Following the hectic and fulfilling Reformation/Confirmation Sunday here at St. Paul's, we have another Sunday that has a great deal of liturgical significance. The day of All Saints itself is on November 1st, and is a commemoration for all those who have reached the Promised Land of Heaven. Traditionally, congregations gather on the Sunday following to remember and reflect on those members of the congregation that have departed.
In our Gospel reading this week, we will hear from Matthew 5, where before the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus introduces the Beatitudes, which are a series of "Blessed are... for..." statements that are a unique set of Christian ideals. Along with the themes of All Saints, the Beatitudes will be the source of most of our music this week.
HYMNS AND SONGS
Shall We Gather At The River (Opening hymn- 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM)
This much loved Christian hymn was composed by American song writer Robert Lowry in 1864 (Lowry is also well known for his hymn, "How Can I Keep From Singing," as well as several others).
The four stanza structure follows a clear pattern. Stanza one asks the question, "Shall we gather at the river?" The refrain answers this question. Stanza two describes the edge of the river, where all the people will gather together and worship "all the happy golden day." In stanza three, we get a glimpse ahead to the future, and imagine the robe and crown we receive. Finally in stanza four after those glorious thoughts, we come slightly back to reality looking forward, as we reflect on the knowledge that we will all soon arrive.
Please note the particularly special use of the organ during this hymn should you be joining us on Sunday morning.
Blest Are They (Hymn of the Day- 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, Opening Song, 11:15 AM)
This modern hymn by David Haas is a direct paraphrase of the Beatitudes. Stanzas one through four are taken directly from verses 3-9 of the Gospel lesson, but Haas puts extra emphasis on Matthew 5:11, which unlike the rest of the Beatitudes, shows Jesus almost apologizing directly to his followers, with a promise that they will receive the Kingdom of God. "Blest are you who suffer hate, all because of me. Rejoice, be glad, yours is the kingdom, shine for all to see."
The nature of this tune, and its style, lends itself equally to both styles of worship here at St. Paul's, hence its use at both services.
Softly and Tenderly (Communion Hymn- 9:00 AM, Communion Song, 11:15 AM)
Will Thompson's much loved 19th century hymn is a direct message from us to those who have gone before us. In the refrain, Jesus tells his followers, "Come home, come home, you who are weary, come home." For those who have already gone, as well as those who remain, we can take comfort in the words of stanza three: "Oh, for the wonderful love he has promised, promised for you and for me. Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me."
For All The Saints (Communion Hymn- 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)
For All The Saints was written as a processional hymn for use on the Festival of All Saints in the Anglican church in the 1860's. Originally set to a different tune, it eventually found a home set to English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams' tune SINE NOMINE (literally "without a name").
Different than most English tunes of the time, the majority of the hymn is sung in unison, with only the interior stanzas (3-5) designated to be sung in harmony.
The interior stanzas are also where the majority of the theology starts. The "communion" referred to at the beginning of the third stanza is the "communion of saints" that is mentioned in the Creed. At the conclusion of the stanza, it mentions that though we struggle and they shine, we are all one in Christ.
Several stanzas are rather militaristic in nature, and stanza four is one of them. It is not a typical war... rather it references the book of Revelation and the "war" (ie. struggle, or journey) to pass through purgatory into the valley of the saints.
Stanzas five and six are a beautiful unit. In stanza five, those seeking rest are arriving at their destination. Those destined to arrive are basking in the calm of the realization that they have made it. In stanza six, there is a veritable explosion of joy and triumph, as the saints arise and the King of Glory passes. To close, stanza seven is somewhat of a doxology, wrapping everything up as the Saints are joined with all in heaven.
Open Our Eyes, Lord (Praise Song- 11:15 AM)
This song is normally presented as a ballad, but this Sunday, we're envisioning it more as an uptempo song of praise. We are asking for our eyes to be opened as we cross over into the promised land.
How Deep The Father's Love For Us (Scripture Song- 11:15 AM)
As we gather on this All Saints Sunday, it is important to never forget the gift that was given to us by Jesus, who in many ways is the ultimate saint. At the end of stanza one, it even says "As wounds which mar the chosen one bring many saints to glory." Thanks to Jesus' sacrifice, we all have the blessing of the Kingdom of Heaven waiting for us when we pass on.
Come, Bless The Lord (Offering Song- 11:15 AM)
This is John Ylvisaker's paraphrase of Psalm 34, which is traditionally the psalm sung on All Saints Sunday. Musically, it is set to the popular and well-known English folk tune O WALY WALY, which creates a singable, memorable psalm setting.
O When The Saints Go Marching In (Closing Song- 11:15 AM)
This much loved African American spiritual was a mainstay of blues and jazz artists in the early 20th century, such as Louis Armstrong. It also strongly ties to the Dixie style of music from Louisiana. Like other African American spirituals, it has a very simple, accessible message, that of hoping to join the saints one day on their journey to the promised land.
CHORAL ANTHEMS
Nearer, My God, To Thee (Choral Anthem- 9:00 AM)
The title of this piece is derived from the famous hymn of the same name, along with its accompanying hymn tune, BETHANY. Around that framework is a Latin text which accentuates and enlightens the original hymn tune text. The Latin partially translates to "At the moment of death, my strength is from heaven." Set in a 7/8 meter for the majority of the piece, it creates an exciting drive towards heaven, particularly on the word "Excelsior (higher)." As the voices rise on that word, it moves us further and further to heaven.
Medley Of The Saints (Friends of the Lord- 9:00 AM)
The Friends of the Lord choir this week sings a combination of two of the more popular African American spirituals. The tunes are "This Train Is Bound For Glory," and "Oh When The Saints Are Marching In." The choir has learned about two musical techniques in learning this piece. The first is "canon" where one part of the choir echoes the other as they sing. The other is "quodlibet," where two different songs can be combined together and sung at the same time.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Psalm Prelude, op. 32 #1- Herbert Howells (Prelude- 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)
Herbert Howells wrote six Psalm Preludes in the early 20th century. Each expansive organ work features one verse of a psalm. This piece is based on Psalm 34:6- "I called in my affliction, and the Lord heard me, and saved me from all my troubles." The piece is based around one main melodic motive, which grows to an enormous climax on the organ.
MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Herbert Howells: The St. Paul's Service and Other Music
This is one of my favorite albums in my library. Not only does it feature all three of Howells' Psalm Preludes, op. 32 (the first of which I am playing Sunday), but it also contains a plethora of Howell's choral music as well.
2. Nonstop - BYU Vocal Point
This CD contains the original arrangement of Nearer My God To Thee that the Chancel Choir is singing, as well as other offerings from the all male a capella group. Vocal Point is also featured this year on NBC's show, The Sing Off.
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