:4: “For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.”  Psalm 96:1 is also a theme: “O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.”  (Source:  Discipleship Ministries https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-shout-to-the-lord )

Hear the song at: https://youtu.be/tODIA2q7Y9I

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.

“God will Make a Way”

“God will make a way when there seems to be no way,
            He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.
            He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side,
            With love and strength for each new day,
            He will make a way.  He will make a way.

            By a roadway in the wilderness He’ll lead me.
            Rivers in the desert will I see.
            Heaven and earth will fade,
            But His word will still remain.
            And He will do something new today…”

This song by Don Moen is born out of tragedy and reminds us that, in times of trial, and especially in times of extreme trial, we need to be assured that we have a God who loves us and who will provide for our every need, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual.

To learn more about the story behind the song, go to:  http://www.staugustine.com/living/religion/2015-08-06/story-behind-song-god-will-make-way

Hear the Harmony Singers (2023):

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

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

This traditional African-American spiritual is from the Presbyterian Hymnal (1990).