September 3, 2023

"Let us break bread together on our knees", 325 in our hymnal, is the basis of the prelude, setting by Edwin T Childs, who lives in the Chicago area where he writes both choral and organ music.  He has a PhD from the Eastman School of Music, one of the most prestigious music schools in the United States.  The familiar hymn, of course, is an Afro-American spiritual.

Our processional hymn is the Hebrew melody, 401, "The God of  Abraham praise".  We will sing the first 3 verses.

For the Gospel hymn we will sing hymn 523 (again, the first 3 verses) which uses the wonderful tune "Abbot's Leigh".  This tune is used 3 times in our hymnal-- 379, 511, and of course 523.  We have sung all 3!

At the offertory we will have a congregational hymn-- 707, "Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee".  It is one of the many great 19th century hymns, I think you will agree.

Closing we will sing hymn 587, "Our Father, by whose Name all fatherhood is known", which uses the John Edwards tune called "Rhosymedre".  I have played settings of this beautiful and upbeat tune often, and I think the melody will be familiar,  Even if not, I think you will find it easy to sing, most enjoyable, and meaningful if one pays attention to the words!

The postlude will be a setting of "How firm a foundation", by the contemporary American, Dale Wood.

Note that this is the last Sunday without a choir in the chancel; I know you have enjoyed having many choristers spread out in the nave.  If you have any interest in serving with the choir, do please join us Wed, Sept, 6th at 7:15 in the choir room.  We are an incredibly welcoming group!