OPENING VOLUNTARY Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good
(Lobt Gott, den Herren ihr)
(Lobt Gott, den Herren ihr)
The text and tune can be found at ELW 819
Johann Jacob Schütz (1640 - 1690), author of this hymn, was a well-known German lawyer.
David P. Dah's setting comes in three sections: a trumpet tune that might match the mood of the first two stanzas, a canon with two different organ voices to show the third stanza, and a bold fughetta that leads to the final refrain of praise, "To God all praise and glory!"
Schütz eventually left the Lutheran Church to follow Pietism, but only after giving us this hymn of praise.
GATHERING HYMN Oh, Praise the Gracious Power (Christpraise Ray)
ELW 651
Thomas Troeger (1945 - 2022) wrote this hymn for the ordination of Judith Ray, ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in 1984. (The "Ray" in the hymntune name is an incorporation of her name.)
The refrain begins with an upward motion to land on the word "cross" - sort of a musical way to "lift high the cross."
The refrain begins with an upward motion to land on the word "cross" - sort of a musical way to "lift high the cross."
This hymn will be new to most people, but the melody is easy to follow. I decided to start with a new hymn to remind us that we are not commemorating a reformation that took place about 500 years ago. Rather, we are celebrating a reformation that still continues!
HYMN OF THE DAY A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Ein feste Burg)
It would hardly be Reformation Sunday without singing this Lutheran standard! This year we are singing the isometric version. It lengthens the notes of the original rhythmic version so they are more uniform. The rhythmic version dances while the isometric version has the feel of a grand procession.
HYMN OF THE DAY A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Ein feste Burg)
It would hardly be Reformation Sunday without singing this Lutheran standard! This year we are singing the isometric version. It lengthens the notes of the original rhythmic version so they are more uniform. The rhythmic version dances while the isometric version has the feel of a grand procession.
 |
| Artwork inside the harpsichord at St. Mark's |
MUSICAL OFFERING Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
(Erhalt uns, Herr)
This is another of Martin Luther's best-recognnized hymns. (ELW 517)
David von Kampen's setting brings the text and tune to a modern arrangement that creates harmonic tension through the use of jazz and altered rhythms - not in a way that is shocking, but in a way that allows space for contemplation and prayer.
This is another of Martin Luther's best-recognnized hymns. (ELW 517)
David von Kampen's setting brings the text and tune to a modern arrangement that creates harmonic tension through the use of jazz and altered rhythms - not in a way that is shocking, but in a way that allows space for contemplation and prayer.
The hymn is quoted in the Prayer of the Day.
COMMUNION HYMN O Lord, We Praise Thee
(Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet)
(Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet)
ELW 499
SENDING HYMN The Church's One Foundation (Aurelia)
ELW 654
ELW 654
CLOSING VOLUNTARY Prelude on "O Lord, We Praise You"
Kenneth T. Kosche's setting reprises our communion hymn.
SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE
This Reformation Sunday is Pastor Daniel Locke's fifth anniversary at St. Mark's! It was a great day when Pastor Daniel answered the Holy Spirit's call to St. Mark's. May God continue to bless your ministry among God's people at St. Mark's. By your leadership, may we follow Jesus and live out our baptismal promises.
Sources: The Hymnal Companion to Evangelical Lutheran Worship
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
No comments:
Post a Comment