Tag: hymns

Pastor’s Notes 5/9/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him.
Exodus 15:2

From the prophetic witness of Miriam and the devoted trust of Mary the mother of Jesus to the stirring hymns of Fanny Crosby and other modern poets of prayer, women have a profound impact upon our faith. Our worship this Sunday will honor the legacy of women whose gifts have helped the Church sing, pray, and live the gospel more fully.

Mother’s Day worship will feature hymns and musical offerings, each accompanied by short reflections or stories about the women who wrote them—women like Phoebe Knapp, Katharine Lee Bates, Natalie Sleeth, and Cecil Frances Alexander. You’ll hear a medley of Fanny Crosby’s beloved gospel hymns, sing “America the Beautiful,” and lift your voice in favorites like “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

To open the service, you will recall the song that may be the most famous and bold of all: Mary’s Magnificat—her cry of praise and justice sung while carrying the Christ child. That revolutionary hymn of a young girl from Nazareth reminds us that music has always been central to our faith—not just to praise God, but to proclaim God’s justice, reversal of power, and care for the lowly.

In her spirit, we’ll also remember Miriam, who led her people in song after God delivered them from Egypt, and modern voices like Miriam Therese Winter, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, and Joyce Rupp, who continue to write hymns, prayers, and blessings that awaken our souls.

Whether you are a mother, have known a mother’s love, or grieve one who is no longer here, this Sunday is a celebration of presence, of the voices that have walked with us and shaped our journey of faith. We hope this time of music, memory, and meaning will uplift your spirit and stir your gratitude.

I am currently on vacation but if you need anything please contact the church office or any of our elders. Many blessings!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: 7/23/2023

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Hymn: A poem praising God, typically sung.

Hymnody has been, for centuries, the collective response to relationship with a living and present God. Our modern word hymn is derived from the Greek”Hymnos” meaning songs of praise.

Hymns have been a “modern” expression of faith across every generation.  

Scholars note that until the 18th century, most hymnody in churches consisted of singing of the inspired Psalms. During the Protestant Reformation, some reformers, like Martin Luther, began to include hymns. The British hymnodist Isaac Watts has been called the “the liberator of the English hymn” for helping to move from exclusive psalm-singing to hymns. 

According to Christianity Today, Charles Wesley wrote 8,989 hymns (at least three times the output of poet William Wordsworth). Dr. Frank Baker calculated that Charles Wesley wrote an average of 10 lines of verse every day for 50 years! He completed an extant poem every other day.

“Amazing Grace”—Americans’ favorite hymn according to the Gallup Poll—was written by the former captain of a slave ship. That “wretch,” John Newton, eventually became an Anglican minister and worked to abolish the slave trade.

On Sunday we will hear these stories and more as we celebrate the importance of the stories behind the hymns that are enlightening our faith. Our worship team has crafted a beautiful service of music and story. Don’t forget that summer worship will happen in the chapel. As I am out of town the next couple of weeks, please contact the church office or elders with any pastoral needs or concerns.

Many blessings, Brett