I was born into a long line of northern Europeans who thrive on being busy, so Sunday’s Gospel about Mary and Martha is a powerful reminder that we all need time at Jesus’ feet every day! The selected reading from Amos literally speaks of a famine of hearing God’s word, and the Genesis reading tells of how Abraham and Sarah showed hospitality to Divine guests.
Our opening hymn is one of my favorite traditional social justice texts, “What Does the Lord Require?”. My opening voluntary is based on the same tune SHARPTHORNE written by my friend Bernard Wayne Sanders who now lives full time in Germany.
The men of our Grace Choir and Bill Claxton will join their voices in two Spiritual arrangements by Mark Hayes, “Give Me Jesus” and “My Lord, What a Morning”– both recommended hymns for the day, so we’re praying these profound texts in moving arrangements by the oh-so-talented Mark Hayes. The words of “Give Me Jesus” are so simple yet so profound and can be crafted for whatever the occasion may be: In the Morning when I rise, give me Jesus – Oh, I heard my Mother say…. – Oh, when I am alone…. – Oh, when I want to SING! Truly one of the most beautiful reminders that Jesus IS the answer – now and always!
My remaining instrumental music will all be based on the “runners-up” for suggested hymns that Pastor Preston and I didn’t opt to sing with the congregation, and in arrangements by Mark Hayes, as it happens! “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “It Is Well With My Soul” both speak to our constant need for Christ’s presence and power in our lives and the life-changing effects of cherishing and nurturing our friendship with Jesus.
May our Worship on Sunday remind all of us of the vital and life-saving importance of sitting at Jesus’ feet so that we may be Christ’s hands and feet in this world.
