tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30398896405557758272024-02-08T12:36:47.244-06:00Knowing the ScoreThe Music Ministry of College Church in WheatonKnowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-4967078773887484752011-07-25T13:07:00.000-05:002011-07-25T13:07:44.403-05:00Relocation<strong><em>Knowing the Score </em></strong>has moved to the family of blogs at the College Church website. Click <a href="http://blog.college-church.org/category/knowing-the-score/">here</a> to get to that page. <br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-25166825388834909572011-01-05T11:19:00.000-06:002011-01-05T11:19:32.787-06:00A new year and a new venture<em>Knowing the Score</em> is going on hiatus for 6 months. It's author is going on sabbatical beginning 10 January 2011. And, really, nothing else about the music ministry of College Church is going to shut down or slow down!<br />
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I have been granted the very generous gift of a 6-month sabbatical. It is all the more generous for being my second sabbatical at College Church. (Now in my 26th year of full time music ministry, this will be my <em>3rd</em> sabbatical. I had a 6-week sabbatical - which I squeezed into 9 weeks - at my previous church.) Let me say here that I am very mindful of the grace this represents. Almost none of you reading this can imagine a job that even holds the prospect for time away like this. I do not at all take it for granted. I simply accept it with thanksgiving and commit to making the best use of the time, and return with fervor, ideas, and energy for the next season of my ministry here at College Church.<br />
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Some readers may question the whole concept of a sabbatical from ministry. I seriously understand that. But I won't defend the concept or my making use of it. (I <em>can </em>defend it, but that is kind of pointless.) <br />
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What is a sabbatical for? It is for study, reflection, rest, and preparation for continued ministry. So, how will I make use of the time away?<br />
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First - the bulk of my time will be spent in formal graduate theological training. I have been accepted into Wheaton College Graduate School, to work toward the M.A. in Historical Theology. I will be enrolled as a full-time student for the spring semester. Long term, I expect to poke away at this program and finish it on a part-time basis while back in the saddle here at church. <br />
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Then - I will also be investigating and visiting a few churches with well developed, intentional and purposeful music internships. We have been blessed here at College Church with quite a few excellent interns over the years. These have developed more or less in response to a particular interest or a particular need. Many of the interns have "done music" and also taken part in the pastoral ministry intern training. All well and good. I think it is time for the church to launch a more formalized annual internship with a standard curriculum and learning/leading opportunities. So I hope to return from sabbatical with a clear plan, a concrete proposal, and the wherewithal to lead it in the coming years.<br />
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And also - yes, there will be some rest built in. It's hard to explain how "working Sundays" affects family and personal routines. <strong><em>Many readers</em></strong> build their weeks around their commitments on Sundays - and I am profoundly grateful for that, not to mention dependent on it! But the reality is that of course any one of you <em>may </em>choose to opt out on any given commitment, or even take the summer off (for example). Ministry familes don't really have a normal experience of "weekends." So there is that, to begin with. Beyond that, I will be training (again!) for the Big Sur Marathon, and enjoying cycling. I will enjoy some leisure reading in addition to my formal theological study. And Karen and I will get out to see our kids and friends along the way.<br />
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What about church? Well, we expect to settle into a local congregation, as parishioners, and have a church home-away-from-home when we are not away and/or visiting other churches. <br />
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So, that's that. This space will be more or less dormant until I return. For those masochists who want to keep up with my writing, you will find me at my professional blog <a href="http://tedecethymnus.blogspot.com/">http://tedecethymnus.blogspot.com/</a> and at my personal blog <a href="http://chuckking.blogspot.com/">http://chuckking.blogspot.com/</a>.<br />
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Blessings! I know that you will enjoy the music and leadership while I am away, and will with joy<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-23303513457885826022010-12-22T11:28:00.000-06:002010-12-22T11:28:30.263-06:00a lot like ChristmasAs I write this morning, it is 24 hours until my first Christmas airport run. By the end of the day Thursday (12/23) Karen and I will be enjoying a house filled with our grown kids, a baby-sat cat, and boisterous conversation and laughter. A lot like Christmas, to us!<br />
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Christmas Eve we will wake up and some of us, at least, will structure the morning to be sure to catch the live broadcast of "A Service of <a href="http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html">Nine Lessons and Carols</a>" from King's College, Cambridge. This is the most widely <a href="http://www.wfmt.com/main.taf?erube_fh=wttw&wttw.submit.EpisodeDetail=1&wttw.EpisodeID=22162&wttw.Channel=WFMT">broadcast radio</a> event of the year, world-wide, and the largest radio audience. Sort of like the World Cup of Christmas Eve music and worship, except it is the same "team" each year and there is no one else on the field. So, I guess really it isn't much like the World Cup ... except for the vast numbers that tune into it.<br />
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Our kids have grown up with Christmas Eve being built around Dad's work. They have participated in many a service themselves (lots of stories there!) and they have also patiently waited for some aspects of our celebration dinner on that night. This is our 15th Christmas at College Church, and our Christmas Eve dinner has a rhythm to it that connects us all to our years in Minnesota. It is when our family Christmas begins in earnest.<br />
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We used to attend a very special Christmas play, in St. Paul, MN. "<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=22SxKSDEgLcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=langston+hughes+black+nativity&source=bl&ots=fuPZaLln3C&sig=J0Yw4R7hLHUpcbgMrPr6c23jiDU&hl=en&ei=HTMSTZeZC8einQe8u9GDDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false">The Black Nativity</a>" combines the words of the Christmas story from the King James, some poetry by Langston Hughes, and a dozen or more traditional, spiritual, and gospel Christmas songs. It is a glorious mix, and when I say "our dinner has a rhythm to it," I am not only speaking metaphorically!<br />
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Christmas 1995: we did not know this was going to be our last Christmas in Minnesota. We were just making a complicated evening work between services and keeping up a family tradition. For the first time (and as far as I know, the only time), "The Black Nativity" was broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio. We had just enough time after our early service to get home, turn on the radio, and pop in a cassette tape. We had to tape the program, because Dad needed to head back to church before the 90-minute broadcast would conclude. It was a clear, brisk, starry night with perfect radio reception, and we snagged a very sharp recording. Which we labeled and put away.<br />
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Christmas 1996: our first in Wheaton, and after the early service we all got home and started to lay out the traditional Christmas Eve smorgasborg. Karen found our "Black Nativity" tape - unplayed for the full year - and as we set the table and finished up in the kitchen, we were transported back not only to the previous C. Eve, but to all the times we had attended the play. This became "a lot like Christmas" for us. It became official then (I probably made a rule. <a href="http://collegechurchmusic.blogspot.com/2010/12/everywhere-you-go.html">I love to make rules</a>) - "Black Nativity" shall only be played once a year, on Christmas Eve. <br />
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So that is the scene, every December 24. Mom and Dad return from the family service, and the kids have got out this year's new candle holder for the center of the table. (Always a "surprise" from Dad to Mom.) "Black Nativity" is all cued up, and to the opening <em>a cappella</em> strains of the black preacher, "Come, ye disconsolate," we hit our stride (literally) of preparation. By the time the alto sings "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" we are sitting down at the table, pause the tape [which we have since transferred to CD to preserve its quality!] to light our Christ candle, and then we eat and sing and laugh and dance to the Christmas story as re-told in word and song by recently freed slaves in a barn <em>cum</em> church <em>cum</em> Bethlehem with Mary, Joseph, townsfolk, shepherds and all. <br />
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I'm told that there is the chance that at least one of our grown children might actually listen to her recording of "Black Nativity" before Christmas Eve. But you know, I choose to doubt it.<br />
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Check the links above to learn how to tune in to hear "Lessons and Carols" from King's College (WFMT or live streaming audio). Then sit down with a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, and a scone, and enjoy 90 glorious minutes of worship! It's Friday at 9am central standard time. And at the appropriate times with the congregation sitting in that cold chapel,<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-76178462103189365402010-12-01T10:19:00.000-06:002010-12-01T10:19:08.932-06:00Everywhere you go'Tis the season! Today there is a light dusting of snow in progress as I write. Not enough, yet, to complicate life, but enough to show up on the grass and trees. The northern European, Currier & Ives, Norman Rockwell images of Christmas are starting to come into focus once again. "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" and "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" - everywhere you go!<br />
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On the internet, too, Christmas standards are showing up as viral videos. A couple of columns ago I posted a flashmob video that brings together two of my passions - choir and bicycles. By now most of you will have seen at least one of the "Hallelujah Chorus" flashmob videos. Choir insinuates itself into a crowded public space, recorded orchestra kicks in, and voila! this shopper and that mom and the other custodian are actually choristers who regale the unsuspecting crowd with a glorious Handel chorus. It really <em>is </em>inspiring, and I can't see these without a lump in my throat and without wondering, "could we pull that off?" So far, the videos are everywhere you go, but I don't know anyone who has been present in an actual flashmob scene.<br />
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But also everywhere you go, if you have the ears for it, you may hear the Gospel being sung in unusual places. Unabashedly clear, classic Christmas carols and hymns proclaim, "Christ the Savior is born!" and "Sweet little Jesus boy - we didn't know who you was" and "Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die ... born to give us second birth." Lately I find myself praying in those places, "Lord, give people ears to hear these words! Then take them some place they can do something about it."<br />
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We have a number of occasions to be that place where people who hear Christmas music can take the next step in understanding and responding to its Gospel message. The children's choirs festival, "The Christmas Gift" is an excellent guest event, with the Gospel winsomely and clearly presented by our children. The carol service, "Enter In," likewise has a clear message which listeners may "enter into" by singing familiar carols. Pastor Moody will help connect the Christmas-Gospel dots with a few comments in that service. Then the annual Christmas Communion service explores and celebrates the twin themes: God With Us/God For Us, or Incaration/Atonement, with a Christmas service that takes place around the communion table. A full, rich picture of the Gospel. <br />
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Not to mention the Christmas Eve services. Christmas Eve is the greatest "guest service" of the year across America. More un-churched people will be in a church that evening than on Easter morning. And we have some beautiful services - precious metal into which is set the jewel of the gospel.<br />
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Many of you will participate musically in one or more of these services and events. I encourage all of us to invite others to attend:<br />
Dec. 5 - 6pm - "The Christmas Gift" with the Children's Choirs and College Church Singers<br />
Dec. 12 - 6pm - "Enter In" with the Chancel Choir and Orchestra<br />
Dec. 19 - 6pm - Christmas Communion<br />
Christmas Eve services on Friday, De.c 24, at 4pm (for families with young children), 8 and 11pm (candlelight services).<br />
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The music is everywhere you go. And so is the Gospel! Enjoy it as you<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-77298405721414062502010-11-17T12:37:00.001-06:002010-11-17T13:04:02.079-06:00Gettin' ReadyMy grown children still suffer under the parental edict banning the playing of Christmas music before the day after Thanksgiving. I won't say they don't listen - but I know they feel guilty if they do, or they feel they have to justify it! And to be honest, I think they have come to appreciate the edict and enjoy its payoff on what shoppers call "Black Friday." We stay home and make it a day of light.<br />
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I mean, how else to make "Advent" a season of preparation? How else to guard against being jaded against the glut of Christmas music?<br />
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To be honest, the ban began long ago in our home. Because I have to listen to the music and prepare scores then rehearse pieces for choir, I just didn't want to hear more of it at home. Pretty selfish, eh? But then the day after Thanksgiving became this magic day in our home. The LPs - then the tapes, and then the CDs, and now the iTunes - come out, the stereos are turned up to "11" and the decorations come out. After Thanksgiving Friday, the next time we will all be together will be our festive Christmas Eve dinner - when again the stereo will accompany our preparations and draw us together with music and drama of the Nativity. (More on <em>that night</em> later this season.)<br />
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One of my sons prompted this reflection today by sending me a link to a new song by Paul Simon, "Gettin' Ready." Pat's subject heading, "for the day after Thanksgiving," was his nod to the ban. But I'm sure he knew I was hooked when I saw the link to a Paul Simon song. (Busted - I am a huge Simon fan.) My self-justification is that (a) I am at work and free to listen to Christmas music any time I need to; and (b) it isn't a Christmas song, <em>per se</em>, but an Advent song! <br />
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Yes, perhaps my children have also learned from me to how to justify breaking the ban.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2010/11/15/131334776/paul-simon-s-new-christmas-song?ft=1&f=15709577">here</a> to hear "Gettin' Ready" and ... um,<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-32293018535298483132010-10-20T10:07:00.000-05:002010-10-20T10:07:45.176-05:00Doxological EvangelismThat's a fancy term for what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 14 - the passage to be preached this coming Sunday morning. Making his way to the end of his teaching on the spiritual gifts, Paul walks that discussion into the gathering that we call "worship." Here, he says, is what the exercise of gifts looks like on Sunday morning (as it were)!<br />
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"Doxological evangelism" is a phrase gaining broad use these days. It pretty much means that when believers engage in authentic gathered worship, and unbelievers see us at it, our worship has an evangelistic impact.\: from our praise (doxology) to their confession of faith (evangelism). <br />
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The passage walks the Corinthian church through the questions and issues related to speaking in tongues. Paul argues that plain words of proclamation (prophecy) have a greater impact on hearers, believers and unbelievers alike. We take this to mean, in our context, that our reading, praying, and preaching must be both faithful to the scripture <em>and </em>understandable to those who are not yet believers.<br />
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How does this apply to music? Well, first we note that Paul uses musical examples throughout this chapter:<br />
<em>If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? </em>(1 Cor. 14:7-8) And in the next paragraph: <em>What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.</em> (v. 15) Now, these are just examples Paul gives, but note that with them he has introduced music into the discussion. And - this is an observation that begs further exploration - he does so in a way that explains his transitional verse, 14:26. For which, read on!<br />
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The "end game" of Paul's argument about understandability is this: <em>But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. </em>(vv. 24-25) That is "doxological evangelism." But, you say, the chapter is about prophecy versus tongues. How does music fit in?<br />
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1 Cor. 14:26-27: <em>What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a </em>hymn<em>, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let</em> all things <em>be done for building up</em>. (emphasis added) In our worship, and in our worship's evangelistic potential, singing plays a part. The things brought into the gathering include "a hymn" - which is useful along with all the other gifts in this list, "for building up." This hymn, then, is also a feature of the total impact on the unbeliever in the assembly. It must meet the same criteria as the lesson, revelation, tongue/interpretation. It is to be, in other words, prophetic.<br />
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This is why we take such care with what we sing. It is also why we choose the ways we sing. We want all who assemble to be able to sing with clarity the words chosen to be sung. Great care, and much prayer, has to guide these choices so that the church is built even through our singing, and that those "looking in" will see God among us!<br />
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A fascinating connection, which I am just now seeing: In 1 Cor. 14:7, Paul mentions the flute and harp. In verse 26 he mentions hymns. The AV and NAS translate (transliterate?) the word driectly from Greek: <em>psalm</em>. The New Testament uses two words for the verb "to sing" - in effect "to psalm" which implies instrumental and vocal music together, and "to sing" which is never used in relation to instruments. So, for example, in Ephesians Eph. 5:19, we read: <em>addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and psalming </em>[making melody] <em>to the Lord with all your heart ...</em> Well, a little tidbit which I am beginning to think is not "trivia" but further insight into the Corinthian church. Were there instruments at use? It is entirely possible. And these, too, as in the Temple, may be a part of our doxological evangelism.<br />
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<em><strong>Sing on!</strong></em>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-11794567899983794112010-10-14T08:25:00.000-05:002010-10-14T08:25:47.333-05:00Two PassionsWell, I saw <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARwZ3scXQ7U">this</a> some time ago, and then again recently. The first time, it was posted on a choral music site. More recently on a bicycling forum. It gets me because it brings together two things I enjoy quite a bit. <br />
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And while it isn't the kind of choir that I'll ever direct (or that most of you will likely sing in), it is inspiring.<br />
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I often dream of a musical bicycling ministry team - think Italy, or China, on bikes!<br />
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Lately, the "flashmob" thing has me wondering ... what might happen closer to home? How crazy is that?<br />
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Enjoy, and <br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-67810760215226656072010-10-05T11:19:00.000-05:002010-10-05T11:19:58.622-05:00Hymn MakersI came to College Church, 14 years ago, from a church with three morning services, in two styles. We had made a real attempt to present a contemporary service with substance, with the same values as our more traditional service. It was a challenge - usually a fun challenge - to present the same themes in two related but distinct services. <br />
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Ultimately, it was a failure. 14 years ago, it was almost impossible to adequtely present many biblical themes with real substance, using only contemporary materials. We could sing "our God is an awesome God," but could not go deeply and sing that he is "immortal, invisible, God only wise." I heard one songwriter in the praise and worship genre say that after his songs became more theologically thoughtful, publishers became less interested in them. (Happily, this man ended up in a church pastored by a friend of mine, who continued to encourage him to write deeply!) It was discouraging. So coming to College Church with its passionate commitment to hymn singing was refreshing and invigorating.<br />
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I still have no interest in what is called "contemporary worship" (whatever is meant by that), and there is still a lot of dreck being put forth for use in that medium. But I am happy to say that the past decade has brought a lot more depth, substance, and historical material into the contemporary arena. In particular, "old hymns" have been "re-discovered" and cast into new forms for singing by congregations of all ages. In most cases, these settings even preserve the old language!<br />
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Granted, even in that trend there are at least as many misses as hits. There are still worship-leading-guitar-players who lack the melodic craft to produce a melody that people can and want to sing for years to come. I don't worry about that. Review old hymnals, compare them to newer hymnals, and you will see that over time the church does a pretty good job of sifting through dreadful material, and to leave the truly timeless in our hands. Thank God for that work of the Spirit among us! And ask him for the discernment of <em>your </em>music leadership to make good decisions week after week.<br />
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It's refreshing to know that it isn't only the "contemporary" church that is writing and learning new melodies for old texts. Open in front of me as I write is a collection called "The Hymn Makers," which the Chancel Choir will receive in this week's rehearsals. In it are settings of hymns by Charles Wesley, John Newton, Isaac Watts and William Cowper, with new melodies by Christopher Norton. Of the 9 texts in the book, only 1 is reasonably well known: Cowper's "God moves in a mysterious way." Another text is becoming well known by means of that guitar-driven movement mentioned above - a good idea to get young people singing this great Newton text, but not providing a worthy tune for it. You may trust me on this.<br />
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Beyond that, this collection gives life to hymns that are not appearing in modern hymnals, but that I would hope we do not lose in our worship repertoire. Here is the first of those hymns, which the Choir will be singing in worship sometime this Fall. Some of you will know these words (and our new tune) from Greg Wheatley's program "Sound of Majesty" Thanks, Greg!<br />
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<strong>Let us love and sing and wonder</strong>, <br />
let us sing the Savior's name!<br />
He has hushed the law's loud thunder, <br />
he has quenched Mount Sinai's flame:<br />
He has washed us with his blood, <br />
he has brought us nigh to God.<br />
Let us love, the Lord who bought us, <br />
pitied us when enemies,<br />
called us by his greace and taught us, <br />
gave us ears and gave us eyes:<br />
He has washed us with his blood, <br />
he presents our souls to God.<br />
Let us sing, though fierce temptations <br />
threaten hard to bear us down!<br />
For the Lord, our strong salvation, <br />
holds in view the conqueror's crown:<br />
He who washed us with his blood <br />
soon will bring us home to God.<br />
Let us wonder; grace and justice <br />
join, and point to mercy's store;<br />
when through grace in Christ our trust is, <br />
justice smiles, and asks no more.<br />
He who washed us with his blood <br />
has secured our way to God.<br />
Let us praise, and join the chorus <br />
of the saints enthroned on high;<br />
here they trusted him before us. <br />
Now their praises fill the sky:<br />
"Thou hast washed us with Thy blood; <br />
Thou art worthy, Lamb of God."<br />
<div align="right">John Newton</div><br />
New songs or old, there's always something to learn and love.<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-28827437405309280022010-09-15T10:04:00.000-05:002010-09-15T10:04:01.566-05:00And now a word from our readersIn a move that might be seen as abdication, I want to invite readers of <em>Knowing the Score</em> to consider <strong>contributing</strong> to <em>Knowing the Score.</em> Here's why, what, and how ...<br />
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WHY?<br />
<ul><li>After 14 years of writing this column, I feel I am not offering as much as I'd like to.</li>
<li>During a very busy season of life and ministry, it is not as easy to get to the column each week, and I find that I am not as fresh as I'd like to be, when I do sit down to write.</li>
<li>I am learning that an engaging feature of "blogs" is the community that can develop through them. At some point this year, through our church website, this blog format will change and this page will become much more interactive and communal. </li>
<li>In the meantime, I invite all who may be interested to submit material for posting here. And I look forward to reading what others may bring!</li>
</ul>WHAT? <br />
<ul><li>Contrary to my own practice, blog entries need not be lengthy, wordy, mini-sermons or rants! Some of my favorite blogs to read are short, pithy, clear, and often they point to something found elsewhere (an article, a video, a song, etc.)</li>
<li>Some ground-rules and expectations: 1) entries must be under 500 words in length, not including the quotation of scripture, hymns, or sacred songs. 2) entries may be biblical, theological, hymnological, liturgical, or observational. 3) entries should have some connection to private, devotional, or gathered worship, whether specifically musical or not.</li>
<li>In general we will look for stand-alone (one-off) submissions. But ideas for a series will be entertained. </li>
<li>My role as pastor/editor: I retain the right to edit contributions. I do not promise or guarantee that I will print whatever is submitted. I may return an item with suggestions or questions, and invite you to re-submit it. </li>
</ul>HOW?<br />
<ul><li>Contributions may be sent to me through this email address: <a href="mailto:music@college-church.org">music@college-church.org</a> </li>
<li>Articles may be in a Word document, or in the body of an email.</li>
<li> Embedded photos or video will be welcomed. </li>
</ul>The College Church website is currently under revision. In its new form, it will have a much simpler interactive page for <em>Knowing the Score</em>. In that format, contributions to the blog will be much more organic, more widely shared, and ultimately I hope contributed to and updated with a greater frequency. It will be easier to leave a comment, and in fact will even be able to foster (foment?) online conversations on posts. <br />
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I'm eager to see what <em>you </em>have to bring to our shared ministry on this page. Meanwhile, I'll continue to write as well. So you see, it's not a complete abdication!<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong><br />
P.S. - not counting this p.s., this post is 458 words long. That gives you an idea of maximum lengthKnowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-90797205516226028362010-08-18T15:20:00.000-05:002010-08-18T15:20:43.971-05:00Planted and SingingI had occasion this summer, on two Sundays, to attend services with our church plant congregations. I'm glad to report that congregational song is alive and well in these newer, younger, churches. Fellowship was warm and vibrant, the preaching was good, and I felt very much at home in both settings.<br />
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Many of you know that our first church plant, Holy Trinity Church, Chicago (Hyde Park) has now <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhizome">rhizomed</a> (not a real verb, sorry) three additional congregations: Downtown, West side and North side. More are sure to come as the church reaches into more and more of the city's neighborhoods and communities. I have yet to visit the newest, on the north side. But in every setting of Holy Trinity I have sensed the "DNA" of College Church, expressed appropriate to their settings, membership, and outreach focus. And they all have music presented with satisfying quality.<br />
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Our closest church is New Covenant, in Naperville. This church is closest in several ways: chronologically, geographically, service structure and feel, and personnel! You will recall that a significant number of musicians were core members in New Covenant, and it really shows in their services. Even in the middle of July, the service had a nice "College Church" feel to it. <br />
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The musical styles were quite different between these two experiences. But in both places, music worked as ministry of the Word, and at the Holy Trinity service Downtown I was reminded of a great Charles Wesley hymn text which we need to be sure to sing in the coming weeks. Now, I have to say ... we will <em>not </em>be singing it to the tune and arrangement used downtown. (That's another issue altogether!) But it is a potent hymn, and I am eager to have our own congregation sing it soon. (Yes, I'll say it ... to a better tune.)<br />
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<strong>Arise, my soul, arise, </strong><br />
shake off your guilty fears;<br />
the bleeding Sacrifice <br />
in my behalf appears; <br />
before the throne my Surety stands, <br />
my name is written on his hands.<br />
He ever lives above, <br />
for me to intercede,<br />
his all-redeeming love, <br />
his precious blood to plead;<br />
his blood atoned for every race, <br />
and sprinkles now the throne of grace.<br />
Five bleeding wounds he bears, <br />
received on Calvary;<br />
they pour effectual prayers, <br />
they strongly plead for me.<br />
"Forgive him, oh forgive," they cry, <br />
"nor let that ransomed sinner die!"<br />
My God is reconciled; <br />
his pardoning voice I hear;<br />
he owns me for his child, <br />
I can no longer fear;<br />
with confidence I now draw nigh, <br />
and "Father, Abba, Father!" cry.<br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Wesley, 1742 (alt. 1961)</span></div><br />
And now, as I type these words out, I realize why they have stuck with me so strongly over the past month. They resonate, they come from, they echo, the Romans 8 passage of our Anchor Memory program!<br />
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Our newest church plant is beginning to pick up steam. It will be in Lombard, with Pastor Jeff Brewer. Jeff is warm-hearted, dynamic, engaging ... and a real hymn lover. We can look forward to hearing, and singing, the ministry of the Word, with our friends in <a href="http://churchplantpastor.org/2010/04/08/lombard/">Lombard</a> from this coming Easter. <br />
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By the way, in case you didn't click the link above: a <em>rhizome </em>is a characteristically horizontal stem of a plant, growing beneath or along the ground, from which new shoots of a plant take root and grow. Rhizomes are why it's almost impossible for us to get rid of the ribbon grass in my back yard. On the positive side, rhizomes are how certain herbs and perennial flowers keep flourishing. It is a good metaphor for a church plant, <em>and </em>for our own witness of the gospel. <br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-92042066759175093312010-08-11T10:58:00.000-05:002010-08-11T10:58:47.802-05:00The well built churchI didn't set out to run a mini-series of Scandanavian hymns. But after last week's "promise" of a Danish hymn, I may as well in fact complete the summer that way!<br />
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This summer I have been teaching on the subject of "worship" to the young adult congregation. It has been a wide-ranging discussion, from Romans 12 - our lives as worship - to the Psalm headings and what they may teach us about music in worship. From "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" to the tension between the Regulative and Hooker principles for worship. I've had a lot of fun, and I hope it has been helpful.<br />
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It is in the context of that teaching that this Danish hymn presents itself today. If you ask people to identify a "Danish hymn" - non-Danes are going to name this one. Oh, and by the way, don't be distracted by the <em>Norwegian </em>composer of the tune for this hymn: the political history of the Scandanavian countries is so intermingled that in this case it is hardly significant. (With apologies to Scandanavians, for whom nothing about those political histories is insignificant!) Ultimately, in Christ, even the Scandanavians are joined as one.<br />
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<strong>Built on the Rock the church doth stand,</strong><br />
even when steeples are falling;<br />
crumbled have spires in every land,<br />
bells still are chiming and calling,<br />
calling the young and old to rest, <br />
but above all the soul distressed,<br />
longing for life everlasting.<br />
Surely in temples made with hands,<br />
God the most high is not dwelling;<br />
high above earth his temple stands,<br />
all earthly temples excelling.<br />
Yet he whom heaven cannot contain<br />
chose to abide on earth with men,<br />
built in our bodies his temple.<br />
We are God's house of living stones,<br />
built for his own habitation;<br />
he fills our hearts, his humble thrones,<br />
granting us life and salvation;<br />
were two or three to seek his face,<br />
he in his midst would show his grace,<br />
blessings upon them bestowing.<br />
Now we may gather with our King<br />
even in the lowliest dwelling;<br />
praises to him we there may bring,<br />
his wondrous mercy forth-telling.<br />
Jesus his grace to us accords;<br />
Spirit and life are all his words;<br />
his truth doth hallow the temple.<br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nicolai F. S. Grundtvig (1837); </span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">trans. Carl Doving (1909); adapt. Fred C. M. Hansen (1927)</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Pastor Grundtvig was a contemporary of the Danish Christian philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, who told the story of a highly placed clergyman, preaching to a wealthy audience in the state church. "In the splendid cathedral, the high, well-born, highly honored, and worthy Geheime-General-Ober-Hof-Preacher [<em>note from CK: </em>here the author is dripping with sarcasm], the chosen darling of the important people, steps before a select circle of the select, and movingly sermonizes on a text chosen by himself, namely, 'God has chosen the lowly and despised of the earth'—and no one laughs." (quoted in Joachim Garff's biography of Kierkegaard) Today's hymn is in fact the appropriate "sermon hymn" for that pretentious preacher's text.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">In <em>that </em>spirit, in the <em>true </em>temple, </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong></div>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-64128401449919875682010-08-04T11:12:00.000-05:002010-08-04T11:12:46.696-05:00The Earth AdornedAt the risk of being mistaken as a Scandanavian (a risk I'm happy to take, by the way), this week's hymn again comes from the lands to the north. This time from Sweden (just to be fair). Denmark may well be next, but I'm not sure I have one from Finland or Lapland!<br />
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But first, these words from Warren Wiersbe: "In my early years as a Christian, I was often upset when I attended a service where 'creation hymns' were sung. 'The important thing is the cross!' I would argue. 'Let the liberals sing about the birds and flowers!' How wrong I was! I did not realize then as I do now that the God of creation and the God of salvation are the same God, and that these must not be divorced from each other." (<em>Real Worship</em>, p. 53. Pastor Wiersbe's book on worship explores the topic through the four songs in the Revelation. I am glad to see it is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Real-Worship-Playground-Battleground-Ground/dp/080106189X#_">still in print</a>!)<br />
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I have found this insight very helpful as a worship planner. It has reconciled me to the inner stanzas of "Fairest Lord Jesus," for example. (Though to be complete, that hymn requires its usually-omitted 4th stanza.) It has also helped me look at and consider the entire hymn text of "creation hymns." Do they end with creation itself, or point to the Creator? Of course, that is the crux of the matter (pun intended). <br />
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And so, to today's hymn, "The Earth Adorned (Psalm of Summer)" by Waldemar Ahlen. <br />
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<strong>The earth adorned </strong>in verdant robe<br />
sends praises upward surging,<br />
while soft winds breathe on fragrant flowers<br />
from winter now emerging.<br />
The sunshine bright gives warmth and light<br />
to budding blossoms tender,<br />
proclaiming summer splendor.<br />
From out the wood, the birds now sing<br />
and each its song now raises,<br />
to join with all the universe <br />
in voicing thankful praises.<br />
With hope and joy their songs employ<br />
a rapturous exultation<br />
in praise of God's creation.<br />
O God, amid these joys of life, <br />
creation's glory beaming,<br />
grant us the grace to keep your word<br />
and live in love redeeming.<br />
All flesh is grass, the flowers fade,<br />
and time is fleeting ever;<br />
God's word remains forever. <br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Waldeman Ahlen (trans. Carolyn and Kenneth Jennings)</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) 1934/1974 Walton Music Corporation</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div>Note how the text admires and respects the natural order. And how it turns our admiraion to "a rapturous exultation in praise of God's creation" - that is, from the creation to its Creator. And then in a very biblical turn, and without undoing this proper wonder in the face of natural beauty, it points us to what is truly everlasting. All flesh is grass, the flowers fade, time is fleeting - but the word of our God abides forever. Here is a proper and deep Christian "creation hymn." And an apt one for this time of year!<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-33121645380746424752010-07-21T11:35:00.000-05:002010-07-21T11:35:11.874-05:00GatheredWritten in 1929 by Norwegian Svein Ellingsen, the following hymn was provided with a new tune by Norwegian composer Egil Hovland in 1988, revised in 1993 anticipating the 1994 Winter Olympics in Oslo and given the tune name OLYMPIC HYMN. <br />
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It is an example of a hymn which, in the absence of any explicit reference to Jesus, can be put to work for a variety of purposes. As you read the text, you might for example see how apt an expression it could be for the winter games!<br />
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But it is a deeply Christian hymn, used in the church now for several generations. And for Christians who sing it, there is much to embrace about its message. We have used it here at College Church, in missions conferences. Why do I post it today? Well, it happens to be the next hymn up in my review for a project I'm working on. Hey, it works for me ...<br />
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<strong>Gathered in God's presence </strong>in fellowship and gladness,<br />
let us sing our praises and pray for all the nations. <br />
<em>Gathered in God's presence, gathered in his peace,</em><br />
<em>see a torch of promise lit within this place.</em><br />
Gathered in God's stillness, away from strife and unrest,<br />
we may share the brightness of hope with all the nations.<br />
<em>Gathered in God's presence, gathered in his peace,</em><br />
<em>see a torch of promise lit within this place.</em><br />
Gathered at God's altar and in the Spirit's presence<br />
we may share the calling to go to all the nations.<br />
<em>Gathered in God's presence, gathered in his peace,</em><br />
<em>see a torch of promise lit within this place.</em><br />
Gathered 'round God's calling we shall, as faithful servants,<br />
bear the flame now kindled as light to all the nations.<br />
<em>Gathered in God's presence, gathered in his peace,</em><br />
<em>see a torch of promise lit within this place.</em><br />
<div align="left" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Svein Ellingsen (1929), trans. Hedda Durnbaugh</span><div align="left"> </div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;">In his book, <em>Let the Nations Be Glad</em>, John Piper says "Missions exists because worship does not." That is to say, God is seeking worshipers, and the circle of true worshipers grows as the Gospel is spread through missions and evangelism. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Many are the stories of the missionary call coming in the context of worship. This is one thrust of today's hymn. But our worship itself has, and is meant to have, an evangelistic impact. So, St. Paul, speaking of worship done decently and in order, in the context of the vibrant sharing of the gifts of the Spirit, says: <em>if ... an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. </em>(1 Cor. 14:24-25) </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">For the sake of the Gospel and the conversion of those who worship with us, </div><div align="left"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong></div></div>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-29163637705428023122010-06-23T10:09:00.000-05:002010-06-23T10:09:53.674-05:00Gracious Spirit<strong>Gracious Spirit, dwell with me:</strong><br />
I myself would gracious be;<br />
and with words that help and heal <br />
would thy life in mine reveal; <br />
and with actions bold and meek <br />
would for Christ my Savior speak.<br />
Truthful Spirit, dwell with me:<br />
I myself would truthful be;<br />
and with wisdom kind and clear <br />
let thy life in mine appear;<br />
and with actions brotherly <br />
speak my Lord's sincerity.<br />
Mighty Spirit, dwell with me:<br />
I myself would mighty be;<br />
mighty so as to prevail<br />
where unaided man must fail;<br />
ever by a mighty hope<br />
pressing on and bearing up.<br />
Holy Spirit, dwell with me:<br />
I myself would holy be;<br />
separate from sin, I would<br />
choose and cherish all things good,<br />
and whatever I can be,<br />
give to him who gave me thee!<br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thomas T. Lynch (1855)</span></div><br />
The Spirit bears witness with our Spirit, that we are children of God ...<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-73496255327339715462010-06-16T09:43:00.000-05:002010-06-16T09:43:21.601-05:00The Father of fearless freedmenThis week's Anchor memory verse (see the Prayer Column in the sidebar) suggested this hymn:<br />
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<strong>Children of the heavenly King</strong>, <br />
as we journey let us sing; <br />
sing our Savior's worthy praise, <br />
glorious in his works and ways.<br />
We are traveling home to God <br />
in the way our fathers trod; <br />
they are happy now, and we <br />
soon their happiness shall see.<br />
Fear not, brethren, joyful stand <br />
on the borders of our land; <br />
Jesus Christ, our Father's Son, <br />
bids us undismayed go on. <br />
Lord, obediently we'll go, <br />
gladly leaving all below; <br />
only thou our Leader be, <br />
and we still will follow thee.<br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John Cennick (1742)</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong></div>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-89938950084986282022010-06-09T09:57:00.000-05:002010-06-09T09:57:40.298-05:00SummertimeWith strains of George Gershwin's famous aria in my head, I look at the summer weeks ahead and wonder: For how many of us will "the livin' be easy"? It seems that we manage to fill up our lives with activities regardless of the season. And though those activities are a change from the "normal," they may not be a chage of pace.<br />
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With the Chancel Choir <em>finally </em>joining the ranks of College Church musical groups now on summer hiatus, I find that a significant part of my weekly calendar is freed up for other important projects. Will I approach them with at least the same purposefulness and joy that I use for choir rehearsals during the school year? How will this change of focus affect the pace of my work week? <br />
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More importantly, how will the change from normal, and the potential change of pace, prove useful to the church and her musicians? Will this summer <em>matter </em>when things pick back up at the beginning of the school year? Will I be better equipped, refreshed for fresh starts, and raring to go in late August? Hey, good questions! Would you pray about those things, for me <em>and for yourselves as well</em>?<br />
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I normally take summers off from writing this column in "Knowing the Score," but try to keep musicians informed about events and prayer needs via weekly email. This summer I want to briefly update this space weekly, along with the Prayer Column. I won't be writing while on vacation. And I won't go very "deep" in this column! But because our work does not stop for the summer, I'll keep checking up on it on Wednesdays.<br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-49975158916705637102010-06-02T10:04:00.001-05:002010-06-02T10:11:17.929-05:00Cross TrainingIt was almost exactly a year ago that I first considered running for the STARS. I have shown up, hung around, and cheered for runners every year since this great event started. Two years ago, I walked the course. One year ago I decided in early June to give myself a week to see if I could run 5 kilometers. And when the day came - rain and all - I showed up and participated in <a href="http://chuckking.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-am-not-runner.html">my first organized running event</a>.<br />
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I fancy myself more of a cyclist. I have always insisted that when runners get old, they become cyclists, so why not just cut out the running thing altogether? There was no reason why, at age 53, I should all of a sudden put on a pair of running shoes and try this thing out. But it was for a good cause, and there's nothing quite like doing something with some 300+ enthusiasts, of all abilities and descriptions.<br />
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I was pleased by my time in last year's Run for the STARS. But<em> </em>I was surprised by the comments of supposedly knowledgeable people who thought it was a really <em>good </em>time, and who seemed to question that it really was my first 5k race. Hmm ... maybe I should be running?<br />
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As some of you know, that question lingered, niggled, and finally got under my skin. And about 5 weeks ago I ran my first marathon. So, what happened to my cycling? Well, I like to say "cycling is my love language" - it's what I most prefer for physical exercise. During the winter weeks of 2010, training for a spring marathon, cycling became <em>the other sport</em>. Now that the marathon is behind me, and I still enjoy running, cylcing is the main event, and running is <em>the other.</em><br />
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In the world of exercise and sport, this alternating of activities is called "cross training." An athlete (and no, I do not put myself in that category!) trains hard at her sport, and on off days does a different activity that will still keep her fit but give her a rest of sorts. A change-up. So, during the cylcing months, running has now become my "cross training." <br />
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I know many musicians reading this column are engaging in ministry "cross training" this summer. You are giving time in a nursery, with a children's Sunday School class, hosting a Back Yard Bible Club, or helping out in some other area of ministry. When choirs and ensembles pick back up in the fall, you will return to <em>your </em>main event.<br />
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But we also see what we do as "cross training" in a very different way. Our work together in ministry is a very real participation in taking up the cross and following Jesus. It involves sacrifice, dying to ourselves, and living for others. It brings us out on cold winter nights and snowy Sunday mornings; it keeps us in stuffy rehearsal conditions and in warm robes or suits. It drives us to prayer and to mutual dependence on others with whom we serve. And ultimately - I pray, purposefully - it is all to the end that the Cross of Jesus would be displayed, preached, responded to, and lived under. <br />
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<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-26540824994681573182010-05-26T12:13:00.000-05:002010-05-26T12:13:55.371-05:00Holy Spirit, God and LordI was on staff retreat last week, and did not get to <em>Knowing the Score. </em>My intent had been to close Ascension with a hymn bridging to Pentecost:<br />
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<strong>All authority and power</strong>, every status and domain, <br />
now belongs to him who suffered our redemption to obtain; <br />
angels, demons, kings and rulers, over all shall Jesus reign!<br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Christopher Idle, 1971</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) 1973 Hope Publishing Co.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">As you see, it is a hymn based on Jesus' final words to his disciples, as he departed from their sight and told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">All the time he will be with us, always, to the end of days; </div><div align="left">with his own believing people who keep steadfast in his ways; </div><div align="left">God the Father, Son and Spirit, bless us, and to God be praise!</div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Christopher Idle</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Today's hymn is for Pentecost, marking the arrival of the Spirit ten days after the Ascension, fifty days after the Resurrection. Some mark the sending of the Spirit as the birthday of the Church. All recognize it as the inauguration of the promises of the prophets, as noted in Peter's Pentecost sermon and referenced in the epistles. From henceforth God's Law is written on the hearts of his people. So, as we have been memorizing: "the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:4)</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong>Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord!</strong></div><div align="left">Be all thy graces now outpoured </div><div align="left">on each believer's mind and heart; </div><div align="left">thy fervent love to us impart.</div><div align="left"> Lord, by the brightness of thy light, </div><div align="left"> thou in the faith dost all unite </div><div align="left"> from every land and every tongue; </div><div align="left"> this to thy praise, O Lord, be sung.</div><div align="left">Thou holy light, our guide divine, </div><div align="left">Oh, cause the Word of life to shine!</div><div align="left">teach us to know our God aright </div><div align="left">and call him Father with delight.</div><div align="left"> From every error keep us free; </div><div align="left"> let none but Christ our master be </div><div align="left"> that we in living faith abide, </div><div align="left"> in him with all our might confide.</div><div align="left">Thou holy fire, our comfort true, </div><div align="left">grant us the will thy work to do </div><div align="left">and in thy service to abide; </div><div align="left">let trials turn us not aside.</div><div align="left"> Lord, by thy power prepare each heart </div><div align="left"> and to our weakness strength impart </div><div align="left"> that bravely here we may contend, </div><div align="left"> through life and death to thee ascend.</div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Martin Luther, 1524</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">trans. Catherine Winkworth, 1855 (alt.)</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">The scriptures attest - the Holy Spirit is God, he is a member of the Holy Trinity. To him, let such a prayer as this be made: that he would guide us into all truth, through Jesus; and equip us to walk in that truth and persevere to the end. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Pastor Luther knew a thing or two about the Holy Spirit. And so too, let us follow his example and depend on the Spirit, as we </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong></div>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-38750245125623326722010-05-12T09:52:00.000-05:002010-05-12T09:52:46.104-05:00Hail the Day!The presentation of a hymn by Charles Wesley almost always begs explanation. This most prolific of English hymn writers (over 6,000 known hymns and poems) is by default also the most <em>edited </em>of our hymn writers. The beloved "O for a thousand tongues to sing" is a case in point. In fact, it is the case that most often makes the point: our hymnal's 5 stanzas are selected from the <strong><em>17 </em></strong>that Wesley published, and even at that the stanzas we know as "O for a thousand tongues" do not appear in that order in the original poem.<br />
<br />
No, Charles Wesley could be the chief witness against hymnal editors. "Look what they've done to my song!" And not just the order of stanzas, but over time and in many ways for many reasons, his words have been changed, up-dated, put through theological filters, and yet presented as his own. (Sometimes, but not always, with the subtle acknowledgement, <em>alt.</em>) Still, for those of us on the other side of these decisions, the clarity and simplicity and force of his texts still ring through and ring true. The disciplined biblicism and robust theology and clear thinking and passionate experience continue to stir our devotion and our praise.<br />
<br />
So, when we look at Charles Wesley's Ascension Hymn (<a href="http://wesley.nnu.edu/charles_wesley/hymns/wesley_lyrics-a.htm#HAIL_the_day_that_sees">written as such</a>) it is only fair to acknowledge that what we sing and what he wrote do not always neatly line up. For one thing, the "Alleluias" are editorial tropes, perhaps added to allow the core text to work with a given tune, specifically the Welsh tune <a href="http://nethymnal.org/mid/l/l/a/llanfair.mid">LLANFAIR</a>. (<strong>Warning</strong>: only click the link to the tune if you can stand cheesy electronic piano/organ sounds!) <br />
<br />
Given its presence in <em>Hymns for the Living Church</em>, I will begin the hymn with Alleluias. In the interest of space, and for the sake of seeing the text more or less as Wesley intended, will then continue without them. I rather like the Alleuluias, as noted earlier because they are the Easter acclamation, and certainly are fitting for the occasion of Jesus' ascension to the right hand of the Father. Indeed, it is on the basis of that great work on our behalf that we have the certain faith to say, "alleluia - praise the Lord!"<br />
<br />
<strong>Hail the day that sees him rise,</strong> Alleluia!<br />
To his throne above the skies; Alleluia!<br />
Christ, the Lamb for sinners given, Alleluia!<br />
Enters now the highest heaven, Alleluia!<br />
There for him high triumph waits;<br />
lift your heads, eternal gates.<br />
He has conquered death and sin;<br />
take the King of glory in. <br />
See, he lifts his hands above!<br />
See, he shows the prints of love!<br />
Hark! His gracious lips bestow <br />
blessings on his church below.<br />
Lord, beyond our mortal sight,<br />
raise our hearts to reach thy height;<br />
there thy face unclouded see, <br />
find our heaven of heavens in thee!<br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Wesley (1739)</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Tomorrow, May 13, is the 40th day following Resurrection Sunday: Ascension Day. Rejoice!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong></div>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-9158255567076633682010-05-04T13:48:00.001-05:002010-06-02T10:10:16.727-05:00Sound the note of praise aboveContinuing our Ascension hymns, this week's is an oldie that I am disappointed to say we do not sing at College Church. To my discredit, I must admit. Let us begin the restoration process by setting out this marvelous text by Thomas Kelly.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hark! ten thousand harps and voices </strong><br />
sound the note of praise above; <br />
Jesus reigns and heaven rejoices, <br />
Jesus reigns, the God of love.<br />
See, he sits on yonder throne:<br />
Jesus rules the world alone.<br />
<em>Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen. </em><br />
Sing how Jesus came from heaven, <br />
how he bore the cross below, <br />
how all power to him is given, <br />
how he reigns in glory now.<br />
'Tis a great and endless theme - <br />
Oh, 'tis sweet to sing of him.<br />
<em>Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.</em> <br />
Jesus, hail! Thy glory brightens <br />
all above and gives it worth; <br />
Lord of life, thy smile enlightens, <br />
cheers and charms thy saints on earth.<br />
When we think of love like thine, <br />
Lord, we own it love divine.<br />
<em>Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.</em> <br />
King of glory, reign forever! <br />
Thine an everlasting crown.<br />
Nothing from thy love shall sever <br />
those whom thou hast made thine own:<br />
Happy objects of thy grace, <br />
destined to behold thy face.<br />
<em>Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen</em>. <br />
Savior, hasten thine appearing!<br />
Bring, oh bring the glorious day, <br />
when, the awful summons hearing, <br />
heaven and earth shall pass away.<br />
Then with golden harps we'll sing, <br />
"Glory, glory to our King!"<br />
<em>Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen. </em><br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thomas Kelly (1806)</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">tune in Hymns for the Living Church: HARWELL (Lowell Mason, 1840)</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">A common, and completely biblically based, theme of Ascension hymns is the assurance of Jesus' return. In fact, as a logical matter, Jesus can not return to us from heaven if he has not ascended to heaven in the first place. <em>"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."</em> (John 14:3) And the first word of the angels to the disciples, watching Jesus taken up: <em>"Why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." </em>(Acts 1:11)</div><br />
Oh, this day is important in the redemption history, it is one of the mighty acts of God for his people. At the culmination of Jesus' teaching ministry, post-resurrection, we find Jesus highly exalted, understand that he takes his throne, have confidence in his rule, and rest in his promised return.<br />
<br />
"Glory, glory, to our King!" <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-44331552423886688762010-04-28T13:47:00.000-05:002010-04-28T13:47:20.832-05:00Again I say, Rejoice!<strong>Rejoice, the Lord is King:</strong><br />
Your Lord and King adore!<br />
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing,<br />
and triumph evermore:<br />
<em>Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! </em><br />
<em>Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!</em><br />
Jesus the Savior reigns, <br />
the God of truth and love; <br />
when he had purged our stains <br />
he took his seat above:<br />
<em>Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! </em><br />
<em> Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!</em><br />
His kingdom cannot fail, <br />
he rules o'er earth and heaven; <br />
the keys of death and hell <br />
are to our Jesus given:<br />
<em>Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! </em><br />
<em>Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!</em><br />
He sits at God's right hand, <br />
till all his foes submit, <br />
and bow to his command, <br />
and fall beneath his feet:<br />
<em>Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! </em><br />
<em> Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!</em><br />
Rejoice in glorious hope!<br />
Our Lord the Judge shall come, [<em>Jesus the Judge shall come</em>]<br />
and take his servants up <br />
to their eternal home.<br />
<em>Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! </em><br />
<em>Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!</em><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Wesley, 1746</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a hymn that we usually program as general praise. It is in fact a distinctly Ascension hymn, as you will see in context of this season's columns in <em>Knowing the Score</em>. It begins with acknowledging Jesus as King, and in stanza 2 takes us to and through the cross. This is a master of poetic theology; a gift that Wesley shares with few other hymn writers. Jesus "purged our stains" then "took his seat above." There is a world of understanding there, for those who know the scriptures and who regularly sing the gospel. All the Passion in one brief phrase, and the kenosis hymn (Philippians 2) in another: he purged our stains and took his seat above. Rejoice!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To what end? That every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! So we, the Church, his Body, now live in that confession in confidence: He holds the keys to this kingdom which cannot fail. He rules. Rejoice!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Today's stanza 4 is not included in many new hymnals. But we must see and sing it. This is the work of Jesus now - and also it clarifies the final stanza's indentification of Jesus as Judge. Today I sat in on a mock ordination council. When the candidate was asked "where is Jesus now?" he wisely responded, "relative to his humanity, he is in heaven; relative to his divinity, he is omnipresent." Rejoice!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The destination of Jesus, in the clouds from the mount, was not to a passive position in a restful heaven, but to the next phase of his work. <em>After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high ... </em>(Heb. 1:3) <em>Now the point of what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places. </em>(Heb. 8:1) We read elsewhere "he always lives to intercede for us." Rejoice!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And this is our hope. It is the source of hope for the apostles and the "more than 500" who saw Jesus between his resurrection and his ascension. It is the source of hope for all those who "having not seen him, yet love him." He is our Lord, the Judge, and he is coming again for his servants. He has gone to prepare a place for us, so that where he is we may be also. Rejoice!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And here is how Wesley finished this hymn - not what we find in our hymnals. Sing it to the last 2 lines (the refrain) of the hymn:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>We soon shall hear th'archangel's voice; </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>the trump of God shall sound, rejoice!</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Waiting, rejoicing,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong></div>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-62397335074478990062010-04-21T10:26:00.026-05:002010-04-21T11:28:23.725-05:00And that he appeared<em>For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time ... Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. </em><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">(1 Corinthians 15:3-7)</div><br />
Matters of importance, in accordance with the Scriptures, attested to by many (when Paul wrote, many witnesses were still living). And from Paul's summary (not to mention the gospel accounts) we get the strong impression that these appearances were over time, and in various places. It is this work of Jesus, between Resurrection and Ascension, with which "Easter" is concerned. Surprisingly few hymns deal with these days - the focus jumps from Resurrection surprise and joy, to Ascension glory and awe. What about the intervening days? That looks like fertile ground for new hymn-writers. <br />
<br />
And doubtless, some informed readers will now send me plenty of examples of what I am not finding! (The excellent Emmaus Road anthem, "Slow Down," by local composer Ed Childs, seems to fit in here. Thanks, Ed!)<br />
<br />
In keeping then with the mainstream either/or of the season, I continue with some Ascension hymns for our considertion:<br />
<br />
<strong>A hymn of glory let us sing!</strong><br />
New hymns throughout the world shall ring: <br />
Alleluia! Alleluia!<br />
Christ, by a road before untrod, <br />
ascends unto the throne of God.<br />
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<em>Yes, the tune here is </em>lasst uns erfreuen. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I provide the remainder of the hymn </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">without the Alleluia tropes.)</span></div> The holy apostolic band <br />
upon the Mount of Olives stand,<br />
and, with his faithful followers see <br />
their Lord ascend in majesty.<br />
O Lord, our homeward pathway bend <br />
that our unwearied hearts ascend,<br />
where, seated on your Father's throne, <br />
you reign as King of kings alone.<br />
O risen Christ, ascended Lord, <br />
all praise to you let earth accord:<br />
You are, while endless ages run, <br />
with Father and with Spirit one.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">The Venerable Bede (8th cent.), tr. <em>Lutheran Book of Worship</em>, 1978</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) Augsburg Publishing House</span></div><div align="left"><br />
The "Alleluias" have been added to <a href="http://satucket.com/lectionary/Bede.htm">Bede's</a> rather more straight-forward text. I like it, not only because it allows us to use a beloved tune, but also becasue it distinctly makes the seasonal connections. "Alleluia" is <em>the </em>expression of the church at Easter in particlar.</div><div align="left"><br />
So, as we wait, and walk, and learn from Jesus, with <em>Alleluias</em> let us<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong></div>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-23788889363652180452010-04-14T11:54:00.000-05:002010-04-14T11:54:36.188-05:00Another Forty DaysEaster proper - Resurrection Sunday - is the hinge between two 40-day periods. Before Easter, the Church at large observes Lent: for the Church, a period of preparation. After Easter, the Easter season which culminates on day 40, with the Ascension: for the disciples, a period of preparation. <br />
<br />
Lent is a liturgical artifice. That is, an invention of the church, thoughtfully rooted in biblical, doctrinal, and devotional practices. But it does not "correspond" to a specific biblical historical "event." (None of which rules it out as a sound practice for individuals or churches. But also, which does make it entirely optional as Christian practice.)<br />
<br />
The Ascension, on the other hand, is a vital component of biblical historical redemption history! And we know the day it happened, relative to Easter (the Passover). For this reason, the Reformers kept it on their calendars, while many of the old holy days were jettisoned. It was considered one of the "evangelical feasts" - a day to celebrate the Gospel.<br />
<br />
Ascension ends a biblical forty day period, during which Jesus appeared to his disciples, and taught them. In this way, it is a mirror of how Lent is postured. The 40-day walk to the cross is a time of teaching in and through suffering. The 40-days between Resurrection and Ascension is a time of teaching out of victory. Then, the only thing left for the disciples - indeed, for the Church - was the sending of the promised Holy Spirit. But let's not get ahead of ourselves!<br />
<br />
So, just as we did during Lent, I want to highlight some hymns of <em>these </em>forty days. Hymns that highlight Jesus the Teacher, Jesus in all the Scriptures, and Jesus the Ascended Victor and High Priest who ever lives to intercede for us. We begin with a hymn by Martin Luther, which is the basis of Bach cantata 4, the Easter cantata "Christ lag in Todesbanden" - Christ lay in death's bonds.<br />
<br />
<strong>Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands </strong><br />
for our offenses given; <br />
but now at God's right hand he stands <br />
and brings us life from heaven:<br />
Wherefore let us joyful be, <br />
and sing to God right thankfully <br />
loud songs of Alleluia! <br />
Alleluia!<br />
It was a strange and dreadful strife <br />
when life and death contended; <br />
the victory remained with life, <br />
the reign of death was ended:<br />
Stripped of power, no more he reigns, <br />
an empty form alone remains; <br />
his sting is lost forever. <br />
Alleluia! <br />
So let us keep the festival <br />
whereto the Lord invites us; <br />
Christ is himself the joy of all, <br />
the sun that warms and lights us; <br />
by his grace he doth impart <br />
eternal sunshine to the heart; <br />
the night of sin is ended. <br />
Alleluia!<br />
Then let us feast this Easter day <br />
on the true bread of heaven. <br />
The word of grace has purged away <br />
the old and wicked leaven; <br />
Christ alone our souls will feed, <br />
he is our meat and drink indeed, <br />
faith lives upon no other. <br />
Alleluia!<br />
<br />
The forty days began with Jesus appearing to his closest disciples on the day of Resurrection. And from the beginning, as with those on the Emmaus road, he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures about himself. That surely began with "and rose on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures." Which is where our Easter/Ascension worship rests as well.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-87946478859167456162010-04-07T10:16:00.000-05:002010-04-07T10:16:26.116-05:00QuasimodoIt is no surprise to most of you, that I like to track the historic church year. I guess I am an amateur liturgist; a "closet high churchman." Still, I rarely get into the arcane aspects of the church calendar. Round about this time, I generally remind readers of <em>Knowing the Score </em>that Easter is not <strong>a </strong>day, but a <u>season</u>, which begins on Resurrection Sunday and ends at Pentecost. We are fond of saying that every Sunday is a reminder of the resurrection. But when we look at the biblical historical facts, we track a period of actual days that we call "Easter." These are the days from the Resurrection until Jesus' ascension into heaven (40 days later), and then the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit at Pentecost (10 days later, or 50 days after Easter). <br />
<br />
In the more ancient and developed church calendars, each of the Sundays following Easter have a special name. (No, I don't know them all; but I can find them quickly.) These names come from the scripture that is featured in that day's reading, and bear the Latin form of that reading. Which is why the Sunday immediately following Easter can go by the rather mundane "Second Sunday of Easter" or ... <em>Quasimodo</em>.<br />
<br />
Most of us know the word from the Victor Hugo novel. (Well, probably actually not from the novel itself, but from one or another of its film versions!) The Hunchback of Notre Dame was named "Quasimodo" by the priest who raised him, because he was found abandoned, on the Sunday following Easter, <em>Quasimodo</em>.<br />
<br />
<em>Quasimodo </em>elides the first two words of the Latin scripture: <em>Quasi modo geniti infantes</em>, "Like newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that by it you may grow up to salvation - if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:2-3) That scripture continues: "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house ..."<br />
<br />
Well, I am thinking of these things as the choir will be preparing one of my favorite Easter hymn/anthems. We don't intentionally prolong Easter in our services (except that, as noted above, we see every Sunday as a tribute to the resurrection). But I always think we <em>must </em>come back on <em>Quasimodo </em>prepared to sing more Easter-specifically! And it is, after all, also called "the Octave of Easter" - that is, the 8th day of the season. There's your musical/etymological argument for keeping Easter going at least one more week.<br />
<br />
<strong>Joy to the Heart</strong><br />
Look there! the Christ, our Brother, comes <br />
resplendent from the gallows tree <br />
and what he brings in his hurt hands <br />
is life on life for you and me.<br />
<em>Joy! joy! joy to the heart all in this good day's dawning!</em><br />
Good Jesus Christ inside his pain <br />
looked down Golgotha's stony slope <br />
and let the blood flow from his flesh <br />
to fill the springs of living hope.<br />
<em>Joy! joy! joy to the heart all in this good day's dawning!</em><br />
Good Jesus Christ, our Brother, died <br />
in darkest hurt upon the tree <br />
to offer us the worlds of light <br />
that live inside the Trinity.<br />
<em>Joy! joy! joy to the heart all in this good day's dawning!</em><br />
Look there! the Christ, our Brother, comes <br />
resplendent from the gallows tree <br />
and what he brings in his hurt hands <br />
is life on life for you and me.<br />
<em>Joy! joy! joy to the heart all in this good day's dawning!</em><br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John Bennett, 1920-1991</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) 1980, John Bennett</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div>As we are in fact the Easter People, <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Sing on!</em></strong>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039889640555775827.post-87611283576876437832010-03-31T14:47:00.000-05:002010-03-31T14:47:02.194-05:00Love UnknownSunday night we heard and meditated on the "Seven Last Words" - with the Haydn sonatas providing the environment for reflection following the College Church pastors' devotions based on the sayings of Jesus upon the cross. Perhaps better suited for Good Friday (Haydn's work was in fact written for the Good Friday services of a particular church), the service nevertheless served us well as we entered Passion Week. To contemplate the love and grace of our Lord, expressed through his agony, in these memorable statements, was a gift of time and words and music.<br />
<br />
Just now I have come back from the sanctuary, where things are already set for the Good Friday service. The cross in place, the table ready for the elements signifying the body broken, the blood shed, the banners proclaiming the work and praise of the suffering Servant. With the "Last Words" ringing in our ears, we will next be in a service that lingers on this mercy, this grace.<br />
<br />
What a fitting conclusion to that service, then, as we again sing of the great love of God for his people. For it is not a hymn of <em>our </em>love for God. But always, and fittingly, of <em>his </em>love for us.<br />
<br />
<strong>My song is love unknown, </strong>my Savior's love to me, <br />
love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be. <br />
But who am I that for my sake <br />
my Lord should take frail flesh and die?<br />
He came from heaven's throne, salvation to bestow; <br />
but they refused and none the longed-for Christ would know. <br />
This is my friend, my friend indeed, <br />
who at my need his life did spend.<br />
Sometimes they crowd his way and his sweet praises sing, <br />
resounding all the day hosannas to their king. <br />
Then "crucify" is all their breath, <br />
and for his death they thirst and cry.<br />
With angry shouts they have my dear Lord done away; <br />
a murderer they save, the Prince of Life they slay! <br />
Yet willingly he bears the shame <br />
that through his name all might be free.<br />
Why, what has my Lord done to cause such rage and spite?<br />
He made the lame to run and gave the blind their sight.<br />
What injuries! Yet these are why <br />
the Lord most high so cruelly dies.<br />
Here might I stay and sing of him my soul adores.<br />
Never was love, dear King, never was grief like yours!<br />
This is my friend in whose sweet praise <br />
I all my days could gladly spend. <br />
<div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Samuel Crossman, 1664;</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: x-small;">rev. 1982 (c) Hope Publishing Co.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Every year more people are introduced to this hymn in our (and many another) Good Friday service. And each year, more people look forward to singing it again. I pray that its narrative, and its response, would constantly be shaping our hearts as we</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong><em>Sing on</em></strong></div>Knowing the Scorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06131425161572302637noreply@blogger.com0