Notes on the Notes – May 1, 2022

Spiritual Cross-Fit

Week 1 – Getting Started

This Week’s Music: 

“God is Here” (VU #389)

“God is here! As we your people meet to offer praise and prayer,
May we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us, all our varied skills and arts
Wait the coming of the Spirit into open minds and hearts.

Here are symbols to remind us of our lifelong need of grace;
Here are table, font, and pulpit, here the cross has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching, here in silence, as in speech,
Here, in newness and renewal, God the Spirit comes to each.

Here our children find a welcome in the Shepherd’s flock and fold;
Here as bread and wine are taken, Christ sustains us, as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant seek in worship to explore
What it means in daily living to believe and to adore.

God of all, of church and kingdom, in an age of change and doubt
Keep us faithful to the gospel; help us work your purpose out.
Here, in this day’s dedication, all we have to give, receive;
We, who cannot live without you, we adore you! We believe!”

Fred Pratt Green wrote the powerful words of this hymn in 1978, for the closing of a conference on worship.  As we enter into our spring theme of “Spiritual Cross-Fit,” we will be examining the practices that make us spiritually “fit.”  The first verse of the hymn draws us together in our search for what it means to be a Christian as we wait for the Spirit to move within our minds and hearts.  The second verse shares some of the symbols of our faith, and that God will be found for those who are seeking.   The third and fourth verses acknowledge the challenges in our search for faithful understanding in today’s complicated world, closing with the affirmation that, through it all, “We believe!”  William Rowlands composed the tune BLAENWERN during the Welsh revival of 1904-05.

Hear the hymn played on pipe organ at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0rAtG4vCpQ

“A New Creed” 

“We are not alone,
We live in God’s world,
We believe in God,
Who has created and is creating,
Who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
To reconcile and make new,
Who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.

We are called to be the Church,
To celebrate God’s presence,
To live with respect in Creation,
To love and serve others,
To seek justice and resist evil,
To proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
Our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.”

This music for this setting of the New Creed was composed by Richard Hall.  The words are a statement of the beliefs of the United Church of Canada. They give us a centering point as we journey through our life of faith.  Learn more about the challenges of coming to an agreement on this statement at:  http://www.windsorparkunitedchurch.com/a-new-creed/

“Jesus Teach Me” 

“Jesus, teach me what I need to know.
Guide and lead me where I need to go.
In everything I say and do, teach me how to love like You.

Shine Your heavenly light.
Touch me and open my eyes.
As I go through the day, Lord, let me follow Your way.

Lord, the sound of Your voice fills me with comfort and joy.
Now I know I must start listening with all of my heart….”

This week’s anthem is by Bert Stratton and Vicki Tucker Courtney. It was published in 2010. The simple melody and words are a prayer for Jesus to help us to know and live by his teachings.

“Bread of Life, Feed My Soul” (MV #194)

“Bread of life, feed my soul,
As the presence of the Spirit makes me whole.
Bread of life, fill my heart
With the grace and mercy you impart.

Cup of life, help me live
A life as pure and true as Jesus did.
Cup of life, help me see
The boundless love of Christ for you and me…

This hymn from More Voices is a communion prayer for healing and guidance. The words and music were written by Stephen Spencer in 2005.  The arrangement is by Rick Gunn (2005). Words have been adapted for use during the sacrament of communion.

“Faith, Hope and Love” 

“Faith, hope and love – this is what we long for.
Faith, hope and love – this is what we need.
Faith, hope and love – this is what we cry for.
Oh, teach us how to live.

Trust in the Truth – this is what we long for.
Trust in the Truth – this is what we need.
Trust in the Truth – this is what we cry for.
Oh, teach us how to live.

Patience within…

Freedom for all…
 
Faith, hope and love…”

This song was written in 1994 by Trisha Watts. The simple lyrics express our longing for the things we need in order to live the life God wants for us.

“Step by Step” 

“Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to walk in Your ways
And step by step You’ll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days.”

Our benediction response was written in 1991 by Beaker.  As we go out into the world, we express our intention to continue to learn and live in God’s ways throughout the coming week.