Notes on the Notes – May 21, 2017

This week’s theme:

To be Alone!

This week’s scripture readings:

John 14: 15-21                                     Acts 17: 22-31

This week’s music:

“Deep in Our Hearts” (MV #154)

“Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling Creation that we are one.

Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose;
Deep in our hearts there is a common goal;
Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message,
Justice and peace in harmony.

Deep in our hearts there is a common longing;
Deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
Deep in our hearts there is a common current,
Flowing to freedom like a stream.

Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling Creation that we are one.”

This song, with words by John Oldham and music by Ron Klusmeier, speaks to the human longing for the divine that is common across time and faith divisions.  It was written in 1996.

See the song, with Ron Klusmeier at the piano, below:

“Make a Joyful Noise” (VU #820)

Both the tune and text of this upbeat, joyful psalm are from Stickpeople (1992) by the Vancouver composer Linnea Good.  The tune was arranged by David Kai of Gloucester, Ontario. The words are a setting of Psalm 100.

“Make a joyful noise all the earth!
Worship your God with gladness.
Make a joyful noise all the earth!
Come to this place with a song!

Know that your God has made you.
Know it’s to God we belong.
And come to this place with joyfulness and praise.
Worship your God with a song!

Enter these gates, thanks giving.
Enter these courts with praise.
Sing thanks to your God and bless the holy Name.
Worship your God with a song!

Ages through endless ages,
Seasons of endless years,
The love of our Maker ever shall endure.
Worship your God with a song!”

“When In Our Music God is Glorified” (VU #533)

“When in our music God is glorified,
And adoration leaves no room for pride,
It is as though the whole creation cried “Hallelujah!”

How often, making music, we have found
A new dimension in the world of sound,
As worship moved us to a more profound Hallelujah!

Let every instrument be tuned for praise!
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always Hallelujah!

We will be using this hymn by Fred Pratt Green as our hymn of dedication for our new piano. Green, a retired Methodist minister, wrote the lyrics for a festival of praise in 1972, based on the words of Psalm 150. The music was written by Charles Villiers Stanford in 1904.

This hymn is groundbreaking in many ways.   There are numerous examples in the history of hymnody where music is a metaphor for some theological theme or experience. In Babcock’s “This Is My Father’s World,” for example, “all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres.” Charles Wesley speaks of “the music of the heart” in his paraphrase of Psalm 150, “Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above.”

However, Pratt Green uses music not just as a metaphor that points us to another idea, but explores music-making as a phenomenon in the Christian’s experience in its own right. The second stanza concludes with the marvelous thought that “making music . . . move[s] us to a more profound Alleluia!”

In this way, Pratt Green seems to agree with Martin Luther who said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” Luther and Pratt Green seem to ascribe a quasi-sacramental quality to music—music as a means of revelation and grace.

Pratt Green (1903-2000) was born in Roby just outside of Liverpool, England. Following his education, he was ordained in 1924 as a Methodist minister and served in various parishes throughout England well into the 1940s. Although he had a long interest in poetry, he did not focus on hymn writing until his retirement from active ministry.  (Source: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-when-in-our-music-god-is-glorified)

Hear the hymn at:  https://youtu.be/1-OiHpNK6XA

“Love One Another”

“Love is patient, love is kind.
Love is gentle, love divine.
Love forgives, is never rude.
Love rejoices in the truth.

Love one another, as God has also loved you.
Love one another, as God has also loved you.

Love is faithful, love is pure.
Love is hopeful, love endures.
Love is humble, love is strong.
Love is such a joyous song.”

This week’s anthem is based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and John 13:34. The words are by Roger Thornhill with music by Brad Nix.

“Sing a New Church”

“Summoned by the God who made us
Rich in our diversity,
Gathering in the name of Jesus,
Richer still in unity:

Let us bring the gifts that differ
And in splendid, varied ways,
Sing a new church into being,
One in faith and love and praise.

Trust the goodness of creation;
Trust the Spirit strong within.
Dare to dream the vision promised,
Sprung from see of what has been.

Let us bring…

Bring the hopes of ev’ry nation;
Bring the art of ev’ry race.
Weave a song of peace and justice;
Let it sound through time and space.

Let us bring…”

This hymn was written by Delores Dufner in 1991.  The lyrics express a hope for a growth and regeneration within the church that expands our inclusivity and welcomes the unique and varied gifts that each person has, bringing us closer to more just and peaceful world.   The words are set to the tune NETTLETON.  Hear the hymn at: https://youtu.be/Qt5Fqm3xS10  (click on CC to have the lyrics appear)