Music for October 8, 2017 + The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Vocal Music

• I Choose Love – Mark Miller (21st C.)
• Let Thy Blood in Mercy Poured - Johann Crüger (1598-1662)

Instrumental Music

• Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan  (Whate'er my God ordains is right) – Johann Gottfried Walther (1684-1748)
• Concerto No. 4 in F Major:  III. Andante – G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
• Fantasia C-major BWV 570 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Congregational Music (all hymns from the Hymnal 1982 with the exception of those marked “R” which are from Renew.)

• Hymn 518 - Christ is made the sure foundation (WESTMINSTER ABBEY)
• Hymn 474 - When I survey the wondrous cross (ROCKINGHAM)
• Hymn 495 - Hail, thou once despised Jesus! (IN BABILONE)
• Hymn R9 - As the deer pants for the water (AS THE DEER)
• Hymn 598 - Lord Christ, when first thou cam’st to earth (MIT FREUDEN ZART)
• Psalm 80:7-14 – Tone VIIIa

In the midst of pain, of war, of brokenness... we choose love. We choose community. What better way to share this message than through powerful song, and that's exactly what you'll hear this Sunday in the piece our choir will sing at the offering. This soulful anthem, written in response to the tragic events that occurred at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, North Carolina in 2015, is a testament to the power of forgiveness and peace. I chose it even as our community was still knee-deep (literally) in post-Harvey pain, and it is even more appropriate the week after the tragedy in Las Vegas.

Mark A. Miller

It is written by the contemporary composer Mark Miller. He is on the faculty at both the Drew Theological School and the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University where he teaches music and worship. He also is Minister of Music of Christ Church in Summit, New Jersey and Composer in Residence of Harmonium Choral Society in NJ. From 2002-2007 he was Director of Contemporary Worship at Marble Collegiate Church and from 1999-2001 was Assistant Organist and Music Associate at the Riverside Church, both in New York City.  Miller received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Yale University and his Master of Music in Organ Performance from Juilliard.

As the the son, grandson, brother, and cousin of United Methodist clergy, Mark Miller believes in Cornel West’s quote that “Justice is what love looks like in public.” He also passionately believes that music can change the world. This is never more obvious than today's anthem, I Choose Love. Here is 

Miller’s Reflection on his composition:

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

The gospel stories of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection continue to inspire, uplift, and amaze me. They inspire, uplift, and amaze because Jesus consistently chooses love. When it would be easier for him to appease with the powerful religious leaders and Roman backed authorities he chooses love. Even as his friends disappear and the crowds that once shouted “hosanna” turn on him with shouts of “crucify,” he chooses love. Even after betrayal and humiliation, even when he is dying, he chooses love.

The words to the song “I Choose Love” are by my friend Lindy Thompson, written in response to the murder of nine people who were at their church bible study. The people of Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleston, S.C., chose love when they offered forgiveness in the face of hatred and violence.

We always have a choice. Every day we have a choice–how will the events of your day and your life affect you? It’s the challenge of the witness of Jesus–the challenge of a truly faithful life–a daily spiritual discipline for each of us to rise up every day and say “I choose love.”

The other anthem this morning uses John Brownlie's communion text, Let Thy Blood In Mercy Poured. Brownlie was a Scottish Presbyterian minister who was interested in both education and hymnology. He wrote several original hymns, and translated many more from Latin and Greek. In addition, he wrote on the history of hymns. This hymn-text has been matched with a melody by Johann Crüger, one of the leading musicians in Germany during the early baroque period. Nine of his hymns are in our Hymnal 1982.