Notes on the Notes – June 25, 2017

This week’s theme:

Growing Up

This week’s scripture readings:

Jeremiah 20: 7-13     Romans 6: 1b-11     Matthew 10: 24-31

This week’s music:

“Walk With Me” (VU #649)

“Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has planned where love shines through.

When Moses heard the call of God he said, “Lord, don’t sent me.”
But God told Moses, “You’re the one to set my people free.”

Now Peter was a most unlikely man to lead the flock,
But Jesus know his holiness and he became the Rock.

Young Mary Magdalene was sure her life could be much more,
And by her faith she dared to let God’s love unlock the door.

And when you share your faith with me and work for life made new,
The witness of your faithfulness calls me to walk with you.

Walk with me…”

John Rice was a United Methodist minister and director of Worship Works.  He wrote this song in 1981 after attending a conference at West Hollywood Presbyterian Church dealing with the effects of homophobia.   The lyrics reference the stories of three Biblical characters who, at first, seemed unlikely to be important in the story of God, but who become major turning points in the faith journey.

“Praise God for this Holy Ground” (MV #42)

“Praise God for this holy ground, place and people, sight and sound.

Praise God in whose word we find food for body, soul and mind.

Praise God who through Christ makes known all are loved and called God’s own.

Praise God’s Spirit who befriends, raises, humbles, breaks and mends.

Though praise ends, praise is begin where God’s will is gladly done.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
God’s goodness is eternal.”

This song offers gratitude for the physical space and identifiable people on which and among whom worship takes place. It was written by John L. Bell in 2002.

“Jesus, Stand Among Us” (VU #396)

“Jesus, stand among us in your risen power;
Let this time of worship be a hallowed hour.

Breathe the Holy Spirit into every heart;
Bid the fears and sorrows from each soul depart.

Lead our hearts to wisdom till our doubting cease,
And to all assembled speak your word of peace.”

The words of this hymn are based on John 20:19 and 26.  The first two verses were written by William Pennefather and published in 1873.  The third verse was submitted by Lydia Pedersen, a member of the Hymn and Worship Resource Committee for Voices United (1995).   The tune was written by the German composer, Friedrich Filitz and was first published in 1861.

“Will You Come and Follow Me” (VU #567)

“Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?  Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?  Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be know, will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?…

This hymn, also known as “The Summons” was written by John Bell of the Iona Community.  The first four verses contain the questions that Jesus poses to us – 1.  Will you come and follow me?… 2. Will you leave yourself behind?…  3.  Will you let the blinded see?…  4.  Will you love the “you” you hide?…  The final verse is our answer to Him:

“Christ, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.  Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.  In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.  Thus I’ll move and live and grown in you and you in me.”

The tune is the traditional Scottish tune KELINGROVE.  Hear it sung by Robert Kochis at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0aAkOe87mo