July 6, 2025
The prelude is a set of variations on our processional hymn, 719, "Oh beautiful for spacious skies"; with the "Fourth" in mind it seems a very appropriate time to me to ask for "God's grace", and also to ask God "to mend every flaw"-- which the hymn does. The variations(due to time limits I may not play all of them) are by the contemporary American, David Lasky (b.1957).
The Gospel hymn, complimenting the day's reading from Luke, is the well known and loved "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy", 470. It is a great 19th century hymn.
We are fortunate to have Audy Walker as soloist, and during the offertory he will sing "When I Think Upon Thy Goodness", by Joseph Haydn. Audy will also sing at the beginning of communion, this time a gospel song most people will recognize -- "Precious Lord, take my hand". Following this, we will sing another great 19th century hymn, "My faith looks up to Thee" (691).
Closing, we will "America"-- "My country 'tis of Thee" (717). We must have hope!
The postlude is "Joy In the Morning", by the late 20th century composer, Franklin D. Ashdown.
A safe and pleasant Fourth of July to all!