Music for the Sixth Sunday of Easter: May 26, 2019

Prelude: Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal   arr. Dan Edwards (St. Mark’s Ringers)

This great hymn had its genesis in shape note singing, a phenomenon that came to the United States from England in the 18^th century. In this hymn we hear echoes of the Revelation reading as the redeemed sing “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah to the Lamb. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Glory to the great I Am."

Detail from a window at Christ Lutheran Church in Bexley, Ohio

Gathering Hymn: All Glory Be to God on High (Allein Gott in der Höh) ELW 410

This brisk, rhythmic hymn is a Lutheran favorite. It comes from the pen of Nikolaus Decius (1485-1541), a German monk, Protestant reformer, and hymn writer.  Most singers would never guess that Decius chose the music from a 10^th century chant of the Gloria in excelcis Deo.

Hymn of the Day: Glorious Things of You Are Spoken (Blaenwern) ELW 647

Musical Offering: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing arr. Michael Larkin

Warrenton is another tune from the shape note singing schools. You’ll recognize Robert Robinson’s text from ELW with an added refrain of “I am bound for the kingdom will you go to glory with me? Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!”

Communion Hymns:

First Lutheran Church
San Diego, California

Come and Fill Our Hearts (Confitemini Domino) ELW 528

The Taizé community is the source of this sung prayer.  We’ll sing it several times.  Try to sing it from the hymnal once or twice, then set the book down and sing it by heart. It’s a simple prayer for our hearts to be filled with peace.

The music of Taizé has found its away around the world.  Services include scripture readings, prayer, intentional silence, and the singing of these unique chants. In many cases the chant is sung while cantors sings verses and instrumentalists play obligato parts over the assembly’s singing. Candles and icons are also often included during these contemplative services.

Jerusalem, My Happy Home (Land of Rest) ELW 628

Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song (Bridegroom) ELW 403 

Peace and the Holy Spirit are both promised by Jesus in today’s gospel reading - and both are important parts of this modern hymn.

Sending Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (Houston) ELW 815

Postlude: I Know That My Redeemer Lives setting, Charles Callahan