Embracing God’s Call

This week’s service at Court Street carries the theme of divine calling, drawing inspiration from Jonah 3:1-5, 10 and the message “God’s Call.” Each week, we hope to harmonize our music seamlessly with the scripture and sermon, creating a rich tapestry of worship.

Watch the January 21, 2024 here.

Prelude: “Be Still, My Soul” – Sibelius Scripture: Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The prelude, “Be Still, My Soul,” set a contemplative tone, inviting us to quiet our hearts and minds. The scripture from Psalms emphasizes the importance of stillness, echoing the theme of responding to God’s call with attentive hearts.

Opening Hymn: “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” – UMH 158 Scripture: Psalm 95:1 – “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.”

The joyful call to worship, “Come, Christians, Join to Sing,” aligned with the psalmist’s exhortation to lift praises to the Lord joyfully. This hymn echoes the communal response to the divine call as we gather to worship.

Christian Henry Bateman (1813-1899) underwent ordination in the Church of England after initially serving as a Congregational minister. His ministerial training occurred within the Moravian Church before he transitioned to the Congregational Church at 30. After ministering in various Congregational parishes, he took Holy Orders in the Anglican Church at 56, serving as a curate and vicar in several Anglican parishes.

Originally beginning with “Come, children, join to sing,” Bateman’s text was altered in the Presbyterian hymnal to be inclusive of all age groups. The hymn employs direct, uncomplicated language suitable for children, with few words having more than two syllables. Each stanza starts with an exhortation to “Come” or “Praise.” The first stanza emphasizes offering “loud praise to Christ our King,” asserting that praise is His gracious choice.

The second stanza reassures that Christ, the King, is also “our guide and friend,” and His love is unending. It suggests that Christ condescends to be a friend, signifying a humble personal relationship.

The third stanza concludes with an eschatological note, assuring children that they need not fear death. Beyond life, their songs will continue on “heaven’s blissful shore,” singing forevermore: “Alleluia! Amen!”

Anthem: “The Summons (Will You Come and Follow Me)” – Scottish Traditional

Scripture: Mark 1:17 – “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

“The Summons” captures the essence of Jesus’ call to His disciples, as expressed in Mark 1:17. This Scottish traditional piece articulates a profound question: “Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?” This resonates deeply with the uncertainty and transformative nature of responding to God’s call.

In the scriptural context, Jesus, by the shores of the Sea of Galilee, called ordinary fishermen with a simple yet powerful phrase: “Come, follow me.” This call was not just an invitation to physically follow but an invitation to a life-altering journey. Similarly, “The Summons” echoes this sentiment, challenging us to consider leaving the familiar, venturing into the unknown, and undergoing a profound transformation. The words reflect the intimacy of discipleship, emphasizing a reciprocal relationship. The hymn emphasizes the dynamic nature of following Christ, where the disciple allows Christ’s love to be evident, His name to be proclaimed, and His life to be cultivated within.

We must confront the idea of self-surrender, a crucial aspect of answering Christ’s call. It aligns with Jesus’ call to leave behind one’s former life and embrace a new identity and purpose. This song delves into the vulnerability of true discipleship, acknowledging the need to love and accept oneself in the light of Christ’s call. It resonates with the idea that embracing God’s call involves truly accepting oneself.

The hymn further explores the transformative impact of discipleship. It underscores the active role of faith in the disciple’s life, not just for personal transformation but for participating in God’s work of reshaping the world. The closing affirmation encapsulates the essence of the Christian journey. It acknowledges the ongoing nature of responding to God’s call, a continuous turning and following that leads to a transformative, never-the-same-again experience.

Hymn of Illumination: “Precious Name” – UMH 536 Scripture: Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

As we seek illumination through God’s Word, “Precious Name” proclaims the safety and refuge found in the name of the Lord. The hymn complements the scripture by emphasizing divine protection in responding to God’s call.

“Precious Name” is a hymn written by Lydia Baxter. Born in 1809 and passing away in 1874, Baxter, despite being bedridden for much of her life, maintained a cheerful disposition and found solace in the name of Jesus. The hymn emphasizes the joy, comfort, and shield that the name of Jesus provides. Baxter’s intimate knowledge of biblical names, particularly Jesus, influenced her hymn writing. The lyrics explore the power of Jesus’ name, portraying it as a source of joy, a shield against temptations, and an intimate connection between Jesus and his followers. The hymn concludes with a reference to Philippians 2:9-11, envisioning a future where every knee bows to Jesus, echoing the sentiments of the biblical passage. Despite its somewhat archaic language, “Precious Name” remains in everyday use today and was composed in 1870 by Lydia Baxter, with music by William Doane, a well-known gospel songwriter. The hymn gained popularity in Moody-Sankey revivals in the late 19th century.

Hymn of Dedication: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” – UMH 557 Scripture: Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

We will close with “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” The hymn speaks to the unity found in the love of Christ. In dedicating ourselves to God’s call, we bind ourselves together in a common purpose, mirroring the unity that love fosters.

“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” is a hymn written by John Fawcett (1739-1817), a Baptist clergyman in England. Fawcett, who experienced a humble and challenging upbringing, was converted under the preaching of George Whitefield and later became a pastor in the rural parish of Wainsgate. His congregation, mainly farmers and shepherds, grew under his ministry, although financial struggles were constantly challenging.

The hymn is said to have originated from a poignant moment in Fawcett’s life. He and his wife, Mary, were considering leaving Wainsgate for a more financially stable parish in London. However, when the cart came to transport their belongings, the emotional farewell from the congregation led the Fawcetts to change their minds and decide to stay in Wainsgate. It is uncertain if the hymn was written in connection with this event, but its themes of unity, brotherly love, and the ties that bind are fitting for congregations facing partings.

Included in Fawcett’s collection, “Hymns Adapted to the Circumstances of Public Worship and Private Devotion” (1782), the hymn was often sung as a congregational response to the sermon. Fawcett remained in Wainsgate for 54 years, where he established a school and nearby Hebden Bridge. The hymn has become widely known and sung by Christians upon parting, reflecting the theme of unity in Christ even in times of farewell. John Fawcett was not only a preacher but also an educator and scholar, honored with a Doctor of Divinity degree from Brown University in 1811.

We hope each musical piece at Court Street this week serves as a powerful complement to the scripture, creating an atmosphere conducive to hearing and responding to God’s call. Through stillness, praise, commitment, and unity, we hope everyone can embrace the divine summons, echoing the spirit of Jonah’s journey to Nineveh.