June 18, 2023

The prelude is two settings of familiar hymn tunes, 587 and 339 in our hymnal, and are by a contemporary American, Jacob B. Weber, who in addition to composing many settings of hymns is cantor at a large Lutheran church and also Associate Editor of Music and Worship at Concordia Publishing Co., widely known and used by church musicians. He is based in Dearborn, MI.

Our processional hymn is the well known Hebrew melody with 19th century harmonization and earlier text by Thomas Olivers, 401, "The God of Abraham praise". Note that our Gospel hymn, 706, "In your mercy, Lord, you called me", is the opposite, music by the famous William Boyce but using a just slightly more recent text (19th c.).

Our anthem is a Felix Mendelssohn setting of Psalm 121, further arranged for two parts by Hal Hopson, a contemporary American with over 3000 published works.

The first communion hymn, 567, is familiar-- "Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old was strong to heal and save", but the second hymn (if we get to sing it!) is new-- 472, "Hope of the world, thou Christ of great compassion".

Closing, we will sing hymn 688, "A mighty fortress is our God". As you may know, both the text and melody are by Martin Luther, and the harmonization is by J.S.Bach.

Another contemporary American wrote the organ arrangement of the postlude, the well known "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven". Kenneth T. Kosche, having taught at Concordia College for decades (now retired from there), is still a parish musician and composer at heart.