Music for Sunday, July 8

In the gospel reading this week (Mark 6:1-13) Jesus preaches his "homecoming" sermon. The people are so astonished at his teachings, that they reject him and take offense at all he tries to do. He is amazed at their unbelief. So that led me to music that leads one to having faith, even when we are unsure. And as it is summer, I am of course including favorites!

Richard Smallwood

At communion the Choir will sing "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood. Smallwood, a graduate of Howard University, has solidly changed the face of gospel music by blending classical movements with traditional gospel. He has received many honors, including Dove awards and a Grammy. He wrote "Total Praise" in 1995 while his mother was ill. Being in a dark place, he was trying to turn the song into a "pity party" kind of song, but it kept pulling into a praise song. He then says that God deserves praise in whatever season we find ourselves. "Mountaintop praise" when everything is going well, is easy. Yet we still offer God "valley praise" when we are in a dark situation. God is with us through the hard times too. This song is especially meaningful for the choir, as we offered it during one of our dark moments at the memorial service of our sister, Diane Roberts.

To read Richard Smallwood's words, click on the following link:

http://journalofgospelmusic.com/gospel/genesis-of-a-gospel-song-total-praise-by-richard-smallwood/

Lord, I will lift mine eyes to the hills

Knowing my help is coming from You

Your peace you give me in time of the storm

You are the source of my strength

You are the strength of my life

I lift my hands in total praise to you

Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen

Chris Tomlin

Also during communion, the Contemporary Music Group will lead "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)". Texas Chris Tomlin often blends traditional hymns with contemporary music, and this is a favorite example of that blend. He has preserved the words of John Newton's hymn, using the original stanzas one, two, four and six. Then he added an original refrain, declaring that God, through mercy, love, grace and the salvation of Christ, has removed our chains and set us free.

Amazing grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love, amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, Who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

Will be forever mine.

You are forever mine.

Speaking of blending traditional with contemporary, I hope that my blended selections have enhanced your worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00. If you have not experienced our blend yet (for whatever reason) I hope to see you soon. If you have any words of encouragement for me, I certainly hope to hear from you. I also hope that you will continue to have faith in my selections, even when you are unsure!

Music for Proper 9

Prelude - Mit Freuden zart (Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above)

Processional - Lord of All Hopefulness, Lord of All Joy

Sequence - Jesus, Thou Divine Companion

Offertory - My Lighthouse

Communion - Total Praise

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Recessional - How Firm a Foundation

Postlude - Foundation (The other tune!)