November 10, 2024

Many hymn tunes are used for different texts, as is the one on which the prelude is based; that is "Kingsfold", which 480 in our hymnal is "When Jesus left his Father's throne".  It is also used for 292, "O Jesus crowned with all renown".  Charles Callahan (1951-2023), American, graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and prominent organist and composer, wrote a short set of variations on the tune, which I'll play.

Our processional is the familiar 19th century hymn, "O God of every nation of every race and land", 607.  To me, these words not only relate to our Gospel reading but are particularly appropriate for our time.  The Gospel hymn is also from the 19th century, "Thy kingdom come, O God", 613; it is a wonderfully simple tune with a great text.

The anthem text is derived from Psalm 95 -- "The Lord Is A Mighty God"-- and is by the great composer Felix Mendelssohn and arranged by the American 20th century Lutheran composer, Olaf C. Christiansen.

Our well-loved communion  hymn, "O Christ, the Word Incarnate" (632), is a 17th century tune, you may note, but was harmonized by none other than Felix Mendelssohn.

Closing we will sing the ever popular "Come, thou fount of every blessing", 686.

The postlude, by the contemporary American, Albert L. Travis, is based on the hymn tune known as "Monkland", which is 389 in our hymnal and is "Let us, with a gladsome mind, praise the Lord, for He is kind".