Each week, Music Director Barb Bosman shares her favourite hymns to encourage and inspire you.

Sing along! When you’re singing at home, you be as loud as you like!

May 24, 2020

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

It’s unbelievable that this is the tenth week of being apart from each other. And as each day passes, it seems to me that when we do resume “regular” worship, it will have to be so different in so many ways from what we are used to.  But the things that will not change is our faith, and our trust in God’s word. We will still pray, and listen to Scriptures.  And  hopefully we will sing, because what better way to worship as well as  decrease  stress and anxiety.

The hymns this week that complement the Scriptures and sermon are joyous and triumphant- about spring with all its hope and blessings. 

The first one is VU 217-“All Creatures Of Our God And King”.   

The words were originally written be St. Francis of Assisi in 1225, but not translated and paraphrased till much later.  William Draper, a British rector  wrote the hymn sometime between 1899 and 1919, for his church’s children’s festival. It is currently used in 179 different hymnbooks. 

The second hymn today is “Now The Green Blade Rises”- VU 186.

This one is not as well known as the previous one, but it’s quite lovely.  The connection to Easter is unmistakable. The hymn was written by J.M.C. Crum, (1872-1958) , who was highly active in the church as chaplain, deacon and canon.  He was a prolific writer of biblical, historical and children’s books, as well as publishing books of songs for children. This hymn text first appeared in 1928 in England but not published in United States till 1966.  The tune is a French carol melody.

The last song today is one of the most uplifting, life- affirming songs of all time- something that we need desperately in these days. 

“What A Wonderful World”  is more recent in its origins.  It was written in 1967 by Bob Thiele and George Weiss, and recorded by Louis Armstrong, the very famous jazz musician and it is iconic.  It as been recorded by countless singers, but I have chosen  to share the Michael Buble version, because he is Canadian.

I’ll close today with something Robert Hunking shared on Londesboro United Church’s Facebook page.  I’d personally like to thank Rob for his daily uplifting messages. 

“If you make a mistake, admit it and get on with it.  The whole spiritual journey is a continual falling on your face.  And you get up and brush yourself off, and get on with it.  If you were perfect, you wouldn’t be on the journey.” ~Ram Dass, Grist for the Mill