OPENING
VOLUTARY Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley with I Want Jesus to Walk with
Me
setting,
Thomas Keesecker
Today’s service begins and ends with arrangements by Thomas Keesecker – who is no stranger to the music of St. Mark’s. The Festival Choir has sung several his choral anthems.
Lent is a time of deep introspection, as are the spirituals that are represented here. The expressive writing has hints of jazz and lends itself nicely to a time of pre-worship contemplation.
Keesecker has recently retired from church work but continues to compose. He frequently appears in recitals around the country featuring his piano works, readings, and poetry.
GATHERING HYMN In the Cross of Christ I Glory (Rathbun) ELW 324
HYMN OF THE DAY Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake (Machs mit mir, Gott) ELW 799
The text is by Johann Scheffler (1624-1677) whose father was a Polish nobleman that was forced to leave the country because of his Lutheran beliefs. Scheffler began writing poetry at a young age but became a Roman Catholic in 1653 as his faith and poetry began to lean towards the church’s mystics.
Most of his hymns, including this one, were written while he was still a
Lutheran.
MUSICAL
OFFERING Cross of Jesus
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá
Robert
Benson
sung
by the Festival Choir
William J. Sparrow-Simpson (1869-1952), an Anglican priest from England, originally wrote this text as part of an oratorio by English composer John Stainer. The oratorio, The Crucifixion, contains Stainer’s beloved “God So Loved the World” – a staple of our choral repertoire at St. Mark’s.
Robert Benson has written a new tune that we sing today.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Festival Choir
who have been able to sing with us since we “re-opened” in October 2020. I appreciate
your dedication to our task of leading the church’s song. So, thank you to
Janet, Lynette, Mark, and Ray – and to Pastor Daniel who also joins us when he
can. I look forward to the day when everyone
else will be able to join us!
MUSIC DURING THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION If You But Trust in God to Guide (Wer nur den lieben Gott)
setting,
Walter L. Pelz
SENDING HYMN I Want Jesus to Walk with Me (Sojourner) ELW 325
CLOSING VOLUNTARY On My Heart Imprint Your Image with Bless Now, O God, the Journey
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| Parrot Mountain and Gardens Pigeon Forge, TN |
Sources:
Hymnal Companion to Evangelical Lutheran Worship
Wikipedia
