March 2, 2025

Both the prelude and anthem for the day are by the prolific and talented American composer, Dale Wood (1934-2003), whose music is a staple in the repertoire of so many church musicians.  The prelude is based on the familiar "When morning gilds the skies", 427 in our hymnal.  The tune, known as "Laudes Domini", by Joseph Barnby, probably has remained consistently popular since it was composed in the 19th century.

Our processional hymn, 392, "Come, we that love the Lord", is by Richard Wayne Dirksen, whose tenure at the Washington National Cathedral stretched from 1942-1988. We sing this hymn every so often, and so I believe it is familiar.  It is a wonderful 20th century hymn.

Simplicity and beauty might describe our Gospel hymn-- 628, "Help us, O Lord, to learn,,,"

The anthem I did mention, but not the text, which is a translation from a 7th century-- or thereabout-- text, translated in the 19th century.

Communion hymns are 644, "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds", and verses 1.5-7 of 366, "Holy God, we praise Thy name".  Both hymns relate to the Gospel reading.

Closing, we will sing "Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing", 344.  Everyone knows this well!

The postlude, by the contemporary American, Kenneth T. Kosche (b.1947) is based on hymn 410, also known to some as "Alleluia, Song of Gladness".  In our hymnal the text is of course, "Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven".