Join our Facebook GroupCéad míle fáilte / One hundred thousand welcomes internet-styleFebruary 28, 2021
Everyone who attends in-person worship services must wear a face-covering for the entire worship service and maintain physical distancing of 1 metre. There will be no singing during the in-person services. Everyone who plans to attend in-person worship services must self-assess for Covid-19. If you are feeling unwell in any way, please stay home and attend online worship. In addition, there will be other church-specific protocols in place.
Online worship (Facebook Live) will continue. The warm-up starts at 12:20 p.m. and the service begins at 12:30 p.m. At a later date, the SMHPC Council will determine when it is safe and feasible to resume weekly in-person worship services at each location.
As communities of faith, we share our gifts by passing the offering plate. Here are ways we can continue to share our gifts.
Good old post-dated cheques are a familiar way for people to give. Place them in an envelope, sealed with a wet sponge—not licked—and mail them to the church office.
Home: 613-448-2725
Cell: 613-850-2725
Church: 613-448-2532
O Lord, Open our Lips
And our Mouth shall show forth your praise! Psalm 51:15
O God make speed to save us
O Lord make haste to help us Psalm 70:1
Every day we will bless you
and praise your name forever.
O God, you are great and highly to be praised;
your greatness is beyond all measure.
One generation shall praise your works to another,
and declare your marvellous deeds.
I will speak of your splendour and glory,
and all your wonderful works.
You, God, are righteous in all your ways,
and loving in all your deeds.
You are near to all who call to you,
to all who call on you in truth.
You fulfil the desire of those who revere you;
you hear their cry and you save them.
You watch over all who love you,
but the wicked you will destroy.
My mouth will speak your praise, O God.
Let every creature bless your holy name forever.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
1.
I Come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain:
And He walks with me,
and He talks with me.
And He tells me I am his own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.
2.
He speaks and the sound of his voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing. R
3.
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling;
But he bids me go – through the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling. R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
They're only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some chose to Believe it
But I know they're wrong wait and see
Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
What so we think we might see
Someday we'll find it
That Rainbow Connection
The lovers the dreamers and me
All of us under it’s spell, We know that it’s probably Magic
Have you been fast asleep
And have you heard voices,
I've heard them calling my name,
Is this the sweet sound that calls
The young sailors,
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that i'm supposed to be,
Someday we'll find it
The rainbow connection...
The lovers, the dreamers and me
La lala la lala la la la lala la la la
After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee (some call it Tiberias). A huge crowd followed him, attracted by the miracles they had seen him do among the sick. When he got to the other side, he climbed a hill and sat down, surrounded by his disciples. It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews.
When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” He said this to stretch Philip’s faith. He already knew what he was going to do.
Philip answered, “Two hundred silver pieces wouldn’t be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece.”
One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, “There’s a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that’s a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this.”
Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted.
When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted.” They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves.
The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done. They said, “This is the Prophet for sure, God’s Prophet right here in Galilee!” Jesus saw that in their enthusiasm, they were about to grab him and make him king, so he slipped off and went back up the mountain to be by himself.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture
Amen
Some bright morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away
Refrain:
I’ll fly away oh glory
I’ll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I’ll fly away
When the shadows of this life have gone
I’ll fly away
Like a bird from prison bars I’ve flown
I’ll fly away R
Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I’ll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I’ll fly away R
Just a few more weary days and then
I’ll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I’ll fly away R
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
(Psalm 42) - VU 766
1.
As the deer pants for the water,
so my soul longs after you;
you alone are my heart's desire
and I long to worship you.
Refrain:
You alone are my strength, my shield
to you alone may my spirit yield;
you alone are my heart's desire,
and I long to worship you.
2.
I want you more than gold or silver,
only you can satisfy;
you alone are the real joy-giver
and the apple of my eye. R
3.
You're my friend and you are my brother,
even though you are a king;
I love you more than any other,
so much more than anything! R
He said to them,
Come away to a deserted place
all by yourselves and rest a while.
For many were coming and going,
and they had no leisure even to eat.
(Mark 6:31, NRSV)
Come away and rest awhile
Lest you be crushed by the load.
Get away and rest
Lest the world and its troubles
Trouble your soul into amnesia
And you forget why you are here
And how important you are to God.
Go away and rest awhile
Lest temptation's noose find a soft spot
Around your neck
And destroy you.
Come away and rest awhile
In the presence of our God.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
(VU 374)
Key of F (Chords found in Voices United)
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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 spa
God our Maker,
in summer we easily marvel at the world you have made,
the colours of sunrise and sunset filling the horizon,
the intricate beauty of flower gardens and natural parks,
the quiet dignity of a river in its course,
and the steadfast presence of a rock face carved over time.
You show us how each small piece of your creation
depends in many ways on all the others.
Summer growth depends on spring rains;
health for each creature depends on the wise balance
you have set between each species;
the quality of life on the respect we show one another.
Wise and patient God, we marvel at the world you love.
Our worship joins the songs of all creation to bring you praise,
honouring you and the relationships you have set between us all,
And as we reflect on your goodness, we confess that
as we marvel at your creation,
we realize we often take it for granted.
We don’t know what to make
of reports about the damage human life causes.
We prefer to live as if our lifestyles
make no impact on the earth.
We confess we don’t really want to change.
Yet we wonder if the way we live is pleasing to you.
For all the ways we put your creation at risk
and harm the earth,
we ask for your forgiveness.
Teach us how to live in this marvellous world
with love and respect
for you and for your whole creation. AMEN
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(MV 18)
Key of D
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true;
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for you.
The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes′aret, and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, and ran about the whole neighbourhood and began to bring sick people on their pallets to any place where they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the market places, and besought him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.
Key of D
We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land, climb the mountains,
cross the waves;
Onward! ’tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Waft it on the rolling tide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Tell to sinners far and wide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing, you islands of the sea; echo back, you ocean caves;
Earth shall keep her jubilee: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing above the battle strife: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout it brightly through the gloom,
when the heart for mercy craves;
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Give the winds a mighty voice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free;
highest hills and deepest caves;
This our song of victory: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Puritan Sabbath keepers agreed that “good Sabbaths make good Christians.”
They meant that regular, disciplined attention to the spiritual life
was the foundation of faithfulness.
Another dimension of the saying opens us if we imagine a worshipping community
helping one another step off the treadmill of work-
and-spend and into the circle of glad gratitude for the gifts of God.
Taken this way, good Sabbaths make good Christians
by regularly reminding us of God’s creative, liberating, and redeeming presence,
not only in [the doing, but also in the being].
From “Keeping Sabbath” by Dorothy C. Bass
in Practicing Our Faith
Key of G
1.
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound,
And time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks eternal bright and fair.
When the saved of earth shall gather
Over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there
Refrain:
When the Roll is called up yonder
When the Roll is called up yonder
When the Roll is called up yonder…
When the Roll is called up yonder I’ll be there
2.
On that bright and cloudless morning
When the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of his resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather
To their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
3.
Let us Labour for the Master
From the dawn til setting sun,
Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over,
And our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
by U2
(Key of D)
1
The heart is a bloom
Shoots up through the stony ground
There's no room
No space to rent in this town
2
You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere
3
You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace
Refrain
It's a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
4
You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination
5
You love this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you
Refrain
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day
Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me love
I know I'm not a hopeless case
6
See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
7
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colours came out
Refrain
It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
Beautiful day
Touch me
Take me to that other place
Reach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case
8
What you don't have, you don't need it now
What you don't know, you can feel it somehow
What you don't have, you don't need it now
Don't need it now
Was a beautiful day
(VU 356; key of D [Chords found in VU])
1
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and God's righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
Refrain
Hallelujah, hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
Hallelu, hallelujah
2
Ask and it shall be given unto you;
seek and you shall find;
knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah. R
3
We do not live by bread alone,
but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, hallelujah. R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 345; Key of G [Chords found in VU])
1
Come, children, join to sing: Hallelujah!
Praise to our Servant King: Hallelujah!
Let all with heart and voice,
saved by God's gracious choice,
now in this place rejoice: Hallelujah!
2
Come, lift your hearts on high: Hallelujah!
Let praises fill the sky: Hallelujah!
Christ calls his people friends,
the helpless he defends,
a love that never ends: Hallelujah!
3
Praise yet our Christ again: Hallelujah!
Raise high the joyous strain: Hallelujah!
The whole creation o'er
let all God's love adore,
Mark 10:13-16
And they were bringing children to him,
that he might touch them;
and the disciples rebuked them.
But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them,
"Let the children come to me, do not hinder them;
for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God
like a child shall not enter it."
And he took them in his arms and blessed them,
laying his hands upon them.
Luke 17:20-21
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees
when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied,
“The kingdom of God does not come
with your careful observation,
nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’
because the kingdom of God is within you.”
(VU 671; key of G)
1
I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
no tender voice but thine can peace afford.
Refrain
I need thee, O I need thee;
every hour I need thee.
O bless me now, my Saviour;
I come to thee.
2
I need thee every hour; stay thou near by;
temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. R
3
I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;
come quickly and abide, or life is vain. R
4
I need thee every hour; teach me thy will;
and thy rich promises in me fulfil. R
(Key of D)
1
O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
Alone I would perish, undone would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Refrain
Hiding in Thee,
hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,”
I’m hiding in Thee.
2
In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its pow’r;
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee. R
3
How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul. R
by Audioslave
(Key of F)
1
Pearls and swine bereft of me
Long and weary my road has been
I was lost in the cities
Alone in the hills
No sorrow or pity for leaving I feel
Refrain
I am not your rolling wheels
I am the highway
I am not your carpet ride
I am the sky
2
Friends and liars don't wait for me
I'll get on all by myself
I put millions of miles
Under my heels
And still too close to you I feel R x 2
3
I am not your rolling wheels….
4
I am not your blowing wind…
(VU 563; Key of D)
1
Jesus, you have come to the lakeshore
looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones;
you only asked me to follow humbly.
Refrain
O Jesus, with your eyes you have searched me,
and while smiling, have spoken my name;
now my boat's left on the shoreline behind me;
by your side I will seek other seas.
2
You know so well my possessions;
my boat carries no gold and no weapons;
- you will find there my nets and labour. R
3
You need my hands, full of caring
through my labours to give others rest,
and constant love that keeps on loving. R
4
You, who have fished other oceans,
ever longed for by souls who are waiting,
my loving friend, as thus you call me. R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of G)
1
I have decided to follow Jesus 3x
No turning back, no turning back.
2
Though none go with me, still I will follow
No turning back, no turning back.
3
The world behind me, the cross before me
No turning back, no turning back.
4
Now May God’s love be our only message 3 x
No turning back, no turning
Jesus left there and returned to his hometown. His disciples came along. On the Sabbath, he gave a lecture in the meeting place. He made a real hit, impressing everyone. “We had no idea he was this good!” they said. “How did he get so wise all of a sudden, get such ability?”
But in the next breath they were cutting him down: “He’s just a carpenter—Mary’s boy. We’ve known him since he was a kid. We know his brothers, James, Justus, Jude, and Simon, and his sisters. Who does he think he is?” They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling. And they never got any further.
Jesus told them, “A prophet has little honour in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child.” Jesus wasn’t able to do much of anything there—he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them, that’s all. He couldn’t get over their stubbornness. He left and made a circuit of the other villages, teaching.
Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition. He sent them off with these instructions:
“Don’t think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple. And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”
Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits.
(Key of Ab [G 1st fret])
1
Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to thee.
2
Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to thee.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to thee.
3
Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy blessèd will to abide,
Jesus, I come to thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to thee.
Come on pilgrimage.
Let us walk together the road of life.
We will go on well trodden paths,
And also open us new ways.
We will seek, we will search, we will rejoice,
And perhaps we will sing.
From a poem in Road of Life
by David Adam, Lindisfarne (Holy Isle)
(VU 660; Key of G)
Isaiah 43: 1-4
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my eyes,
and honoured, and I love you
1
How firm a foundation, you servants of God,
is laid for your faith in God's excellent word!
What more can be said than to you has been said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
2
'Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed!
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen and help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand.
3
'When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.
4
'When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply:
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.
5
'The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not - I will not desert to his foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
I'll never - no, never - no, never forsake!'
by Jim Payne and performed by Great Big Sea
(Key of E [D 2nd fret])
1
Oh me name Able Rogers a share man am I
On a three-masted scooner from Twilingate Isle
I've been the world over North, South, East and West
But the middle of nowhere's where I likes it best
Refrain
Where it's wave over wave sea over bow
I'm as happy a man as the sea will allow
There's no other life for a sailor like me
Than to sail the salt sea boys to sail the sea
There's no other life but to sail the salt sea
2
Well I leave my wife lonely ten months of the year
For she built me a home and raised my children there
She never come out to bid farewell to me
Or can why a sailor must sail the salt sea R
3
Oh the work it is hard and the hours are long
But my spirit is willing my back it is strong
And when the works over the whisky will pour
We'll dance with the girls upon some foreign shore R
4
I've sailed the world over for decades or more
And oft times I wonder what I do it for
I don't know the answer it's pleasure and pain
But with life to live over I'd do it again R
(VU 405; Key of Eb [D 1st fret])
1
New every morning is the love
our wakening and uprising prove;
through sleep and darkness safely brought,
restored to life, and power, and thought.
2
New mercies each returning day
hover around us while we pray;
new perils past, new sins forgiven,
new thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven.
3
If on our daily course our mind
be set to hallow all we find,
new treasures still of countless price
God will provide for sacrifice.
4
The trivial round, the common task,
will furnish all we ought to ask,
room to deny ourselves, a road
to bring us daily nearer God.
5
Only, O God, in your dear love
fit us for perfect rest above;
and help us, this and every day,
to live more nearly as we pray.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 578; key of F; tune: In the Bulb there is a flower)
1
As a fire is meant for burning
with a bright and warming flame,
so the church is meant for mission,
giving glory to God's name.
Not to preach our creeds or customs,
but to build a bridge of care,
we join hands across the nations,
finding neighbours everywhere.
2
We are learners; we are teachers;
we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers; we are givers;
we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions,
we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening Spirit,
we would live to God's delight.
3
As a green bud in the springtime
is a sign of life renewed,
so may we be signs of oneness
mid earth's peoples, many-hued.
As a rainbow lights the heavens
when a storm is past and gone,
may our lives reflect the radiance
of God's new and glorious dawn.
After Jesus crossed over by boat, a large crowd met him at the seaside. One of the meeting-place leaders named Jairus came. When he saw Jesus, he fell to his knees, beside himself as he begged, “My dear daughter is at death’s door. Come and lay hands on her so she will get well and live.” Jesus went with him, the whole crowd tagging along, pushing and jostling him.
A woman who had suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years—a long succession of physicians had treated her, and treated her badly, taking all her money and leaving her worse off than before—had heard about Jesus. She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well.” The moment she did it, the flow of blood dried up. She could feel the change and knew her plague was over and done with.
At the same moment, Jesus felt energy discharging from him. He turned around to the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”
His disciples said, “What are you talking about? With this crowd pushing and jostling you, you’re asking, ‘Who touched me?’ Dozens have touched you!”
But he went on asking, looking around to see who had done it. The woman, knowing what had happened, knowing she was the one, stepped up in fear and trembling, knelt before him, and gave him the whole story.
Jesus said to her, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.”
* * *
While he was still talking, some people came from the leader’s house and told him, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?”
Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, “Don’t listen to them; just trust me.”
He permitted no one to go in with him except Peter, James, and John. They entered the leader’s house and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: “Why all this busybody grief and gossip? This child isn’t dead; she’s sleeping.” Provoked to sarcasm, they told him he didn’t know what he was talking about.
But when he had sent them all out, he took the child’s father and mother, along with his companions, and entered the child’s room. He clasped the girl’s hand and said, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, get up.” At that, she was up and walking around! This girl was twelve years of age. They, of course, were all beside themselves with joy. He gave them strict orders that no one was to know what had taken place in that room. Then he said, “Give her something to eat.”
(VU 238; Key of Bb [G 3rd fret])
1
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
2
When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. R
3
But when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
he bled and died to take away my sin. R
4
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
and there proclaim, 'My God, how great thou art!' R
(VU 670; Key of G)
1
Precious Lord, take my hand,
lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
through the storm, through the night,
lead me on to the light:
take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
2
When my way grows drear,
precious Lord, linger near,
when my life is almost gone,
hear my cry, hear my call,
hold my hand lest I fall:
take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
3
When the darkness appears,
and the night draws near,
and the day is past and gone,
at the river I stand,
guide my feet, hold my hand:
take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
Precious Lord, take my hand,
lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
through the storm, through the night,
lead me on to the light:
take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
Indigenous people have for over 500 years been the victims of “well meaning” people who thought they knew what was best for them. People of many nations have been preached to, rarely listened to, and even today their voices are drowned out by those who think they know better. The most important advice that can be given to someone meeting an Indigenous person is to listen. And practical reconciliation is together “building a bridge of care”. We look forward to the day “when the storm is past” and we have true reconciliation in this land.
By The Foo Fighters
(Key of E [C 4th Fret])
1
Too alarmin' now to talk about
Take your pictures down and shake it out
Truth or consequence, say it aloud
Use that evidence, race it around
Refrain
There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
He's ordinary
2
Don't the best of them bleed it out
While the rest of them peter out?
Truth or consequence, say it aloud
Use that evidence, race it around R
3
Kudos, my hero, leavin' all the mess
You know my hero, the one that's on R (x2)
(Key of G)
1
These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord:
And these are the days of Your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
'Prepare ye the way of the Lord!'
Refrain
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
2
These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh;
And these are the days of Your servant David,
Rebuilding a temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Your world,
And we are the labourers in Your vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord! R
There's no God like Jehovah.
There's no God like Jehovah!
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of D, VU 296)
1
This is [my Father’s] world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is [my Father’s] world,
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
God's hand the wonders wrought.
2
This is [my Father’s] world,
the birds their carols raise;
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their Maker's praise.
This is [my Father’s] world,
God shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass or mountain pass,
God's voice speaks everywhere.
3
This is [my Father’s] world,
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is [my Father’s] world,
why should my heart be sad?
Let voices sing, let the heavens ring:
God reigns, let earth be glad!
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’
(VU 574; Key of Eb [D 1st fret])
1
Come, let us sing of a wonderful love,
tender and true, tender and true,
out of the heart of the Father above,
streaming to me and to you:
wonderful love, wonderful love
dwells in the heart of the Father above.
2.
Jesus the Saviour this gospel to tell
joyfully came, joyfully came,
came with the helpless and hopeless to dwell,
sharing their sorrow and shame,
seeking the lost, seeking the lost,
saving, redeeming at measureless cost.
3
Jesus is seeking the wanderers yet;
why do they roam? why do they roam?
Love only waits to forgive and forget;
home, weary wanderers, home!
Wonderful love, wonderful love
dwells in the heart of the Father above.
4
Come to my heart, O thou wonderful love!
Come and abide, come and abide,
lifting my life till it rises above
envy and falsehood and pride:
seeking to be, seeking to be
lowly and humble, a learner of thee.
(Key of G)
1
Faith of our Fathers! living still
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword:
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word.
Refrain
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
2
Our Fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free:
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they, like them, could die for thee! R
3
Faith of our Fathers! we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife:
And preach thee too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life. R
by Coldplay
(Key of Eb [C Fret 3rd])
1
When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
2
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something, you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?
3
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
4
And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try, you'll never know
Just what you're worth
5
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
Tears stream down your face
When you lose something, you cannot replace
6
Tears stream down your face and I
Tears stream down your face
I promise you, I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face and I
7
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
Tune: To God be the glory” (Key of G)
1
To what can the kingdom of God be compared?
A mustard seed falls where a field's been prepared,
And there, where predictable plantings should be,
There grows up a wild bush — as big as a tree!
God of love, here on earth, hidden things still surprise:
Loving deeds - signs of birth - faithful Spirit-filled lives.
Your reign is amazing, your ways still astound,
Just like that new life springing forth from the ground.
2
A small bit of leaven will change the whole bread:
A poor woman sees that her neighbors are fed,
A church reaches out to the youth in the town,
A man shares his faith and God's blessings abound.
God of love, here on earth, hidden things still surprise:
Loving deeds - signs of birth - faithful Spirit-filled lives.
Your reign is among us, creation is blessed,
When even a few faithful lives change the rest.
3
While some look for treasure or one priceless pearl,
God's reign is the gift wise ones seek in this world.
A girl sells possessions to help those in need;
A boy chooses faithfulness rather than greed.
God of love, here on earth, hidden things still surprise:
Loving deeds - signs of birth - faithful Spirit-filled lives.
Your reign is a treasure that wise ones pursue;
May we seek your kingdom in all that we do.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of G)
1
Birds are singing, woods are ringing
With Thy praises, blessed King;
Lakes & mountain, field & fountain
To Thy throne their tribute bring
Refrain
We, thy children, join the chorus,
Merrily, cheerily, gladly praise thee;
Glad hosannas, glad hosannas,
Joyfully we lift to thee.
2
Waters dancing, sunbeams glancing,
Sing thy glory cheerily,
Blossoms breaking, nature waking,
Chant thy praises merrily. R
3
Angels o’er us join the chorus
Which on earth we sing to thee;
Heaven’s ringing, earth is singing,
Praises to thee joyfully. R
[Jesus] said,
‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground,
and would sleep and rise night and day,
and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how.
The earth produces of itself,
first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.
But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle,
because the harvest has come.’
He also said,
‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God,
or what parable will we use for it?
It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground,
is the smallest of all the seeds on earth;
yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs,
and puts forth large branches,
so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’
With many such parables he spoke the word to them,
as they were able to hear it;
he did not speak to them except in parables,
but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
(Key of D)
1
The love we have for you, O Lord,
is only a shadow of your love for us,
only a shadow of your love for us,
your deep abiding love.
Refrain
Our lives are in your hands,
our lives are in your hands.
Our love for you will grow, O Lord;
your light in us will shine.
2
Our own belief in you, O Lord,
is only a shadow of your faith in us,
only a shadow of your faith in us,
your deep and lasting faith.
3
The dreams we share today, O Lord,
are only a shadow of your dreams for us,
only a shadow of your dreams for us,
if we but follow you.
4
The joy we share today, O Lord,
is only a shadow of your joys for us,
only a shadow of your joys for us,
when we meet face to face.
(MV 175; Key of C)
1
Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear
seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care.
Growing in everyone for here God is found.
All stand together, we are…
Holy ground.
2
Soil of God, you and I, now ready to be
part of God’s promise, for others to see.
Open to everyone for here God is found.
All stand together, we are…
Holy ground.
3
Soil of God, you and I, now called to re-birth,
joining as partners with all of the earth.
Living in harmony for here God is found.
All stand together, we are…
Holy ground.
1
An old man turned 98
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
And isn't it ironic, don't you think?
Refrain
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
And who would've thought, it figures
2
Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down, he thought
"Well, isn't this nice?"
And isn't it ironic, don't you think? R
3
Well, life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay
and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out
When you think everything's gone wrong
and everything blows up In your face
4
A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic, don't you think?
A little too ironic
And, yeah, I really do think R
And, yeah, life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
Family of God, from whom does our help come?
Our help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of G)
1
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!
2
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
3
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
brighter than snow you may be today.
4
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?
(Key of D)
I found love deeper than the ocean
I found love that rockets into space
I found love more amazing than the Tooth Fairy
I found it in God's grace
I found it in God's grace
I found it in God's grace
I found this love (4x)
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.”
(Key of G)
1
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
2
He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
3
I'd stay in the garden with Him
Tho' the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling.
(VU 669; Key of C)
1
Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last.
2
Other refuge have I none;
hangs my helpless soul on thee.
Leave, ah! leave me not alone;
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenceless head
with the shadow of thy wing.
3
Thou, O Christ, art all I want;
more than all in thee I find.
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is thy name,
I am all unrighteousness:
false and full of sin I am,
thou art full of truth and grace.
4
Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound;
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
freely let me take of thee;
spring thou up within my heart;
rise to all eternity.
By the Foo Fighters
(Chords: D, Am, C, Em)
1
I, I'm a one way motorway
I'm the one that drives away
Then follows you back home
I, I'm a street light shining
I'm a wild light blinding bright
Burning off alone
Refrain
It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again
2
I, I'm a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I’m a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?
Refrain
It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again
It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again
The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived
by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of the saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Arfon Major; Key of D)
1
I believe in God almighty
Author of all things that be
Maker of the earth and heavens
Keeper of the sky and sea
I believe in God’s Son, Jesus
Now for us both Lord and Christ
Of the Spirit and of Mary
Born to bring abundant life
2
I believe that Jesus suffered
Scourged and scorned and crucified
Taken from the cross, was buried
True Life there had truly died
I believe that on the third day
Christ was raised up from the grave
Then ascended to God’s right hand
He will come to judge and save
3
I believe in God’s own Spirit
Bonding all the saints within
One church, catholic and holy
Where forgiveness frees from sin
In the body’s resurrection
For the breaking of death’s chain
Gives the life that’s everlasting
This the faith that I have claimed
(Key of D)
1
If I were a white Charolais,
I’d thank you Lord for giving me hay.
And if I were a Holstein cow,
I’d thank you Lord, for showing me how.
If I were a curly haired sheep, I’d jiggle my tail
And I’d give you a bleat, but…
I just thank you God for making me “me”
Refrain
‘Cause you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus, and made me his child
And I just thank you, God, for making me “me”
2
If I were a Case-I.H.,
I’d thank you Lord, for giving me fuel.
If I were a green John Deere,
I’d be thankful for my power-shift gears.
And if I were an old, blue Ford, I’d finish my work
And I’d take on more, but…
I just thank you God for making me “me” R
3
If I were a flower bed,
I’d thank you Lord, for my blooming stems,
And If I were a garden plot,
it’s tough to be thankful for the bugs and whatnot.
And as I mow my lawn I’ll say,
“It’s a lot like farming in my own special way,” but …
I just thank you God for making me “me.” R
There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we all know you’re a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren’t in on it.”
Jesus said, “You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.”
“How can anyone,” said Nicodemus, “be born who has already been born and grown up? You can’t re-enter your mother’s womb and be born again. What are you saying with this ‘born-from-above’ talk?”
Jesus said, “You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. When you look at a baby, it’s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.
“So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.”
Nicodemus asked, “What do you mean by this? How does this happen?”
Jesus said, “You’re a respected teacher of Israel and you don’t know these basics? Listen carefully. I’m speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don’t believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can’t see, the things of God?
“No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
(Key of D [G 5th Fret])
1
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev'ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
2
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
3
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
4
I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”
(VU 686; Key of G)
1
God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your power;
now fulfil your church's story;
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour.
for the facing of this hour.
2
Lo, the hosts of evil round us
scorn your Christ, assail your ways;
fears and doubts too long have bound us;
free our hearts to work and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days.
for the living of these days.
3
Cure your children's warring madness,
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton selfish gladness,
rich in goods and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal.
lest we miss your kingdom's goal.
4
Set our feet on lofty places,
gird our lives that they may be
armoured with all Christlike graces,
pledged to set all captives free.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
that we fail not them nor thee.
that we fail not them nor thee.
by Apologetix (a parody of Brian Adams’ Summer of ’69)
(Key of D)
Genesis 5:1-32, Romans 10:6-9
1
You got to learn a little history
Oldest man in Bible times
Name was called Methuselah
Was nine hundred and sixty-nine
We had some guys come close
Almost ran for a thousand yards
Didn't they quit till they got buried
They should've known it just was too hard
2
When we look back now
Those fellas seemed to live forever
And you just get annoyed
Yeah cause you don't wanna believe it
Those guys were blessed with such long lives
Ain't no use in explainin'
If you're gonna doubt the truth
Spent your life doubtin' the Bible
When it's the fountain of youth yeah
Refrain
Standin' knockin' on your door
He told ya you could live forever
I hope you understand
The truth is it's now or never
These are the last days of your life - Oh Yeah!
That should be somethin' that sticks in your mind
3
Yeah, we're runnin' out of time
But the young forget that they need eternal life
To get somethin' that last forever -- forever -- Whoa! Yeah!
And all the time we're agin'
Look at every wrinkle comin' on
Some guys don't even live to be 16
Think about that while I end this song
Refrain
Standin' knockin' on your door
He told you how to live forever
I hope you understand
Hebrews three says it's now or never
These are the last days of your life
That should be somethin' that sticks in your mind
(Read it in Romans 10: 6 to 9)
That should be somethin' that sticks in your mind
That should be somethin' that sticks in your mind
That should be somethin' that sticks in your mind
The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived
by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of the saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 375; key of D)
Refrain
Spirit, spirit of gentleness,
blow thro' the wilderness calling and free,
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness,
Wind, wind on the sea.
1
You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing:
wake from your slumbers and rise on your wings. R
2
You swept thro' the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded with their idols and lies,
then you spoke thro' your prophets to open their eyes. R
3
You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still;
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. R
4
You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams,
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes,
with bold new decisions your people arise. R
(MV 4)
All who are thirsty, all who are weak,
come to the fountain.
Dip your heart in the stream of life.
Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away
in the waves of his mercy
as deep cries out to deep. We sing
1. Come, Lord Jesus, come. (4X)
2 Holy Spirit come. (4X)
When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were blown away. They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How come we’re hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?
Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!
“They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!”
Their heads were spinning; they couldn’t make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: “What’s going on here?”
Others joked, “They’re drunk on cheap wine.”
That’s when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: “Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren’t drunk as some of you suspect. They haven’t had time to get drunk—it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:
“In the Last Days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions, your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes, I’ll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me, men and women both, and they’ll prophesy.
I’ll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below,
Blood and fire and billowing smoke, the sun turning black and the moon blood-red,
Before the Day of the Lord arrives, the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help to me, God, will be saved.”
(Key of G)
1
There’s a church in the valley by the wildwood,
No lovelier spot in the dale;
No place is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.
Refrain
O, come, come, come, come
Come to the church in the wildwood,
O, come to the church in the vale;
No spot is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.
2
Oh, come to the church in the wildwood,
To the trees where the wild flowers bloom;
Where the parting hymn will be chanted,
We wwill weep by the side of the tomb. R
3
How sweet on a clear Sabbath morning
To list to the clear ringing bell;
Its tones so sweetly are calling,
Oh, come to the church in the vale. R
4
From the church in the valley by the wildwood,
When day fades away into night;
I would fain from this spot of my childhood
Wing my way to the mansions of light.
(VU 384; key of F)
1
The lone, wild bird in lofty flight
is still with you, nor leaves your sight.
And I am yours! I rest in you,
Great Spirit, come, rest in me too.
2
The ends of earth are in your hand,
the sea's dark deep and far-off land.
And I am yours! I rest in you,
Great Spirit, come, rest in me too.
3
Each secret thought is known to you,
the path I walk my whole life through;
my days, my deeds, my hopes, my fears,
my deepest joys, my silent tears.
4
In secret depths you knit my frame,
before my birth you spoke my name;
within my soul, as close as breath,
so near to me, in life, in death.
5
O search me, God, my heart reveal,
renew my life, my spirit heal;
for I am yours, I rest in you,
Great Spirit, come, rest in me too.
"Prospect” is a tune that appears in William Walker's Southern Harmony (1835),
which stands alongside Benjamin Franklin White's The Sacred Harp (1844)
as one of the most important compilations of shape-note hymns —
a genre of singing and method of teaching that originated in 19th-century American churches.
Like many folk tunes, it is pentatonic (including notes 1-2-3-5-6 of the major scale),
and this simplicity of melody lends itself to rich harmonization. In Southern Harmony, the tune is attributed only to “Graham.”
A Parody of Van Halen/The Kinks “You Really Got Me”
(Proverbs 31:10-31, 1 Peter 3:3-4, Genesis 2:18-24)
Key of Am
Girl, you're really godly now
You're godly so much more than Wonder Woman
Girl, you're really godly now
Without Him no one can be that nice
Girl, you're really godly now
You probably know exactly where I'm goin', yeah
Oh, yeah, you're really godly now
You're Proverbs 31 -- you're that type
You're really godly - oh
You're really godly - oh oh
You're really godly
Please don't ever fret, baby
I know you wanna be my pure bride
Please don't ever fret, baby
The Holy One will be by your side
Girl, you're really godly now
You're godly though I know you're only human, yeah
Oh, yeah, you're really godly now
You're godly, so our kids they act right
You're really godly - uh huh
You're really godly - uh huh
You're really godly
Oh, don't go
Girl, you're really godly now
The God we serve He sure knows what He's doin'
Girl, you're really godly now
He brought me someone who's made just right
Girl, you're really godly now
You're godly so we both know where we're goin', yeah
Oh, yeah, you're really godly now
You're godly so I can't just backslide
You're really godly
You're really godly - ohhh
You're really godly
Oh oh oh!
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of the saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 644)
Key of G
1.
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
2.
I was there when you were but a child,
with a faith to suit you well;
in a blaze of light you wandered off
to find where demons dwell.
3.
When you heard the wonder of the word,
I was there to cheer you on;
you were raised to praise the living Lord,
to whom you now belong.
4.
If you find someone to share your time
and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme
from dusk till rising sun.
5.
In the middle ages of your life,
not too old, no longer young.
I'll be there to guide you through the night,
complete what I've begun.
6.
When the evening gently closes in
and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been
with just one more surprise.
7.
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
(VU 556)
Key of D
1.
Would you bless our homes and families,
Source of life who calls us here;
in our world of stress and tension
teach us love that conquers fear.
Help us learn to love each other
with a love that constant stays;
teach us when we face our troubles,
love's expressed in many ways.
2.
When our way is undemanding,
let us use the time that's ours
to delight in simple pleasures,
sharing joys in gentle hours.
When our way is anxious walking
and a heavy path we plod,
teach us trust in one another
and in you, our gracious God.
3.
From the homes in which we're nurtured,
with the love that shapes us there,
teach us, God, to claim as family
every one whose life we share.
And through all that life may offer,
may we in your love remain;
may the love we share in families
be alive to praise your name.
4.
Let us reach beyond the boundaries
of our daily thought and care
till the family, you have chosen
spills its love out everywhere.
Help us learn to love each other
with a love that constant stays;
teach us when we face our troubles
love's expressed in many ways.
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
This Hymn, written by Rev. J. S. Cutler, has its roots in the Mother-God theology of the 14th Century English mystic Dame Julian of Norwich. It was included in the 1941 Baptist/Disciples of Christ hymnal "Christian Worship". It's listed as "for Mother's Day", and puts an intriguing theological spin on this commercial holiday. It is interesting to note that folks in some Episcopal (Anglican) churches seem to groove on "Mothering Father" (taking "Mothering" as a better equivalent of "Merciful" in Hebrew, which is from the root "womb")
Key of F (tune: In the Bulb - VU 703)
1.
Motherhood, sublime, eternal,
lives in God's great heart of Love;
Ever holds us, safe enfolds us,
underneath, around, above;
Patient, tender, kind, forgiving,
though in devious paths we roam;
Gently chides us, ever guides us,
and all-loving, leads us home.
2.
Ev'ry wrong will sure be righted;
ev'ry evil swept away;
Truth upspringing, justice bringing,
ushers in the brighter day;
Mother calls her earthly children,
loves them, lifts them when they fall;
Striving, calling, fainting, falling,
Motherlove enfolds them all.
3.
God is love, and love forever
in the motherheart is blest;
Lives the longest, lifts the strongest,
far outreaching all the rest;
Not by might, and not by wisdom
comes our lifting from the sod:
Love's pure glory tells the story
in the Motherheart of God.
“And you, Jesus, sweet Lord, are you not also a mother? Truly, you are a mother, the mother of all mothers, who tasted death in your desire to give life to your children.”
-- St. Anselm (1033-1109, England)
The God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the eternal covenant,
make you perfect in every good work to do his will,
working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight;
Amen.
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
(VU 713)
Key of Eb (D with capo on 1st fret)
Refrain:
I see a new heaven.
I see a new earth
as the old one will pass away,
where the fountain of life flows
and without price goes
to all people who abide in the land.
1.
There, there on the banks of a river bright and free,
yielding her fruit, firm in her root,
the Tree of Life will be. R
2.
There, there where death dies and our lives are born again,
body and soul, struggling but whole
like flowers after the rain. R
3.
There, there where the darkness brings visions from above.
There where the night, bearing new light,
reveals the promise of love. R
4.
There, there where we work with the love of
healing hands.
Labour we must, true to our trust
to build a promised new land. R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the May 2, 2021 service.
By Apologetix (parody of Hells Bells by AC/DC)
(Key of Am)
Luke 16:19-31, Rev. 14:11, 20:10-15, Matt. 5:22-30; 7:13-14,10:28, 13:36-42, 13:48-50; 18:9, 23:33, 25:41; Mark 9:42-47; James 3:6, Jude 7,13; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2 Peter 3:7; Romans 2:5-12, Revelation 20:10-16
I'm goin' under, I roared in pain
It wasn't fun like I heard 'em claim
My life was flashin' before my eyes
You woke me up but I'm traumatized
Oh, won't take no visitors
Once there, you'll find
Nobody's partyin' up all night
Ah, it's hard to sell a one-way ticket to hell
You know the stench is rank and wretched
'Cause hell smells
Yeah, hell smells
You won't believe it
Hell smells
The stench is so vile
Hell smells
I've been through Revelation - up and down you'll find
If you're into evil it's the end of the line
See the White Throne Judgment as He splits them wide
Puts them goats on the left and lines the sheep up to the right
Won't take no visitors
Won't take no bribes
Nobody's put in by surprise
Ah, it's not so swell when God forsakes you to hell
They won't accept a late confession
Hell smells
Oh, hell smells
You got deceived and
Hell smells
The tempter just lied
Hell smells
Hell smells
Stinks - it's rotten, P.U.
Hell smells
You're wrinklin' your nose
Hell smells
The tempter just lied
Hell smells
The cross divides
Hell smells
So take your cue now
Hell smells
Before you go under
Hell smells
God can spare your life
Hell smells
There's no way but Christ, yeah!
Ow!
Ow ow!
Ow! Yeah heh!
Hell smells!
Matthew 13:42
They will throw them into the blazing furnace,
where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(MV 26 ; key of G)
1
Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging,
your love is a mountain, firm beneath my feet.
Your love is a myst’ry, how you gently lift me.
When I am surrounded your love carries me.
Refrain (2X)
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Your love makes me sing.
2
Your love is surprising, I can feel it rising,
all the joy that’s growing deep inside of me.
Ev’ry time I see you all your goodness shines through.
I can feel this God song rising up in me.
3
Repeat verse 1
By Danny Daniels
(Key of D)
1
You are the vine
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in You
You are the vine
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in You
Refrain
And we'll go
in Your love
And we'll go
in Your name
That the world
will surely know
That You have power
To heal and to save
2
You are the vine
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in You
You are the vine
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in You R
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
1
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the unity of heart and mind
is like to that above.
2
Before our Maker's throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
3
We share each other's woes,
each other's burdens bear;
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
4
This glorious hope revives
our courage on the way;
that we shall live in perfect love
in God's eternal day.
(VU 436; key of Eb [D with capo on 1st fret])
1
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
when other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, O abide with me.
2
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see;
O Christ, who changes not, abide with me.
3
I need your presence every passing hour;
what but your grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like yourself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
4
I have no fear with you at hand to bless;
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
where is death's sting? Where, grave, your victory?
I triumph still, if you abide with me.
5
Hold now your cross before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the April 25, 2021 service.
by Journey (acoustic)
Key of E
Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
The smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on, and on, and on
Strangers, waitin'
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows
Searchin' in the night
Streetlights, people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night
Workin' hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win
Some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on, and on, and on
Strangers waitin'
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows
Searchin' in the night
Streetlights, people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight, people
Don't stop, believin'
Hold on
Streetlights, people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight, people
People are like sheep,
and Jesus is our shepherd.
The Lord is my shepherd.
He provides for all my needs.”
Psalm 23:1
But none of us wanted to
follow the shepherd. We
went our own way instead.
"All we, like sheep, have gone astray.”
Isaiah 53:6
The path we picked
was full of danger.
There is a way that seems right to us,
but it really just leads to death.”
Proverbs 16:25
Soon, we fell into a pit,
and there was no way out.
For everybody sins.
We all fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
We would have died without
hope, but the good shepherd
came to rescue us.
For the penalty of sin is death,
but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
He risked his own life
to climb into the pit
and carry us back out.
But God shows His great love for us, in that
while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us."
Romans 5:8
All we must do is rest in his
arms, knowing that he can
keep us safe.
If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised Him
from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived
by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of the saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 273)
Key of D (tune: St. Columba)
1
The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
and he is mine forever.
2
Where streams of living water flow
my ransomed soul he leadeth,
and where the verdant pastures grow
with food celestial feedeth.
3
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed;
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home rejoicing brought me.
4
In death's dark vale I fear no ill
with thee, dear Lord, beside me;
thy rod and staff my comfort still,
thy cross before to guide me.
5
Thou spread'st a table in my sight;
thy unction grace bestoweth;
and O what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
6
And so through all the length of days
thy goodness faileth never:
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever!
More Voices 126
Key of C (Chords found in More Voices)
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?
Refrain:
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? R
Great, gentle shepherd, forever beside us,
lead all you children in paths that are right.
Great, loving parent, wise teacher, you guide us.
We want to love you and bring you delight. R
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He’s only in it for the money. The sheep don’t matter to him.
“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They’ll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd. This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.”
Key of D
Let us pause in life's pleasures and count its many tears,
While we all sup sorrow with the poor;
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears;
Oh! Hard times come again no more.
Refrain:
'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary,
Hard Times, hard times, come again no more.
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door;
Oh! Hard times come again no more.
While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay,
There are frail forms fainting at the door;
Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say
Oh! Hard times come again no more. R
There's a pale drooping maiden who toils her life away,
With a worn heart whose better days are o'er:
Though her voice would be merry, 'tis sighing all the day,
Oh! Hard times come again no more. R
'Tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave,
'Tis a wail that is heard upon the shore
'Tis a dirge that is murmured around the lowly grave
Oh! Hard times come again no more. R
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
Key of Ab (G capo on 1st fret)
Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need your tender care;
In your pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use your folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
You have saved us, yours we are.
We are yours, in mercy tend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep from ill, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear your children when we pray!
You have promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
You have mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Early let us seek your favour,
Early let us do your will;
Blessed Lord and only Saviour,
With your love our spirits fill
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
You have loved us, love us still;
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the April 11, 2021 service.
By Michael Gungor Band
(Key of D)
1
All this pain… I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth, could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from the ground at all
Refrain
You make beautiful things
you make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us.
2
All around life is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos, life is being found in you. R
Bridge:
You make me new, you are making me new R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth,
O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people,
and will have compassion on his suffering ones.
Isaiah 49.13
Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
John 20.29
I pray that your inward eyes may be enlightened, so that you may know how vast are the resources of his power open to us who have faith.
Eph 1: 18-19
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord make haste to help us
In your resurrection, O Christ,
let heaven and earth rejoice. Alleluia.
Blessed are you, God of our salvation,
to you be praise and glory forever.
As once you ransomed your people from Egypt
and led them to freedom in the promised land,
so now you have delivered us from the dominion of darkness
and brought us into the loving reign of the risen Christ.
May we, the first fruits of your new creation,
rejoice in this new day you have made
and praise you for your mighty acts.
Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
Hallelujah! The Lord is risen indeed:
O Come, let us worship.
(Key of C [G 5th fret])
1
Joyful, joyful we adore thee,
God of Glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee
Op’ning to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day
Refrain
You are the one who saves!
You are the one who saves!
You are the one who’s hands
Lift us from the grave
You are the light of life!
The everlasting day!
You are the one who takes
All our sins away!
2
You are giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blessed.
Fountain of the joy of living,
Ocean depths of happy rest R
Bridge:
Jesus, you are my rescue, Jesus you are my rescue
I give you everything I am
Refrain twice
How good it for all is to live together in unity.
How good it for all is to live together in unity.
How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.
How good it for all is to live together in unity.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the LORD ordained his blessing,
life forevermore.
How good it for all is to live together in unity.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
World without end. Amen
Creator of the universe,
from whom all things come,
to whom all things return,
give your people such unity of heart and mind,
that all the world may grow in the life of your eternal kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
How good it for all is to live together in unity.
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Jesus and Thomas
Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So, the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
9VU 264; Key of G [chords found in VU])
1
Immortal, invisible, God only wise;
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes;
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
2
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
3
To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.
4
Thou reignest in glory, thou rulest in light;
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
tis only the splendour of light hideth thee!
(Key of G)
1
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
2
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
3
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen
(Key of G [chords Found in VU])
1
Precious Lord, take my hand,
lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
through the storm, through the night,
lead me on to the light:
take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
2
When my way grows drear,
precious Lord, linger near,
when my life is almost gone,
hear my cry, hear my call,
hold my hand lest I fall:
take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
3
When the darkness appears,
and the night draws near,
and the day is past and gone,
at the river I stand,
guide my feet, hold my hand:
take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the April 4, 2021 service.
Key of G
She went down last October
in a pouring driving rain.
The skipper, he’d been drinking
and the Mate, he felt no pain.
Too close to Three Mile Rock,
and she was dealt her mortal blow,
And the Mary Ellen Carter settled low.
There were just us five aboard her
when she finally was awash.
We’d worked like hell to save her,
all heedless of the cost.
And the groan she gave as she went down,
it caused us to proclaim
That the Mary Ellen Carter would rise again.
Well, the owners wrote her off;
not a nickel would they spend.
“She gave twenty years of service, boys,
then met her sorry end.
But insurance paid the loss to us,
so let her rest below.”
Then they laughed at us
and said we had to go.
But we talked of her all winter,
some days around the clock,
She’s worth a quarter million,
afloat and at the dock.
And with every jar that hit the bar,
we swore we would remain
And make the Mary Ellen Carter rise again.
Rise again, rise again,
that her name not be lost
To the knowledge of men.
Those who loved her best
and were with her till the end
Will make the Mary Ellen Carter rise again.
All spring, now, we’ve been with her
on a barge lent by a friend.
Three dives a day in hard hat suit
and twice I’ve had the bends.
Thank God it’s only sixty feet
and the currents here are slow
Or I’d never have the strength to go below.
But we’ve patched her rents, stopped her vents,
dogged hatch and porthole down.
Put cables to her, ‘fore and aft
and girded her around.
Tomorrow, noon, we hit the air
and then take up the strain.
And make the Mary Ellen Carter Rise Again.
Rise again, rise again,
that her name not be lost
To the knowledge of men.
Those who loved her best
and were with her till the end
Will make the Mary Ellen Carter rise again.
For we couldn’t leave her there, you see,
to crumble into scale.
She’d saved our lives so many times,
living through the gale
And the laughing, drunken rats
who left her to a sorry grave
They won’t be laughing in another day. . .
And you, to whom adversity has dealt the final blow
With smiling [rascals] lying to you
everywhere you go
Turn to, and put out all your strength
of arm and heart and brain
And like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.
Rise again, rise again –
though your heart it be broken
And life about to end
No matter what you’ve lost,
be it a home, a love, a friend.
Like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.
VU 409
Key of G (Chords found in Voices United)
1
Morning has broken like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
2
Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness where God's feet pass.
3
Ours is the sunlight! Ours is the morning
born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day!
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 155)
Key of C
1
Jesus Christ is risen today, hallelujah!
our triumphant holy day, hallelujah!
who did once, upon the cross, hallelujah!
suffer to redeem our loss. Hallelujah!
2
Hymns of praise then let us sing hallelujah!
unto Christ, our heavenly King, hallelujah!
who endured the cross and grave, hallelujah!
sinners to redeem and save. Hallelujah!
3
But the pains which he endured, hallelujah!
our salvation have procured; hallelujah!
now above the sky he's King, hallelujah!
where the angels ever sing. Hallelujah!
4
Sing we to our God above, hallelujah!
praise eternal as God's love; hallelujah!
praise our God, ye heavenly host, hallelujah!
praise the Son and Holy Ghost. Hallelujah!
with thanks to the Late Leonard Cohen
Key of C
1.
I Love you Lord with all my heart
You’ve given me a brand new start
And I just want to sing this song to you
Well it goes like this - the forth, the fifth
the minor fall and the major lift
My heart and soul are praising - Hallelujah!
Hallelujah - Hallelujah - Hallelujah - Hallelujah
2.
Well I know that you’re the God above
You’re filling me with grace and love
And now I just want to say “Thank you” to you
You’ve pulled me from the miry clay
You’ve given me a brand new day
Now all that I can say is hallelujah!
Hallelujah - Hallelujah - Hallelujah - Hallelujah
Our Gospel tells how three women disciples first learn of Jesus’ resurrection. Coming to the tomb early in the morning, they are astounded to find its huge stone covering rolled back. A young man, in appearance like an angel, announces to them that Jesus is risen and will go before his disciples to Galilee. The event is awesome, even terrifying. The women flee from the tomb, and, for at least a time, report nothing to anyone because of their fear.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could embalm him. Very early on Sunday morning, as the sun rose, they went to the tomb. They worried out loud to each other, “Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?”
Then they looked up, saw that it had been rolled back—it was a huge stone—and walked right in. They saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed all in white. They were completely taken aback, astonished.
He said, “Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.”
They got out as fast as they could, beside themselves, their heads swimming. Stunned, they said nothing to anyone.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture
Amen.
(VU 352)
Key of F (Chords found in Voices United)
1
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
and I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
and I came from heaven and I danced on the earth;
at Bethlehem I had my birth.
Refrain:
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the dance, said he,
and I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
and I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.
2
I danced for the scribe and the pharisee,
but they would not dance and they would not follow me;
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;
they came with me and the dance went on. R
3
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame;
the holy people said it was a shame;
they whipped and they stripped and they hung me high,
and left me there on a cross to die. R
4
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black;
it's hard to dance with the devil on your back;
they buried my body and they thought I'd gone,
but I am the dance and I still go on. R
5
They cut me down and I leap up high;
I am the life that will never, never die;
I'll live in you if you'll live in me;
I am the Lord of the dance, said he. R
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace,
who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make you complete in everything good
so that you may do his will,
working among us that which is pleasing in his sight,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Key of A
The splendour of a King,
clothed in majesty
Let all the Earth rejoice
All the Earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 7:00 p.m.
This is the recording for the April 2, 2021 service.
VU 149
1.
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
2.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God:
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.
3.
See from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small:
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
Man of sorrows Lamb of God
By His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God
Has been on Jesus laid
Silent as He stood accused
Beaten mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father's will
He took a crown of thorns
Oh that rugged cross - My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out Hallelujah
Praise and honour unto Thee
Sent of heaven God's own Son
To purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones
Who nailed Him to that tree
Oh that rugged cross - My salvation (2x)
King of my life, I crown Thee now
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary
Refrain
Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary
Show me the tomb where thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded thee whilst thou slept. R
May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me R
VU 142 key of D
1.
Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary's mountain.
Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.
2.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me. R
3.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o'er me. R
4.
Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river. R
VU 663 G capo 2
1.
My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine.
Now hear me while I pray;
take all my guilt away.
O let me from this day be wholly thine.
2.
While life's dark maze I tread,
and griefs around me spread, be thou my guide,
bid darkness turn to day;
wipe sorrow's tears away;
nor let me ever stray from thee aside.
3.
May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire.
As thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee
pure, warm, and changeless be, a living fire.
I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain.
You weren't afraid to face the devil,
You were no stranger to the rain.
Refrain:
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.
Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve.
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing. R
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
Chorus
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear lamb of God left his glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where his glory forever I’ll share.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the March 28, 2021 service.
April 2, 2021 Good Friday
11:00 .am. CrossWalk @ South Mountain United Church Parking Lot
7:00 p.m. Good Friday online oervice on FaceBook Live
April 4, 2021 Easter Sunday
7:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise at Hallville UC in front of church steps
9:30 a.m. Easter Sunday @ South Mountain United Church
11:00 a.m. Easter Sunday @ Heckston United Church
12:30 p.m. Easter Sunday online worship (12:20 p.m. virtual choir practice)
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 123; Key of A [chords found in VU])
1
Hosanna, loud hosanna
the happy children sang;
through pillared court and temple
the joyful anthem rang;
to Jesus, who had blessed them
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.
2
From Olivet they followed
'mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving,
and singing clear and loud;
the Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
content that little children
should on his bidding wait.
3
'Hosanna in the highest!'
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer;
earth, let your anthems ring.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his humble presence
eternally rejoice!
(VU 639; Key of G [chords found in VU])
1
One more step along the world I go,
one more step along the world I go,
from the old things to the new,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it's from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.
2
Round the corner of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see
you'll be looking at along with me:
And it's from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.
3
As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me travelling the way I should;
where I see no way to go
you'll be telling me the way, I know:
And it's from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.
4
Give me courage when the world is rough,
keep me loving though the world is tough,
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it's from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.
5
You are older than the world can be,
you are younger than the life in me,
ever old and ever new,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it's from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.
When they were nearing Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany on Mount Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never yet been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘The Master needs him, and will return him right away.’”
They went and found a colt tied to a door at the street corner and untied it. Some of those standing there said, “What are you doing untying that colt?” The disciples replied exactly as Jesus had instructed them, and the people let them alone. They brought the colt to Jesus, spread their coats on it, and he mounted.
The people gave him a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out rushes they had cut in the fields. Running ahead and following after, they were calling out,
Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!
Blessed the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in highest heaven!
He entered Jerusalem, then entered the Temple.
He looked around, taking it all in. But by now it was late,
so he went back to Bethany with the Twelve.
Words by our current United Church Moderator, Rev. Dr. Richard Bott
(Key of A)
1
Onward all Christ’s people, walking on The Way,
living out of God’s love each and every day.
Christ, our guide and teacher, shows how we’re to go
Caring for our friend, our neighbour, even for our foe!
Refrain
Onward all Christ’s people,
walking on The Way,
living out of God’s love,
each and every day.
2
Know tho’ there are moments evil stands its ground;
hate and war and hunger seemingly abound –
in these times, these places, we are called to stand,
acting for God’s peace and justice, offering our hand! R
3
Like one great big family, moves the church of God;
siblings, we are dancing where the saints have trod!
Sometimes we’re divided, lost and feel alone,
then Christ’s Spirit reconciles us, unity is shown. R
4
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng, blend with ours your voices in this wondrous song: Glory, laud, and honour unto Christ the King, this through countless ages we, with angels, sing! R
(VU 666)
In lonely mountain ways
of this world's trial and care,
my heart knows naught of fear-scarred days;
the Master's hand is there.
My journey may be long,
the pathway rough and steep;
sufficient for each day my song;
my way the Lord does keep.
And though when evening falls,
a stone my pillow shapes,
the vision of our kingdom calls
and here a Bethel makes.
Refrain (MV 90)
Don’t be afraid. My love is stronger.
My Love is stronger than your fear.
Don’t be afraid. My love is stronger
And I have promised, promised to be always near
This prayer comes from the Lutheran Book of Worship.
It suggests that each of us is called by God
to be a pioneer - forging our own unique path
as we discover and develop our God-given nature and talents.
For some, the path may be relatively straightforward;
for others, it may bring pain and struggle.
But we all need faith and courage
as we travel into the unknown future:
perhaps we could take this prayer with us on our journey?
Lord God,
you have called your servants to ventures
of which we cannot see the ending,
by paths as yet untrodden,
through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out with good courage,
not knowing where we go,
but only that your hand is leading us
and your love supporting us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(VU 127; Key of Bb [G with capo on 3rd fret])
1
Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry:
O Saviour meek, pursue thy road
with palms and scattered garments strowed.
2
Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
O Christ, thy triumphs now begin
o'er captive death and conquered sin.
3
Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
The winged squadrons of the sky
look down with sad and wondering eyes
to see the approaching sacrifice.
4
Ride on! Ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
bow thy meek head to mortal pain,
then take, O God, thy power, and reign.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the March 21, 2021 service.
March 28, 2021: Palm Sunday
* If you are able, please have a sprig of cedar or other evergreen for the service
9:30 a.m. In-person worship @ Inkerman United Church
11:00 a.m. In-person worship @ Hallville United Church
12:30 p.m. Online worship on FaceBook Live (12:20 p.m. virtual choir practice)
April 2, 2021: Good Friday
11:00 a.m. CrossWalk @ South Mountain United Church Parking Lot
7:00 p.m. Good Friday online service on FaceBook Live
April 4, 2021: Easter Sunday
7:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service @ 7:00 a.m. at Hallville UC in front of Church steps
9:30 a.m. Easter Sunday @ South Mountain United Church
11:00 a.m. Easter Sunday @ Heckston United Church
12:30 p.m. Easter Sunday online workshop (12:20 p.m. virtual choir practice)
(Key of D)
1
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.
Refrain
It's gonna be a bright, bright, sun-shiny day. (2x)
2
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone,
All of the bad feelings have disappeared.
Here is the rainbow I've been praying for.
Refrain
It's gonna be a bright, bright, sun-shiny day. (2x)
Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies.
Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue ski-i-i-es.
3
I thought love was only true in fairy tales,
meant for someone else but not for me.
Love was out to get me, that's the way it seemed. Disappointment haunted all my dreams.
Refrain
Then I saw God's face, now I'm a believer.
Without a trace of doubt in my mind.
I'm in love, I'm a believer,
I couldn't leave God if I tried.
4
I thought love was more or less a giving thing,
it seems the more I gave, the less I got.
What's the use in trying, all you get is pain.
When I needed sunshine I got rain.
Refrain
Then I saw God's face, now I'm a believer.
Without a trace of doubt in my mind.
I'm in love, I'm a believer,
I couldn't leave God if I tried.
5
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.
Refrain
It's gonna be a bright, bright, sun-shiny day.
It's gonna be a bright, bright, sun-sh
(With additions from the Epistles)
Leader: You shall have no other gods before me.
People: For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! (Romans 11:36)
Leader: You shall not make for yourself an idol.
People: In Christ we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Colossians 1:14)
Leader: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
People: Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name. (Hebrews 13:15)
Leader: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
People: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
Leader: Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
People: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1)
Leader: You shall not murder.
People: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32
Leader: You shall not commit adultery.
People: You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6: 19-20)
Leader: You shall not steal.
People: He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his hands, so that he may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28)
Leader: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
People: Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)
Leader: You shall not covet your neighbour's house or anything that belongs to your neighbour.
People: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4: 11-13)
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 373; Key of D [chords found in VU])
1
As comes the breath of spring
with light and mirth and song,
so does your Spirit bring
new days brave, free, and strong.
You come with thrill of life
to chase hence winter's breath,
to hush to peace the strife
of sin that ends in death.
2
You come like dawning day
with flaming truth and love,
to chase all glooms away,
to brace our wills to prove
how wise, how good to choose
the truth and its brave fight,
to prize it, win or lose,
and live on your delight.
3
You come like songs at morn
that fill the earth with joy,
till we, in Christ newborn,
new strength in praise employ.
You come to rouse the heart
from drifting to despair,
through high hopes to impart
life with an ampler air.
4
You breathe and there is health;
you move and there is power;
you whisper, there is wealth
of love, your richest dower.
Your presence is to us
like summer in the soul;
your joy shines forth and then
life blossoms to its goal.
(VU 661; Key of F [chords found in VU])
1
Come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
teach me to walk in your way.
Come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
Teach me to walk today.
Give me the peace and joy
That only you can bring.
Come to my heart, Lord Jesus.
Give me a song to sing.
2
Fill me with love, Lord Jesus,
teach me to walk in your way.
Fill me with love, Lord Jesus,
Fill me with love today.
Give me the peace and joy
That only you can bring.
Fill me with love, Lord Jesus,
Give me a song to sing.
3
Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus,
teach me to walk in your way.
Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus,
Answer my prayer today.
Give me the peace and joy
That only you can bring.
Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus,
Give me a song to sing.
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
By James Nicholson (c. 1828-1876)
(Key of G)
“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7)
God’s people have been placed in their particular circle of influence so they can demonstrate purity and a concern for righteousness. If we do not fulfill this role, who will? It is easy, however, to become so accustomed and hardened to the lust and sin all about us that we lose that fine edge of our Christian witness. In fact, without God’s daily cleansing and renewal, we are easily infiltrated with and influenced by the very lifestyle that we reject in others.
This is another fine hymn text written by a Christian layman. James Nicholson spent his entire life as a clerk in the post office in Philadelphia, yet he was always active in the work of the Wharton Street Methodist Episcopal Church. The hymn was first published in a pamphlet titled “Joyful Songs” in 1872.
1
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
2
Lord Jesus, look down from your throne in the skies
And help me to make a complete sacrifice.
I give up myself and whatever I know.
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
3
Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat;
I wait, blessed Lord, at thy crucified feet.
By faith, for my cleansing I see your blood flow
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
4
Lord Jesus, You see as I patiently wait;
Come now and within me a new heart create.
To those who have sought you, you never said no
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow
"Memorization is a function of duty; knowledge comes only from love."
MacUser magazine
In Meditatio, the Christian monk committed the divine words of his Lectio to memory as he pondered their meaning and, as he did so, he recited them aloud. This was not a dreary exercise: rabbinical students feel that chanting the sacred words reveals the inner music to the soul, and learning something 'by heart' — a revealing phrase — helps one interiorize it and make it one's own."
Visions of God by Karen Armstrong
(VU 658; Key of G)
1
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
that in thine ocean depths its flow
may richer, fuller be.
2
O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
my heart restores its borrowed ray,
that in thy sunshine's blaze its day
may brighter, fairer be.
3
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
and feel the promise is not vain
that morn shall tearless be.
4
O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life's glory dead,
and from the ground there blossoms red
life that shall endless be.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the March 14, 2021 service.
By The Cranberries, an Irish band led by the late Dolores O’Riordan
(Key of Em)
1
Another head hangs lowly
Child is slowly taken
And the violence, caused such silence
Who are we mistaken?
2
But you see, it's not me
It's not my family
In your head, in your head, they are fighting
With their tanks, and their bombs
And their bombs, and their guns
In your head, in your head they are crying
3
In your head, in your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie
What's in your head, in your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie, oh
Du, du, du, du Du, du, du, du
4
Another mother's breaking
Heart is taking over
When the violence causes silence
We must be mistaken
5
It's the same old theme
Since nineteen-sixteen
In your head, in your head, they're still fighting
With their tanks, and their bombs
And their bombs, and their guns
In your head, in your head, they are dying
6
In your head, in your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie
What's in your head, in your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh, ay, oh, ya ya
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
Thought composed by a Scotsman, Brother James’ air was written for his ministry among the Irish in Liverpool.
(VU 748; Key of D)
1
God is my shepherd, I'll not want,
I feed in pastures green.
God grants me rest and bids me drink
from waters calm and clean.
Through daily tasks, I'm blessed and led
by one I have not seen.
2
Restored to life each morning new,
I rise up from the dust
to follow God whose presence gives
me confidence and trust.
I praise the name of God today;
in God I put my trust.
3
When I must pass through shadowed vale,
where loss and death await,
I will not fear for God is there,
my shepherd strong and great,
whose rod and staff will comfort me
and all my fears abate.
4
No enemy can overcome,
no power on earth defeat
the ones anointed by God's grace
and fed with manna sweet.
My cup is filled and overflows
as I my Saviour greet.
5
Goodness and mercy all my days
will surely follow me;
and where God reigns in heaven and earth,
my dwelling place will be.
My shepherd blesses, cares and leads
through all eternity.
(Key of G) As popularized by Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers
Refrain
All God's critters got a place in the choir
Some sing low, some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
And some just clap their hands,
or paws or anything they got now
1
Listen to the bass, it's the one on the bottom
Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus
Moans and groans with a big to do
And old cow just goes 'moo'… R
2
Well the dogs and the cats they take up the middle
The hummingbird hums and the crickets fiddle
The donkey brays and the pony neighs
The old coyote howls… R
3
Listen to the top where the little bird sings
The melody with the high voice ringing
The hoot owl hollers over everything
And the Blue Jay disagrees… R
4
It's a simple song of livin' thats sung everywhere
By the ox and the fox and the grizzly bear
Grumpy alligator and the hawk above
The sly raccoon and the turtle dove… R
Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days' journey in breadth. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.
(Tune: VU 657; Key of D)
1
I bind unto myself today
the strong name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three-in-One and, One-in-Three.
The death of Christ, the cross of shame
his bursting from the spiced tomb,
his coming at the day of doom,
I bind unto myself today.
2
I bind unto myself today
the virtues of the starlit heaven,
the glorious sun's life-giving ray,
the whiteness of the moon at even,
the flashing of the lightning free,
the whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
the stable earth, the deep salt sea,
around the old eternal rocks.
3
I bind unto myself today
the power of God to hold and lead,
his eye to watch, his might to stay,
his ear to hearken to my need,
the wisdom of my God to teach,
his hand to guide, his shield to ward,
the Word of God to give me speech,
his heavenly host to be my guard.
4
I bind unto myself the name,
the strong name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three-in-One and, One-in-Three.
of whom all nature has creation,
eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of salvation;
salvation is of Christ the Lord!
(VU 625; Key of G; Irish folk tune: The star of County Down)
1
I feel the winds of God today;
today my sail I lift,
though heavy oft with drenching spray
and torn with many a rift;
if hope but light the water's crest,
and Christ my bark will use,
I'll seek the seas at his behest,
and brave another cruise.
2
It is the wind of God that dries
my vain regretful tears,
until with braver thoughts shall rise
the purer, brighter years;
if cast on shores of selfish ease
or pleasure I should be,
O let me feel your freshening breeze,
and I'll put back to sea.
3
If ever I forget your love
and how that love was shown,
lift high the blood-red flag above;
it bears your name alone.
Great pilot of my onward way,
you will not let me drift.
I feel the winds of God today;
today my sail I lift.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the March 7, 2021 service.
(Tune: Sally Gardens (Irish trad.) c. Wild Goose Publications, c/o The Iona Community; (Key of D)
1
Inspired by love and anger,
disturbed by need and pain,
Informed of God's own bias,
we ask him once again:
"How long must some folk suffer?
How long can few folk mind?
How long dare vain self-interest
turn prayer and pity blind?"
2
From those forever victims
of heartless human greed,
Their cruel plight composes
a litany of need:
"Where are the fruits of justice?
Where are the signs of peace?
When is the day when prisoners
and dreams find their release?"
3
From those forever shackled
to what their wealth can buy,
The fear of lost advantage
provoke the bitter cry:
"Don't query our position!
Don't criticise our wealth!
Don't mention those exploited
by politics and stealth!"
4
To God, who through the prophets
proclaimed a different age,
We offer earth's indifference,
its agony and rage:
"When will the wronged be righted?
When will the kingdom come?
When will the world be generous
to all instead of some?"
5
God asks, "Who will go for me?
Who will extend my reach?
And who, when few will listen,
will prophesy and preach?
And who, when few bid welcome,
will offer all they know?
And who, when few dare follow,
will walk the road I show?"
6
Amused in someone's kitchen,
asleep in someone's boat,
Attuned to what the ancients exposed,
proclaimed and wrote,
A saviour without safety,
a tradesman without tools
Has come to tip the balance
with fishermen and fools.
You may not love anyone or anything more than you love God.
You may not worship, or put more importance on any person or thing, other than God.
You must worship only the Lord, not your parents, not a friend, not a movie star or a sports hero, not a car or boat or skateboard. Nothing.
You may not swear. Use God’s holy name only in a loving way, never to express anger or frustration.
One day of your week should be set aside for rest and the worship of God. Work six days of the week only. You need a special day set aside to relax, to enjoy God’s world, and to meet with other Christians.
Be respectful to your parents. Love them, and the Lord will reward you with a long life.
You may not hate other people; don’t ever think of hurting someone else in any way.
Keep your thoughts and actions pure. Be committed in your relationships. Always.
You may not take and keep anything that doesn’t belong to you. You may not tell lies, especially when that lie will hurt someone else.
You may not be jealous of what others have. You may not be jealous of your friend’s new toy or clothes or the big house your neighbor lives in. Be satisfied with what you have.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of F [D 3rd Fret])
1
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.
Refrain
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil. R
3
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay. R
4
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne. R
(Key of G)
1
These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord:
And these are the days of Your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
'Prepare ye the way of the Lord!'
Refrain
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
2
These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh;
And these are the days of Your servant David,
Rebuilding a temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in Your world,
And we are the labourers in Your vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord! R
There's no God like Jehovah.
There's no God like Jehovah!
The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy scripture. Amen.
(Key of G)
1
Put your hand in the hand
Of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand
Of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and
you can look at others differently
By puttin' your hand in the hand
Of the man from Galilee
2
Every time I look into the Holy Book
I want to tremble
When I read about the part
Where the carpenter cleared the temple
For the buyers and the sellers were
No different fellas than what you and I profess to be
And it causes me shame to know
I'm not the one that I should be
3
Mama taught me how to pray before
I reached the age of seven
And when I'm down on my knees that's
When I'm close to heaven
Daddy lived his life with two kids and a wife
You do must you must do
But he showed me
Enough of what it takes to get you through
Key of F [D 3rd Fret])
1
I can’t see where I’m going –
Just wilderness ahead.
This place is fierce and threatening –
O God, where have You led?
But Egypt is behind me
With all You’ve brought me through,
And now You go before me –
I trust and follow You.
2
Your all-engulfing presence
Is shade throughout the day.
Your fire ablaze above me
Lights all my darkened way.
Fresh water in my desert
And bread each morning new –
O tender, faithful Shepherd,
I trust and follow You.
3
Through every daily challenge,
With labours still undone,
I follow in Your footsteps
And take them one by one.
Throughout our great adventure
I keep the Cloud in view,
As all the way to Canaan
I trust and fo(llow You.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the February 28, 2021 service.
By Tom Petty (Key of G)
1
Well, I won't back down
No, I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down
2
No, I'll stand my ground
Won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground
3
And I won't back down
(I won't back down)
Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
4
Well I know what's right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground
5
And I won't back down
(I won't back down)
Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
6
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
Hey, I won't back down
(I won't back down)
Hey, baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
7
Hey, I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
No, I won't back down
Our society talks about personal autonomy.
Newspapers and films are filled with the notion
that we don’t need God to set us free—we are our own masters.
And God spoke all these words:
I am the Lord your God,
who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Always ask yourself, “What’s in it for me?”
Remember, you’re number one.
You shall have no other gods before me.
Try to make as much money as you can
and spend all of it on improving your standard of living.
You shall not make for yourself an idol
in the form of anything.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them,
for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.
Don’t worry too much about swearing, because it’s just a habit.
Swearing makes you look tough.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God,
for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless
who misuses his name.
Sunday is just another day in which you can do whatever you want to.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work.
Don’t pay any attention to your parents.
They’re old-fashioned and they spoil your fun.
Honour your father and your mother,
so that you may live long
in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
You are entitled to hate people who are nasty
or who in any way make life unpleasant for you.
You shall not murder.
When your marriage gets dull, it’s OK to have an affair or two.
You’re only human.
You shall not commit adultery.
If you have to take what doesn’t belong to you,
make sure you don’t get caught,
because then you have to face the music.
You shall not steal.
Don’t miss out on any gossip about people.
When you put other people down you feel better about yourself.
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
Try to keep up with the Joneses.
Why should other people have more than you do?
You shall not covet your neighbour’s house.
You shall not covet your neighbour’s spouse,
or their hired help, their car or their farm equipment,
or anything that belongs to your neighbour.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, then honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 288; Key of D [Chords found in Voices United])
1
Great is thy faithfulness, God our Creator;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Refrain
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided -
great is thy faithfulness, ever to me!
2
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. R
3
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow -
wondrous the portion thy blessings provide.
(Action song)
Sarah n’ Abraham had many kids!
Many kids had Sarah n’ Abraham
I am one of them.
And so are you!
So, let’s just praise the Lord
Actions
Right Arm/Left Arm Right Foot/Left Foot
Chin Up/Chin Down Turn Around Sit Down
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you and will make you exceedingly numerous.” Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her."
May God Bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture. Amen.
(Key of G)
Refrain
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Precious Jesus, hear my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
1
I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee. R
2
Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. R
3
When my feeble life is o'er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o'er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. R
(MV 176; Key of Ab [G capo on 1st fret])
1
Three things I promise, Holy God,
in age and youth, in life and death:
to bless your Name, and cling to Christ,
and listen for the Spirit’s breath.
2
Your love unfolded time and space,
and life, and all that life became,
and so, with thankful heart and voice,
through good and ill, I bless your Name.
3
I follow, serve, and cling to Christ
amid out culture’s tides and trends,
for here your Name is most revealed:
Majestic Love, and Best of Friends.
4
Enlivened as the Spirit moves
to cleanse, awaken, and renew,
I pray that justice, peace, and truth,
may seed and grow in all I do.
5
If I should live when vigour fades,
and family and friends are gone,
three acts of loving faith remain
when days are slow, and work is done.
6
Revive and guide me, Living God,
as day by day, until my death,
I bless your Name, and cling to Christ,
and listen for the Spirit’s breath.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the February 21, 2021 service.
Irish Rovers
Key of F (D 3rd fret)
1.
A long time ago, when the Earth was green
There was more kinds of animals than you've ever seen
They'd run around free while the Earth was being born
And the loveliest of all was the unicorn
There were green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, as sure as you're born
But the loveliest of all was the unicorn
2.
The Lord seen some sinning and it gave Him pain
And He says, "Stand back, I'm going to make it rain"
He says, "Hey brother Noah, I'll tell you what to do
Build me a floating zoo,
and take some of those...
Green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, as sure as you're born
Don't you forget my unicorns
3.
Old Noah was there to answer the call
He finished up making the ark
just as the rain started falling
He marched in the animals two by two
And he called out as they came through
Hey Lord, I've got green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but Lord, I'm so forlorn
I just can't see no unicorns"
4.
Then Noah looked out through the driving rain
Them unicorns were hiding, playing silly games
Kicking and splashing while the rain was pourin’
Oh, them silly unicorns
There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Noah cried, "Close the door because the rain is pourin
And we just can't wait for no unicorns"
5.
The ark started moving, it drifted with the tide
The unicorns looked up from the rocks and they cried
And the waters came down and sort of floated them away
And that's why you never seen a unicorn to this very day
You'll see green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, as sure as you're born
You're never gonna see no unicorns
I am the Lord your God: you shall have no other gods but me.
Lord, help us to love you
with all our heart, all our soul,
all our mind and all our strength.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
Lord, help us to worship you
in spirit and in truth.
You shall not dishonour the name of the Lord your God.
Lord, help us to honour you
with reverence and awe.
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Lord, help us to remember Christ risen from the dead,
and to set our minds on things above,
not on things on the earth.
Honour your father and your mother.
Lord, help us to live as your servants,
giving respect to all,
and love to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
You shall not commit murder.
Lord, help us to be reconciled with each other,
and to overcome evil with good.
You shall not commit adultery.
Lord, help us to realize
that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
You shall not steal.
Let us be honest in all we do,
and to care for those in need.
You shall not be a false witness.
Lord, help us always to speak the truth.
You shall not covet anything which belongs to your neighbour.
Lord, help us to remember Jesus said,
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’,
and help us to love our neighbours as ourselves;
for his sake.
(VU 315; Key of D)
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy Merciful and Mighty.
God in three persons, blessed Trinity
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(MV 71; Key of G)
1
When the wind of winter blows,
bringing times of solitude,
fill the silent icy night;
be our hearts’ compassion.
Refrain
Holy Light, warm our night;
warm the time of winter.
Holy Light, warm our night;
warm the time of winter.
2
When we shiver in despair,
when the chill of death comes near,
hold us, Spirit, calm our fear,
while the evening deepens. R
3
When in days of fallen snow,
change confounds or love burns low,
from the ashes may there rise
phoenix of our growing. R
By Brent Holmes © Eagle’s Point Music)
(Key of D)
1
There are many colours in a rainbow
All bound together as one
They are the promise of tomorrow
Our hope for all the days to come
Refrain
We are a rainbow, together we are a sign
We are a rainbow, to live for humankind
We are a rainbow, it's time for us to shine
We are a rainbow
2
We all are children of that promise
Made for the whole world around
Wherever love brings us together
A rainbow can be found R
3
So if you see the world around us
And wonder how it can be
Remember we were given us a promise
A hope for all the world to see R
4
There is one who brings out all our colors
And binds us together as one
Reaching out to our sisters and our brothers
We find our place in the sun R
The Message
Then God spoke to Noah and his sons: “I’m setting up my covenant with you including your children who will come after you, along with everything alive around you—birds, farm animals, wild animals—that came out of the ship with you. I’m setting up my covenant with you that never again will everything living be destroyed by floodwaters; no, never again will a flood destroy the Earth.”
God continued, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you. I’m putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the Earth. From now on, when I form a cloud over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud, I’ll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living, that never again will floodwaters destroy all life. When the rainbow appears in the cloud, I’ll see it and remember the eternal covenant between God and everything living, every last living creature on Earth.”
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I’ve set up between me and everything living on the Earth.”
Key of G
1
Simply trusting every day,
trusting thru a stormy way
Even when my faith is small,
trusting Jesus that is all.
Refrain
Trusting as the moments fly,
trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
trusting Jesus that is all.
2
Brightly doth his Spirit shine
into this poor heart of mine
While he leads I cannot fall,
trusting Jesus that is all. R
3
Singing if my way is clear,
praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call R
trusting Jesus that is all.
4
Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all. R
Lord, Listen to Your Children
(VU 400; Key of Eb [D 1st fret])
Lord, Listen to your children praying.
Lord, send your Spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.
(VU 120; Key of F)
1
O Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end;
remain for ever near me, my Saviour and my friend:
I shall not fear the journey if you are by my side,
nor wander from the pathway if you will be my guide.
2
O let me feel you near me: the world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear;
my foes are ever near me, around me and within;
but, Jesus, then draw nearer and shield my soul from sin.
3
O let me hear you speaking in accents clear and still,
above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;
now speak, and make me listen, O guardian of my soul.
4
O Jesus, you have promised to all who follow you,
that where you are in glory your servant shall be too.
And Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Saviour and my friend.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the February 14, 2021 service.
Key of E
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Song of Readiness Lord, Prepare Me To Be a Sanctuary MV 18
Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true.
In thanksgiving, I'll be a living
Sanctuary for you.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
Tune: Beech Spring (VU 374 Come and Find the Quiet Centre)
Key of G
Though I speak in every language,
prophecy for God above,
Though I understand all mysteries,
I am nothing without love.
Tho’ thru faith I can move mountains,
give the poor all that I gain
Though I’m burned alive for Jesus,
without love, my life is vain.
Love is patient, kind and selfless,
envies not nor boasts in pride
Is not rude or quickly angered,
never holds a grudge inside.
Love does not delight in evil,
but with truth rejoices e’er;
Trusts, protects, and hopes forever,
perseveres & always cares.
One day prophecies will finish;
tongues will in that day be stilled;
Knowledge too will pass forever,
when God’s Word is all fulfilled.
Now we only know a fraction,
and as children think and speak;
When perfection comes upon us,
childish ways no more we’ll seek.
Now we see as in a mirror,
in a blurred and hazy way.
But reflections soon will vanish;
face to face we’ll see some day.
In that day we’ll all know fully,
as we’re known by God above;
Till then, faith, hope, love still linger,
but the greatest far is love.
Key of G
Love the Lord your God
With all your heart and all your soul
And all your mind, and
Love all of mankind as you would love yourself...
Love the Lord your God
With all your heart
And all your soul and mind and
Love mankind...
We’ve got Christian lives to live
We've got Jesus' love to give
We've got nothing to hide
Because in Him we abide!
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Key of G1.
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.
2.
All my heart to him I give, ever to him I’ll cling,
In his blessed presence live, ever his praises sing;
Love so mighty and so true merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service too, to him belongs. R
3.
Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by his love out of the angry waves;
He’s the Master of the sea, billows his will obey;
He your Saviour wants to be, be saved today. R
VU 333
Key of G
1
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter every trembling heart.
2
Come, almighty to deliver;
let us all thy grace receive;
suddenly return, and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
3
Finish, then, thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee,
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the February 7, 2021 service.
By Gordon Lightfoot (Key of A)
1
The lamp is burnin' low upon my table top
The snow is softly falling
The air is still in the silence of my room
I hear your voice softly calling
2
If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
3
The smoke is rising in the shadows overhead
My glass is almost empty
I read again between the lines upon each page
The words of love you sent me
4
If I could know within my heart
That you were lonely too
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
5
The fire is dying
Now my lamp is growing dim
The shades of night are lifting
The morning light steals across my window pane
Where webs of snow are drifting
6
If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
And to be once again with you
(VU 807; Key of D)
And I 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 my hand.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 881; Tune: Good King Wenceslas; Key of G)
1
When the king shall come again,
all his power revealing,
splendour shall announce his reign,
life and joy and healing;
earth no longer in decay,
hope no more frustrated;
this is God's redemption day
longingly awaited.
2
In the desert trees take root,
fresh from God's creation;
plants and flowers and sweetest fruit
join the celebration;
rivers spring up from the earth,
barren lands adorning;
valleys, this is your new birth;
mountains, greet the morning.
3
Strengthen feeble hands and knees;
fainting hearts be cheerful!
God, who comes for such as these,
seeks and saves the fearful;
deaf ears, hear the silent tongues
sing away their weeping;
blind eyes, see the lifeless ones
walking, running, leaping.
4
There God's highway shall be seen
where no roaring lion,
nothing evil or unclean,
walks the road to Zion;
ransomed people homeward bound,
all your praises voicing,
see your Lord with glory crowned,
share in his rejoicing!
(VU 766; Key of D)
1
As the deer pants for the water,
so my soul longs after you;
you alone are my heart's desire
and I long to worship you.
Refrain
You alone are my strength, my shield
to you alone may my spirit yield;
you alone are my heart's desire,
and I long to worship you.
2
I want you more than gold or silver,
only you can satisfy;
you alone are the real joy-giver
and the apple of my eye. R
3
You're my friend and you are my brother,
even though you are a king;
I love you more than any other,
so much more than anything! R
Have you not been paying attention?
Have you not been listening?
Haven't you heard these stories all your life?
Don't you understand the foundation of all things?
God sits high above the round ball of earth.
The people look like mere ants.
He stretches out the skies like a canvas—
yes, like a tent canvas to live under.
He ignores what all the princes say and do.
The rulers of the earth count for nothing.
Princes and rulers don't amount to much.
Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted,
They shrivel when God blows on them.
Like flecks of chaff, they're gone with the wind.
"So—who is like me?
Who holds a candle to me?" says The Holy One.
Look at the night skies:
Who do you think made all this?
Who marches this army of stars out each night,
counts them off, calls each by name
—so magnificent! so powerful!—
and never overlooks a single one?
Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me.
He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind. .
(VU 883; Tune: Ode to Joy (VU 232); Key of G)
1
Comfort, comfort now my people;
speak of peace; so says our God.
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
mourning under sorrow's load.
Cry out to Jerusalem
of the peace that waits for them;
tell them that their sins I cover
and their warfare now is over.
2
For the herald's voice is crying
in the desert far and near,
calling all to true repentance,
since God's judgement now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way!
Let the valleys rise in meeting
and the hills bow down in greeting.
3
Then make straight what long was crooked;
make the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble,
as befits a holy reign.
For the glory of our God
now on earth is shed abroad,
and all flesh shall see the token
that God's word is never broken.
(VU 884; Key of G)
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;
the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;
there’ll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field
will clap, will clap their hands!
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands (X X)
The trees of the field will clap their hands (X X)
The tress of the field will clap their hands (X X)
While you go out with joy!
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the January 31, 2021 service.
** Please bring at least one candle to the service - particularly if you have young ones with you.
Key of Ed (C 3rd Fret)
I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Well, I've been 'fraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm gettin' older, too
Well, I've been 'fraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm gettin' older, too
I'm gettin' older, too
Ah, take my love, take it down
Oh, climb a mountain and turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down
Oh, the landslide will bring it down
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
Key of A (G 2nd fret)
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Refrain:
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me R
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me R
Key of G
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine
In my brother’s heart, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
In my sister’s soul, I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed - and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
Key of D
The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in,
The Light of the world is Jesus.
Refrain:
Come to the Light, ‘tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me,
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus.
No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
We walk in the Light when we follow our Guide,
The Light of the world is Jesus. R
No dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
Go, wash at his bidding, and light will arise,
The Light of the world is Jesus. R
No need of the sunlight in heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus. R
VU 642
Key of D
1
Be thou my vision, O joy of my heart;
naught be all else to me save that thou art,
thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping thy presence my light.
2
Be thou my wisdom, my calm in all strife;
I ever with thee, and thou in my life;
thou loving parent, thy child may I be,
thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.
3
Be thou my battle shield, sword for the fight
be thou my dignity, thou my delight,
thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tower;
raise thou me heavenward, O power of my power.
4
Riches I heed not, nor vain empty praise,
thou mine inheritance, now and always;
thou and thou only, the first in my heart,
great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.
5
Great God of heaven, after victory won,
may I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O ruler of all.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the January 24, 2021 service.
(Key of Em)
1
I've just come down from the Isle of Skye
I'm no very big and I'm awful shy
And the lassies shout when I go by
Donald, where's your troosers?
Refrain
Let the wind blow high, let the wind blow low
Through the streets in my kilt, I'll go
All the lassies say hello
Donald, where's your troosers?
2
A lassie took me to a ball
And it was slippery in the hall
And I was feared that I would fall
For I had nae on my troosers R
3
Now I went down to London Town
And I had some fun in the underground
The ladies turned their heads around
Saying, Donald, where are your trousers? R
4
To wear the kilt is my delight
It is not wrong, I know it's right
The Highlanders would get a fright
If they saw me in the trousers R
5
The lassies want me every one
Well, let them catch me if they can
You can not take the breaks off a Highland man
And I don't wear the troosers R
6
Oh, man, I'm all rock and roll
And I'm a-moving and a-grooving to save my soul
Grab your kilt and go, go, go
Hey, Donald, where's your troosers? R
7
I've just come down from the Isle of Skye
I'm not very big and I'm awful shy
And the lassies shout when I go by
Donald, where's your troosers? R
(VU560; Tune: The parting glass, traditional Scottish; Key of D#)
1
O Master, let me walk with thee
in lowly paths of service free;
teach me thy secret, help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.
2
Help me the slow of heart to move
with some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way.
3
Teach me thy patience; still with thee,
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sure and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong,
4
in hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broadening way,
in peace that only thou canst give,
with thee, O Master, let me live.
(Tune: Leaving of Lismore, traditional Scottish; Key of D)
1
Spirit of God, come dwell within me.
Open my heart, O come set me free.
Fill me with love for Jesus, my Lord.
O fill me with living water.
Refrain
Jesus is living, Jesus is here.
Jesus, my Lord, come closer to me.
Jesus, our Saviour, dying for me,
and rising to save his people
2
Lord, how I thirst, O Lord, I am weak.
Lord, come to me, you alone do I seek
Lord, you are life, and love and hope.
O fill me with living water. R
3
Lord, I am blind, O Lord, I can’t see.
Stretch out your hand, O Lord comfort me.
Lead me your way in light and in truth
O fill me with Living water. R
The Lord’s prayer
(Tune: Auld Lang Syne; Key of D)
Our Fa-ther who art in Heav-en
Hallowed be thy name
Thy Kingdom come thy will be done
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
And forgive us all our sins
As we forgive each one of those
who sins against us.
And lead us not to the time of trial
But deliver us from evil
For the reign, the glory and the power
Are yours, Amen! Amen!
(Dream Angus, traditional lullaby, Key of G)
1
Christ’s is the world in which we move,
Christ’s are the folk we’re summoned to love,
Christ’s is the voice which calls us to care,
And Christ is the one who meets us here.
Refrain
To the lost Christ shows his face;
To the unloved, he gives his embrace;
To those who cry in pain or disgrace…
Christ makes with his friends a touching place
2
Feel for the people we most avoid,
Strange or bereaved or never employed;
Feel for the women, and feel for the men
Who fear that their living is all in vain. R
3
Feel for the parents who’ve lost their child,
Feel for the women whom men have defiled,
Feel for the baby for whom there’s no breast,
And feel for the weary who find no rest. R
4
Feel for the lives by life confused,
Riddled with doubt, in loving abused;
Feel for the lonely heart, conscious of sin,
Who longs to be pure, but fears to begin. R
(Tune: Rowan tree, traditional; Key: Bd [G 3rd fret])
1
Thy Word is like a garden, Lord,
with flowers bright and fair;
And every one who seeks
may pluck a lovely cluster there.
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine;
and jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
for every searcher there.
2
Thy Word is like a starry host:
a thousand rays of light
Are seen to guide the traveler
and make the pathway bright.
Thy Word is like an armory,
where soldiers may repair;
And find, for life’s long battle day,
all needful weapons there.
3
O may I love Thy precious Word,
may I explore the mine,
May I its fragrant flowers glean,
may light upon me shine!
O may I find my armor there!
Thy Word my trusty sword,
I’ll learn to fight with every foe
The battle of the Lord.
(MV 79; tune: Wild mountain tyme, traditional Scottish; Key: D)
Refrain
Spirit, open my heart
to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love,
in receiving and in giving,
Spirit, open my heart.
1
God, replace my stony heart
with a heart that’s kind and tender.
All my coldness and fear
to your grace I now surrender. R
2
Write your love upon my heart
as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed,
may my living bring you glory. R
3
May I weep with those who weep,
share the joy of sister, brother.
In the welcome of Christ,
may we welcome one another. R
(Tune: Loch Lomond, traditional Scottish; Key of D)
1
Love is the welcome that comes from the heart
and opens its door to the stranger
which makes of its house
a resting place for all,
for the sake of the babe in the manger.
Refrain
Red is the blood of my love the crucified,
And clear is the light of His glory,
Pure is the heart
Of the Christ who died for me,
My love i – s fairer than any.
2
Love is the touch that does no-t dra-w back
from the maimed and the hurt and the broken,
but embraces their pain,
and calls them by their name,
that the word of compassion be spoken. R
3
Love is the life that responds to call
and chooses its truth as its treasures
and walks with the one
who says, “Come and follow me,
for to show you the way is my pleasure.” R
(Whoever lives beside the Lord (Psalm 91); Teann a Nall [Gaelic]; Key of G)
1
Whoever lives beside the Lord,
sheltering in th’ Almighty’s shade,
shall say, “My God, in you I trust,
my safety, my defender.”
2
From unseen danger and disease
God will keep you safe and sure;
Beneath his wings a place you’ll find,
A refuge from all danger.
3
You will not dread what darkness brings --
hidden dangers, deadly plague;
nor will you fear in daylight hours
the evil that surrounds you.
4
A thousand may die at your side,
thousands more fall close at hand;
but with God’s truth for strength and shield,
no threat will ever touch you.
5
God says, “I’ll save from every harm
those who know and love my name.
In trouble I will honour them,
And show them my salvation.”
(VU 852 [Macpherson’s Farewell]; Key of D)
1
Up from the depths I cry to God:
O listen, Lord, to me;
O hear my voice in this distress,
this mire of misery.
Refrain
I wait for God with all my heart,
my hope is in his word;
and more than *watchmen for the dawn
I'm longing for you, God.
2
If you, my God, should measure guilt
who then could ever stand?
But those who fear your name will find
forgiveness from your hand. R
3
O Israel, set your hope on God
whose mercy is supreme:
the nation mourning for its sins
God surely will redeem. R
(Prayer response: Eriskay love lilt, traditional Scottish)
Inspired and adapted from a prayer by the Rev. Dr. Lord George MacLeod, founder of the Iona Community and social and peace activist
(Tune: Danny Boy, traditional Scottish; Key: A [G 2nd fret])
Now may the road rise gently up to meet you,
And may the wind be always at your back;
Now may the sun shine warm upon your faces
And may the rains fall soft upon your fields.
Until we meet, until we meet again,
Until we meet, until we meet again;
May God now hold you, hold you, hold you gently;
May God now hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the January 17, 2021 service.
First thing we'd climb a tree
And maybe then we'd talk
Or sit silently
And listen to our thoughts
With illusions of someday
Cast in a golden light
No dress rehearsal This is our life
And that's where the hornet stung me
And I had a feverish dream
With revenge and doubt
Tonight, we smoke them out
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
Stare in the morning shroud
And then the day began
I tilted your cloud
You tilted my hand
Rain falls in real time
And rain fell through the night
No dress rehearsal, this is our life
But that's when the hornet stung me
And I had a serious dream
With revenge and doubt
Tonight, we smoked them out
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
You are ahead by a century
And disappointing you is gettin' me down
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
( VU 506) Key of D
1
Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, all for thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and purposeful for thee.
3
Take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
4
Take my will, and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
5
Take my love: and I will pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
(VU 96)
Key of F (cadence according to VU 567)
1
Will you come and see the light from the stable door?
It is shining newly bright, though it shone before.
It will be your guiding star,
it will show you who you are;
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
2
Will you step into the light that can free the slave?
It will stand for what is right, it will heal and save.
By the pyramids of greed
there's a longing to be freed;
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
3
Will you tell about the light in the prison cell?
Though it's shackled out of sight, it is shining well.
When the truth is cut and bruised,
and the innocent abused,
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
4
Will you join the hope, alight in the young girl's eyes,
of the mighty put to flight by a baby's cries?
When the lowest and the least
are the foremost at the feast,
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
5
Will you travel by the light of the babe new born?
In the candle lit at night there's a gleam of dawn,
and the darkness all about
is too dim to put it out:
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
The boy Samuel was serving God under Eli’s direction.
This was at a time when the revelation of God was rarely heard or seen. One night Eli was sound asleep (his eyesight was very bad—he could hardly see). It was well before dawn; the sanctuary lamp was still burning. Samuel was still in bed in the Temple of God, where the Chest of God rested.
Then God called out, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Yes? I’m here.”
Then he ran to Eli saying, “I heard you call. Here I am.”
Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” And so he did.
God called again, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel got up and went to Eli, “I heard you call. Here I am.”
Again Eli said, “Son, I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” (This all happened before Samuel knew God for himself. It was before the revelation of God had been given to him personally.)
God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, “Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am.”
That’s when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, “Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, ‘Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen.’” Samuel returned to his bed.
Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out,
“Samuel! Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.”
key of D
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See on the portals He's waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me
Refrain:
Come home, come home
Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling, "O sinner come home"
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me? R
O for the wonderful love He has promised
Promised for you and for me
Though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me R
Key of G
I wandered so aimless life filled with sin
I wouldn't let my dear savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord I saw the light
Refrain:
I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light
Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light R
I was a fool to wander and stray
Straight is the gate and narrow's the way
Now I have traded the wrong for the right
Praise the Lord I saw the light R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the January 10, 2021 service.
Run away with me
Lost souls and reverie
Running wild and running free
Two kids, you and me
Refrain
And I say Hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Hey hey heyHey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Renegades, renegades
Long live the pioneers
Rebels and mutineers
Go forth and have no fear
Come close the end is near R
All hail the underdogs
All hail the new kids
All hail the outlaws
Spielberg's and Kubrick's
It's our time to make a move
It's our time to make amends
It's our time to break the rules
Let's begin R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 20)
1
On Jordan's bank, the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lamb is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of Kings.
2
Then cleansed be every life from sin;
make straight the way for God within;
and let each heart prepare a home
where such a mighty guest may come.
3
In you, we find abundant life,
our refuge in the midst of strife;
without your grace we waste away,
like flowers that wither and decay.
4
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and help us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine,
and fill the world with love divine.
5
All praise to you, eternal Son,
whose advent has our freedom won;
and praise to God whom we adore,
with Holy Spirit evermore.
(VU 92)
1
In the darkness shines the splendour
of the Word who took our flesh,
welcoming, in love's surrender,
death's dark shadow at his crèche.
Bearing every human story,
Word made flesh reveals his glory.
2
Light of nations, veiled in history,
born of woman's flesh and blood,
calling to the depths of mystery
restless hearts that seek the good.
Healing every human story,
Word made flesh reveals his glory.
3
Broken bread, sustaining us in sorrow,
wine poured out to toast our joy;
exodus and new tomorrow,
life's full promise to enjoy!
Gladdening every human story,
Word made flesh reveals his glory.
4
All God's people, sing in jubilation
of the birth that sets us free,
telling of the revelation:
Jesus, God's epiphany.
Celebrate the human story!
Word made flesh reveals our glory.
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt round his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
(VU 100)
1
When Jesus comes to be baptized,
he leaves the hidden years behind,
the years of safety and of peace,
to bear the sins of humankind.
2
The Spirit of the Lord comes down,
anoints the Christ to suffering,
to preach the word, to free the bound,
and to the mourner, comfort bring.
3
He will not quench the dying flame,
and what is bruised he will not break,
but heal the wound injustice dealt,
and out of death his triumph make.
4
O Spirit help us be like Christ:
to live in love and charity,
to walk in truth and justice now,
and grow in Christian dignity.
5
We praise you, God, source of all life,
we praise you, Christ, eternal Word,
we praise you, Spirit, gracious gift;
your triune presence fills our world.
Gospel hymn: Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
1
O what a wonderful, wonderful day
Day I will never forget
After I'd wandered in darkness away
Jesus my Saviour I met
O what a tender, compassionate friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart
Refrain
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
When at the cross my Saviour made me whole
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
2
Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God's fam'ly divine
Justified fully thru Calvary's love
O what a standing is mine
And the transaction so quickly was made
When as a sinner I came
Took of the offer of grace He did proffer
He saved me, O praise His dear name R
3
Now I've a hope that will surely endure
After the passing of time
I have a future in heaven for sure
There in those mansions sublime
And it's because of that wonderful day
When at the cross I believed
Riches eternal and blessings supernal
From His precious hand I received R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m.
This is the recording for the January 3, 2021 service.
(VU 93; tune: The Sussex carol [Key of G])
1
When heaven's bright with mystery
and science searches nature's art,
when all creation yearns for peace
and hope sinks deep in human hearts,
appear to us, O Holy Light;
lift from our eyes the shades of night.
2
When Herod barters power and lives
and Rachel's weeping fills the night,
when suffering's mask marks every face,
and Love's a refugee in flight,
reveal to us your word of grace
and make us witness to your peace.
3
When fragile faith, like desert wind,
blows dry and empty, hope erased,
when withered grass and fading flower
proclaim again our day's brief space,
breathe on the clay of our despair
and work a new creation there.
4
When heaven's bright with mystery
and stars still lead an unknown way,
when love still lights a gentle path
where courts of power can hold no sway,
there with the Magi, let us kneel,
our gifts to share, God's world to heal.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 91)
1
The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay akeeping their sheep
on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
2
They looked up and saw a star,
shining in the east, beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night. R
3
And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. R
4
This star drew nigh to the northwest;
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay. R
5
Then entered in those wise men three,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. R
6
Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought. R
1
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we travel afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Refrain
O – star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. R
Frankincense to offer have I
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high. R
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in a stone cold tomb. R
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Sounds through the earth and skies. R
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
May God bless to our understanding this reading of Holy Scripture. Amen.
(VU 74)
1
What child is this, who laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the Babe, the Son of Mary!
2
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
3
So, bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, one and all, to own him.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
(VU 68)
1
All poor ones and humble and all those who stumble,
come hastening, and feel not afraid;
for Jesus, our treasure, with love past all measure,
in lowly poor manger was laid.
Though wise men who found him
laid rich gifts around him,
yet oxen they gave him their hay,
and Jesus in beauty accepted their duty;
contented in manger he lay.
Refrain
Then haste we to show him the praises we owe him;
our service he ne'er can despise;
whose love still is able to show us that stable,
where softly in manger he lies.
2
The Christ Child will lead us, the Good Shepherd feed us
and with us abide till his day.
Then hatred he'll banish; then sorrow will vanish,
and death and despair flee away.
And he shall reign ever, and nothing shall sever
from us the great love of our King;
his peace and his pity shall bless his fair city;
his praises we ever shall sing. R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 7:00 p.m.
This is the recording of the Christmas Eve EVE service.
Carol: Angels we have heard on high
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountains in reply, echoing the joyous strains.
“Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!”
Words . . .
Light four candles
Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav’nly song?
“Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Words . . .
We light the Christ candle
Words . . .
Come to Bethlehem and see Christ, who comes in lowly birth.
Come adore on bended knee Jesus, joy of heav’n and earth.
“Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
1
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem:
come and behold him, born the King of angels.
Refrain
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
3
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
glory to God in the highest. R
5
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. R
(VU 71)
1
'Twas in the moon of wintertime,
when all the birds had fled,
that mighty Gitchi Manitou
sent angel choirs instead;
before their light the stars grew dim,
and wandering hunters heard the hymn:
Refrain
Jesus your King is born,
Jesus is born,
in excelsis gloria.
2
Within a lodge of broken bark
the tender babe was found,
a ragged robe of rabbit skin
enwrapped his beauty round;
but as the hunter braves drew nigh,
the angel song rang loud and high. R
3
The earliest moon of wintertime
is not so round and fair
as was the ring of glory on
the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt
with gifts of fox and beaver pelt. R
4
O children of the forest free,
the angel song is true,
the holy child of earth and heaven
is born today for you.
Come, kneel before the radiant boy,
who brings you beauty, peace, and joy. R
(vv 1, 2 &4)
(VU 62)
1
Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattleshed,
where a mother laid her baby
in a manger for his bed.
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.
2
He came down to earth from heaven
who, with God, is over all,
and his shelter was a stable,
and his cradle was a stall.
There among the poor and lowly
lived on earth our Saviour holy.
4
And our eyes at last shall see him,
through his own redeeming love;
for that child who seemed so helpless
is our Lord in heaven above;
and he leads his children on
to the place where he is gone.
(VU 48)
1
Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!'
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic host proclaim,
'Christ is born in Bethlehem!'
Refrain
Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King!'
2
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail, the incarnate deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel! R
3
Hail, the heavenborn Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth. R
(VU 44)
1
It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold,
'Peace on the earth, good will to all,
from heaven's all-gracious King!'
The world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing.
2
Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled;
and still their heavenly music floats
o'er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o'er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.
3
Yet with the woes of sin and strife
the world has suffered long;
beneath the angel strain have rolled
two thousand years of wrong;
and warring humankind hears not
the love song which they bring.
O hush the noise, and cease your strife,
to hear the angels sing.
4
For, lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophets seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold,
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendours fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.
(VU 64)
1
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
2
For Christ is born of Mary;
and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to all on earth.
3
How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessed gift of heaven.
No ear may hear his coming;
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
4
O holy child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea,
unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;
(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there,
the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven,
the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,
and see this thing which is come to pass,
which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad
the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things
which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
A Christmas sermon . .. if there’s time
(VU 67)
1
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
2
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight:
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah,
Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.
3
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 43)
Refrain
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.
1
While shepherds kept their watching
o'er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. R
2
The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo, above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Saviour's birth! R
3
Down in a lonely manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent our salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the December 20, 2020 service.
(VU 43; Key of G)
Refrain
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.
1
While shepherds kept their watching
o'er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. R
2
The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo, above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Saviour's birth! R
3
Down in a lonely manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent our salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. R
(Key of Am)
1
I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
2
When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
3
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.
(VU 55; Key of D# [C 3rd fret])
1
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
2
Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign;
in the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ.
3
Enough for him, whom cherubim worship night and day,
a breast full of milk, and a manger full of hay.
Enough for him, whom angels fall down before,
the ox and ass and camel which adore.
4
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him - give my heart.
Hope is a star
(VU 7)
1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
Refrain
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
2
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth
3
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn
Telling the world that the Saviour is born
4
Love is a flame that burns in our heart
Jesus has come and will never depart
Sung response
Come, O Long-expected Jesus,
born to set your people free.
From our fears and sins release us;
Christ, in whom our rest shall be.
(Key of Am)
1
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
With wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
"All hail," said he, "Thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured lady." Gloria!
2
”For known a blessed mother thou shalt be
All generations laud and honor thee
Thy Son shall be Emanuel
By seers foretold
Most highly favoured lady, " Gloria.
3
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
"To me be as it pleaseth God, " she said,
"My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name."
Most highly favoured lady, Gloria.
4
Of her, Emmanuel - the Christ - was born
in Bethlehem, upon that Christmas morn.
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
'Most highly favoured lady! Gloria!'
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 56; Key of F)
1
Jesus, our brother, kind and good,
was humbly born in a stable rude,
and the friendly beasts around him stood,
Jesus, our brother, kind and good.
2
'I,' said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
'I carried the mother uphill and down,
I carried his mother to Bethlehem town;
I,' said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
3
'I,' said the cow, all white and red,
'I gave him my manger for his bed,
I gave him hay to pillow his head;
I,' said the cow, all white and red.
4
'I,' said the sheep with curly horn,
'I gave him my wool for his blanket warm,
he wore my coat on Christmas morn;
I,' said the sheep, with curly horn.
5
'I,' said the dove, from the rafters high,
'I cooed him to sleep that he should not cry,
we cooed him to sleep, my mate and I;
I,' said the dove, from the rafters high.
6
Thus all the beasts, by some good spell,
in the stable dark were glad to tell
of the gifts they gave Emmanuel,
the gifts they gave Emmanuel.
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 3nd behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
(Tune: While Shepherds Watched, VU 75; Key of F)
1
"There's not a thing that God can't do!"
The angel said. "Not one!
For Mary, God has favored you
And you will bear God's Son."
2
So Mary answered, "Here am I,
The servant of the Lord."
She knew that she could well rely
Upon the angel's word.
3
There's not a blessing we won't know
If God is pleased to share;
As Mary found out long ago,
We're ever in God's care.
4
O God, what awesome things you do;
You call, surprise and bless!
As Mary answered, may we, too,
Respond by saying, "Yes!"
(VU 76 ;Key of G)
1
See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years.
Refrain
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn;
hail, redemption's happy dawn;
sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
2
Lo, within a manger lies
God who built the starry skies,
who enthroned in height sublime
sits amid the cherubim. R
3
Say, ye holy shepherds, say
what your joyful news today;
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep? R
4
'As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Saviour's birth.' R
5
Sacred infant, all divine,
what a mighty love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this! R
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the December 13, 2020 service.
(Key of G)
1
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on
Our troubles will be out of sight
2
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
From now on
Our troubles will be miles away
3
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us, once more
4
Through the years
We all will be together
If the fates allow
So, hang a shining star
Upon the highest bough
And Have yourself
A merry little Christmas now
(Key of Em)
1
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
2
In Bethlehem, in Judah
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
3
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love & brotherhood
each other now embrace.
The holy tide of Christmas
All others doth efface.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
(VU 49; Key of D)
1
No crowded eastern street, no sound of passing feet;
far to the left and far to right
the prairie snows spread fair and white;
yet still to us is born tonight
the child, the King of glory.
2
No rock-hewn place of peace shared with the gentle beasts,
but sturdy farmhouse, stout and warm,
with stable, shed, and great red barn;
and still to us is born tonight
the child, the King of glory.
3
No blaze of heavenly fire, no bright celestial choir,
only the starlight as of old,
crossed by the planes' flash, red and gold;
yet still to us is born tonight
the child, the King of glory.
4
No kings with gold and grain, no stately camel train:
yet in his presence all may stand
with loving heart and willing hand;
for still to us is born tonight
the child, the King of glory.
“Hope is a star”
(VU 7)
1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
2
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth
3
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn
Telling the world that the Saviour is born
Lighting the candles
Sung response
Go! Tell it on the mountains
Over the Hills and everywhere!
Go! Tell is on the mountains
That Jesus Christ is born!
(VU 20; Key of G)
1
On Jordan's bank, the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lamb is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of Kings.
2
Then cleansed be every life from sin;
make straight the way for God within;
and let each heart prepare a home
where such a mighty guest may come.
3
In you, we find abundant life,
our refuge in the midst of strife;
without your grace we waste away,
like flowers that wither and decay.
4
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and help us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine,
and fill the world with love divine.
5
All praise to you, eternal Son,
whose advent has our freedom won;
and praise to God whom we adore,
with Holy Spirit evermore.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of G)
1
Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.
2
“Hither, page, and stand by me, if thou know’st, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
3
“Bring me food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.”
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together,
Through the cold wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.
4
“Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger,
Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly,
You shall find the winter’s rage freeze your blood less coldly.”
5
In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christians all, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’, as the prophet Isaiah said.”
(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
(VU 899; tune: It came upon a midnight clear [VU 44; Key of G])
1
My soul gives glory to my God,
my heart pours out its praise;
God lifted up my lowliness
in many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me:
yes, holy is God's name;
whose people will declare me blessed,
and blessings they shall claim.
2
From age to age, to all who fear,
such mercy love imparts,
dispensing justice far and near,
dismissing selfish hearts.
Love casts the mighty from their thrones,
promotes the insecure,
leaves hungry spirits satisfied,
the rich seem suddenly poor.
3
Praise God, whose loving covenant
supports those in distress,
remembering past promises
with present faithfulness.
My soul gives glory to my God,
my heart pours out its praise;
God lifted up my lowliness
in many marvelous ways.
(Tune: Hark! The Herald [VU 48; Key of G])
1
Watchman, tell us of the night,
what its signs of promise are;
Trav’ler, o’er yon mountain’s height
see that glory beaming star
Watchman, does its beauteous ray
aught of hope or joy foretell?
Trav’ler, yes; it brings the day, promised day of Israel.
Trav’ler, yes; it brings the day, promised day of Israel.
2
Watchman, tell us of the night;
higher yet the star ascends;
Trav’ler, blessedness & light,
peace and truth its course portends
Watchman will its beams alone
gild the spot that gave them birth
Trav’ler ages are its own, see, it bursts o’er all the earth.
Trav’ler ages are its own, see, it bursts o’er all the earth.
3
Watchman, tell us of the night,
for the morning seems to dawn;
Trav’ler, darkness takes its flight;
doubt and terror are withdrawn
Watchman, let thy wand’ring cease,
hie thee to thy quiet home!
Trav’ler, Lo, the Prince of Peace, Lo, the Son of God is come.
Trav’ler, Lo, the Prince of Peace, Lo, the Son of God is come.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the December 6, 2020 service.
(Key of D#; C 2nd fret)
1
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
Wild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men
2
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
3
And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men
4
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does he sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men
5
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
Wild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men
(Key of D)
1
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning
2
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas Day in the morning
3
Our Saviour Christ and His Lady
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Our Saviour Christ and His Lady
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
4
Pray, whither sailed those ships all Three
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Pray, whither sailed those ships all Three
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
5
O they sailed into Bethlehem
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
O, they sailed into Bethlehem
On Christmas Day in the morning
6
And all the bells on earth shall ring
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the bells on earth shall ring
On Christmas Day in the morning
7
And all the souls on earth shall sing
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the souls on earth shall sing
On Christmas Day in the morning
8
Then let us all rejoice and sing
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Then let us all rejoice and sing
On Christmas Day in the morning
(VU 45; Key of D# [C 3rd fret])
1
Joy is now in every place,
Christmas lightens every face;
now be with us, in your grace,
O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
2
May the star that shone that night,
making your poor stable bright,
fill our hearts with love and light,
O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
3
Through the New Year let it stay,
leading us upon your way,
making Christmas every day,
O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
4
Now and ever may we find
your good news to fill our mind:
peace and love to humankind,
O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
Hope is a Star
(VU 7 [C])
1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
2
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth
One Friends, we have heard the promise:
God’s chosen One will soon be among us. We must make ready.
All Prepare the Way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
One The wilderness places of our lives may threaten to overwhelm us,
We may easily lose our way. But a second candle adds its light.
The candle of wisdom and preparation
Joins the candle of watchful waiting.
Light two candles
All Send your Spirit to the wild corners of our hearts.
Grant us wisdom and understanding
that we will prepare well
For the coming of your promised Counselor. Amen
Sung response
Hark the glad sound the Saviour comes!
The Saviour promised long!
Let every heart prepare him room
And every voice a song.
(VU 2; Tune: Hyfrodol; [Key of D])
1
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free:
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.
2
Born thy people to deliver;
born a child and yet a king;
born to reign in us forever;
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne.
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(VU 69; Key of D)
1
There was a good bishop who lived long ago
His memory is glorious, His legends are bold
We call him St Nicholas, a servant of Christ
Who loved little children and taught what was right
2
He is Father Christmas and Santa Claus too
He helped many people, the stories are true
At Christmas he calls to us, both young and old
To see that the story of Jesus is told
3
The gifts that he brings us are signs of the love
That comes down at Christmas from heaven above
We see Mother Mary, the babe in the stall,
With Joseph, the wise men and shepherds and all
4
O blessed St Nik’las we hail you today
The patron of many, you show us the way
To be good and generous, to help those in need
To be kind to others in both word and deed
(King James version)
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry.
And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
(Tune: VU 48; Key of D)
1
Children everywhere agree
Each December now to be
Ready, eager, all to greet
The great saint we wait to meet.
Bearing gifts, he first recalls
If we have been good at all,
In our work, at home or play
All before St Nicholas day.
In our work, at home or play
All before St Nicholas day.
2
With his helpers at his side,
Celebrating far and wide,
He's the real Santa Claus,
Hail our kind St Nicholas
Now he leads us one and all
To the Christmas manger stall
Sees the babe, he bows the knee
For the prince of peace—tis he!
Sees the babe, he bows the knee
For the prince of peace—tis he!
3
So in Myra stories told
His great love, his actions bold,
Pilgrims now to Bari go
So the legends all may know.
Now the day of joy and fun
Ole St Nick, his work is done,
Says goodbye to young and old
By whom still his tales are told.
Says goodbye to young and old
By whom still his tales are told.
Santa’s clause
To do good, and to distribute, forget not;
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13.16
(VU 25; Key of F (D capo 3)
1
Lo, he comes with clouds descending,
see the Lamb for sinners slain!
Thousand, thousand saints attending
join to sing the glad refrain:
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
God appears on earth to reign.
2
Every eye shall then behold you,
robed in awesome majesty;
all who jeered, and mocked, and sold you,
pierced, and nailed you to the tree,
deeply grieving, deeply grieving, deeply grieving,
shall the true Messiah see.
3
Now redemption, long expected
see in solemn pomp appear;
all the saints, by us rejected,
thrill the trumpet sound to hear:
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
See the day of God appear!
4
Yea! Amen! Let all adore you,
high on your eternal throne;
crowns and empires fall before you,
claim the kingdom for your own:
O come quickly! O come quickly! O come quickly!
Everlasting Christ, come down.
Watch the worship service live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m.
This is the recording for the November 29, 2020 service.
Kate Hubble is hoping to make a slide show for this December. Your task should you choose to accept (I hope you do).
Please send her via email or Facebook a picture (max 4) of your family doing something Christmas"y" standing in front of a tree, wearing an ugly sweater, a funny hat, caroling, roasting chestnuts etc. or hanging with your flat Jesus! The slideshow will be posted on our Facebook page and our website.
Due Date: December 5th
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Key of D)
1
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
Refrain
O, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
2
The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flow'r
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our dear Saviour R
3
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good R
(Key of D)
1
Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing
Refrain
Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria Hosanna in excelsis!
2
E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen R
3
Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers,
May you beautifully rhyme
Your eve'time song, ye singers R
(VU 73, key of D)
1
The virgin Mary had a baby boy,
the virgin Mary had a baby boy,
the virgin Mary had a baby boy,
and they say that his name is Jesus.
Refrain
He come from the glory, (clap, clap)
he come from the glorious kingdom.
He come from the glory, (clap, clap)
he come from the glorious kingdom.
Oh, yes! believer! Oh, yes! believer!
He come from the glory, (clap, clap)
he come from the glorious kingdom.
2
The angels sang when the baby was born,
the angels sang when the baby was born,
the angels sang when the baby was born,
and they say that his name is Jesus.
3
The shepherds came where the baby was born,
the shepherds came where the baby was born,
the shepherds came where the baby was born,
and they say that his name is Jesus.
Hope is a star
(VU 17)
1
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
One The darkness has long been upon us. We long for the light—
the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation
All The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light!
One The light has not yet come.
We wait and watch for the dawning of God’s glory.
This one candle casts its light into the darkness.
It reminds us to stay awake and watchful,
for the Promised One will come to us at an unexpected hour!
Light first candle
All How we long for the light of your presence, Holy God!
Guide us from the night of our hopelessness
And lead us with joy toward
the dawning of your New Day. Amen
Sung response
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
(VU 1; Key of Em)
1
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lowly exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
2
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who orders all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go. R
3
O come, O come, great God of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times once gave the law
in cloud, and majesty, and awe. R
4
O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem,
from every foe deliver them
that trust your mighty power to save,
and give them victory o'er the grave. R
5
O come, O Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. R
6
O come, O Dayspring, from on high,
and cheer us by your drawing nigh;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight. R
7
O come, Desire of nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind;
O bid our sad divisions cease,
and be for us the Prince of Peace. R
The Lord's Prayer
Words: Jim Strathdee Music: Anon; arr. by Al Oppenheimer; accomp. by Jim Strathdee. In The faith we sing (2000). A supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).
(Key of D)
Refrain
Children, go where I send thee. How shall I send thee?
I'm gonna send thee one by one
One for the little bitty baby
born, born, born in Bethlehem.
Two for Paul and Silas
Three for the Hebrew children ...
Four for the poor knockin' at my door ...
Five for the gospel preachers ...
Six for the six that got ‘emselves fixed ...
Seven for the seven that got into heaven ...
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
(VU 29; Key of D)
1
Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes,
the Saviour promised long:
let every heart prepare a throne,
and every voice a song.
2
He comes, the prisoners to release
in Satan's bondage held;
the gates of brass before him burst,
the iron fetters yield.
3
He comes, the broken heart to bind,
the bleeding soul to cure,
and with the treasures of his grace
to bless the humble poor.
4
Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
your welcome shall proclaim;
and heaven's eternal arches ring
with your beloved name.
(VU 688; Key of G, chords found in Songs for Gospel People, #47)
1
O day of God, draw nigh
in beauty and in power,
come with your timeless judgement now
to match our present hour.
2
Bring to our troubled minds,
uncertain and afraid,
the quiet of a steadfast faith,
calm of a call obeyed.
3
Bring justice to our land,
that all may dwell secure,
and finely build for days to come
foundations that endure.
4
Bring to our world of strife
your sovereign word of peace,
that war may haunt the earth no more
and desolation cease.
5
O day of God, draw nigh
as at creation's birth;
let there be light again, and set
your judgements in the earth.
