Notes on the Notes – March 22, 2026

Fifth Sunday in Lent

This week’s music:

“Your Hands, O Christ” (VU #622)

“Your hands, O Christ, in days of old were strong to heal and save;
They triumphed o’er disease and death, fought darkness and the grave.
To you they went, the blind, the mute, the palsied and the lame,
The leper set apart and shunned, the sick with fevered frame.

And lo! your touch brought life and health, gave speech and strength and sight;
And youth renewed and health restored owned you, the Lord of light.
So, living Christ, draw near to bless, compassionate as before;
That we may touch your garment’s fringe, walk in our streets once more.

O be our gracious healer still, our God in life and death;
Restore and strengthen, soothe and bless with your life-giving breath.
To hands that work and eyes that see teach wisdom’s healing lore,
That whole and sick, and weak and strong, we praise you evermore.”

This hymn was written in 1864 for King’s College Hospital in London.  The text originally started with the words “Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old,” but was revised by Gerald Hobbs for inclusion in Songs for a Gospel People (1987).  The melody, HAYDN, is attributed to Franz Joseph Haydn and is also associated with the hymn I Sing the Might Power of God” (VU # 231).  The words of the hymn remind us of the healing stories seen in the Gospels and express our desire to have God’s healing power with us today, giving us renewed life so that we may bring healing to the world.

“How Deep the Peace” (MV #95)

“How deep the peace, the confidence, of those whose wrongs are forgiven.
How deep the peace, the confidence, of those whose hearts are healed.”

Our response to the Words of Assurance for the season of Lent is based on Psalm 32.  Having left our concerns with God through prayer, we hear of God’s unfailing love. This hymn was written by Linnea Good in 2004.

Hear the song sung by the Praise Singers at:  https://youtu.be/4z6R_i1SizE?list=PLcKv8KzQKS1iSYAuZRuBmzJeEJHHQVrYD

“As Comes the Breath of Spring” (VU #373)

“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.

You come like songs at morn that fill the earth with joy,
Till we, in Christ new-born, 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.

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.”

The text for this hymn was written in 1929 by David Lakie Ritchie, Dean of United Theological College in Montreal, for The Hymnary (1930).  The words compare the coming of spring to the new life found in being a follower of Christ.  As we move through this time between seasons, we live in the sure knowledge that spring will come and bring new life, just as the Spirit comes to bring us new life in Christ.  The tune, DENBY, was published in England in the Methodist Hymn Book (1904).

Hear the hymn at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX3EWoD8ZXI

“He Will See You Through” 

“He will see you through; He’s promised.
He will see you through.
He will be for you a refuge,
He will see you through.
He will be your peace in the night.
He will be your strength in the fight.
He will see you through; He loves you.
He will see you through.

Our God is merciful and He is might.
He knows your need before you even call.
He is faithful to carry every burden.
He is able to see you through it all.

When we can’t see an answer, God’s still working.
His plan is greater than we can conceive.
He is faithful to carry out His purpose.
He is ready to meet your deepest need.

He will see you through…”

The words and music for this week’s anthem are by Ron and Cheryll Cochran (2003). The words of the song are a beautiful assurance of God’s faithfulness through the many challenges in our life’s journey.  God is always with us.

“These Lenten Gifts We Bring”

“These Lenten gifts we bring,
Our living faith expressed,
We offer them, most lovingly,
And thus our hearts are blessed.

O loving God receive
These gifts we gladly give,
That show our faith and hope and trust;
Your way we seek to live.”

Our Lenten offering response uses the tune FRANCONIA (VU #542), which was written by Johann Balthasar Konig (1738) and adapted by William Henry Havergal (1847).

“Grace Alone”

“Every promise we can make,
Every prayer and step of faith,
Every difference we will make
Is only by His grace.

Every mountain we will climb,
Every ray of hope we shine,
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace.

Grace alone which God supplies,
Strength unknown He will provide.
Christ in us, our Cornerstone,
We will go forth in grace alone.

Every soul we long to reach,
Every heart we hope to teach,
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace.

Every loving word we say,
Every tear we wipe away,
Every sorrow turned to praise
Is only by His grace.

Grace alone which God supplies,
Strength unknown He will provide.
Christ in us, our Cornerstone,
We will go forth in grace alone.”

Our closing song was written by Scott Wesley Brown and Jeff Nelson. As we leave our time of worship, we go knowing that everything we say or do is by God’s grace.  We are not alone.

Hear the song at:  https://youtu.be/b6lhilgWXIE

“May the Christ Who Walks on Wounded Feet” 

“May the Christ who walks on wounded feet
Travel with you all your journey through.
May you see Christ’s face in all you meet
And may all you meet see Christ’s face in you.”

Our benediction response was written by Allan Baer in 2013 and arranged by S. Porter. The words are adapted from a traditional Celtic prayer.

Hear the song at: May the Christ Who Walks WPUC

Bonus video: CAN THESE BONES LIVE? – David & Dale MacGregor