March 1, 2026

The prelude is based on the hymn, "Lord Jesus, Think on Me", a familiar 16th century hymn (641). The setting is by J. Bret Carlson, who is actually a contemporary American pastor.  Our processional hymn is from the same time period, "Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word we are gathered all to hear Thee", hymn 440. 

Our Gospel hymn is a favorite of many, from Southern Harmony (a collection of shape-note hymns)-- "What wondrous love is this" (439)  The men will sing the melody on verse 3, with women singing harmony.

Our anthem is the beautiful, "Lead Me, Lord". by S.S. Wesley (1810-1876).  This is actually the ending of a much larger choral work but is usually sung on it's own.  The text is Psalm 5, v.8,  and 4, v.9.. One has to remember that there were 3 generations of musically prominent Wesley's; Charles, S.S.'s grandfather was the famous hymn writer, and S.S.'s father was also a prominent organist and composer.  S.S. (Samuel Sebastian) was one of the most prominent organists in England during the mid-19th century, holding many important posts (maybe too many as he seemed to be difficult to get along with!).

Communion hymns for the day are "Come with us, O blessed Jesus" (336), and "Thou art the way, to Thee alone" (457).

Closing, we will sing the well loved "How firm a foundation", 636, a 19th c. hymn from "The Sacred Harp".  

Given that it is Lent, the postlude ia again "subdued", an arrangement of the hymn, "There's a wideness in God's mercy", 470; the setting is by the late American composer, Dale Wood.