The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
[God's] mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSV
Music & Prayers
music
"Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord"
FUN FAITH SONGS FOR KIDS
August 5, 2020
Music lesson: learning about pitch
The song for today, "Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord," involves making some NOISE. Kids will have a chance to play something that makes a percussive sound. They can use any rhythm instrument or something from around the house (such as 2 spoons, or a box and a spoon.)
The music lesson for this song teaches about "pitch" -- sounds that go up and down, and Kristin demonstrates using a bell ladder and a "ladder" poster.
"Jesus Loves Me"
FUN FAITH SONGS FOR KIDS
July 29, 2020
Music lesson: learning about the frets and strings on the guitar
"Rejoice in the Lord Always"
FUN FAITH SONGS FOR KIDS
July 15, 2020
Music lesson: finding notes on the keyboard
This week's song is about the word "rejoice," which means something like being so happy you can hardly contain it! Kristin teaches some more keyboard awareness, helping kids find the notes of C, D, E, and F so they can plan a simple accompaniment. (Alternate percussion accompaniment is suggested for those who don’t have access to a keyboard.) Have fun and "rejoice"!
"The Trees of the Field"
FUN FAITH SONGS FOR KIDS
July 8, 2020
Music lesson: whole steps, half steps, major & minor modes
The Fun Faith Song this week is “The Trees of the Field.” Kids will have fun clapping twice at the appointed time during the chorus, experiencing a faster and faster tempo. They will also learn about whole steps, half steps, and major and minor modes.
"Give Me Oil in My Lamp"
Fun Faith Songs for Kids
JULY 1, 2020
Music lesson: the mechanics of singing
"Give Me Oil in My Lamp" is a happy song about what fills us up and keeps us shining, keeps us singing. Today's music lesson is learning about how we sing, how our vocal chords work, and Kristin invites kids to make percussion sounds as they sing.
"Lord Whose Love in Humble Service"
GREAT HYMNS OF OUR FAITH
"Lord Whose Love in Humble Service" was written by British minister Albert F. Bayly and published in 1961. He wrote the hymn in response to a Hymn Society of America search for new hymns on social welfare. The tune name is Beach Spring, from The Sacred Harp 1844.
Performed by Kristin Young, Director of Music & the Arts, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Aurora, IL.
"Amazing Grace"
GREAT HYMNS OF OUR FAITH
The hymn "Amazing Grace" is by far one of the most popular hymns worldwide. It speaks to all of us about the restoration that come from God's love and forgiveness. God's answer is always Grace. The text was written by John Newton; a sailor, former slave trader turned abolitionist, and clergyman. It was written for a sermon on New Year’s Day in 1773. The text wasn’t married to a tune until the Baptist song leader William Walker used it with the tune he wrote called "New Britain." This is the beautiful melody we use today.
Performed by Kristin Young, Director of Music & the Arts, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Aurora, IL.
prayers
-
"i remember now in silence"
During this week of focusing on RESTORATION, it is fitting that we begin with prayer. Consider these words written by Rev. Ted Loder:
Lord,
plunge me deep into a sense of sadness
at the pain of my sisters and brothers
inflicted by prejudice, injustice, indifference,
that I may learn again to cry as a child
until my tears baptize me
into a person who touches with care
those I now touch in prayer:
victims of violence,
of greed,
of racism;
prisoners in ghettos,
in old age,
in sexism;
people with broken bodies,
with broken hearts,
with broken lives,
whom I remember now in silence before you.
Send me forth
in power and with great courage
to live out in the world
what I pray and profess
that, in sharing,
I may do justice,
love mercy,
and walk humbly,
to join with you
in healing the broken heart
and broken circle
of your human family.
—adapted from two prayers by Ted Loder: “I Remember Now in Silence” in Guerrillas of Grace
and “Restore the Circle of Humanity” in My Heart in My Mouth (Fortress Press)
reflections
-
"Do Not Be Dismayed"
Do not be dismayed
by the brokenness of the world.
All things break.
And all things
can be mended.
Not with time,
as they say,
but with intention.
So go. Love
intentionally,
extravagantly,
unconditionally.
The broken
world waits
in darkness
for the light that is you.
—L.R. Knost
