Song for Sunday: God Who Touches Earth with Beauty

We sang this hymn in church this morning. It was written by Mary Susanne Edgar as a Sunday School Hymn, but is now very suitable for adult worship. The link I am posting to involves a Children's Choir, however.


The verse that struck me was:

Like the arching of the heavens 
lift my thoughts above, 
turn my dreams to noble action: 
ministries of love.

Time to stop procrastinating on some things, I guess. 


Anyway, enjoy a moment of worship with this beautiful song and have a blessed Sunday.

Song For Sunday (a day late): Oh That Will Be Glory for Me

I had been participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and trying to revitalize this blog with a temporary theme of "Beginnings". Then a perfect storm of responsibilities, family needs and the like hit and this project took a back seat. But now I am trying to be back.

I heard this hymn for the first time yesterday at a funeral. It had been chosen by the deceased for use at her memorial service. It  touched me. It also fits where I am now, so it becomes today's Song for Sunday. May it inspire you!

Song for Sunday (A day late): Peace Be Still

Seem to be a lot of storms about lately. Hurricanes, monsoons, forest fires fueled by wind. And on and on.

Also, metaphorical storms involving medical emergencies, family trauma, spiritual crises, and feuds.

So this song for Sunday, based on Mark 4: 35-41, seems apropos. It is my prayer.

Song for Sunday: Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling

I was at a school building yesterday for a competition my son was in. (Proud mom alert: He took the red rosette -- second in the state for his category of 4H visual presentations. Excuse me while I burst a button or two.)

Anyway...

At the school their were several signs like this one, reminding students not to make excuses about missed homework, shoddy work, inappropriate behavior etc.

                                                                                Today's Song for Sunday, a hymn from church this morning, reminded me of those signs and of the fact that Christian have no excuses for not working toward the kingdom of God.         

          

"Let none hear you idly saying,
'There is nothing I can do,'
While the multitudes are dying
And the master calls for you."

What songs have caught your attention lately?

Song for Sunday: Here is Love

In church this morning, we sang a song that was new to me. It was the second verse that grabbed my attention, because of the interesting phrase in the last line:

Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

                           ~William Rees


 Here's a link to a recording by Matt Redman

  

 It reminds me of some reading I did recenlty. In Interrupted, Jen Hatmaker reminds us that Judas was at the table during the last supper. Jesus gave his betrayer his body and blood. Later, Jesus accepted a kiss from Judas. Love kissed betrayal. How amazing is that! Vast as the ocean, indeed.

For more thoughts on this look at Hymn -Theology-Kiss a Guilty World in Love by Bridget Willard.

What hymn or song speaks to you about the greatness of God's love?

I've learned a lot about God's love at the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park, a quality two-week discipleship training program and experience of Christian community for high school teens. It meets every August on the beautiful southern coast of Maine. There is still time to register for CYC 2015: Profile of a Daring Life. Hope to see you there!

Song for Sunday: See this Tiny Baby

It's the third day of Christmas and also a Sunday. The Sunday after Christmas is a low-attendance Sunday at many churches. It's too bad, because it is a great time to be at church. The exuberant joy of Christmas Sunday and the solemn joy of Christmas Eve have given way to a relaxed joy and people are friendly and welcoming.  Advent is over, Christmas has come. There is still the wonder of Christmas carols and the special decorations aren't down yet. It's fun to be there. Try it next year.


I love babies. Everyone who knows me, knows that. So I enjoyed the choir anthem last week, a new one for me. This one about Jesus, in his mother's arms. The King of the Universe, helpless and cared for by a teenage girl and her carpenter husband.

It's a beautiful song, inviting us to look at the baby. And who doesn't like to look at a baby?


Enjoy the song!

Merry Christmas!

Song for Sunday: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

It's Advent.

I did go Christmas caroling with church folk to church folk today. That notwithstanding we aren't really using Christmas music in worship yet, though.

Here's a good explanation:

Advent Thoughts

Meanwhile, this hymn was used three times in our worship service this morning, It was rung by the bell choir, played by the organ as an offertory and sung by the congregation.

It is a moving advent hymn with a deep message. Good lyrics to give attention to. May it be a blessing for you as you listen.

A blessed advent to you. 

Song for Sunday: Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

This morning, the students at the church where I help out with the youth program sang this song and made an excellent Thanksgiving presentation. They were directed by one of the parents who also helped put the program together.

I really like this song and it's message. I hope you do, too.

Song for Sunday: For the Fruit of All Creation

We sang this song in church this morning and two parts grabbed my attention.

In our worldwide task of caring
for the hungry and despairing,
in the harvests we are sharing,
God's will is done.

and

For the wonders that astound us,
for the truths that still confound us,
most of all that love has found us,
thanks be to God.

The first, I suppose, is because of the spotlight those words shine on missions and justice ministry.  We are called to serve our neighbors, wherever they may be. 

 The second, because I have been reading An Acceptable Time by Madeleine L'engle and that story emphasizes the mysterious nature of God. We really can't understand God fully. We must, for now, except some darkness in our comprehension of Him.

It is also a beautiful hymn, written in 1970 by Fred Pratt Green and using the tune of the Welsh folk song, 

Ar hyd y nos. I hope you enjoy "For the Fruit of All Creation."

Song for Sunday: Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life

We sang this in church this morning and it struck a chord, especially the lines "The cup of water given for thee still holds the freshness of thy grace."  Not sure why this is grabbing my attention at this time. I wonder what it is I should be doing.

So here is today's Song for Sunday: "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life"

Where cross the crowded ways of life,
where sound the cries of race and clan,
above the noise of selfish strife,
we hear thy voice, O Son of Man.

In haunts of wretchedness and need,
on shadowed thresholds dark with fears,
from paths where hide the lures of greed,
we catch the vision of thy tears.

The cup of water given for thee
still holds the freshness of thy grace;
yet long these multitudes to see
the sweet compassion of thy face.

O Master, from the mountain side,
make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
among these restless throngs abide,
O tread the city's streets again;

Till all the world shall learn thy love,
and follow where thy feet have trod;
till glorious from thy heaven above,
shall come the city of our God.

---

~Frank Mason North, 1903, Public Domain

Song for Sunday: (Very Late): Hosanna to Our King

I know it's Thursday. I'm extremely late with this. But this weeks Song for Sunday is tied up with nostalgia so I want to write about it regardless.

Hosanna to Our King by Lloyd Larson

Hosanna to Our King: Sung by a church choir

I remember many years ago in our church it was sung as the anthem on Palm Sunday. The Choristers sang the line "Who is this king of glory?" The adult choir responded: "The Lord strong and mighty....." Parts they sang together, parts the congregation joined in. It was glorious.

Our church is smaller now. We don't have any choristers. But this is still a frequent Palm Sunday anthem. This year, one of the choir members played the tambourine, adding excitement to the song. It, too, was glorious.

What is your favorite Palm Sunday song? How has the music in your church changed over the years?

Song for Sunday: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

  This song came up in worship services a couple of times in a row and has a lot of truth in it, so it became this week's Song for Sunday.

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

        My hope is built on nothing less 
 than Jesus' blood and righteousness. 
 I dare not trust the sweetest frame, 
 but wholly lean on Jesus' name. 

   On Christ the solid rock I stand, 
   all other ground is sinking sand; 
   all other ground is sinking sand. 

 When Darkness veils his lovely face, 
 I rest on his unchanging grace. 
 In every high and stormy gale, 
 my anchor holds within the veil. 
 

          On Christ the solid rock I stand, 

   all other ground is sinking sand; 
   all other ground is sinking sand. 

 His oath, his covenant, his blood 
 supports me in the whelming flood. 
 When all around my soul gives way, 
 he then is all my hope and stay.  

          On Christ the solid rock I stand, 
   all other ground is sinking sand; 
   all other ground is sinking sand. 

 When he shall come with trumpet sound, 
 O may I then in him be found! 
 Dressed in his righteousness alone, 
 faultless to stand before the throne! 

   On Christ the solid rock I stand, 

   all other ground is sinking sand; 

   all other ground is sinking sand.  

                                ~Edward Mote

What is you hope built on?

Song for Sunday: In His Time

As I was wondering what song to post today, my eye caught one of our mugs that quotes "He makes all things beautiful in His time." I thought "I could use that song" but I didn't have much enthusiasm for it at the time.
Today's sermon though talked about how God can bring glory to His name through any circumstance and how He can beautify even ashes. I  began to see a thread.

So today's Song for Sunday is "In His Time."

In His time, in His time
He makes all things beautiful in His time
Lord, please show me every day
As You're teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say

In Your time
In Your time, in Your time
You make all things beautiful in Your time
Lord, my life to You I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing, in Your time 

            ~Diane Ball

Song for Sunday: Another Year is Dawning

Today is my last day is a 49 year old. Tomorrow I will be a half-century old. 

This song has been on my mind. Our church sings it each year at our New Year's prayer meeting and it really is meant for that season. However, I find it -- or more of an impression of it, I suppose, rather than the specific words -- in my thoughts as I approach this "landmark" birthday. It does sum up my desire. I would like to do better about being "with God." I want to be more mindful that our time here is     "training for holier work above." I want to make progress in praise, rest, leaning on God and witnessing for his love. I want to be more intentional about these things. 

I didn't make New Year's resolutions this year, but those sound like a good list. I'll need to make them quantifiable if I want to track my progress. This is just a start.

Anyway, here's today's "Song for Sunday."

Another Year is Dawning

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face.

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

                                                        ~Frances R. Havergal

So you can hear the tune, a video of it being sung in a church service:

What songs do you like at times of transition?

Song for Sunday: There's a Song in the Air!

"There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth

for the virgin's sweet boy is the Lord of the earth."

This past week I had a dream. The details are fuzzy butI dreamed I was going to visit a "Temple" and at first I thought it was a Jewish temple and I was going to worship there as a guest. I went in and found a service in process. The building was shaped like a cross and I was in an arm of it and couldn't see the officiant. Eventually, I came to realize that I was in a liturgical Christian service, focused on the Christmas story. The building faced East which for some reason was important. 

At the end of the service there was talk of joy. I came to the realization that Christmas is about joy, the joy of birth. I also was reminded that joy is a choice, a matter of attitude. We can relax and allow it to be part of us. 

And so, this song about the joy of birth -- The Birth-- becomes today's Song for Sunday.

   There's a Song in the Air

        There's a song in the air! 
 There's a star in the sky! 
 There's a mother's deep prayer 
 and a baby's low cry! 
 And the star rains its fire 
 while the beautiful sing, 
 for the manger of Bethlehem 
 cradles a King! 

 There's a tumult of joy 
 o'er the wonderful birth, 
 for the virgin's sweet boy 
 is the Lord of the earth. 
 Ay! the star rains its fire 
 while the beautiful sing, 
 for the manger of Bethlehem 
 cradles a King! 

 In the light of that star 
 lie the ages impearled; 
 and that song from afar 
 has swept over the world. 
 Every hearth is aflame, 
 and the beautiful sing 
 in the homes of the nations 
 that Jesus is King! 

 We rejoice in the light, 
 and we echo the song 
 that comes down through the night 
 from the heavenly throng. 
 Ay! we shout to the lovely 
 evangel they bring, 
 and we greet in his cradle 
 our Savior and King! 

                                     ~Josiah G. Holland

                                    (In the Public Domain)

What Christmas songs bring you joy?

How do you bring joy into your experience of Christmas?

Song for Sunday: For Unto Us A Child Is Born

I heard a song based on Isaiah 9:6 at Brayton Memorial Church, a Pwo Kayin church in Yangon. It wasn't the Handel version, it was quieter, more lyrical and the words were slightly different. (It was sung in English, so I understood the words.) It was beautiful. The line "He's the friend of the rich, the poor, the sinners"stuck with me.

This isn't the songI heard at church I couldn't find that one But I like this one, too. It was wtitten by Sam Chaplin for a nativity play. The focus is on Jesus as the Prince of Peace. The pastor preached on that this morning -- a second pastor summarized the sermon in English at the end of it, so I know. Peace on both international and interpersonal levels is so needed, so often lacking. May God bring change.

Anyway, I hope this adds to your Christmas.

God bless!

Song for Sunday: Thanks to God for My Redeemer

A classic Thanksgiving Hymn. We sang it in church this morning. It's the second verse that caught me.

1. Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
   Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
   Thanks for times now but a mem’ry,
   Thanks for Jesus by my side!
   Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
   Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
   Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
   Thanks for peace within my soul!
2. Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
   Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
   Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
   Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
   Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
   Thanks for comfort in despair!
   Thanks for grace that none can measure,
   Thanks for love beyond compare!
3. Thanks for roses by the wayside,
   Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
   Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
   Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
   Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
   Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
   Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
   Thanks through all eternity!

                    ~August L. Storm

And related to that second verse: 

Happy Sunday and God  you bless your preparations for Thanksgiving!

Song for Sunday: Standing in the Need of Prayer

I attended worship at a church I had never been to this morning. The service was focused and the sermon challenging. The pastor spoke of how God is for us. For some reason as he talked this song came to mind. It's an old spiritual and there are many versions of the lyrics, but the idea is the same. The singer is the one who needs to pray for forgiveness, to stand before the Lord and accept grace. It goes for all of us.

So here's today's Song for Sunday.


Standing in the Need of Prayer



Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer

Not the preacher, not the sinner, but it's me oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
Not the preacher, not the sinner, but it's me oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer

Not my mother, not my father, but it's me oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
Not my mother, not my father, but it's me oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer

It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer
It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord
Standing in the need of prayer




What song is on your mind today?




This is my fifth post for the October 2013 Ultimate Blog Challenge. 

Song for Sunday: Hush Now in Quiet Peace

This song has been on continuous loop in my head for the past several days.

Just a simple, soothing song for the this busy time of new activities and the start of the school season.


I do not know who wrote it, but hope to find out.

Hush now in quiet peace.

Be still your mind at ease.

The Spirit brings release, 

So wait upon the Lord. 

       

Hush now in quiet peace.

Be still your mind at ease.

The Spirit brings release, 

So wait upon the Lord. 

May this song be a blessing to you, as it is to me, in busy and anxious times.

I learned this song at CYC, an annual two-week conference for teens, held in August on the southern coast of Maine. Check it out!

Song for Sunday: On Eagle's Wings

My mother's birthday is coming up this week. She would have been 73. Both of my parents died far too young. When my father died of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) back in 1995, the church soloist sang this song at his funeral. My mother decided to have the last line of the chorus engraved on his/their tombstone. So, in memory of my parents, today's Song for Sunday:

On Eagle's Wing


You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust."

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear;
Under His Wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day,
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.


to His angels He's given a command,
To guard you in all of your ways,
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.



Do you have a song that you use to remember someone?