Notes on the Notes – May 21, 2023

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Ascension Sunday

This week’s music:

“Come and Find the Quiet Centre” (VU #374)

“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.

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.

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 spare!”

This hymn was written by Shirley Erena Murray for a Presbyterian Women’s Conference on the theme of “Making Space.”  In our busy and chaotic world, it is a reminder to take the time to “be at peace, and simply be.”

Listen to a beautiful choral rendition of this song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jukLcHj3BA&list=RDPjB5-97zKaw&index=5

“The Church is Wherever God’s People” (VU #579)

“The church is wherever God’s people are praising,
Singing God’s goodness for joy on this day.
The church is wherever disciples of Jesus
remember his story and walk in his way.

The church is wherever God’s people are helping,
Caring for neighbours in sickness and need.
The church is wherever God’s people are sharing
the words of the Bible in gift and in deed.”

The simple lyrics of this hymn remind us that “church” is not about the church building, but that we can be the church wherever we are by our words and actions as God’s people.   The words were written by Carol Rose Ikeler in 1959. The tune is based on a traditional English carol,  “Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day.”  The arrangement used in Voices United was made for The Hymn Book (1971) by F.R.C. Clarke, composer and organist at Sydenham Street United Church in Kingston, Ontario.

Enjoy listening to a string arrangement of the tune at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t6HhlbNlL4

“O Christ When You Ascended”

“O Christ, when you ascended, you took your rightful throne;
Your time on earth had ended – yet we weren’t left alone.
You reign o’er earth and heaven; your Spirit guides our way.
Your prayers uphold you people; you lead your church each day.

We look at earthly rulers and see what they command:
We note their years of power, the borders of their land.
Yet, Lord, you are not bounded by things like time and space;
Your reign is never-ending, you rule in every place.

We’re tempted, Lord, to leave you in stories nicely told;
Sometimes we don’t believe you and say your ways are old.
Sometimes we feel so lonely and live in doubt and fear – 
But your ascension means, Lord, you’re present with us here.

It’s often quite a challenge to follow in your Way;
We’re easily distracted!  It’s hard, Lord, to obey.
Sometimes we give you Sundays – an hour, maybe two – 
But your ascension means, Lord, all life belongs to you.

One day, O Lord, we’ll know you, as we are fully known;
One day this world of sinners will bow before your throne.
One day, God’s whole creation will sing and praise your name;
On earth as now in heaven, we’ll celebrate your reign.”

This ascension hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette was written in 2007.  The words reference the readings from Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:1-11, making a connection to our struggles as Christians today.  We will be using the tune, ELLACOMBE, which may be familiar as the tune for the Palm Sunday hymn, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna.”

“As We Come Together”

“As we come together to worship Christ the Lord,
Let us now join hand in hand with hearts in one accord.
Let us lift one mighty voice and sing to Him our praise.
Let us come together and glorify His name.

For we are His children, surrounded by His love,
Filled with His goodness and grace from above.
United in His Spirit, following His truth.
Let the whole world hear it.  Lord, we worship You.

Faith is strengthened as we find the riches in His word,
Sharing burdens, sharing joys in things we’ve seen and heard. 
Feeling deep within our hearts the peace that God can give.
Going forth, renewed we serve; our lives we give to Him. 

For we are His children, surrounded by His love,
Filled with His goodness and grace from above.
United in His Spirit,  following His truth.
Let the whole world hear it.  Lord, we worship You.
Lord, we worship You.”

Today’s anthem is by Stan Pethel (1988).  The words bring us back to the “why” of worship. We come to worship as God’s children, gathering together to learn, form community, and go into the world to serve.

“What Can I Do?” (MV #191)

“What can I do?  What can I bring?
What can I say?  What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy.  I’ll say a prayer.
I’ll bring my love.  I’ll do my share”

This joyful song of offering and dedication was written by Paul Rumbolt and Michele McCarthy (2005). The arrangement in More Voices is by Alan C. Whitmore.

“Take My Life and Let it Be” (VU #506)

“Take my life, and let it be consecrated, all for thee;
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.

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.

Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from thee;
Take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.

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.

Take my love: and I will pour at thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.”

This hymn was written by Frances Ridley Havergal early in 1874 to celebrate a period of religious awakening at a household where she was visiting.  The words express our commitment of our entires selves to God.  The anonymous tune is derived from the “Kyrie” of a mass long thought to have been composed by Mozart.

Hear the hymn sung with piano accompaniment at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf11rReeWIs

“Amen, Hallelujah” (VU #974)

“Amen! Amen! Hallelujah, amen!
Amen! Amen! Hallelujah, amen!”

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

Thank you to The Worship Choir for providing music leadership this week.