Notes on the Notes – November 23

This week’s theme: Reign of Christ Sunday/Praise Team Contemporary service

This week’s scripture: Ezekiel 32:11-16, 20-24,  Psalm 100

This week’s music:

“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.

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 was written by Natalee Sleeth as an anthem in 1975.   The text is a list of all the places and times when we are to praise God – everywhere in every way!

“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 text is taken from 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!”

“Bless the Lord” (MV #46)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, bless God’s holy name.

Remember the kindness of our God, who showers us with blessing all our days.

Remember the justice of our God, who stands with those forgotten and confused.

Remember the healing love of God, who calls us to be whole and to be free.”

This song, based on Psalm 103, was “accidentally” written by a youth group praise band in  1994.  To read the full story, go to http://www.spiritandsong.com/articles/14195.

To hear the song go to, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1iMlNH8VG4

“Are You a Shepherd?” (MV 126)

 “Are you a shepherd, good shepherd who leads us
safely through danger, while calming our fears?
Are you a father who shelters and feeds us,
shares in our laughter and wipes away tears?

Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher,
but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving,
God, you are with us wherever we go.

Are you a mother, good mother who bears us,
comforts, protects us and helps us to rest?
Are you a teacher who daily prepares us,
challenging students to offer their best?

Great, gentle shepherd, forever beside us,
lead all your children in paths that are right.
Great, loving parent, wise teacher, you guide us.
We want to love you and bring you delight.”

This hymn was written by Ruth Duck in 2002, with music by William P. Rowan.  Through the words, Ruth contemplates the many natures of God.

“Lord Prepare Me” (MV18)

“Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.”

 This song of preparation for prayer was written by John W. Thompson and Randy Scruggs in 1982.    The lyrics of “Sanctuary” are a simple request for God to purify oneself. In addition to calling on God, it is implied that one must take some step to be purified. The end result is that a person will be a living sanctuary for God. This powerful song has impacted people for over thirty years, and it is sure to continue on this path for years to come.

To listen to this song go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LiTy7ndOzw

“Everlasting God”

“Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord.
Our God, You reign forever. Our Hope, our strong Deliverer.

You are the everlasting God, the everlasting God.
You do not faint, You won’t grow weary.
You’re the defender of the weak, You comfort those in need,
You lift us up on wings like eagles.”

This song was written by Brenton Brown and Ken Riley in 2005.  It is based on Isaiah 40.

Hear Brenton Brown talk about writing the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZS7cy7OEUYI

See him performing the song below:

“Forever Reign” – “Forever Reign” was co-written by Reuben Morgan and Jason Ingram.  When asked about the story behind the song, Reuben Morgan says:
“The message of the song is very confessional. Throughout the song we declare who God is, “You are good, You are love, You are light, You are hope, You are peace, You are joy and You are life.” At the same time, we combine that message of who God is with our response, “You are good, You are good, when there’s nothing good in me.” I hope the song enlarges God in our view of Him. We need to know that God is not diminished by our circumstances, doubts or our response… The bridge, “My heart will sing, no other Name, Jesus, Jesus” singing that bridge over and over after we finish the song. It’s humbling to be part of something that affects people in a personal way.”

“You are good when there’s nothing good in me.  You are love on display for all to see.  You are light when the darkness closes in.  You are hope – You have covered all my sin.

You are peace when my fear is crippling.  You are true even in my wandering.  You are joy – You’re the reason that I sing.  You are life, in You death has lost it’s sting.

Oh, I’m running to Your arms. The riches of Your love will always be enough.  Nothing compares to Your embrace.   Light of the world forever reign.

You are more than my words will ever say.  You are Lord,  all creation will proclaim.  You are here – in Your presence I’m made whole.  You are God – of all else I’m letting go.

My heart will sing no other name – Jesus, Jesus.

Oh, I’m running to Your arms.  The riches of Your love will always be enough.  Nothing compares to Your embrace. Light of the world forever reign.”

Hear One Sonic Society sharing the song below:

“May We Rise” –  “May We Rise” was one of the songs selected by a Canadian ecumenical committee and the World Council of Churches to be part of the worship material for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and was also featured in last year’s Band Blast in Saskatoon. The song was written by Pat Mayberry and John Wesley Oldham and has been arranged for piano by David Kai.

“May we rise with all Creation as the Spirit gives us strength.
May we heed the inner wisdom that God’s loving knows no length.
May we be a faith filled people, living out compassion’s way.
May we find the heart-felt courage to embrace the dawning day.

May we walk to meet the shadows of our woundedness and grief.
May we trust the Holy Spirit to bring healing and relief.
May we live with Love and justice, bring Your messages of Peace.
May we know the guiding power of Your gift of Grace released.

May we reach beyond the bound’ries of the walls that do divide.
May we feel the gift of Presence in Life’s circle with no sides.
May we listen for Your calling, hearts be open to Your Way.
May we live as one in Christ. As one people, God we pray.

May we rise. Let the songs of Love be sung.
May we rise. Sisters, brothers we are one, we are one.“

“Step by Step”

“O 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.”

This contemporary praise chorus was written in 1991 by Beaker -a pseudonym for David Strasser, a Christian songwriter and musician well known for his collaborations with artist Rich Mullins.  When Beaker was in the seventh grade, his youth pastor introduced him to his friend Rich Mullins, and the two soon became collaborators. Beaker co-wrote, performed, and toured with Mullins for several years.  In the mid-90s, Beaker dropped out of the spotlight to focus on family life.   Rich Mullins incorporated “Step by Step” into his song “Sometimes by Step.”  In 2002, “Step by Step” was recorded by Michael W. Smith and retains its popularity to this day.

To hear Rich Mullins sing the song go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF2pSvB-ztI

To see Rich Mullins sing the song “Sometimes by Step” go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2KOCgC8DnU (song starts at 3:33)