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!