Notes on the Notes – May 8, 2022

Spiritual Cross-Fit

Where Two or Three are Gathered

This week’s music: 

“Come In, Come In and Sit Down”  (VU 395 v 1, 2,4)

“Come in, come in and sit down,
You are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found,
And we are a part of the family.

You know the reason why you came,
Yet no reason can explain;
So share in the laughter and cry in the pain,
For we are a part of the family.

God is with us in this place,
Like a mother’s warm embrace.
We’re all forgiven by God’s grace,
For we are a part of the family.

There’s rest for the weary and health for us all;
There’s a yoke that is easy, and a burden that’s small.
So come in and worship and answer the call,
For we are a part of the family.”

This song became known to United Church congregations in the arrangement made by Darryl Nixon for the hymn book supplement Songs for a Gospel People (1987). Singer songwriter James K. Manley, the composer of this hymn, is a minister in the United Church of Christ (USA). “Part of the Family” reminds both members and visitors that our congregation is an open, diverse group that welcomes people of all ages, every marital status, and all views, interest levels, and stages in the faith journey.

Hear the hymn sung by Strathroy United Church at:  https://youtu.be/gIz4FQYBF04

“Where Two or Three are Gathered”  (MV #14)

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, 
I am there, I am there.” 

This simple response uses the words of Jesus from Matthew 18:20.  It was written by Bruce Harding in 2002.

“Sanctify This Place”

“Sanctify this place, hallow this ground.
Glorify Your name, let Your joy abound.
Bless your children now, shower us with grace.
Surround us with Your love, and sanctify this place.
Anoint us with Your oil, consecrate us for Your service,
Purify us in Your holy flame till all that remains is holy,
For You are holy.

Sanctify this place,…”

This week’s anthem is by Lew King (2004).  The words are a prayer that, wherever we may worship, the place, and ourselves, may be made holy.

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” (VU #602)

“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
The unity of heart and mind is like to that above.

We share each other’s woes, each other’s burdens bear;
And often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.

This glorious hope revives our courage on the way;
That we shall live in perfect love in God’s eternal day.”

This familiar hymn was written in 1782 by John Fawcett, an English Baptist pastor, school master, and author.  Fawcett spent his entire ministry in Wainsgate, Yorkshire, and most of his hymns were written to follow his sermons.  He published this hymn in his Hymns Adapted to the Circumstances of Public Worship and Private Devotion.   The tune, arranged by Lowell Mason, is attributed to Johann G. Naegeli.

Hear an instrumental rendition of the hymn at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTJ0T6-O9CY

Hear an a cappella choral version at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNOfw1NVAyo

For fun, watch the group “Sisters” sing this hymn in four different styles at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No56NKsN6pg

“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 Michael W. Smith singing the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve720TWDZdg