Worship at Home – Sunday May 3, 2020

WORSHIP AT HOME 

To hear the music, prayers and readings included in this service order, please watch our May 3, 2020 service afterwards on YouTube. 

Prelude  Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee   arr. Carol Tornquist 

Gathering Music MV 18 Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary

John W. Thompson & Randy Scruggs

Led by Peter Bull, Bass Lead

Lighting the Christ Candle

Opening Prayer Opening Hymn 

VU 678 For the Healing of the Nations WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Led by Rachel Wood, Soprano Lead 

Learning Together  You are invited to take part in the all ages activity with Natalie and Mary if you wish, check your Worship at Home email for the link.  

Song   Alleluia                                          Stephanie Martin

Led by Matt and Courtney 

Scripture Reading   

Scripture  Acts 2:42-47 

Reflection

A New Creed

Offertory solo – Panis Angelicus                           C. Franck

Chris Norman, Tenor Lead  

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer  

Blessing  

Closing Hymn  VU 173 Thine is the Glory  JUDAS MACCABAEUS

Led by Sheila McCoy, Alto Lead 

Peace


Music Notes

Opening Hymn VU 678 For the Healing of the Nations

The text of this hymn was written by Fred Kaan in 1965 for a service for Human Rights Day at Pilgrim Church in Plymouth, England. This hymn was used to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the United Nations and the 50th anniversary of the International Labour Organization. The first three verses deal with common societal problems: poverty, war, and prejudice. The fourth verse is a reminder that humankind is created in the image of God. The tune of this hymn is associated with Westminster Abbey. Fred Kaan wrote a lecture at the Westminster Abbey, London 1973, where the this text was sung to the Henry Purcell’s Westminster Abbey with which it has been principally associated ever since. 

Act of Praise “Alleluia” by Martin

Fitting within the Easter liturgical season, this Alleluia is composed by Stephanie Martin. This alleluia can be found in the cd album Alleluia: Sacred choral works by Stephanie Martin in 2010. This song was written and recorded for the Schola Magdalena Choir from Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto. In contrast to a rather exuberant “alleluia”, this alleluia is soft and sweet with voicings beautiful, serene and sublime.

Offertory Solo “Panis Angelicus” by Franck

The Belgian-born but ultimately French composer Cesar Franck wrote some glorious music, brimming with inventive, intoxicating melodies. “Panis Angelicus” is one of the most remembered pieces composed by Franck, and has been recorded hundreds of times. One can hear the latest recording in Andrea Bocelli: Music For Hope (live from Duomo di Milano).

Closing Hymn VU 173 Thine is the Glory

The lyrics for this hymn was written by Edmond Louis Budry in 1904. Budry was a Swiss minister, writer, and translator. It is believed that part of the inspiration for this hymn came after the death of his first wife. “Thine is the Glory” has become a favourite in Great Britain. This hymn is now a standard in the British Royal Family Easter services. The tune for this hymn is Judas Maccabeus. The title comes from the oratorio “Judas Maccabeus.” The tune comes from the chorus “See, the conquering hero comes.” When it was first released, the tune exploded in popularity.