A note on this service: for several Sundays before this service, I solicited favorite hymns from the congregation. Every hymn in this order of worship was a congregant's favorite hymn. For four of the hymns I shared a reflection. Worship leaders/planners are welcome to use the descriptions/reflections of the hymns I wrote or be inspired to do likewise for a popular hymns service in their settings of worship.
Prelude
Introit
Welcome & Greeting
*Call to Worship, Methodists as a Singing People (See UMH vii for reference)
L: As Methodists, we have been called “A Singing People”
P: We love singing praises to God - it warm our hearts,
L: In his Directions for Singing, found in the United Methodist hymnal, John Wesley encourages us to learn the hymns in the hymnal before all other songs.
P: He says that we should all sing together as frequently as we can! That even for those who find it a cross to bear, singing will be a blessing.
L: He says we should sing lustily and with good courage and to beware of singing as if we were half dead or half asleep.
P: We lift up our voices in strength! We strive to unite our voices together to make one clear melodious sound to God.
L: We sing together: hymns that we love, clearly and melodiously, with strength and modesty, in time and in tune - an act of fellowship and worship.
P: But above all we sing spiritually, with an eye to God for every word we sing.
L: Today as we sing and learn, may we worshipfully and continually offer our hearts to God.
P: We sing today and every day until that time when we sing before the throne of God.
All: Let us worship God in song! Amen!
*Hymn
Amazing Grace, vs. 1, 2, 5, 6, UMH 378
Children’s Song
What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Vs. 1, UMH 526
Children’s Moment
Responsive Psalm with Sung Response
Psalm 95 (Response 2), UMH 814
Congregational Hymn Sing
Reflections on How Great Thou Art
The origins of How Great Thou Art start with Swedish pastor Carl Boberg around 1886. Boberg was walking along the Swedish coast when he got caught in a thunderstorm. It was a violent storm but as it dissipated, the sun peeked through the clouds and the birds once again started singing. The immense beauty of it startled Boberg and caused him to fall to his knees in awe…and he penned nine stanzas in Swedish that would eventually become the hymn we know today. Although from here, the poem started taking on a life of its own, being translated, tweaked and added to in a variety of languages. English missionary Stuart K. Hine and his wife first heard the song sung in Russian while in Ukraine. When they returned to England in the “Blitz years” they used the hymn in evangeletic measures and added the fourth verse - about Christ coming in final victory - at the end of the war.
The hymn grew immensely in popularity in The United States when it was used as part of the Billy Graham Crusades, starting in 1955. This sky rocketed it, perhaps the most popular hymn of all time in The United States, with it garnering immense radio play and covers by a wide range of artists, including Elvis Presley. And interesting enough, it also made it the most expensive hymn to include in our current United Methodist hymnal with just the copyright to use this hymn costing $2,000.
And still, perhaps the reason this hymn has captured the hearts and voices of Christians across the world and over many years, is because so many of us have experienced what Boberg felt on the coast of Sweden: an overwhelming appreciation of God’s beauty and wonder found in Creation and the urge to sing out praises to our God and Maker.
The first two verses focus on just this: God’s wonder and beauty found in our created world. The third reminds us of how great God is - not just in the natural world, but through the salvific acts of Jesus Christ. And lastly, the fourth verse takes on an eschatological nature - reminding us of the day when Christ will save not just humanity but all of God’s beautiful creation.
And so as we sing out together this morning, let us praise God and proclaim “My God, how great thou art!”
How Great Thou Art, UMH 77
Reflections on The Old Rugged Cross
Based on the responses we collected over several weeks, this was the most popular favorite hymn of our congregation - the most requested for today. George Bennard was born in Ohio in 1873 and he later became a Methodist evangelist. The finished version of the hymn was first performed at a revival meeting in 1913.
The hymn grew in popularity when Billy Sunday used it as part of his evangelistic efforts and his chief musician bought the copyright. “The Old Rugged Cross” was performed by many artists, especially country artists including: Ernest Tubb, Andy Griffith, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash and June Carter, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Willie Nelson. Mahalia Jackson covered it in an album of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s most beloved hymns. And like “How Great Thou Art” it was a staple of Billy Graham’s crusades.
The similarities in timeline and popularity of both “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art” reflect the timeline in which many of us, or our parents or our grandparents who we learned the faith from - the timeline that we and they came to know Christ and the years in which their faith was formed. Both hymns are ubiquitous with the American Christian landscape of the 50’s and 60’s.
But more than that, it’s not just the radio, TV, or revival air time that has made this hymn capture our hearts - it’s that poetically painted picture of The Old Rugged Cross and what it means to us and our faith.
This hymn employs the poetic use of paradox - something cherished, and yet old and rugged. An emblem of suffering and shame, and yet where the dearest and best hung. Despised by the world, yet holding an attraction for me. It reminds us of not only Jesus’s deep love beheld in his incarnation and death for us - but how what we cherish as Christians, including that old rugged cross, might seem strange to the world. This is what Paul calls “the scandal of the cross” - that something that was meant to be seen as an instrument of death and empire, could be transformed into a symbol of love and life and salvation.
And so, let us cherish the cross and all it represents as we sing.
The Old Rugged Cross, vs. 1, 2, 4, UMH 504
Reflections on Because He Lives
It is fitting that after we sing a hymn meditating on the events of Good Friday that we turn to Easter and singing of Christ’s resurrection. Because He Lives is based on John 14:19—“because I live, you also will live.”
The hymn was written by the married couple, Gloria and William Gather in 1971. The two of them wrote this about the background behind the hymn:
Prelude
Introit
Welcome & Greeting
*Call to Worship, Methodists as a Singing People (See UMH vii for reference)
L: As Methodists, we have been called “A Singing People”
P: We love singing praises to God - it warm our hearts,
L: In his Directions for Singing, found in the United Methodist hymnal, John Wesley encourages us to learn the hymns in the hymnal before all other songs.
P: He says that we should all sing together as frequently as we can! That even for those who find it a cross to bear, singing will be a blessing.
L: He says we should sing lustily and with good courage and to beware of singing as if we were half dead or half asleep.
P: We lift up our voices in strength! We strive to unite our voices together to make one clear melodious sound to God.
L: We sing together: hymns that we love, clearly and melodiously, with strength and modesty, in time and in tune - an act of fellowship and worship.
P: But above all we sing spiritually, with an eye to God for every word we sing.
L: Today as we sing and learn, may we worshipfully and continually offer our hearts to God.
P: We sing today and every day until that time when we sing before the throne of God.
All: Let us worship God in song! Amen!
*Hymn
Amazing Grace, vs. 1, 2, 5, 6, UMH 378
Children’s Song
What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Vs. 1, UMH 526
Children’s Moment
Responsive Psalm with Sung Response
Psalm 95 (Response 2), UMH 814
Congregational Hymn Sing
Reflections on How Great Thou Art
The origins of How Great Thou Art start with Swedish pastor Carl Boberg around 1886. Boberg was walking along the Swedish coast when he got caught in a thunderstorm. It was a violent storm but as it dissipated, the sun peeked through the clouds and the birds once again started singing. The immense beauty of it startled Boberg and caused him to fall to his knees in awe…and he penned nine stanzas in Swedish that would eventually become the hymn we know today. Although from here, the poem started taking on a life of its own, being translated, tweaked and added to in a variety of languages. English missionary Stuart K. Hine and his wife first heard the song sung in Russian while in Ukraine. When they returned to England in the “Blitz years” they used the hymn in evangeletic measures and added the fourth verse - about Christ coming in final victory - at the end of the war.
The hymn grew immensely in popularity in The United States when it was used as part of the Billy Graham Crusades, starting in 1955. This sky rocketed it, perhaps the most popular hymn of all time in The United States, with it garnering immense radio play and covers by a wide range of artists, including Elvis Presley. And interesting enough, it also made it the most expensive hymn to include in our current United Methodist hymnal with just the copyright to use this hymn costing $2,000.
And still, perhaps the reason this hymn has captured the hearts and voices of Christians across the world and over many years, is because so many of us have experienced what Boberg felt on the coast of Sweden: an overwhelming appreciation of God’s beauty and wonder found in Creation and the urge to sing out praises to our God and Maker.
The first two verses focus on just this: God’s wonder and beauty found in our created world. The third reminds us of how great God is - not just in the natural world, but through the salvific acts of Jesus Christ. And lastly, the fourth verse takes on an eschatological nature - reminding us of the day when Christ will save not just humanity but all of God’s beautiful creation.
And so as we sing out together this morning, let us praise God and proclaim “My God, how great thou art!”
How Great Thou Art, UMH 77
Reflections on The Old Rugged Cross
Based on the responses we collected over several weeks, this was the most popular favorite hymn of our congregation - the most requested for today. George Bennard was born in Ohio in 1873 and he later became a Methodist evangelist. The finished version of the hymn was first performed at a revival meeting in 1913.
The hymn grew in popularity when Billy Sunday used it as part of his evangelistic efforts and his chief musician bought the copyright. “The Old Rugged Cross” was performed by many artists, especially country artists including: Ernest Tubb, Andy Griffith, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash and June Carter, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Willie Nelson. Mahalia Jackson covered it in an album of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s most beloved hymns. And like “How Great Thou Art” it was a staple of Billy Graham’s crusades.
The similarities in timeline and popularity of both “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art” reflect the timeline in which many of us, or our parents or our grandparents who we learned the faith from - the timeline that we and they came to know Christ and the years in which their faith was formed. Both hymns are ubiquitous with the American Christian landscape of the 50’s and 60’s.
But more than that, it’s not just the radio, TV, or revival air time that has made this hymn capture our hearts - it’s that poetically painted picture of The Old Rugged Cross and what it means to us and our faith.
This hymn employs the poetic use of paradox - something cherished, and yet old and rugged. An emblem of suffering and shame, and yet where the dearest and best hung. Despised by the world, yet holding an attraction for me. It reminds us of not only Jesus’s deep love beheld in his incarnation and death for us - but how what we cherish as Christians, including that old rugged cross, might seem strange to the world. This is what Paul calls “the scandal of the cross” - that something that was meant to be seen as an instrument of death and empire, could be transformed into a symbol of love and life and salvation.
And so, let us cherish the cross and all it represents as we sing.
The Old Rugged Cross, vs. 1, 2, 4, UMH 504
Reflections on Because He Lives
It is fitting that after we sing a hymn meditating on the events of Good Friday that we turn to Easter and singing of Christ’s resurrection. Because He Lives is based on John 14:19—“because I live, you also will live.”
The hymn was written by the married couple, Gloria and William Gather in 1971. The two of them wrote this about the background behind the hymn:
“‘Because he lives’ was written in the midst of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. It was into this world at such a time that we were bringing our third little baby. Assassinations, drug traffic, and war monopolized the headlines. It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in the parched desert. Holding our tiny son in our arms we were able to write:
‘How sweet to hold our newborn baby,
‘How sweet to hold our newborn baby,
And feel the pride, and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
this child can face uncertain day because He lives.’”
The world that the Gathers describe that caused them to search for the hope of Jesus in this song - it does not sound too unlike the world we live in today. We live in the midst of social and political upheaval, war and threats of war, and violence of all kinds. How we, too, long for a balm that feels like a cool breeze in a parched desert.
When we sing this hymn, when we sing a hymn of resurrection, we are offered just that. We are reminded of the day when peace shall reign, when all wars and violence will cease, and Christ conquers all of death.
Let us turn to this song and sing it with the gusto of Easter morning, of empty tombs, and hope for our world and souls.
Because He Lives, UMH 364
Reflections on Let There Be Peace on Earth
Like Because He Lives, Let There Be Peace on Earth was also written by a married couple, Sy Miller and Jill Jackson-Miller. In a radio interview, Jill gave this background for this hymn:
“When I attempted suicide [in 1944] and I didn’t succeed,” she said, “I knew for the first time unconditional love—which God is. You are totally loved, totally accepted, just the way you are. In that moment I was not allowed to die, and something happened to me, which is very difficult to explain. I had an eternal moment of truth, in which I knew I was loved, and I knew I was here for a purpose.”
Jill spent the next decade exploring her relationship with God and God’s purpose for her. 11 years after her suidice attempt, she penned the words to “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Jill had found her purpose for which God had saved her: to help create peace on earth.
The song was introduced at a workshop in 1955 - this workshop was comprised of 180 teenagers of all different religions and races - maybe not so strange for us in 2024 but remember, this was 1955. And in singing the song together, walls and barriers were broken down.
Sy Miller shared about this hymns impact: “One summer evening in 1955, a group of 180 teenagers of all races and religions, meeting at a workshop high in the California mountains locked arms, formed a circle and sang a song of peace. They felt that singing the song, with its simple basic sentiment—‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me’—helped to create a climate for world peace and understanding.
…When they came down from the mountain, these inspired young people brought the song with them and started sharing it. And, as though on wings, ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ began an amazing journey around the globe. It traveled first, of course, with the young campers back to their homes and schools, churches and clubs.”
The hymn then grew, not just to be sung at workshops and churches but at school graduations, PTA meetings, Kiwanis Clubs, 4-H Clubs…and many more. It was sung on Sundays as well as on Veterans Day, Human Rights Day and United Nations Day.
For me, this song was even sung as a bedtime lullaby.
This song was born out of the deep love God has for us - that then calls us and transforms us to be agents of peace in this world. Disciples of the Prince of Peace. As we sing this favorite hymn today, may we feel the love Christ has for us and be compelled to share Christ’s love and peace with the world.
Let There Be Peace on Earth, UMH 431
Pastoral Prayer
But greater still the calm assurance,
this child can face uncertain day because He lives.’”
The world that the Gathers describe that caused them to search for the hope of Jesus in this song - it does not sound too unlike the world we live in today. We live in the midst of social and political upheaval, war and threats of war, and violence of all kinds. How we, too, long for a balm that feels like a cool breeze in a parched desert.
When we sing this hymn, when we sing a hymn of resurrection, we are offered just that. We are reminded of the day when peace shall reign, when all wars and violence will cease, and Christ conquers all of death.
Let us turn to this song and sing it with the gusto of Easter morning, of empty tombs, and hope for our world and souls.
Because He Lives, UMH 364
Reflections on Let There Be Peace on Earth
Like Because He Lives, Let There Be Peace on Earth was also written by a married couple, Sy Miller and Jill Jackson-Miller. In a radio interview, Jill gave this background for this hymn:
“When I attempted suicide [in 1944] and I didn’t succeed,” she said, “I knew for the first time unconditional love—which God is. You are totally loved, totally accepted, just the way you are. In that moment I was not allowed to die, and something happened to me, which is very difficult to explain. I had an eternal moment of truth, in which I knew I was loved, and I knew I was here for a purpose.”
Jill spent the next decade exploring her relationship with God and God’s purpose for her. 11 years after her suidice attempt, she penned the words to “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Jill had found her purpose for which God had saved her: to help create peace on earth.
The song was introduced at a workshop in 1955 - this workshop was comprised of 180 teenagers of all different religions and races - maybe not so strange for us in 2024 but remember, this was 1955. And in singing the song together, walls and barriers were broken down.
Sy Miller shared about this hymns impact: “One summer evening in 1955, a group of 180 teenagers of all races and religions, meeting at a workshop high in the California mountains locked arms, formed a circle and sang a song of peace. They felt that singing the song, with its simple basic sentiment—‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me’—helped to create a climate for world peace and understanding.
…When they came down from the mountain, these inspired young people brought the song with them and started sharing it. And, as though on wings, ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ began an amazing journey around the globe. It traveled first, of course, with the young campers back to their homes and schools, churches and clubs.”
The hymn then grew, not just to be sung at workshops and churches but at school graduations, PTA meetings, Kiwanis Clubs, 4-H Clubs…and many more. It was sung on Sundays as well as on Veterans Day, Human Rights Day and United Nations Day.
For me, this song was even sung as a bedtime lullaby.
This song was born out of the deep love God has for us - that then calls us and transforms us to be agents of peace in this world. Disciples of the Prince of Peace. As we sing this favorite hymn today, may we feel the love Christ has for us and be compelled to share Christ’s love and peace with the world.
Let There Be Peace on Earth, UMH 431
Pastoral Prayer
Offertory Prayer
Offertory with Anthem
Doxology
Invitation to the Table, UMH 12
Prayer of Confession & Words of Assurance
Passing of the Peace
Hymn of Invitation
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, vs. 1,2, 4, UMH 626
The Great Thanksgiving, UMH 13
Holy Communion
Prayer After Receiving
*Closing Hymn
Lord of the Dance, vs. 1, 3, 4, 5, UMH 261
*Benediction
Offertory with Anthem
Doxology
Invitation to the Table, UMH 12
Prayer of Confession & Words of Assurance
Passing of the Peace
Hymn of Invitation
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, vs. 1,2, 4, UMH 626
The Great Thanksgiving, UMH 13
Holy Communion
Prayer After Receiving
*Closing Hymn
Lord of the Dance, vs. 1, 3, 4, 5, UMH 261
*Benediction
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