Notes on the Notes – May 29, 2022

Spiritual Cross-fit Week 5

What are We Reflecting?

This Week’s Music:

“Come and Find the Quiet Centre” (VU #374)

“Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.

Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, face to face,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.

In the Spirit let us travel, open to each other’s pain,
Let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain:
There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!”

As we come to our last week in our “Spiritual Cross-fit” theme, we are reminded to take the time in our busy and chaotic world to “be at peace, and simple be.” We continue to develop our habits of gathering and connecting, both with God through prayer and praise, and with each other, whether in person or virtually.  This hymn was written by Shirley Erena Murray for a Presbyterian Women’s Conference on the theme of “Making Space.”

Listen to a beautiful choral rendition of this song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jukLcHj3BA&list=RDPjB5-97zKaw&index=5

“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.”

The 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.

“My Saviour Loves Me”

“Each day I live, I trust my Saviour to take my hand and be my guide.
My faith is strong; I will not waver.  I know the Lord is always at my side.
He gives me hope to face tomorrow and helps me be the servant I should be.
He keeps me calm through pain and sorrow.  
I feel His light come shining down on me.

Jesus loves me, this I know. 
Every day He helps me grow.
All I have to Him belongs.
He’s the rock who keeps me strong.

My heart is filled, my soul rejoices in all the gifts God gives to me.
I’ve heard Him call; I’ve made my choices to follow Him and show that I believe.
Each day I live, I’ll serve my Saviour in all I do and every word I say.
I’ll be a friend; I’ll be a neighbour and share His love with all who pass my way.

Yes, Jesus loves me.
My Saviour loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me (He loves me.)
That’s all I need to know. ” 

This beautiful statement of faith is by Don Besig and Nancy Price and incorporates the familiar hymn “Jesus Loves Me.”  It was written in 2014.

“Lead Us Out”

“Lead us up. We want to know You better.
Lead us up. Fill our hearts and make us more life You.
Lead us up. Ever growing closer.
Oh lead us up into You, Lord.

Lead us up, lead us in, lead us out into Your world.
Lead us now, and we’ll follow you today.
Lead us onward by Your grace, until we see Your face.
Lead us out into Your world.

Lead us in. We want to love like You do.
Lead us in. Make of us one body in Your love.
Lead us in. Loving one another.
Oh lead us in Your love, O Lord.

Lead us up, lead us in, lead us out into Your world.
Lead us now, and we’ll follow you today.
Lead us onward by Your grace, until we see Your face.
Lead us out into Your world.

Lead us out. We want to be a blessing.
Lead us out into the world You gave Your life to save.
Lead us out to tell them all about You.
Oh lead us out into Your world.

Lead us up, lead us in, lead us out into Your world.
Lead us now, and we’ll follow you today.
Lead us onward by Your grace, until we see Your face.
Lead us out into Your world.”

This song by Michael A. Schmid, was written in 2008.  The three parts of the song (lead us up, lead us in, lead us out) refer to God’s call to be in growing relationships with God, with other followers of Jesus, and with the world that we’re trying to reach.  Through practice, our spiritual journey brings us closer to God, into community with other believers, and out into the wider world to reflect God’s love.

“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.  Hear Rich Mullins sing the song “Some by Step,” which incorporates “Step by Step” in the chorus.