Notes on the Notes – February 8, 2026

This week’s music:

“You are Salt for the Earth”

“You are salt for the earth, O people:
Salt for the reign of God!
Share the flavor of life, O people:
Life in the City of God!

Bring forth the reign of mercy,
Bring forth the reign of peace;
Bring forth the reign of justice,
Bring forth the City of God!

You are a light on the hill, O people:
Light for the City of God!
Shine so holy and bright, O people:
Shine for the City of God!

Bring forth the reign of mercy,…

You are a seed of the Word, O people:
Bring forth the reign of God!
Seeds of mercy and seeds of justice,
Grow in the City of God!

Bring forth the reign of mercy,…

We are a blessed and a pilgrim people:
Bound for the reign of God!
Love our journey and love our homeland:
Love is the City of God!

Bring forth the reign of mercy,
Bring forth the reign of peace;
Bring forth the reign of justice,
Bring forth the City of God!”

Our opening hymn, also known by the title, “Bring Forth the Kingdom” was written by Marty Haugen (b. 1950).  It is one of Haugen’s best known songs and appears in many Catholic and Protestant hymnals.   It is written in a folk style reminiscent of the sound of Peter, Paul and Mary and the Kingston Trio.

The biblical basis of the hymn is Mathew 5:13-16, and is the writing immediately following the Beatitudes. The first two stanzas draw directly upon the metaphors of “salt of the earth” and “light on the hill” (“Light of the world” in the original). Stanza three amplifies the theme with “You are the seed of the Word” who sows “Seeds of mercy and . . . justice.” Stanza four includes the theme of a “pilgrim people” on a “journey” towards our “homeland”—“the Kingdom of God.” (Source: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-bring-forth-the-kingdom)

Hear the hymn at:  https://yout-u.be/falBgJrtqVs

“Bathe Me in Your Light” (MV #82 v. 3)

“Bathe me in your grace, O One of Spirit’s longing;
Teach me of your gentle ways that fill the soul with strength.
Guide me on the pilgrimage that leads to truth and wholeness,
Fill me with your promise of a love that knows no length.”

The text of this new hymn was written by John Oldham in 2002.  John served as a United Church minister for many years in Manitoba, including 14 years at Donnelly United Church in Winnipeg.  As we respond to the Words of Assurance, we ask that we be bathed in light, love and grace, that we may live in God’s way.

The music is by Canadian composer Ron Klusmeier.  Ron lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He composes, arranges, and edits new music for worship and serves as a resource consultant for churches throughout Canada and the U.S.

“Make Me a Servant”

“Make me a servant, humble and meek.
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today.”

Our scripture response this week is by Kelly Willard (1982) and is based on John 13:14-16.

Hear a contemplative version of the song at:  https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=aPZy5HKn9AY

“We are Called to Be His Servants”  

“We are called to be his servants,
to be salt and light;
We are called to point the way to the kingdom.
We are called to be his servants,
to be salt and light;
We are called, we are called in his name.

When a brother is hungry we can offer a meal.
When a sister is hurting we can help her to heal.
When a neighbour is needy we can offer a hand.
We are called, we are called in his name.

If a brother is lonely we can stop for a while.
If a sister is weeping we can offer a smile.
If a burden needs sharing we can make it our own.
We are called, we are called in his name.

We are called to be his servants, to be salt and light;…”

This week’s anthem was written by John Carter and Mary Kay Beall in 2002.

“In Gratitude and Humble Trust” (VU #544)

                     In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today
                     To serve your cause and share your love with all along life’s way
                     O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son,
                     Teach us to give ourselves each day until life’s work is done.

Our offering response text is the third verse of the hymn “As Those of Old Their First-fruits Brought” (VU #518).  It was published in 1961 and is set to the tune FOREST GREEN, a traditional English folk tune arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1906.

“Ode to Myrna” 

“Joyful, joyful, God we bring you thanks and voices raised in praise,
for the gift of Myrna’s service, touching lives in many ways.
Twenty years of dedication, friendship that is true and kind;
Heaven-sent through all her music, great joys may she now find.

God, you give us life and beauty, music touches every heart.
In this journey we call living, comes a time when we must part.
Myrna’s journey leads her onward into paths that You bestow:
Family, friends and travel beckon, guide her steps where she may go.

Grateful for the joy you brought us through the anthems and the praise,
May the music still within you bless and guide your future days.
Now we cheer your faithful service as a new theme starts to play,
with our thanks and warmest blessings, for the beauty you have made.”

As Myrna retires from Windsor Park United Church, we wish her well and lift our voices in song to the tune of “Ode to Joy.”

“Amen” (VU #974)

“Amen, amen, hallelujah, amen!
Amen, amen, hallelujah, amen!”

Our sung benediction response this week was written by Jim Strathdee (1985).