11am Eucharist, Sunday, August 19th, 2018
ACNA Ancient Text, 13th Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon on: Galatians
Themes from the readings: Bear one another’s burdens and correct your brother when he transgresses; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; Jesus is the vine, the Father is the vine-dresser, each branch that does not bear fruit will be taken away.
Prelude: Two settings of “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”, Arranged By: Heinrich Fleischer (1912-2006) and Rebbeca te Velde
Processional Hymn: 637 How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord (Lyons)
Gloria: S280, Powell
First Reading: Galatians 5:26-6:5
Psalm: Psalm 111
1 Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,*
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the deeds of the LORD!*
they are studied by all who delight in them.
3 His work is full of majesty and splendor,*
and his righteousness endures for ever.
4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered;*
the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He gives food to those who fear him;*
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works*
in giving them the lands of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice;*
all his commandments are sure.
8 They stand fast for ever and ever,*
because they are done in truth and equity.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
and commanded his covenant for ever;*
holy and awesome is his Name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;*
those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
his praise endures for ever.
Gospel Hymn: 691 My faith looks up to thee (Olivet)
Gospel: John 15:1-5
Offertory Anthem: “Amazing Grace”, Arranged by: Craig Courtney, Neil Abercrombie, Soloist
Soloist: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found
was blind but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my soul to fear
and grace my fears relieved,
How precious did that grace appear,
the hour I first believed.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
than when we’ve first begun.
Doxology: Hymn 380, Stanza 3
Holy: S125, Proulx
Communion Meditation: “Jesus, All My Gladness”, Arranged by: Joseph Clokey
Recessional Hymn: 541 Come, labor on (Ora Labora)
Postlude: “Forgive our Sins, As We Forgive”, Arranged by: Wilbur Held
Music Notes, By: Ashley Sosis
In many hymnals, each hymn is printed with a related bible verse, either a passage that the hymn text may be based on or simply something the editors of the hymnal thought would pair well with the hymn. I remember seeing “Amazing Grace” paired with 2 Corinthians 12:9, “9 But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
One of the best loved and most often sung hymns in North America, “Amazing Grace,” expresses John Newton's personal experience of conversion from sin as an act of God's grace. At the end of his life, Newton (b. London, England, 1725; d. London, 1807) said, “There are two things I'll never forget: that I was a great sinner, and that Jesus Christ is a greater Savior!”
Newton was born into a Christian home, but his mother died when he was seven, and he joined his father at sea when he was eleven. His licentious and tumultuous sailing life included a flogging for attempted desertion from the Royal Navy and captivity by a slave trader in West Africa. After his escape he himself became the captain of a slave ship. Several factors contributed to Newton's conversion: a near-drowning in 1748, the piety of his friend Mary Catlett, (whom he married in 1750), and his reading of Thomas à Kempis'
Imitation of Christ. In 1754 he gave up the slave trade and, in association with William Wilberforce, eventually became an ardent abolitionist. After becoming a tide-surveyor in Liverpool, England, Newton came under the influence of George Whitefield and John and Charles Wesley and began to study for the for ministry. He was ordained in the Church of England and served in Olney (1764-1780) and St. Mary Woolnoth, London (1780-1807). His legacy to the Christian church includes his hymns as well as his collaboration with William Cowper in publishing Olney Hymns (1779), to which Newton contributed 280 hymns, including “Amazing Grace.”
"Amazing Grace" was published in six stanzas with the heading "1 Chronicles 17:16-17, Faith's review and expectation." That scripture passage is, “16 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?17 And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God!”