September 29, 2024

Robert Powell's set of variations on "If You But Trust God to Guide You" is the prelude Sunday for our "combined" service at 9:30.  The tune by Georg Neumark (1621-1681) is that of hymn 635.   Mr. Powell (b. 1932) composed the Sanctus (S129) that we use sometimes; I have written about him several times and, as far as I know, he is still living in Greenville, SC.

Our processional hymn, 546, uses the famous Christmas tune by George Frédéric Handel, words by Philip Doddridge (1702-1751) who wrote the text of no less than 7 of our hymns.

Our Gospel hymn uses the first 3 verses of the beloved hymn "Where cross the crowded ways of life",  609.

The anthem for the day uses verses 1, 3, & 4 of hymn 405, but is a different setting by Richard Shephard, the English composer of the 20th and early 21st century, of whom I have written before.  Many church musicians, especially those with smaller choirs, use his compositions often.  He had quite a gift for melody and harmony.

The enduring 19th century hymn, "Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless" (343), will be sung during communion.

Closing, we will sing the well known "Go forth for God; go to the world in peace" (347), a great 20th century hymn by Eric Routley.

The postlude is a J. Bert Carlson setting of "Guide me ever, Great Redeemer", hymn 690. Mr. Carlson was also a 20th century Lutheran pastor, serving many northeastern churches.