Notes on the Notes – June 9, 2019

Pentecost / Communion/Picnic Sunday

This week’s music:

“Over My Head” (MV #88)

“Over my head, I hear music in the air (3 times)
            There must be a God somewhere.”

This gospel song was originally recorded in the 1940s.

“Know that God is Good” (MV #104)

“Know that God is good (3 times)
            God is good, God is good.”

This song is a traditional song from Congo.  Hear the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGeOvWyYIi8

“Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet” (VU #245)

“Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet,
Praise the Lord with the harp and lute,
Praise the Lord with the gentle-sounding flute
Praise the Lord in the field and forest,
Praise the Lord in the city square,
Praise the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Praise the Lord in the wind and sunshine,
Praise the Lord in the dark of night,
Praise the Lord in the rain or snow or in the morning light.
Praise the Lord in the deepest valley,
Praise the Lord on the highest hill,
Praise the Lord, never let your voice be still.

Psalm 150 painting by Christie Michael

Praise the Lord with the crashing cymbal,
Praise the Lord with the pipe and string,
Praise the Lord with the joyful songs you sing.
Praise the Lord on a weekday morning,
Praise the Lord on a Sunday noon,
Praise the Lord by the light of sun or moon.
Praise the Lord in the time of sorrow,
Praise the Lord in the time of joy,
Praise the Lord every moment, nothing let your praise destroy.
Praise the Lord in the peace and quiet,
Praise the Lord in your work or play,
Praise the Lord everywhere in every way!

This hymn based on Psalm 150 was written by Natalie Sleeth in 1975.

“Oh, a Song Must Rise” (MV #142)

“Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend
          Oh a song must rise once again
          Singing out God’s praises and glory,
          The faithful voices blend,
          Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend.
 
          From the mountains to the valleys,
          From the desert to the sea,
          A song must rise once again.
          From the voices of our leaders,
          The voice of you and me,
          A song must rise for the spirit to descend.

          From poverty and riches,
          From the voice of young and old,
          A song must rise once again.
          From the free and the imprisoned,
          The timid and the bold,
          A song must rise for the spirit to descend.

          From every house of worship,
          In every faith and tongue,
          A song must rise once again.
          From the villages and cities
          A new song must be sung,
          A song must rise for the spirit to descend.”

The words and music for this lively song are by Paul B. Svenson (1995).  The arrangement we will be using this week is by Bryn Nixon (2006) as it appears in More Voices.

See a teaching video of this song sung by choir and congregation at: https://youtu.be/Y4Q7XghWg-c

Read Jeff Doucette’s blog about music and faith at:  http://jeffdoucette.webs.com/apps/blog/show/7336990

“Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit”

“Ev’ry time I feel the spirit moving in my heart I will pray.

Upon that mountain, when my Lord spoke,
Out of His mouth came fire and smoke.
Looked all around me, it looked so fine
I asked the Lord if it were mine.

Ev’ry time…”

This week’s anthem is an arrangement of the African-American spiritual by Robert W. Thygerson (1981).

Hear a version by Nat King Cole at:  https://youtu.be/oLp587Bgk0M

“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.

“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” (VU #400)

“Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace!”

Our prayer response was written by Ken Medema in 1970.

“Dance With the Spirit” (MV #156)

“Dance with the Spirit early in the mornin’,        
Walk with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life a-bornin’
Listen to the Spirit to show you the way.”

Our benediction response was composed by Jim Strathdee in 1995.   It is from the Strathdee “Mass for the Healing of the Earth.”  This short song celebrates the presence and prodding of the Holy Spirit.

To ponder:

Where do you see the Spirit moving in the world today?