Notes on the Notes – September 22, 2013

This week’s Readings:  Psalm 79:1-9,                 1 Timothy 2:1-7

This week’s music:

“We Praise You, Creator” (VU #293) – This is a hymn of exuberant celebration:

“We praise you, Creator, in earth, sea, and sky:  our Ruler, our Maker, our Sovereign most high.  Each new generation lifts voices in praise;  how good your creation, how gracious your ways!

Each springtime the blossoms bloom fragrant once more;  each summer and autumn brings forth its rich store.  With witness compelling our praise and our prayer, creation is telling of your faithful care.

Your wondrous works teach us, Creator, to trace the limitless reaches of your love and grace.  Your grace dwells among us, your love goes before:  from eldest to youngest we praise and adore.”

   Edmund Louis Budry’s French text was published in Psaumes et Cantiques (1904).  The English translation is by Andrew Donaldson, co-editor of the revised edition of the Canadian Presbyterian Book of Praise.  The tune, LYONS, was published in 1815 in the second volume of William Gardiner’s Sacred Melodies and is commonly known as the melody for “O Worship the King.” 

Listen to the melody played on 4 pianos at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVOwRsstQjc

“We Are One” (VU #402) – This new hymn text was submitted for Voices United by Doreen Lankshear-Smith of Thunder Bay, Ontario.  The tune was composed in 1987 by Jeeva Sam of Regina, SK and arranged by David Kai of Gloucester, Ontario in 1995.  The words remind us of our common journey as a church community:

“We are one as we come, as we come, joyful to be here, in the praise on our lips there’s a sense that God is near. We are one as we sing, as we seek, we are found; and we come needful of God’s grace as we meet, together in this place.

We are one as we share; as we share brokenness and fear, in the touch of a hand there’s a sense that God is here.  We are one as we care, as we heal, we are healed; and we share warmth in God’s embrace as we pray together in this place…”

“There is No Magic Power” – The lyrics for today’s anthem are written by Walter Farquharson (1977) and set to music by Ron Klusmeier.

“There is no magic power that’s  going to set us free; there are no instant changes, faith grants no guarantee.

We have to dare to give ourselves in love for God and world. We have to learn to follow through the water’s angry swirl.

God calls us now to labour for Kingdom of the Son.  So mercy must be practiced and justice must be done.

Our hymns and prayers we offer, God’s mighty deeds proclaim. We’ll have to get our feet wet if we want to play God’s game.”

“May the God of Hope Go with Us” (VU #424) – The first verse of this hymn was written in 1984 by Alvin Schutmaat, an American Presbyterian musician, theologian, and educator who taught in South America and Mexico.  Alvin L. Schutmaat was born in Michigan in 1921, educated in the United States and did post-graduate studies in Scotland. He was appointed by the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a missionary to South America, where he taught theology and music in Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico. An educator, theologian and administrator, he used the arts to communicate the gospel.   “May the God of Hope” is a song of blessing, justice and peace.  Verse 2 is by Fred Kaan, a hymn writer and a leader in ecumenical church development.  The tune is an Argentine folk melody chosen by Alvin Schutmaat for his text.

“May the God of hope go with us every day,  filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.  May the God of justice speed us on our way, bringing light and hope to every land and race.

Praying, let us work for peace, singing, share our joy with all, working for a world that’s new, faithful when we hear Christ’s call.

May the God of healing free the earth from fear, freeing us for peace, both treasured and pursued.  May the God of love keep our commitment clear to a world restored, to human life renewed.”

To hear the melody played on handbells, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfcqaufyGnE

Enjoy the beauty of fall!