Prelude
The Church Of Christ In Every Age- J. Bert Carlson
In addition to being retired pastor, J. Bert Carlson has worn many hats in his career, such as director of music, piano teacher, tenor soloist, conductor, author, and co-founder of the Chicago Oratorio Society. Several of his works are included in the Augsburg Organ Library, including this one.
This is one of his more shocking settings in terms of the harmonic structure. The tune is present throughout, and the jarring harmonic contrast, bordering on poly-tonal, create a lot of excitement.
Opening Hymn
How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord
This lovely modern hymn by British composer Fred Pratt Green explores the work we do, the vigor with which we do it, and the hardships dealt with through the journey. God gives us strength and energy as we go through the good times (stanza one), and the hard (stanza two).
Stanza three is a very interesting theological statement. We aren't the only ones with burdens. The ones who came before us also dealt with hardships, and what we have learned from them influence our lives today. Despite this, there seems to be a bit of an accusation in this stanza, accusing us of "the casual way we wear your name." By "obscur(ing with our) faults," we both minimize and forget what those who came before us have done.
All is not lost. By living our lives in a God-like fashion and staying strong to our convictions, we are honoring those saints, ourselves, and the Son of God who was sacrificed for us so we may live.
Stanza three is a very interesting theological statement. We aren't the only ones with burdens. The ones who came before us also dealt with hardships, and what we have learned from them influence our lives today. Despite this, there seems to be a bit of an accusation in this stanza, accusing us of "the casual way we wear your name." By "obscur(ing with our) faults," we both minimize and forget what those who came before us have done.
All is not lost. By living our lives in a God-like fashion and staying strong to our convictions, we are honoring those saints, ourselves, and the Son of God who was sacrificed for us so we may live.
Hymn of the Day
The Church Of Christ In Every Age
In many ways, this hymn is about the work we do and how we do it. As the time continues to pass from generation to generation, our mission may change in part, but generally we work to praise God, support each other, and look towards a bright future while never forgetting about our heritage.
Stanzas two and three are great examples of a statement and response grouping. Stanza two reminds us of the problems that exist and that we have to deal with. Throughout the world and in our neighborhoods, people are crying out for help, shelter, and food. Stanza three answers by calling the servant church to arise to address these problems just as Christ has.
As I have mentioned on this blog before, stanza four has a striking reference to the malaria epidemic ("cure the fever in our blood"). The hymn concludes with a declamatory statement clarifying and strengthening our position on the mission we have to serve.
Communion Hymns
O Christ, What Can It Mean For Us
The key line in this hymn for us this Sunday comes from stanza three... "O Christ, in workplace, church, and home, let none to power cling; for still, through us, you come to serve..."
What Christ's sacrifice means for us is that we are able to give our thanks to God and live out our mission not just for an hour on Sunday, but through our entire lives. This wonderful Delores Dufner text encapsulates that.
O Christ, Your Heart Compassionate
If we needed more convincing as to the worthiness of Christ's sacrifice, it can be found in Herman Steumpfle's four-stanza call to mission and discipleship.
Stuempfle was a long time pastor in both Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as being Professor of Preaching and Worship at Lutheran Theological Seminary. In addition to his inclusion in most of the major denominational hymnals, there are several hymnals dedicated solely to his works.
Closing Hymn
We All Are One In Mission
Frequently throughout the Gospels, Jesus calls his disciples to embark on a mission of spreading the news of repentance and forgiveness. This call to discipleship is passed on to us, and we profess the news of this "single great commission" through the singing of this hymn.
Rusty Edwards is a rather well known minister and hymn writer, still as active today as he has been his entire career. After receiving his M.Div from Luther Seminary in 1985, he went on to earn a doctorate in theology from Notre Dame, and now serves as senior pastor at Christ Lutheran Church is Moline, Illinois.
Not only is this hymn appropriate for the mission that we are called to act on by Christ, but it could also be tied to the malaria mission of St. Paul's (also seen in the Hymn of the Day today). This hymn contains a wonderfully unifying message in the middle of stanza two. Pastor Edwards states, "Our ministries are different, our purpose is the same: to touch the lives of others with God's surprising grace, so every folk and nation may feel God's warm embrace." Whether it is working to eradicate malaria or any other goal the church strives to reach, it is all done in the name of God through ourselves and our work.
Rusty Edwards is a rather well known minister and hymn writer, still as active today as he has been his entire career. After receiving his M.Div from Luther Seminary in 1985, he went on to earn a doctorate in theology from Notre Dame, and now serves as senior pastor at Christ Lutheran Church is Moline, Illinois.
Not only is this hymn appropriate for the mission that we are called to act on by Christ, but it could also be tied to the malaria mission of St. Paul's (also seen in the Hymn of the Day today). This hymn contains a wonderfully unifying message in the middle of stanza two. Pastor Edwards states, "Our ministries are different, our purpose is the same: to touch the lives of others with God's surprising grace, so every folk and nation may feel God's warm embrace." Whether it is working to eradicate malaria or any other goal the church strives to reach, it is all done in the name of God through ourselves and our work.
Postlude
Toccata in Seven
As the title indicates, this is a toccata in 7/8 time. Generally, a toccata involves a very active rhythmic structure. Many toccatas for church performance are based on a hymn tune, but this was a free standing composition by Rutter, suitable for both church and concert use.
Set in a three part ABA form, the middle section, with it's slower chords and dialogue between manuals and pedals are surrounded by a rhythmic pattern with clear, square phrases. Characteristic of the English style of composition, this work features a good deal of modulation, pan-diatonicism (two keys at once), and colorful harmonies.
Set in a three part ABA form, the middle section, with it's slower chords and dialogue between manuals and pedals are surrounded by a rhythmic pattern with clear, square phrases. Characteristic of the English style of composition, this work features a good deal of modulation, pan-diatonicism (two keys at once), and colorful harmonies.
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