This week’s music set-list review features photos by Gerik Parmele. We were also fortunate to have The Spares join us as guest music leaders. You can find more information about The Spares here and can pick up some of their music at The Crossing’s bookstore. You’ll find links in the song titles that will allow you to purchase recorded versions of the songs (where available).
Poor Wayfaring Stranger – traditional arranged by The Spares
The Spares sang their arrangement of this well-known folk spiritual as our gathering song.
I am a poor wayfaring stranger,
While traveling through this world of woe.
Yet there’s no sickness, toil nor danger
In that bright world to which I go.
I’m going there to see my Father;
I’m going there no more to roam.
Call to Worship (from Psalm 46) – Music by Jodee Lewis
Each week we have a call to worship that allows us to hear God’s invitation to his gathered church to draw near to him. This Sunday we sang this call with Jodee Lewis’ arrangement of Psalm 46.
You Are Holy by Christina Byrd and Steve Hindalong
Following Jodee’s call to worship we sang this song exalting our Triune God.
Praise Father God, giver of life
Power and might, goodness and light,
Ruler of all.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – Words: Joachim Neander (1680), Music: Erneuerten Gesangbuch (1665)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty is based on Psalm 103:1-6 and is a rich hymn praising the Father for his sovereign care over all of creation.
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
if with His love He befriend thee.
Our call to confession was from Psalm 130.
I Will Wait For You by Jodee Lewis
Our confession continued with this original song (based on Lamentations 3:19-24) by The Spares that reminds us of God’s great love even in the face of our unfaithfulness. Each day we are given yet another opportunity to experience His compassion and grace.
Yet this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope
Because of the Lord’s great love,
we are not consumed
Your compassions never fail;
they are new every morning
and I will wait for you
Ephesians 2:13, 19-21 reminded us that we have been brought near to God through Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith.
How Firm A Foundation – Words: John Rippon (1787), Music: Early American melody, Arr. The Spares
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves and Ed Cash
After the message, we enjoyed the sacrament of communion while singing this wonderful anthem that magnifies our Lord, Jesus Christ.
His body the bread, His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love.
The whole earth trembled and the veil was torn;
Love so amazing, love so amazing
I Know That My Redeemer Lives – Arr. by Jodee Lewis
We celebrated the Christ’s resurrection with The Spares’ rousing arrangement of this hymn inspired by Job 19:25.
Shout on, pray on, we’re gaining ground:
glory, hallelujah!
The dead’s alive and the lost is found:
glory, hallelujah!
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks – Words by Samuel Stennett (1787) and contemporary music by Christopher Miner
The resurrection of Christ has given us all the hope of an “inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you.” On Jordan’s Stormy Banks gives us an opportunity to express that hope in song.
O’er all those wide extended plains
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns,
And scatters night away.
The Spares:
Steve Hendershot – vocals, acoustic guitar
Jodee Lewis – vocals, acoustic guitar
with
Jonathan Gilley – upright and electric bass
The Music Team for October 3, 2010:
Scott Johnson – vocals, piano and organ
Andrew Luley – drums
For more information about music written for corporate worship by members of the music team visit The Crossing Music. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.