This week’s time of worship is a Summer Songs of Praise, led by Ramanee Bengough. We asked you all for your suggestions, and we had some great ones sent in.
During this strange time, music has been very important to a lot of people. Whether joining in with an online choir, listening to the radio, or watching the many, clever, videos put together from recordings made in lockdown, I have found music a comfort and also a blessing – our house has been filled with music, with our music student daughter home from university, and practising her instruments.
I have enjoyed finding music each week to add to our online time of worship, working with our own brilliant musicians, Bill, Ed and Hazel, who have supplied me with recordings throughout, sometimes at very short notice. And from your comments, you have agreed with our selections too. Our musicians have also sent in their suggestions, and it’s lovely to find out what Christian music they enjoy.
I hope that you enjoy some old favourites, and some new ones too.
Opening Prayer
Father God,
by your Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer, which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in our vocation and ministry
we may serve you in holiness and truth
to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Amen
Summer suns are glowing (tune Ruth)
Chosen by David J Wallace, one of our church members, who said
This hymn, sadly, doesn’t seem to be heard much. I first sang it around 1954 (!!!) and probably only a few times since then. I think the music is lovely – the melody flows smoothly, effortlessly and predictably, making the hymn easy – and a joy – to sing.
When I found this video memories of my primary school assemblies (from the 1970s) came flooding back. This version was recorded in Whitby, many years ago, for BBC Songs of Praise.
Abide with me
Chosen by Bill Mclean, our organist, who has shared his talents with us during lockdown. Bill said
One of my favourite hymns is ‘Abide with me’, it’s a well loved hymn. When Logie church closed to join with St John’s (Cross), I returned to the church alone after the last service and played this wonderful hymn. Because of that it holds a special memory for me.
This version was recorded in Glasgow Cathedral, and shown on BBC Songs of Praise.
My hope is built on nothing less
Chosen by John Dent, one of our elders, who has led several times of worship online, he said,
Amongst many favourites, this one, of faith and confidence, is the most long standing – since around 1974.
The content says it all!
Recorded by Ed Muirhead, our pianist.
In heavenly love abiding
Chosen by Catherine Mclean, who has provided several bible readings for usI. Catherine said,
This is a powerful hymn with powerful words which speak to me even more in recent times. It echoes the Bible’s assurance that the Lord is with us now and to the end.
This was recorded for BBC Songs of Praise, at St German’s Church, Cardiff
Living Hope
Chosen by Hazel Bengough, who’s been playing oboe and piano for our online times of worship. She said,
I’ve chosen ‘Living Hope’ as it’s often played at the church I attend in Glasgow. It reminds us that Jesus has conquered death for us and that He is our true hope in times like these.
This was recorded at Spring Harvest, and shown on BBC Songs of Praise earlier this year.
When I survey the wonderous cross
Chosen by our pianist, Ed Muirhead, who has been recording hymns for us since the first week of lockdown. He said,
“When I survey” has been one of my favourite hymns for a long time – the tune is great, and the words seem to put everything in perspective, pulling your attention back to Jesus, his cross and love. The combination of music and words in the hymn works really well, the melody and harmony ebbing and flowing with the feeling in the lyrics.
Now thank we all our God
Chosen by Catherine Mclean, who said,
Why this one? The words are very powerful and the tune likewise. It was a hymn sung at the closing summer service at Harris Academy. It stirs powerful emotions in me which I can’t quite comprehend.
This version comes from Grace Community Church – Sun Valley, California.
10,000 Reasons
Chosen by Florence & Gordon Mitchell, who first came to our church last year. They said,
This is a beautiful rendition of Psalm 103. We first heard it at Logie & St John’s (Cross) at a worship led by Rev Anita Kerr and it speaks volumes to us.
Rev Anita Kerr introduced this hymn to the congregation in 2019, and I was one of the people who volunteered to lead the singing as she taught it. We have included it in our online time of worship several times, using this version recorded in Bangor, for BBC Songs of Praise.
Oh Jesus I have promised (tune Hatherop Castle)
Chosen by Lorna Carter, one of our church members, who has been a regular at our online coffee times. Lorna said,
I learnt this hymn at school in primary 4 for a school assembly. I still remember all the words and sing it to myself. Of course, the words are timeless but that tune is so rousing.
Deep peace
Chosen by Ramanee Bengough, deputy session clerk, who has been putting together the web pages each week, and emailing newsletters.
No apologies for including a piece of music which I have previously sung in a choir. What beautiful words to end our time together.
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace of Christ the light of the world to you
Deep peace of Christ to you
Grace
We normally say the words of the Grace to each other. We say them now to whoever is with us, and to everyone we have thought about during this time of worship.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.
The Blessing
Ramanee Bengough has also selected this “made in lockdown” recording of the Blessing includes people from across the UK, from over 65 churches and organisations, each representing hundreds of others.
How wonderful to see and hear Christians from so many different places all sharing one message to us all.
This video may contain adverts – something we’ve tried to avoid for our online times of worship – but we thought it was worth it to share this with you.
Notices
With many thanks to all our contributors.