24th Sunday After Pentecost
First of all, I would like to apologize for the length of last week's blog. I was very excited for the weekend's worship services, and despite not even writing about every piece of music that was included, I definitely set a Music Notes length record. Due to this, some people have requested that the blog be more brief. So this week, I will work hard on my brevity and keeping things succinct.
Before that though, something that cannot be kept brief is my thanks and gratefulness to all of those who were involved in making this weekend's worship services a success. The All Saints Vigil Saturday evening was a beautiful, moving experience, and Sunday morning with the Wartburg Choir was nothing short of extraordinary. I am eternally grateful for this wonderful community and all those who volunteered to make this weekend as special and as meaningful as it was.
In this weekend's Gospel reading, we hear the story of the widow, who at the treasury gave merely two cents, which was everything she had. Jesus then proclaimed that many wealthy fortunate people had given abundantly to the treasury, but this woman gave out of her poverty and gave all that she had to live on. This was the greatest sacrifice of all.
In addition to this, this is also the weekend of Thankoffering 2012, which is organized yearly by the Women of the ELCA.
PRELUDE
Two Preludes on HYFYRDOL- Paul Manz, Timothy Flynn
The HYFYRDOL tune, which is the tune for our Hymn of the Day today, is one of the more versatile tunes we have in our hymnal. Both of these preludes are brief, dance like settings. The Manz uses a ritornello technique (which is similar to a refrain) throughout, and the Flynn setting contains a motor rhythm in the right hand, with the tune in the pedal.
OPENING HYMN
For The Fruit Of All Creation
This hymn was selected as part of the Women of the ELCA Thankoffering this week. The author, Fred Pratt Green, was a British Methodist pastor and hymn writer. This hymn spans a wide scope, going from the simplest of gifts to the some of the most profound, meaningful thoughts present in hymnody ("wonders that astound us" and "truths that still confound us"). The tune, AR HYD Y NOS, is a Welsh folk tune that is instantly recognizable by most congregational singers.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Lord Of Glory, You Have Bought Us
Due to the length of this hymn tune, it allows for a lot of theology to be inserted into any hymn that is set to it. In stanza one alone, we hear a wonderful metaphor on how Christ's sacrificial gift to us is then manifest in us as we freely give of ourselves. The subsequent stanzas expand on our portion of this, preaching a message of stewardship and devotion to God and the Church.
OFFERING
Take My Life That I May Be- arr. Mark Sedio (School Choir)
The School Choir offers this lovely setting of the Frances Havergal hymn this week. This hymn expands on the ideas of generosity and stewardship that have been established, as here we offer up our own lives, just as Christ did, for the will of God.
This newer tune, arranged here by Mark Sedio, is supplemented by the choir with appropriate instruments.
CHORAL ANTHEM
In The Singing- arr. John Helgen
This week, Chancel Choir offers this beautiful arrangement by John Helgen. A St. Olaf alum, he remains an active church musician and composer. Particularly striking is the conclusion of this arrangement, which has the choir singing on "ah" and "ooh" vowels as the tune continues on in the organ. The piece ends with some very evocative harmonies.
COMMUNION HYMNS
We Come To The Hungry Feast (9:00 AM only)
Ray Makeever, while never quite reaching the fame of Marty Haugen, writes in a very similar style. This hymn in particular could be mistaken for one of Haugen's. It's a hymn that continually points to our "hunger" being satisfied, but also reminds us that we will never be permanently or fully satisfied, so we must continue to come back to the table.
Day By Day (9:00 AM only)
Loyal readers of this blog know that this is one of my favorite hymns. Carolina Sandell Berg, notable for her other well known hymns such as "Thy Holy Wings" and "Children of the Heavenly Father," has crafted a wonderful gem here. Anyone who ever embarks on a journey of faith needs these words to guide them along their ways.
CLOSING HYMN
Voices Raised To You
This was originally the opening hymn for this service, but due to the Thankoffering hymn being inserted, it was moved to this equally appropriate spot. It is yet another example of a fine hymn of stewardship and giving of ourselves. But beyond that, it extends gratefully into the realm of thanks and praise for God, as indicated by the question asked at the beginning of the last stanza, "How can any praise we offer measure all the thanks we owe?"
POSTLUDE
Interpretation on HYFYRDOL- David Cherwien
With the HYFRYDOL tune being in 3/4, and this organ piece being in 6/8, it provides a fascinating framework for the entire piece. For the entirety of the tune, you will hear the hymn tune juxtaposed against the 6/8 accompaniment, creating a dazzling texture.
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As always, feedback is welcome on the new, shorter format!
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