 Nelson Weippert Sermon by Nelson Weippert EPHPHATTA---BE OPEN My message this morning concerns a part of life we are all familiar with health and healing. I've titled it EPHPHATA- BEING OPEN to God's Healing Power. EMERGENCY ROOM . Visiting the Emergency Room at the Barrie for 14 days in a row to get a dressing changed, was quite an experience! --always crowed. -- full of sick people of all ages WAITING TO BE HEALED. First thing I noticed was the deathly quiet only the haunting whispers of a few sick children and mother's trying to silently comfort them. Mothers comfort children trying to make sure the vomit goes in the bag and not all over them. I could hear them wondering, why is it taking so long? When someone else gets called before them, they look at each other and their child. questioning with their eyes -why not us? You can almost hear their thinking, "my baby's sick, please take us next! And yet amongst the crying, vomiting, sniffing and shuffling, there is a mysterious sense of order. As the staff of competent doctors and nurses go about the BUSINESS OF HEALING. I can hear the pleads of the parents, "0 God help my baby!" Pleads of others, " 0 God help me! Please." 0 God, get them to hurry up, I want to go home! ****** Healing was most important to Jesus ministry, we find Christ spent one-third of his time preaching and two-thirds healing. Sickness, disease and mental health were major problems that plagued the people. It tells us that health care was a major issue then, and remains a major issue in the world today. - In our gospel stories this morning----- We find the Pharisees preoccupied with legalistic issues and when Jesus was healing the sick, He always seemed to challenge the Jewish Purity laws Here, a gentile woman, pleads for her daughter. According to the law of the Pharisees, she is unclean, still, Jesus heals her daughter. That poor gentleman who was deaf and had a bad speech impediment----was Jesus healed him with his spit and his touch. The Jewish law had strict instructions that all body secretion was unclean and not only that but touching a sick person made you unclean. Yet Jesus healed him! So Jesus was sending a message to the Jewish Religious leaders, "what is more important : showing love and compassion or following strict rules?" Interestingly, our Bible was translated from Greek, yet in the healing the deaf man Jesus calls out "EPHPHATA-- which is Aramaic the language Jesus spoke. In our English Bibles they did not change it but left it in Aramaic. I wonder why? As well as the healings, Mark wanted to get the message that--- OUR MINDS AND HEARTS MUST ''BE OPEN--EPHPHATA to receive God's gifts? Gifts of love, compassion, joy and healing. ******* Since we are thinking about healing, why would God give us the power to heal? Why do we need this healing power? I wonder how many here this morning are suffering with stomach problems or heart failure-maybe arthritic pain--Remember that pain when you burnt your hand on the stove, or hit your finger instead of the nail, wow, what excrutciating pain! (VW Commercial on TV) Pain and other Health issues can block out all our normal senses as the body concentrates on the area of our body that is suffering. Fortunately God gives us gifts to help us- cope with our pain and suffering ... I remember Jesus' followers were amazed at his healing miracles-Jesus said to them and us, We would do greater things than he had done!! Indeed we have!! - If we think of the major healings and cures medical doctors and scientists have discovered, we can begin to understand Jesus was true to his word and how well we have used the gift of healing.
One could go on and on about this gift of healing that God have given our nurses, doctors and scientists. There are other healing powers that God has given all of us and we never give them a second thought --
These are healing gifts used by mothers and fathers around the world. It's powerful stuff ! An OLD tradition of healing is being revived in churches across Canada-- it's known as "Healing Pathway Ministry." This ministry uses the skill of healing hands, also known to many as "laying on of hands, helping to be OPENS to God's gift of healing. Women and men within the church, believe healing is a process guided by God to restore balance and wholeness of body, mind and spirit. Through the skill of healing hands the Healing Pathway Ministry bring relief and healing to sufferers of chronic pain, migraines, allergies. They are helping individuals cope with chemotherapy or radiation or other forms of uncomfortable treatment. Their ministry also care for people who suffer from anxiety and fear brought on by:
Healing Pathway Ministry gives - peace, and inner wholeness to these people. Our connection to God is our source of power and OUR FAITH MAKES EACH ONE OF US PATHWAYS OF HEALING. ******** In the story of healing the deafman, Jesus tells us all TO BE OPEN, or another way of saying BE RECEPTIVE -- God has given the gift of healing to all of us and She leaves it up to us to discover ways ofusiug this gift. YOU MAY WONDER WHEN SHOULD WE CALL ON OUR GIFTS FOR HELP??? We see--In each of gospel stories, the women and the deaf man HAD NO PLACE ELSE TO GO for healing- Abraham Lincoln once said, I quote" I have been driven to my knees many times by the overwhelming conviction that I had--- NO PLACE ELSE TO GO." For us, it might be some crisis in our life-itmightbe pain-anxiety-fear- loneliness we fin4 ourselves with no place else to go-- WE CAN ALWAYS TURN TO GOD. JESUS IS CRYING OUT TO US "BE OPEN" NOW YOU'RE WONDERING HOW CAN I BE OPEN or RECEPTIVE? Well, I don't pretend to have all the answers-and it can be scary stepping out of our comfort zone and be challenged by God's voice- One minister said "Always wear a hockey helmet when you pray-you never know what the God has in mind for you!" Your favourite spot where you can hear the sounds of peace
So I suggest you find a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle **** try relax and let God's Spirit take over. Ifs like when you are starting to doze off-in the middle of the day--We all know that feeling! * * * * concentrate on where or what help is needed- notice the Lord's Prayer daily bread-temptatons - evil - trespasses) it might be loneliness- pain- a problem -depression. "be specific." ** Just Let your ears-your eyes-and your minds be receptive while you talk over the situation with God (conversational prayer) Have faith God will help. (ask-expect) Most important is to·LISTEN- God's voice is often heard in the SILENCE. JESUS CRIED OUT-EPHPHATA-BE OPEN! Let us
AMEN  THANK YOU NELSON WEIPPERT!!!!   
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Thanks to Rev. Randy Barrington for leading us in worship...
Thanks to Marion Bannerman for a great job at leading today's service. Great job Marion!
Scripture reading by Debbie Baxter My first reading from Hebrews. Hebrews is a letter from a group of Christians to the Hebrews. God wants you to take time to read or listen to his word devetly spending time on it, not half heartedly. He wants you to swallow it, digest it, let it get on the inside of you and change you, to touch your heart. Hebrews 4: 12,13 NIV 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Contemporary English Version (CEV) 12 What God has said isn’t only alive and active! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts. 13 Nothing is hidden from God! He sees through everything, and we will have to tell him the truth. I am reading fron Eugene H. Peterson's "The message bible" 12-13 God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what. My second bible reading will be from John. John said in Revelation 10:19, God's word is like honey in his mouth, but when he swallowed, it upset his stomach. Tha's when he realized the word is correcting him, changing his motifs.. Just like a friend rubbing off his rough edges. In John's account of Jesus, Jesus not only speaks the word of God, He is the word of God. John 14:22-25 New International Version (NIV) 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. John 14:22-25 Contemporary English Version (CEV) 22 The other Judas, not Judas Iscariot,[a] then spoke up and asked, “Lord, what do you mean by saying that you will show us what you are like, but you will not show the people of this world?” 23 Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. 24 But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me. What they have heard me say doesn’t really come from me, but from the Father who sent me. 25 I have told you these things while I am still with you. John 14:22-25 from Eugene H Peterson's " The message bible" 2 Judas (not Iscariot) said, “Master, why is it that you are about to make yourself plain to us but not to the world?” 23-24 “Because a loveless world,” said Jesus, “is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me. 25-27 “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught. Jesus confronts his disciples to comfort them and inspire them. He wants them to know that when they start to love God, they start to experience it, feel it, sense and know it, the love of God. The word of God which is alive and active. Sermon : "The relevance of the word of God" by Kevin Harvey Because of circomstances, Kevin, had to change the topic of today's message. (note from the webmaster : please find here excerps ( that is notes I took while listening) from Mr Harvey's message) Great day coming much like that of a a bride and groom. What are wearing to the wedding : The groom ... suit The bride is the special person at the wedding..... bright white Acts of righteousness be prepared and.... Revelation 19:6-8 New International Version (NIV) 6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
Do we believe... Does it matter Trust relation with God Need to trust our heavenly Father Hope to have some heavenly scripture
The bride has made herself ready We the Church are the Bride of Christ (not any special denomination) Be ready for the coming of the God How do you differentiate the Bride Christ gave the Church bright linen. God gave the Church this dress. We must clothes ourselves with fine linen ----righteous acts. Matthew 5:13-16 New International Version (NIV) Salt and Light 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 24:12 New International Version (NIV) 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, Sometimes we have a hard time doing good things because our love grow cold... .....easier said than done.... But that is what the Church is there for... Galatians 6:9-10 New International Version (NIV) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Do good things = sacrifice rewards but.. Things that stop us
Close your eyes, imagine there is a person getting ready for her wedding day...everything she needs is there....
All dressed getting ready = We the Church helping one another Bride's maid do not criticize the bride We the Church are going to a wedding -feast to a Father that loves us. Getting ready to meet....must show up ready God of all creations loves us but loves us ready He has given all the gifts must take from him Love ....... at our saviour Love is warmed James 2:14-19 New International Version (NIV) Faith and Deeds 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 3:13-18 New International Version (NIV) Two Kinds of Wisdom 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heavenbut is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. We the Church have been given a responsability to love each other, help each other, feed the hungry, visit the sick = be do-gooders.... Hymn : Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus By: George Duffield Stand up, stand up for Jesus As soldiers of the cross. Lift high his royal banner; It must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory His army he shall lead Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed. Stand up, stand up for Jesus; The trumpet call obey; Stand forth in mighty conflict In this his glorious day. Let all his faithful serve him Against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger And strength to strength oppose. Stand up, stand up for Jesus; Stand in his strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you, You dare not trust your own. Put on the Gospel armor; Each piece put on with prayer. Where duty calls or danger, Be never wanting there. Stand up, stand up for Jesus; The strife will not be long; This day the din of battle, The next the victor’s song. The soldiers, overcoming, Their crown of life shall see And with the King of glory Shall reign eternally.   Musician's prayer
Oh Lord, please bless this music that it might glorify your name. May the talent that you have bestowed on us be used only to serve you. Let this music be a witness to your majesty and love, and remind us that you are always watching, and listening, from your throne above. May your presence and beauty be found in every note, and may the words that are sung reach the hearts of your people so they will draw closer to you. May your Spirit guide us through every measure so that we might be the instruments of your peace, and proclaim your glory with glad voices. Amen Invocation and Lord's prayer Lord God, you who deserve the best and want the best from each one of us, take our preparation for this service and bless it with your holy spirit, that in our different roles we may serve you faithfully and well this day, and thereby advance your realm on earth as it is in heaven. Let us be worthy to be your emissaries-to reach out and touch the hearts of your people and be a witness to your greater glory. O Lord, be with us as we meet in your name. Open our minds to your spirit, and grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts abd show in our daily lives. This is a call to those who seek you. This is a call to love. Come and fill your house, come and fill this place, We love you Lord. We sing anf shout aloud because you are here, Our hearts burst out as you draw close. Joy is overflowing and praise is growing. There's knowledge in our hearts that you are there. We welcome you, Lord and ask that you continue to inspires singers, musicians and composers to realize that they have a gift of God and should use it for the good of others, Help all Christians to sing joyfully and to celebrate as the community of God. Now let us pray together the words Jesus taught us : Our Father, Who art in heaven Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgiveour debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. Hymn #410 " Joyful, Joyful" Music: Hymn to Joy, from the 9th Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven; adapted by Edward Hodges, 1824 Words: Henry J. van Dyke, 1907. Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day! All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays, Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee. Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed, Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine. Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began; Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife, Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life. Offertory prayer : Glorious God, we joyously place before you our offerings. May these gifts support our ministry so that others may gather in your name and follow your path of love and peace. We, your children, seek to be imitators of God and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. In Jesus name , we pray. Amen Hymn #17 in Mary's Songbook : I'll fly Away written by Albert Brumley Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away; To a home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away. CHORUS: I'll fly away, O glory, I'll fly away; When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I'll fly away. When the shadows of this life have grown, I'll fly away; Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I'll fly away. Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away; To a land where joys shall never end, I'll fly away. Scripture readings : Collossians 3: 12-17 and Corinthians 14:15 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will singwith my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Hymn #74 in Mary's Songbook : It is No Secret written by Russ (Stuart) Hamblen The Chimes Of Time Ring Out The News Another Day Is Through Someone Slipped And Fell, Was That Some One You? You May Have Longed For Added Strength Your Courage To Renew Do Not Be Disheartened, For I Have News For You Chorus: It Is No Secret, What God Can Do What He’d Done For Others, He’ll Do For You With Arms Wide Open, He’ll Pardon You It Is No Secret, What God Can Do There Is No Night, For In His Light You’ll Never Walk Alone Always Feel At Home, Whenever You May Roam There Is No Power Can Conquer You While God Is On Your Side Just Take Him At His Promise, Don’t Run Away And Hide Prayer: Holy Lord, to you forever, let all thanks be sung. May we be glad when it is said of us : "Let us go into the house of the Lord". May our lives as well as our voice, glorify you. This morning, let us praise you our Lord and Father. Accept our worship and praise, spoken and sung, to the glory of your holy name, We bless you, God, for all the good songs that have been sung : songs that have celebrated life, and love, and people together. And we bless you for the singers of the good songs in all ages.For we have caught snatches of their poetry and their melody, enough for us to try to become singers in our turn. let there be songs, blessed Lord, and the singers and p;ayers of songs, strengtheningm creating, prevailling. let the music continue to grow and flourish so that a new world comes to birth and all rejoice. We ask all this in your precious name. Amen Hymn #71 in Mary's Songbook : In the bulb There is a Flower words and music by Natalie Sleeth In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity, In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. Reflection : Music and Song in Worship by Nancy Campbell Music and singing are one way we express emotion. Music can express joy or sadness ; profound peace when we feel close to God, or bitterness when we feel distant from Him. In general, we are enjoined to serve through joy. So it would seem natural to include singing and music in our praise to Him. In the book os psalms, King David mentions several different kinds of musical instruments, and it is explained that musical instruments where used to inspire prophets to reach the heights of their prophetic connection to God. Hymn singing is an act of thanksgiving to God. The book of psalms is filled with thanksgiving. Hymn singing unites us through the praise of God.Singing hymn gives us a way and the means of coming together. The first songs in the church were psalms from the Hebrew psalter. Then there began to be dictinctive Christian songs and glorias, which by the 14th C. were at the end of the psalm reading, proclaiming an affirmation of praise and exalting the one God. In the early days of Christianity, the people of the church would sing defiantly together as a way of encouraging one another to face the future without fear. Even when the apostle Paul and Silas were thrown in jail, they sang praises of the Lord. The church has always emphasized the importance of singing hymns, but why do we sing hymns in church? Why do we form choirs? There are some who would say that singing hymns provide the church members an opportunity to become actively involved. Others might wonder that is is an activity that clears away social and community differences and creates a sense of unity and harmony. There is an extent of truth to both those statements, but the importance of hymn singing is much more than that. Remember what Randy read int the scripture. paul said, " let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing on another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." When we look at our hymn book, we see each hymn is related to at least one verse in the Bible- meaning every hymn is related to the words of God and Jesus. As we all know, the Bible teaches us how to be good stewards to our Master. And so when we sing hymns, we are actually constantly reminding ourselves of God's teachings and to know wheter we have been walning on the correct path. It is found that humans can only absorb 20% of what they hear from sermons. However combining words and melody, hymn singing is a stronger tool. Hymns are repeated frequently, which is an important factor of memorization. Through hymns, we sing praises and glorify God. We are encouraged to sing with our heart, not just our mouth and voice. God does not care if we have a beautifull voice or sing in tune to the music. What's important to Him is how we sing hymns---is it from our heart? For many years church music consisted of Catholic monks singing Gregorian chant hymns. Then the 16th C. Reformation resulted in the formation of the protestant Church and a new kind of church music - hymns that were written to be sung by the common people in a language they could understand. In the early 19th C. gospel music hymns such as " I Love to Tell The Story" written by William Fischer and "Blessed Assurance" by Fanny Crosby began to emerge. Fanny Crosby, who was blind, wrote over 9000 songs to the Lord. She used 200 different pen names because she wanted to make sure God got the glory, and not her. In the early 20th C. the Pentecostal movement determined to bridge the gap between Christians of different races. One result was the black gospel hymns negan to gain popularity. " precious Lord" written by Thomas Dorsey, is an example of a distinctive musical style that crossed racial lines. Thomas Dorsey, is an example of a distinctive musical style that crossed racial lines. Thomas Dorsey has the honored title of "The father of Gospel Music" and his music is loved around the world. In the 1921, at the age of 22, Thomas gave his life to Jesus. He began writting gospel music. Ten years later he lost his wife to childbirth, and soon after the baby died also. He fell into deep despair. About a week later, he was sitting at the piano, and the words to "precious Lord, take my hand" began to well up from his heart. God had given him a song that would not only lift him up from despair, but would also change the course of his musical career. " Precious Lord" has been translated into more than 40 languages and it was Dr Martin Luther King's favourite hymn. "I saw the Light" is a 1948 gospel song and first performer by Hank Williams. With poetic lyrics, such as " I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin, I wouldn't let my dear Saviour in", the song was written about Williams' religious convictions despite his alcoholic vices. The lyrics to " It Only Takes a Spark" ring true in many ways. Kindness is contagious, and when someone has gone out of their way to do something kind. a kindness is usually returned. The words annd music were written by Kurt Kaiser in 1969. "In the Sweet By And By" is another favourite Christian Hymn. It is written by Fillmore Bennet and music by Joseph Webster. This beloved and well known hymn took under 30 minutes for the two men to write. In the 1970's and 80's integrity music introduced the church to "As The Deer Pants for the Water" and many other hymns designed to take private worship to a new level of intimacy with God. Praise and worship within the church has taken on a new sound that continues to grow more intense and beautiful. I have already talked a little about the history of music and song in the worship and mentionned some of the songs Chenaniah played in the prelude. Now let's talk a little about the songs we've sung here this morning. We began the service with "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" Beethoven's melody. "Ode to Joy" from the 9th Symphony, is well known throughout the world, and many lyrics have been written to this well known tune. Harry van Dyke wrote the lyrics to this hymn in 1907. It was first published in the presbyterian Hymnal in 1911. Van Dyke wrote :" These verses are simple expression of common Christian feeling and desires in this present time--hymns of today that may be sung together with people who know the thought of the ages, and are not affraid of today and that are not affraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore , this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope." We can say the same thing today. Van Dyke was first a Presbyterian minister, and later served at several different universities in the eastern United States as a Professor of Theology. He published a number of books and chaired the commitee which prepared the Book Of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church. The next song " I'll Fly Away", was written by Albert Brumley in the spring of 1932. He sent the song, which he called " a little ditty", to the Hartford Music Company. Little did Brumley know that he had just mailed what would become the world's most recorded song in history. With over 5000 recording, " I'll Fly Away" has been recorded in every country and in every language on the planet. Brumley has been recognized over the years as the " greatest white gospel song writer before WWII". "I'll Fly Away" is still considered one of gospel's greatest songs. Now on to Russ Hamblin, a radio host and song writer in 1950's in Holliwood. He happened to attend a tent revival meeting where the young preacher announced : " there is a man in the audience who is a big fake". Hamblin was convinced the preacher was talking about him. A few days later, after a night of drinking, he went to the preacher's hotal room, where the two men talked for hours, In the early morning hours, Hamblin fell to his knees and cried out to God, Russ quit drinking, quit chasing women and basically quit everything that he used to think was fun. He lost favour in Hollywood and eventually lost his radio job. He fell on hard times. As he continued to struggle, an old friend name John took him aside and said to him, " all your troubles started when you got religion", and he asked Russ if it was all worth it. John asked how he could give up his old habits so easily. Russ simply answered, " It's no big secret. All things are possible with God" And John replied, " That is a catchy phrase. You should write a song about it" Well, as they say, the rest is history. Russ Hamblin wrote " It Is No Secret what God can do". By the way, the friend was John Wayne and the young preacher, Billy Graham. Our last two hymns were written by the same women. Nathalie Sleeth. "In the Bulb There is a Flower" was written in 1985. She wrote this about the song :" pondering the death of a friend reminds me of life and death, pondering winter and spring are seeming opposites, and a T.S. Eliot poem which had the phrase, "in our end is our beginning, that out of one will come the other whenever God chooses to bring that about. This is a hymn of promise." Natalie Sleeth was an American composer born in 1930 and died in 1992. She started piano lessons at the age of 4, She continued her music studies and eventually earned a BA in music theory. " Praise the Lord With The Sound of Trumpet" was written in 1975. The lyrics are a wonderful catalogue of things, times and places. All the instruments and all occasions can be used to sing and praise to the Lord. As the text suggest, " praise the Lord anytime and anywhere" and " everywhere in every way". Natalie took he text from Psalm 150 : " Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre. Praise him with the timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe. Praise him with the cash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. let everything that has breath praise the Lord". Let's get close to one another and open our mouths, praise God with a voice of singing.Come together in common purpose and service to God. Let us thank God for our music and join togerther in exuberance as we sing our closing hymn # 466. Hallelujah! God does listen to our hymn singing. Hymn #466 "Praise the Lord With the Sound of Trumpet" (words and music by Natalie Sleeth) Benediction : May the blessing of the Lord be upon you, and may you know the joy of putting his name upon others. Let us love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of his spirit. For indeed, blesses are those who walk in the light of God's face. "If I cannot fly, let me sing!" Stephen Sondheim |