Notes on the Notes – November 6, 2022

Remembrance Sunday

Music for this service will be led by The Harmony Singers.

This week’s music: 

“Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” (VU #684)

“Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your healing power,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.

O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
In giving of ourselves that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.”

The “Prayer of Saint Francis,” is a widely known Christian prayer for peace.  It has been attributed to St. Francis and was likely written around 1220, just over 800 years ago.  It has been frequently set to music by notable songwriters and quoted by prominent leaders, and its broadly inclusive language has found appeal with diverse faiths encouraging service to others.  The prayer was heavily publicized during both World War I and World War II.  The hymn is an anthem of the Royal British Legion and is often sung at Remembrance Day services.

Hear the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI1Gst7pEqc

Hear the interfaith medley from the musical “Come From Away” that includes the hymn at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO8uT90qNoQ

“Come and Fill Our Hearts” (MV #16)

“Come and fill our hearts with your peace.
You alone, O Lord, are holy.
Come and fill our hearts with your peace,
Alleluia.”

This short song of centering and healing prayer comes from the Taize Community, with music by Jacques Berthier (1982).

Take a few moments to relax and breathe at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYfW2BBtAos

“Peace for the Children” 

“Peace for the children, peace, peace.
Peace for the children we pray.
Following the path of One of peace,
We work for healing, we work for peace;
Peace for the children today.

Peace for all people,…

Peace in our families,…

Peace for the nations,…

Dona nobis pacem.
Dona nobis pacem,
Dona nobis pacem,
Dona nobis pacem we pray.

Peace for all creatures,…

Peace for our planet,…

Peace in the cosmos, peace, peace.
Peace in the cosmos we pray.
Following the path of One of peace,
We work for healing, we work for peace;
Peace in the cosmos today.

We pray.
For peace.”

This week’s anthem was written by Doreen Lankshear-Smith in 1993.  We will be using an arrangement by Jason Locke (2020). The Latin words “dona nobis pacem” translate to “give us peace.”

“Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands” (MV #173 v. 1, 2, 3, 5)

“Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it,
Protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.

Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectation;
Be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.

Put peace into each other’s hands like bread we break for sharing;
Look people warmly in the eye; our life is meant for caring.

Reach out in friendship, stay with faith in touch with those around you.
Put peace into each other’s hands; the Peace that sought and found you.”

This hymn with words by Fred Kaan and lyrics by Ron Klusmeier was first published in 2004.  The original title was “Hands Shaped Like a Cradle.”  The hymn is often used for interfaith worship or communion.

“May the God of Peace” (MV #224) 

“May the God of peace and of all good,
May the God of peace and of all good
Be always with you.  Amen!
May God’s peace be with you.  Amen!”

This traditional Goun song comes from the country of Benin in Africa.  It’s original title is “Na Jijoho jijoho ni tin.”  The song was translated to English by S. T. Kimbrough, Jr.