Christmas Hymns - Marc's Music Notables

It’s all too easy to look up at the end of December and—poof—realize the opportunity for meaningful reflection has passed, vacuumed up or packed away for next year, like another decoration. So this Christmas, how can we truly be present and not just buy presents? We find the answer in the most fundamental (and perhaps surprising) of places—in singing traditional carols together.

Redemption drew a baby breath that first chilly Christmas night, offering hope to a forlorn world dying to be rescued. But even before Jesus lay in the manger, his miraculous story was already being told in song. Mary sang about him in the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–51). Zechariah sang about him in the Benedictus (Luke 1:68–79). And of course, on the night of his birth, the skies over the shepherds’ field became a vertical stage for hosts of choiring angels.

We have each been created, compelled, and commanded to sing. It’s thus no surprise that the oldest Christmas traditions are the masterpieces of the carols. 

1. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing was penned by Charles Wesley and included in his 1739 Methodist hymnal. This theologically rich classic was later set to music by Felix Mendelssohn. It began as “Hark, How All the Welkin Rings,” but George Whitefield did us all a favor by changing the words to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” 

2. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus appeared in Charles Wesley’s book of 18 Christmas songs in 1745, and it’s one of my three favorite hymns today. The song captures how centuries of waiting, longing, and weeping find ultimate resolution in Christ: “Israel’s strength and consolation / Hope of all the earth thou art / Dear desire of every nation / Joy of every longing heart.”

3. O Come, All Ye Faithful is a Christmas call to worship, mostly likely written by John Francis Wade, a Catholic artist who created beautiful manuscripts decorated with exquisite floral images. His hymn “Adeste Fidelis” remained a Latin masterpiece for 100 years before being translated into English by Frederick Oakeley. 

4. In the Bleak Midwinter is among our most plaintive carols, partly because of the haunting melody by Gustav Holst. Penned by English poet Christina Rossetti, the lyrics first appeared in 1872. The last stanza says it all: “What can I give him, poor as I am? / If I were a shepherd I would bring him a lamb; / If I were a wise man I would do my part, / Yet what I can I give him? Give my heart.”

5. Joy to the World, with its triumphant cadence and rousing spirit, was written by the man commonly called the “Father of the English Hymn,” Isaac Watts. This hymn was published in 1719 and wasn’t even originally considered a Christmas carol.

6. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a medieval Latin hymn dating from the 800s. It was one of a series of antiphons sung each December, and it isn’t hard to imagine the mystical beauty of this hymn echoing off the walls of remote monasteries during the Middle Ages. This particular antiphon was discovered by an English minister and musician named John Mason Neale, who rendered it into English and published it in 1851.

7. Angels We Have Heard On High is one of the most joyful and well-written choruses ever composed. The lyrical journey shines a light on the reality of incarnation in a way that refreshes the soul each time you sing it.

8. O Little Town of Bethlehem was inspired by Philadelphia pastor Phillips Brooks’s visit to Bethlehem. Around 1867, Brooks wrote the lyrics and passed them along to the church’s worship leader, Lewis Redner, who composed the melody. It was first sung by a group of six Sunday school teachers and 36 children.

9. Once in Royal David’s City might be the least known of these carols, but we mustn’t lose its message or music. Cecil Frances Alexander was an Irish pastor’s wife who published this carol for children in 1848. Today, many consider her works too deep to sing in adult congregations. 

These carols—among many others—are treasures that remind us of the gospel joy we’re to share with the world in the bleak midwinter. They remind us that hope has dawned in the little town of Bethlehem, in royal David’s city, and that we should all join the triumph of the skies.

O come, let us adore him—Christ the Lord!

Come, Ye Thankful People - Marc's Music Notables

November is a time for being thankful. The story behind one of the most well-known and joyful hymns ever written on the subject of thankfulness is “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come'' is an inspirational one.

“I do this day in the presence of God, and my own soul renew my covenant with God and solemnly determine henceforth to become his and to do his work as far as in me lies.”

These astounding words of determination came from a lad only 16 years of age, in England, in 1826. His name was Henry Alford. He came from a long line of clergymen.

His father, his grandfather and his great-grandfather were all ministers of the Church of England before him. He, too, became an Anglican vicar.

Henry Alford was born in London in 1810 and was reared in that great city. His first charge, after graduation from Trinity College, Cambridge, was in Wymeswold, Leicestershire. His gentle disposition, cheerful attitude and sheer genius catapulted him to fame and high honor.

He reached the top of his profession in 1857 when he became the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral.

He was a versatile man: an artist, an organist and singer, composer of verses and a very talented speaker. His literary ability was climaxed with the completion of The Greek Testament, a commentary of four volumes, which required 20 years of hard labor.

It is reported that he loved to mingle with the common man. He never seemed to lose his vision of the pit from which he, too, had been lifted. He was thankful.

In the fall of 1844, while he was at Wymeswold, his first charge, the people of this hamlet decided to have a festival, rejoicing in the abundant harvest already gathered into their barns.

For this particular occasion Alford wrote a song which has been sung, perhaps millions of times during Thanksgiving celebrations.

“Come, ye thankful people, come,

Raise the song of harvest-home.

All is safely gathered in,

Ere the winter storms begin;

God, our Maker, doth provide

For our wants to be supplied:

Come to God’s own temple, come,

Raise the song of harvest-home.”

After you sing this inspiring song, rededicate yourself to a life of thankfulness. Learn to see and appreciate the little things that we so often overlook. Try this: Talk to God for 15 minutes, thanking him, and refraining from asking anything for yourself.

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:21

Killer Lady Bugs - Reece's Peace's

Today, I found myself gently escorting a ladybug out of my office, triggering a flashback to my time as a youth minister in Nashville. Particularly a memory of vacuuming thousands of thousands of ladybugs from our youth room. It may sound like an exaggeration, but it was a reality that unfolded over two days when these little invaders found their way in through a minuscule crack in a window and decided to make our room their new home. What was once a cozy space now became the epicenter of an infestation, with ladybugs stretching from wall to wall.

However, the room's inadequate heating, compounded by the cold, had taken its toll on these tiny creatures, leaving me to confront thousands of lifeless ladybugs strewn across the floor. These weren’t your garden– variety ladybugs, though; they were Asian lady beetles, introduced to the United States with the intention of combating aphid populations. Back in 1916, farmers believed these Asian lady beetles could be North America’s salvation from aphid woes. However, it wasn’t until 1988 that a wild population of these ladybugs firmly

established itself in North America, initially near New Orleans. From there, they rapidly spread, blanketing regions from the northeast, from the East Coast to the West Coast.

Those large gathering of ladybugs seeking shelter indoors, particularly in autumn, are indeed

Asian lady beetles. It’s striking how an initiative aimed at controlling one pest led to the emergence of a new problem. The very creatures introduced to combat aphids had now become a pest themselves.

To the point where a youth minister, armed with a vacuum cleaner, had to tackle an entire room overflowing with them emptying the vacuum canister multiple times. This experience serves as a reminder of how, in life, our best intentions can sometimes yield unexpected outcomes.

In our pursuit of control, we often find ourselves grappling with something far beyond our grasp. It’s in these moments that we can find solace in faith, just as we now find ladybugs infiltrating churches, offices, and homes in the autumn. Despite their unintended intrusion, these beautiful creatures still serve their purpose by devouring aphids, enabling us to enjoy more abundant gardens and harvest.

In the end, it’s a testament to the paradox of perspective-what one person considers a pest may be another’s blessing, and vice versa.

Take My Life and Let it Be - Marc's Music Notables

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) was an unusually gifted and passionate saint. The daughter of a church rector, she was raised in Worcester, England and attended schools in England and Germany. In her love of learning, she grew to become an able scholar (even becoming proficient in both Hebrew and Greek) and a talented singer and pianist.

The deepest desire of her heart, however, was in “personal spiritual influence upon others” (Benson). This led her to value most of all her ability to write; for that reason she expended the majority of her life’s labors in writing prose and poetry that would be spiritually beneficial to the saints.

Havergal suffered poor health and was taken by the Lord at just 42 years of age. But the Lord prospered her ministry; her writings had a large impact in her own day, and several continue to be read and sung today.

The story of “Take My Life” gives a good picture of the kind of passion and joy she had in ministering to others. She once recounted the story behind it: Perhaps you will be interested to know the origin of the consecration hymn, “Take my life.” I went for a little visit of five days. There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the prayer, “Lord, give me all in this house!” And He just did! Before I left the house every one had got a blessing. The last night of my visit I was too happy to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration, and these little couplets formed themselves and chimed in my heart one after another, till they finished with, “Ever, ONLY, ALL for Thee!”

In her own words, the hymn is a “consecration hymn” in which the singer commits all of her possessions and being to the Lord for his purposes. It expresses what each of us ought to feel and long for, even if at times we see so much disparity between the words and our actual state that we have to sing most of it in hope and faith.

Text with Jesus - Reece's Peace's

Have you ever wondered how things would be if Jesus was doing his ministry now? Back in the 1980s, a well-known TV preacher suggested that Jesus might be on TV today. He used this idea to explain why he used TV himself. But it's a good question to think about. If Jesus was here today, how would his ministry be different? I often send you all text messages, and I can't help but wonder: Would Jesus use texts too if he was teaching today?

Imagine if Jesus did send texts-what would they say? My text are usually normal stuff, like checking in or asking about things. Not really big or important things. But what if Jesus sent texts that were more meaningful? We used to have no way of knowing, until now. At least that is what the company, “Text with Jesus” claims. They state they can create texts from Jesus using AI. They say these texts would be like what Jesus might send if he was teaching now. I’m not sure how they figured out what Jesus would say in texts, since we don’t have any writings from him, let alone text messages to his disciples.

This company offers to send you lifelike texts from Jesus to help you when you’re facing challenges, if you pay the $2.99 each month. I don’t want to say bad things about this app. I haven’t used it, and I can see how it could be really helpful for some people spiritually. But it does seem a bit strange that we’re relying on an app, and the people who made it, to decide how Jesus would talk to us today.

If you want to hear Jesus, maybe instead of paying for this app, you could spend time praying. Jesus communicates with us nowadays, even if it’s not through texts. He finds ways to reach us in our lives.

1st Corinthians - Reece's Peace's

Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians. However, before our series, I thought we should take some time to examine how Christians throughout history have viewed and interpreted the profound teachings found in the first epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. 1st Corinthians has held a special place in the hearts of believers, offering guidance, encouragement, and timeless wisdom. Let us delve into various perspectives that have shaped our understanding of this remarkable letter.

In the early centuries of Christianity, the Church Fathers played a pivotal role in interpreting and expounding upon the teachings of the New Testament. Their writings reveal a deep appreciation for 1st Corinthians. They highlighted the importance of unity, love, and the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church. These early interpreters saw in Paul’s words a call to holiness and the formation of a vibrant Christian community.

During the Reformation in the 16th century, 1st Corinthians took on renewed significance. Reformers like Martin Luther King and John Calvin emphasized the doctrine of justification by faith, drawing inspiration from Paul’s teachings in this epistle. They also used passages from 1st Corinthians to challenge corrupt practices within the Church and call for a return to biblical truth. The Reformers saw in Paul’s writings a powerful message of God’s grace and the need for personal transformation.

In more recent times, scholars and theologians have approached 1st Corinthians from various perspectives. Some have focused on the socio-cultural context of Corinth and how Paul’s teachings addressed specific issues faced by the early Christian Community. Others have explored themes of social justice, gender equality, and the role of spiritual gifts within the church. These interpretations have contributed to a deeper understanding of the practical applications of Paul’s teachings in our modern world.

Beyond the scholarly and historical perspectives, 1st Corinthians continues to resonate with individual believers on a personal level. Many Christians have found solace, guidance, and inspiration within its pages. The letter’s emphasis on love, unity, and the transformative power of the Gospel speaks to the deep longings of the human heart. Countless individuals have turned to 1st Corinthians for direction in their relationships, personal struggles, and spiritual growth.

As we reflect on the rich history of Christian interpretations of 1st Corinthians, let us be encouraged by the diverse ways in which this letter has influenced the lives of believers across generations. Let us seek to understand its message in the context of our own faith journey and thechallenges we face today.

History of Juneteenth - Marc's Music Notables

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.

Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox Court House two months earlier in Virginia, but slavery had remained relatively unaffected in Texas—until U.S. General Gordon Granger stood on Texas soil and read General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

In Texas, slavery had continued as the state experienced no large-scale fighting or significant presence of Union troops. Many enslavers from outside the Lone Star State had moved there, as they viewed it as a safe haven for slavery.

After the war came to a close in the spring of 1865, General Granger’s arrival in Galveston that June signaled freedom for Texas’s 250,000 enslaved people. Although emancipation didn’t happen overnight for everyone—in some cases, enslavers withheld the information until after harvest season—celebrations broke out among newly freed Black people, and Juneteenth was born. That December, slavery in America was formally abolished with the adoption of the 13th Amendment.

The year following 1865, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became the annual celebration of "Jubilee Day" on June 19. In the ensuing decades, Juneteenth commemorations featured music, barbecues, prayer services and other activities, and as Black people migrated from Texas to other parts of the country the Juneteenth tradition spread.

In 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday; several others followed suit over the years. In June 2021, Congress passed a resolution establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday; President Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021.

Women of the Bible - Reece's Peace's

We are excited to announce a brand-new sermon series that will be starting June 11th! As we delve into the Scriptures, we will be exploring the remarkable stories of some incredible women of the Bible. This series is titled "Women of the Bible," and it will shed light on the lives of Rahab, Ruth, Esther, and Lydia.

Throughout history, women have played significant roles in God’s plan, and their stories are not only inspiring but also provide valuable lessons for us today. Each of these women exhibited exceptional faith, unwavering dedication, and profound influence in their respective contexts.

Our series will start with the story of Rahab, a Canaanite woman known for her remarkable courage and her pivotal role in the conquest of Jericho. Rahab’s extraordinary faith and her willingness to take risks for God’s people serve as powerful reminders of God’s ability to use anyone who is willing to trust and obey.

Following Rahab, we will examine the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman whose loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, are an exemplary demonstration of selflessness and devotion. Ruth’s story teaches us about God’s faithfulness and His heart for the marginalized.

In the third sermon of our series, we will focus on Ester, a young Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. Her bravery in standing up for her people and her unwavering trust in God’s providence amidst life-threatening circumstances will encourage us to remain steadfast in our own walks of faith.

Finally, we will conclude on July 2nd, by exploring the life of Lydia, a prominent businesswoman in the city of Philippi. Lydia’s open heart to the message of the Gospel and hospitality provide us with insights into the power of God’s transformative Grace and the importance of extending our faith to others.

Join us every Sunday as we embark on this journey of discovery, celebrating the extraordinary women of the Bible. Through these sermons, we hope to deepen our understanding of God’s love, God’s faithfulness, and the profound impact that women have made throughout history. We encourage you to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us for this enlightening series. Let us be inspired, challenged, and motivated by the faith and resilience of these incredible women in this summer series

Be Thou My Vision - Marc's Music Notables

The hymn, “Be Thou My Vision,” has its origins almost fifteen hundred years ago in Ireland. We believe that it was written by the sixth-century Irish poet, Dallán Forgaill, also known as St. Dallán. Monks chanted his poetry, and someone much later used it as the basis for this hymn.

We believe that St. Dallán lost his sight, which inspired the first line, “Be Thou our vision.” Legend has it that he recovered his sight after writing a poem praising St. Colomba. The hymn is a prayer—a prayer that Christ will be our vision—our best thought— our presence—our light.

What would it mean if Christ were our vision? How would it change our lives?

It would mean simply this—that instead of seeing the world through the eyes of a Madison Avenue advertising agent or a Hollywood movie or a television newscaster, we would see the world through Christ’s eyes. It would change our lives, because seeing the world through Christ’s eyes would cause us to love as Christ loved. It would cause us to focus less on getting the things that we want and more on giving what we can to help others. It would cause us to care less about other people’s opinions and more about the direction that God would have our lives to take.

In some ways it would complicate our lives, because we could no longer be as focused on the things that the world considers important—more money, bigger houses, more prestigious cars. But in other ways it would simplify our lives, because it would allow us to stop striving for ever-larger piles of things and would allow us to focus on spiritual values. People who have come to see the world through Christ’s eyes tend to be centered—less troubled than most— strong with a strength that comes from God.

“Be thou my vision.” So, next time we sing it, let’s remember that it is a prayer.

Let us make it our prayer.

Patti's Positive Praise - June. 2023

Movie The Book Club

Book: Outlive: the science & art of longevity

Quote: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

Will Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Replace Preachers?

I saw an interesting seminar a few weeks back talking about the ethics of using artificial intelligence to write a sermon. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the seminar, but I did laugh. Frankly, I thought it was a bit absurd to think that artificial intelligence could ever write a sermon like a pastor.

Ministers spend years studying the Bible and even more time with people. All of the knowledge contained in books doesn’t come close to the knowledge one gains from interacting with individuals. Each moment spent with people in their times of joy and sadness informs every word written in a sermon. Yet, even more than biblical and practical knowledge, I feel the spirit comes into a sermon. You should feel God’s presence in every moment and every word.

I went on the Al website that the seminar was talking about, Chat GPT. I was surprised. I typed in the prompt, “Write a sermon about artificial intelligence based on Romans 1:21-23 and Genesis 1:26,” and the result was surprisingly good. As I read the Al’s short sermon, I found myself unable to tell the difference between the artificially—generated sermon and many sermons I have heard humans preach before.

At first, I thought it was ludicrous to think that any minister could possibly use a sermon written by artificial intelligence without everyone in the congregation immediately knowing it was written by a robot. I assumed that the sermon would be so riddled with inconsistencies and errors that it would be impossible to follow. However, after seeing what this artificial intelligence could produce, I was left unsure. I needed more answers.

This Sunday, April 2, I will hand out two printed copies of two short sermons focusing on the same topic or you can find them by clicking the link on the bottom of this article. One is the sermon written by Al and the other is written by me. The goal is for you to choose which one is which. Then the Sunday after Easter, April 16, we will focus on artificial intelligence and faith, looking not only at how technology affects our spirit but how it affects our lives .

http://hurstbournechrisitanchurch-AI-sermon-docx

Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah"

While it is one of the top downloads during the Christmas season, it was actually written for Easter. The “Hallelujah” chorus proclaims Christ’s Resurrection and makes a splendorous finale to Part Two of Messiah. It was early in the 19th century that more and more choirs began to co-opt the famous chorus for Christmastime.

Handel composed Messiah in 24 days, without much sleep or even eating much food. When his assistants brought him his meals, they were often left uneaten. His servants would often find him in tears as he composed. When he completed “Hallelujah,” he reportedly told his servant, “I think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with His company of Angels.”

Although the first performance in Dublin on April 13, 1742, was a huge success, Messiah wasn’t met with the same excitement in London the following season. Six scheduled performances were cancelled by Handel in 1743, Messiah was completely removed from the 1744 schedule, and it wasn’t performed in London until 1749.

In another reversal of fortunes, London’s Foundling Hospital held a fundraising concert, where Handel performed a mix of new music and well as older pieces including the “Hallelujah” chorus. At the time, Messiah was still somewhat unknown to London audiences, but the concert was so well received that Handel was invited back the next year, where he performed the entire Messiah oratorio. Performances of Messiah became an Eastertime tradition at the Foundling Hospital until the 1770s. Earnings from many early performances of the oratorio were used to help the poor, needy, orphaned, widowed, and sick.

In 1910 the Mormon Tabernacle Choir made its first recordings, which included the “Hallelujah” chorus; this was most likely the first recording of Messiah music outside of England. It was also the first recording of a Messiah piece to use an established choir, as all early recordings were made using temporary choirs comprised of provisional singers.

Text for “Hallelujah” comes from the book of Revelation in the New Testament. Revelation 19:6:“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:16: “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 11:15 reads, “And he shall reign for ever and ever.”

Patti's Positive Praise - April. 2023

Movie/Show: 1923 with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren

Book: Lessons in Chemistry

Place: Gallrein Farms Shelbyville

Quote: “A good day isn’t always Perfect . It challenges you to Release your potential and Inspires you to appreciate the Little, amazing things in life. “

The History of Lent - Reece's Peace's

Lent is a period of fasting and penance that is observed by many Christians around the world. The history of Lent dates back to the early days of Christianity, and it has evolved over time to become the observance that we know today.

The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word “lencten,” which means “spring.” Lent is traditionally observed during the spring season, and it is a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter.

Christians began observing a period of fasting and penance in preparation for Easter soon after Jesus’s ascension, but the length and timing of this period varied. By the fourth century, there was a growing consensus that Lent should last for 40 days, in imitation of the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

The practice of Lent was formalized in the Roman world by the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, which established the date Easter and the length of the Lenten season. They decided that Lent was to begin on Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter, but Sundays were not included in the fasting period. This brought the total number of fasting days to 40, in keeping with the biblical symbolism.

During the Middle Ages, Lent became an increasingly important part of the church calendar. It was a time of intense spiritual preparation, marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of penance. Many people would give up meat, dairy, and other important foods during Lent, and some would even fast completely for Monday-Saturday eating only on Sunday.

During the Protestant Reformation, the observance of Lent fell out of favor in may protestant communities. However, many Protestant denominations have since reinstated the practice, and it remains an important part of the church calendar for many Christians.

Today, Lent is observed in may different ways around the world. Some Christians give up certain foods or habits during Lent, while others choose to take on new spiritual renewal and preparation, as we reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and recommit ourselves to living a life that is centered on God

Mediation on “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” - Marc's Music Notables

One Sunday afternoon the young Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was complaining about the deplorable hymns that were sung at church. At that time, metered renditions of the Psalms were sung by a cantor and then repeated (none too fervently, Watts would add) by the congregation. His father, the pastor of the church, rebuked him with "I'd like to see you write something better!" As legend has it, Isaac retired to his room and appeared several hours later with his first hymn. It was enthusiastically received at the Sunday evening service the same night.

Although the tale probably is more legend than fact, it does illustrate the point that the songs of the church need a constant infusion of new life, of a new generation's praises. With over 600 hymns to his credit— many of them classics like "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"—Isaac Watts has rightfully earned the title, "the father of English hymnody." This hymn, which is known as Watts' crowning achievement, was first published in Hymns and Spiritual Songs in 1707. Besides writing thousands of hymn tunes he was a church choir director, the president of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society, and a leading figure in music education.

Though “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” was intended originally as a communion hymn, it gives us plenty to contemplate during this Lenten season as our focus is on the cross of Christ. The hymn is said to be based on Galatians 6:14 (“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”) which is evident in a verse that Watts eliminated from later editions of the hymn:

His dying crimson, like a robe,

Spreads o’er his body on the tree;

Then am I dead to all the globe,

And all the globe is dead to me.

Perhaps Watts eliminated this verse in order to focus more attention on our response to Christ’s crucifixion than the crucifixion itself. Notice how he starts with contemplation of the cross and the fact that all our worldly achievements and possessions pale in comparison. Next, he shows that Christ went to the cross out of love for us. In the most powerful image of the hymn, he affirms the deity of the suffering Christ with the brilliant juxtaposition: “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?” And the last verse shows that the only proper response to this amazing love is complete devotion.

Take some time during Lent to meditate upon the words of this hymn and see if it works in you a new understanding of the depth of Christ's love. Here are some related verses:

Phil. 3:7: But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

Gal. 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Patti's Positive Praise - Mar. 2023

Movie/Show: Ted Lasso returns for Season 3 on Apple TV

Book: Where the Crawdads Sing and The Four Winds

Good News: First Day of spring is March 20. Pansies are in stock.

Places to Visit: Asheville, NC -The Biltmore and hiking.

Send me any of your favorites too!

Blessings,

Patti

Patti's Positive Praise - Feb. 2023

Let’s Celebrate February with love for everyone.

Movie: The Banshees of Inisherin

Book: Unoffendable, by Brant Hansen

Good News: Scientist say, “Cheese isn’t bad for you.” Places to Visit: The Pinnacles in Berea for hiking.

Norton Hospital is asking the public to send cards, to child patients through Feb 10.

Why Do We Sing in Worship - Marc's Music Notables

I heard this question on a podcast called “The Studio” about worship and the arts at Samford University and thought it was worth sharing. Think back to the last birthday party you attended. Did you sing “Happy Birthday?” My guess is that your answer is “yes.” Whether it’s singing with family at a funeral, or with friends at a concert, singing occurs naturally. So what about singing with the body of Christ?

So, “Why do we sing in worship?” This may be a question you’ve always asked yourself but haven’t heard discussed within the church. Generally speaking, singing in a congregational setting has been a widely- accepted practice amongst various denominations, age groups, and even cultures. So why is that? Why do we sing? Here are five reasons that we sing in worship.

1. God commands us to sing. There are hundreds of references of singing within the Bible. Jesus Himself sang songs of praise after the Last Supper. If we are called to replicate the character of Christ, I’m confident that singing should always be involved.

2. Christians have sung throughout history. The earliest Christians put their community beliefs in songs, which is why Christian hymnody as a whole began. Songs are recorded in scripture and other historical texts. The Book of Psalms in the Bible is a great resource for reading songs of believers that have gone before us.

3. Songs can give us theology. As you may know, hymns and other Christian songs are full of rich, theological text. The act of singing uses both parts of the brain, therefore it can educate us and teach us about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. Singing connects us emotionally. Songs of celebration have the power to lead us to dance. Songs of lament have the power to lead us to tears. Music has a way of piercing into the deep parts of our soul, that assists in our expression and response to God and to the church.

5. Singing helps unites us in the church. The gospel alone unites believers with one another. However, music is a tool that allows us to do so. As we gather on Sundays, we join together as one body and praise God with one voice.

We recognize that God gives each of us different gifts. But at the end of the day, we all are called, wanted, and expected to sing. Music is such an integral part of worship, especially at Hurstbourne Christian Church. I hope that the music we sing is a reminder of God’s love, grace, and presence in our worship. My prayer is that the music we sing in worship helps you feel closer to our Savior and that you feel a deeper connection to him through our music.

Personally, my hope for you comes from the proclamation found in Psalm 96. “Sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord! Bless His name! Share the news of his saving work every single day!”

General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - Reece's Peace's

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada General Assembly is in Louisville this year! The assembly will be held from July 29 through August 1, 2023. Louisville has hosted General Assemblies in the past, but it has been many years. The General Assembly is a gathering of Disciples of Christ from all over North America, where we come together as one large community.

This year’s theme is “Kingdom of God: Within Us and Among Us.” There will be a series of workshops and sermons based around seeing the Kingdom of God in everything we do. Many of the speakers and teachers will be prominent members of our faith community, including our general minister and president.

If you would like to attend, you can pre register by visiting www.ga.disciples.org. On that website, you will also find a full list of the various activities and workshops. For those of you who have never attended a General Assembly, it is important to remember that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a large and diverse community.

The practices of our local church might be different in some ways than the practices of other churches in our denomination. For those of you who have attended general assemblies in the past, you may remember a time when speakers said something that made you slightly uncomfortable. However, just because an idea is expressed at the General Assembly does not mean Hurstbourne Christian Church must accept it. One of the beautiful features of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is that we are a congregational denomination. We as a congregation can forge our own path. Often Hurstbourne Christian Church is in step with the national church, but occasionally we walk in our own direction.

In our general body meetings, you will hear various ideas from all around the nation. People From New York, California, Canada, Puerto Rico, Texas, and everywhere else in North America will share their ideas. However, no one person, not even our General Minister, Terri Hord Owens, speaks for all Disciples of Christ churches.

Still, through the process of coming together and sharing sometimes uncomfortable ideas, we can grow as a church in faith and spirituality. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was started by people with big ideas and it was only through their sharing of those ideas that we are here today. I hope that many of you will consider attending at least some of the General Assembly. We will have a guest preacher at Hurstbourne Christian Church on Sunday, July 30, who will preach about uniting with the greater Disciples’ world!

Patti's Positive Praise - Jan. 2022

Happy New Year to everyone at Hurstbourne Christian Church.

Each month I will Give Praise to things I have found enjoyable and I would like to share with you.

Movie: Ticket to Paradise

Book: The Boys From Biloxi-Grisham Good

News: Gas Prices Went Down

Places to Visit: French Lick West Baden

Favorite Scripture: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Send me any of your favorites too!

Blessings,

Patti