June 22, 2025

The prelude is based on hymn 420, "When In Our Music God Is Glorified", and is a variation-like setting by the contemporary American, Robert Hobby (b.1962). As a reminder, Mr. Hobby is a very active Lutheran musician and is very popular as a composer. This also is a popular organ arrangement that I play every so often. It would be meaningful to check out the words in the hymnal!

The tune of our processional hymn is familiar--"Mit Freuden zart"-- but the text is one of two that we don't sing quite as often; it is 408, "Sing praise to God who reigns above". Complimenting the Gospel reading from Luke is "God of mercy, God of grace, hymn 538.

We are fortunate to have young people from the "Towel Ministry" with us, and they will offer music during the offertory and during communion.

Closing, we will sing hymn 372, "Praise to the living God", which I think is a favorite-- and another hymn appropriate for the day.

The postlude is a Paul Manz (1919-2009 American) setting of "Earth and All Stars", hymn 412. Mr. Manz was another prolific composer of both organ and choral literature.

As a reminder, our choristers are on break until after Labor Day, but I know many of you appreciate having them in the congregation!