June 11, 2023
The prelude Sunday is based on a hymn some of you may recognize, "I received the living God". The setting is by a contemporary American composer, Edwin T. Childs, who is based in the Chicago area and holds advanced degrees from various schools, including the Eastman School of Music.
Our opening hymn text is based on Psalm 148-- "O praise ye the Lord", 432, music by the well known English composer, Charles H.H. Parry, as you may note. The hymn is familiar to most people here at Calvary.
The Gospel hymn is even more well known - 635, "If thou but trust in God to guide thee", the 17th century tune and text by Georg Neumark.
Our faithful choristers have "some" break in the summer, in that there are no Wednesday evening rehearsals, but those who can will come Sundays and try to support congregational singing, having a rehearsal each Sunday at 9:30AM. It's a good time for any of you who are interested to join us! You are most welcome! This Sunday we plan to sing Richard Shephard's "Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go". Mr. Shephard, mainly 20th century, English, wrote many very wonderful and not too difficult anthems.
At communion we will have both Martha and Lynn Bailey each playing one piece on the harp. First is a Stephanie Curcio setting of "Be still, my soul.” Stephanie is known internationally in the harp world and her compositions are widely played. The second piece is titled "Peace" and is based on John 14:27. It is by Brook Boddie, American, who passed away recently and unexpectedly at 51. Not only was he a very talented harpist but also known as a "gentle giant" for his warmth and generosity.
Our closing hymn I think is a favorite at Calvary-- "Come thou fount of every blessing,” 686. If you check the notes in the hymnal you will realize this has been the favorite of probably many many generations!
The postlude is a David Cherwien setting of this hymn. Mr. Cherwien is a contemporary American, working principally in the Lutheran Church but his numerous compositions and hymn settings are very popular among organists and congregations.