Notes on the Notes – June 30, 2024

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

This week’s music:

“Jesus, Come to Our Hearts” (VU #324)

“Jesus, come to our hearts like falling rain;
Come to refresh, come to renew,
Wash all our sins away.

Spirit, come to our hearts like rushing wind;
Come with your fire, come with your life,
Blow all our doubts away.

Come, God, come to our hearts like shining sun;
Come to reveal, lighten your Word,
Drive all our gloom away.

Glory be to the Lamb that once was slain;
Praise for his life, praise for his death,
Praise that he lives again.

Praises be to our God, the three in one;
Praise for the sun, praise for the wind,
Praise for the falling rain.”

This hymn is from Alleluia Aotearoa (1993).  The text is by New Zealand hymn writer, William Worley.  The tune was arranged by David Dell.  The words of the hymn remind us of the Trinity, connecting each (God, Jesus, Spirit) to the natural world.

“Spirit of Life” (VU #381)

“Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea; move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.”

This sung prayer will be our response to the words of assurance.  It was written by Carolyn McDade in 1981 and arranged by Grace Lewis-McLaren and published in 1993.

“Up from the Depths I Cry to God” (VU #852)

“Up from the depths I cry to God;
O listen, Lord, to me;
O hear my voice in this distress, this mire of misery.
I wait for God with all my heart, my hope is in his word;
And more than watchmen for the dawn I’m longing for you, God.

If you, my God, should measure guilt who then could ever stand?
But those who fear your name will find forgiveness from your hand.
I wait for God with all my heart, my hope is in his word;
And more than watchmen for the dawn I’m longing for you, God.

O Israel, set your hope on God whose mercy is supreme;
The nation mourning for its sin he surely will redeem.
I wait for God with all my heart, my hope is in his word;
And more than watchmen for the dawn I’m longing for you, God.”

This hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 130, written by Christopher Idle in 1975 and included in the collection Psalms for Today (1990).  The melody, MACPHERSON’S FAREWELL, is an arrangement by David Iliff of a traditional Scottish folk melody.

Hear the melody on bagpipes at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaOTtYS-jBI

“Great Sorrow Prodded Jairus” (MV #132)

Great sorrow prodded Jairus to seek the Healer’s touch –
“My little girl is dying, I need your help so much.”
When Jesus stood beside her, he took the child’s limp hand,
He brought back life and laughter by saying, “Child, now stand.”

Through years of pain and torment the woman yearned for peace,
While people scorned and shunned her, she prayed her pain would cease.
When Jesus felt her presence he touched her trembling hand,
“Your actions, daughter, healed you, in faith and wholeness, stand.”

Wherever people hunger for faith and hope and trust,
Where people search for wholeness, for treatment that is just – 
Christ, give your healing presence, your strong and gentle hand,
Your voice to lift us upwards, by saying, “Child, now stand.”

This hymn was written by Elizabeth Stillborn in 2000.  The words are a re-telling of the story of Jairus’ daughter and the woman who was healed as seen in three of the gospels – Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43 and Luke 8:40-56.  Through these stories we see that faith can exist in seemingly hopeless situations.  The closing verse entreats Jesus to continue healing and lifting those who come to him for help. The tune is by Diane Wilcox (2006).

“Praise You”

“Lord, I come to You today with a simple prayer to pray.
In ev’rything I do, let my life, oh Lord, praise You.

Praise You, praise You;
Let my life praise You.
Praise You, praise You,
Let my life, O Lord, praise You.

Lord, You formed me out of clay.
And for Your glory I was made.
Use this vessel as You choose.
Let my life, oh Lord, praise You.

Praise You…”

This simple song by Wayne and Elizabeth Goodine is a humble prayer that all of our actions be in praise to God. It was written in 1993.

“We Give You But Your Own” (VU #542)

“We give you but your own,
Whate’er the gift may be,
All that we have is yours alone,
We give it gratefully.”

The words for our offering response were written by William Walsham How in 1858, and updated for use in Voices United. The music is by Johann Balthasar Konig (1738), with adaptations by William Henry Havergal (1847).

“Spirit God, Be Our Breath” (MV #150)

“Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Our world seems inward, defensive, withdrawn…
Spirit God, be our song.

Patient God: soothe our pride, calm our fear.
Comfort us.
When we know you are near we grow more certain, our vision is clear.
Patient God, calm our fear.

Loving God: be our voice, be our prayer.
Reaching out, joining hands as we share,
We seek your guidance through friendship and care.
Loving God, be our prayer.

Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.
Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.
Through change, through challenge, we’ll greet the new dawn.
Spirit God, be our song.”

This song, with words and music by Bruce Harding, was written in 1997.   The lyrics are a sung prayer that God be with us through the changes that we will see as we move forward in faith.

Hear Bruce Harding sing the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZTc6M8vFt4&list=OLAK5uy_luRu7p2rPssmz5ymcJlzw6ls6o65v91Vg&index=15

“A Benediction”  

“May the grace of Christ attend us,
And the love of God surround us,
And the Holy Spirit keep us,
Now and ever, always.
Amen, amen, forever and ever,
Amen.”

Our benediction response was written by Jeeva Sam.

Thank you to members of the Worship Choir
for providing music leadership for this week’s service.