Worship Music

We hope you will enjoy listening to this music!

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sunday Meeting Time

Sunday Meeting Time was written by Norman Spencer. It was originally used in a Warner Brothers cartoon of that name. The song is about happy memories and nostalgic feelings about church. Sung by the First Church Choir, directed by Marcia Hempel.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Turn the World Around

Harry Belafonte

Turn the World Around is a calypso song by Harry Belafonte (b. 1927). It a song that became popular on the children’s show, Sesame Street. It is now included in some hymnals. It references the earth, and the cycle of life, and the Spirit. Our Music Director, Marcia Hempel, sings on this recording.

Third Sunday of Easter

River

Bill Staines

“River” is a song by well-known singer/songwriter, Bill Staines. He also wrote “A Place In the Choir,” a fun children’s song. A resident of New Hampshire, he performs regularly on “Prairie Home Companion” and “Mountain Stage.” This recording was made by the First Church Choir, directed by Marcia Hempel.

Second Sunday of Easter

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Craig Courtney

I Know That My Redeemer Lives is a First Church favorite, composed by Craig Courtney. Courtney was working in Austria when he began composing sacred choral music. His works attracted the attention of John Ness Beck. Eventually, Courtney became staff composer and editor of Beckenhorst Press. This recording was made by First Church Choir, directed by Marcia Hempel.

Easter Sunday

Jesus Christ Is Risen Today

Maundy Thursday

Pie Jesu

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Pie Jesu means “Merciful Jesus, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them rest.” It is written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is dedicated to his father as part of his Requiem (1985). Soloist Emily Kosoff sings here with the First Church Choir.

Sixth Sunday in Lent: Palm Sunday

Gospel of Grace

Arranged by Mark Hayes

This medley of gospel tunes called Gospel of Grace, incorporates two melodies– Amazing Grace and Free Grace. It is arranged by Mark Hayes. Tom Jahnke is the soloist and Marcia Hempel plays piano.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Without His Cross

Composed by Albert F. Gausz
Arranged by Marcia Hempel

Without His Cross is by Albert F. Gausz, church friend and regular parishioner. It is a good example of Al’s faithfulness. After his retirement to the Cape, he wrote about 30 songs. Marcia Hempel arranged the piano part to this one. Al Gausz recently “went to heaven,” so we miss him very much. In this recording, Tom Jahnke sings, and Marcia plays piano.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

God Be with You ‘Till We Meet Again

Written by William Tomer

This much beloved hymn, with just one verse, is often sung at the end of our services at First Church. So, it has that familiarity which during the pandemic reminds us of when it was easier to sing together. How much we miss that! Sung by the First Church Choir.

Third Sunday in Lent

Good Samaritan

Composed by Peter Amidon
Sung by the First Church Choir of Harwich

Good Samaritan is a song by Peter Amidon, who is Music Director at Guilford Community Church (Congregational) in Guilford, Vermont. His wife, Mary Alice Amidon, and son, Sam Amidon, are also well-known musicians. The family does contra-dancing in New England.
This recording was made by the First Church Choir, directed by Marcia Hempel.

Second Sunday in Lent

I Said Stop

Written by James Mashoke
Music arranged by Marcia Hempel

I Said Stop was written by James Mashoke. He (nickname Jeep) is a member of First Church Harwich, who sings solos, participates in the First Church Choir, and writes music. Two of his pieces are particularly inspiring, I Said Stop and Let Him In. This recording was made by Jeep and the First Church Choir, at one of their pandemic parking lot rehearsals.

First Sunday in Lent

Give Me Jesus

Arranged by Mark Hayes
Sung by Tom Jahnke
Accompanied by Marcia Hempel

Give Me Jesus is an African American spiritual, arranged by Mark Hayes. The words to this song have been set to music hundreds of times. They express the deep need for God’s help, and a profound attachment to God, which moves away from the world’s approval. Soloist, Tom Jahnke, sings here, accompanied by Marcia Hempel on keyboard.

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Abide With Me

Abide With Me is a well-known hymn from 1820, with text by minister Henry Francis Lyte. Lyte wrote the words for a friend who was ill, but it was actually sung for the first time a few weeks later at Lyte’s own funeral. This recording is played on panpipes and sung by Dana Clark, a long-time member of First Church and new member of the Choir. Dana’s grandfather served First Church and lived in its parsonage, Broadbrooks House. Dana recently taught himself to play panpipes as well as the ocarina.

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

What A Wonderful World

What A Wonderful World was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, then popularized by Louis Armstrong. Nearly everyone knows and loves the lyrics, and the positive message of this song. Our First Church Choir made this recording, led by Music Director Marcia Hempel.

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Flutedance

Composed by
Joe Utterback

Flutedance is one of the many jazz pieces that Joe Utterback composed for organ. He performs on piano as well as organ in styles like barrel-house blues and boogie-woogie, as well as Broadway and traditional jazz. This composition is played by Music Director, Marcia Hempel, on First Church’s organ, a Hutchings tracker action instrument rebuilt in the 70’s by Philip Beaudry.

Third Sunday after Epiphany

I Sing the Mighty Power of God

Arranged by Lynn Carver

Here is a new arrangement of Isaac Watts’ “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” by our Bell Choir Director, Lynn Carver. It is a duet, played by Lynn and Tom Jahnke. This hymn was written by Watts (1674-1748), who was called the “Godfather of Hymnody.” He wrote about 750 hymns, which encouraged others to take up hymn-writing. He also wrote the well-known poem, “Against Idleness and Mischief,” which begins, “How doth the little busy bee, improve each shining hour?”

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Lead Me, Guide Me

Composed by Doris Akers
Sung by Tom Jahnke and Marcia Hempel

Lead Me, Guide Me is a song by Doris Akers (1923-1995). She worked with Mahalia Jackson, Billy Preston and with choirs, especially the Sky Pilot Choir. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Her biography includes extensive performances and recordings.

This recording was made at First Church’s recent Concert of Duets by Tom Jahnke and Marcia Hempel.

First Sunday after Epiphany

Inscription of Hope

Inscription of Hope was written by Z. Randall Stroope. It is based on words, written by a child, that were found on the wall of a concentration camp during WW II. This recording was made remotely by the First Church Choir, directed by Marcia Hempel.

Second Sunday after Christmas

Little Drummer Boy

Composed by K.K. Davis, Little Drummer Boy was first recorded by the Trapp Family Singers of VT. In this arrangement, Lynn Carver and Tom Jahnke are playing bells, and Ros Dunford is playing snare drum. This was one of the songs featured in our recent Christmas Radio Program, in which people could park near the church and listen to music recorded by the First Church Choir and other musicians from the church.

First Sunday after Christmas

Greensleeves / What Child is This?

Greensleeves is both a secular, English folk song, and the melody for the sacred song, “What Child Is This?” It was first named in the late 1500’s, so it is from the Elizabethan period. Our arrangement is for handbells and was arranged by Bell Choir Director, Lynn Carver, who is playing bells along with Tom Jahnke.

Fourth Sunday in Advent 2020

Christmas Lullaby

Written by John Rutter

Christmas Lullaby is a Christmas song to Mary, mother of Jesus. Rutter wrote the words and music for this commissioned work for the Bach Choir. That choir was celebrating conductor David Willcock’s 70th birthday. Here it is sung by the First Church Choir.

Third Sunday in Advent 2020

Wassail, Wassail

Arranged by Chip Davis
Played by Marcia Hempel

Wassail, Wassail is a Christmas song. It refers to the tradition of going from house to house, and enjoying food and drink with others. It is encouraging to hear this song during the pandemic.

Second Sunday in Advent 2020

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Arranged by Michael Scott

O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a very old Advent hymn, originally written and sung in Latin. It is sometimes known as Veni, Veni. It may have been composed as early as the 12th century. The words that we are familiar with were probably paired with the melody in 1851. This piano version is arranged by Michael Scott and played by Marcia Hempel.

First Sunday in Advent 2020

Look at the World

Composed by John Rutter

Rutter is one of the most well-known contemporary choral composers in the world. His Requiem and his arrangement of the Faure Requiem are widely performed. His sacred choral works are beautiful and heartfelt. Despite his statements that he is not a religious person, he is inspired by religious texts. This recording of Rutter’s was made by the First Church Choir.

Creation Sings the Father’s Song

By Krystyn and Keith Getty

Creation Sings the Father’s Song is composed by this Irish duo, whose accessible and lilting melodies have made their anthems favorites of many. This was sung by Tom Jahnke and Marcia Hempel in a recent Divine Duets Concert, performed outside in front of First Church Harwich.

Pentecost/Proper 29

Oh Shout for Joy

Written by Krysten and Keith Getty

Oh Shout for Joy is a hymn/anthem by the Gettys, who are Irish musicians. Their tuneful and lilting music are very popular with the First Church Choir. This was recorded by the Choir at their parking lot rehearsal, with wireless microphones and an FM transmitter.

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Written by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller

Let There Be Peace on Earth was composed by the Millers. It was originally written for the International Children’s Choir, which continues to sing it as their theme song. Our recording is a duet sung by Marcia Hempel and Tom Jahnke.

Pentecost/Proper 28

Headin’ Home

Written by Albert F. Gausz
Sung by trio, Edie Ruggles, Marcia Hempel and Tom Jahnke

Headin’ Home, (“Headin’ home to Jesus will be my only goal”) is a gospel song written by Al Gausz, a parishioner at First Church. He wrote about 30 beautiful gospel songs, which we at First Church have performed as solos, duets, trios and choral anthems. This version has Edie Ruggles, Marcia Hempel, and Tom Janhke singing as a trio.

O Spirit of the Living God

Words by Henry Hallam Tweedy
Music by Marcia Hempel

O Spirit of the Living God is a text from a hymn by Tweedy. He was born in 1868 in Binghamton, NY. Later, he became a Congregational minister and eventually taught homiletics (the art of preaching) at Yale Divinity School. In 1939, he wrote “Christian Worship and Praise.” Marcia Hempel has written new music, and feels that the text is very meaningful and inspiring.

Pentecost/Proper 27

Go Rest High on That Mountain

Written by Vince Gill

Go Rest High On That Mountain is a memorial that country singer Vince Gill wrote in memory of his brother. He recorded with Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss. Our singers are Tom Jahnke, Jeep Mashoke, and Marcia Hempel.

Hear My Prayer

Written by Moses Hogan

Hear My Prayer is a heartfelt song by the New-Orleans-born, gospel composer Moses Hogan. His harmonies are always so beautiful. In his short life (1957-2003), he made a valuable contribution to the repertoire of spirituals with his excellent arrangements. This is sung by the First Church Choir.

Pentecost/Proper 26

How Can I Keep From Singing

Written by Robert Wadsworth Lowry
Arranged by Audrey Snyder

How Can I Keep From Singing was composed by a Baptist minister, Robert Wadsworth Lowry. He also wrote Shall We Gather At the River and Nothing But the Blood of Jesus. This recording is of the Harwich Women’s Chorus, directed by Marcia Hempel.

Simple Gifts

Written by Shakers
Arranged by Joseph Moore
Sung by First Church Choir

Simple Gifts is a Shaker song, composed by Joseph Brackett of the Alfred Shaker Village in Alfred, Maine. Some accounts say it is a “gift song,” received from God. The Shakers were known for spiritual healing as well as for making beautiful and practical furniture and implements. It is arranged here for chorus along with use of Pachelbel’s Canon in D major.

Pentecost/Proper 25

What A Day That Will Be

Written by Jim Hill

Jim Hill was a gospel songwriter and singer/performer, whose music was sung by Bill Gaither, and other white gospel groups.
Edie Ruggles and Gail Johns sing this duet for the Divine Duets Concert at First Church. It is arranged by Marcia Hempel, who accompanies on piano.

He Is Here

Written by Kirk Talley
Sung by Jeep Mashoke

He Is Here was written by Kirk Talley, who performed as the Talleys with his brother and sister beginning in 1972. This song won a Dove Award in the 90’s, and was nominated for a Grammy.
Jeep Mashoke sings with the First Church Choir. Marcia Hempel accompanies on piano.

Pentecost/Proper 24

Bright Morning Star

Sung by Marcia Hempel

Bright Morning Star is a well-known Appalachian tune. It’s imagery of the star is used in many places in the Bible, in reference to the angel Gabriel, and to Jesus. The brightness of the star reminds us of hope. This was sung in our October 11th service, with a Dedication to Joanne Harrington.

Pentecost/Proper 23

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

Performed by Marcia Hempel

Arranged by K. Lee Scott, this is based on Psalm 23 and a Welsh hymn tune. Scott has written over 600 sacred compositions. Some of us may remember “The Apple Tree,” a First Church favorite.

Pentecost/Proper 22

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Written by Thomas Chisholm
Sung by First Church Choir

The words to Great Is Thy Faithfulness were written by Thomas Chisholm in 1923. Willam Runyan of Hope Publishing set it to music. Four members of First Church Choir recorded this at a recent “parking lot rehearsal.”

Pentecost/Proper 21

Look to the Day

Written by John Rutter
Sung by First Church Choir

This was written at the “invitation of Cancer Research UK.” Copies were given to the Choir by Tom Jahnke of the First Church Choir and the Outer Cape Chorale. This piece is sung by the First Church Choir, directed by Marcia Hempel.

Down by the Riverside

Sung by the First Church Choir

This piece is an African American Spiritual, arranged by Jay Althouse. It was first published in 1918, and recorded by the Fisk Jubilee Quartet. That Black quartet was very well-known for their interpretation of Spirituals. Sung by First Church Choir, directed by Marcia Hempel and recorded during a rehearsal in the parking lot.

Pentecost/Proper 20

Just A Closer Walk with Thee

Published by Kenneth Moore
Sung by First Church Choir

This was published by Kenneth Moore in 1940 after he overheard a train porter singing it. He went back to the station to ask the porter to sing it again. When it was published, it quickly became a gospel standard. This is the First Church Choir singing with wireless mics from their cars, recorded on a mixer and computer by Marcia Hempel.

Down In the Valley To Pray

This is also known as Down In the River To Pray
By George H. Allan
Sung by First Church Choir

This piece is attributed to George H. Allan from the book “Slave Songbook of 1867.” It was recently popularized by Alison Krauss in the movie, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” This is the First Church Choir singing from their cars and recorded.

Pentecost/Proper 16

Still, My Soul Be Still

Written by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Sung by First Church Choir

The  Irish couple, Keith and Kristyn Getty, wrote this music and shows that it is  closely related to Irish folk melodies.

The First Church Choir sang this piece from their cars, using wireless microphones and an FM transmitter.

Marcia Hempel received their song through a mixer and computer to produce what you hear!

You Raise Me Up

Written by Rolf Lovland and Brendan Graham Sung by First Church Choir

After becoming popular in England in 2002, this piece by the Norwegian/Irish couple was recorded by many recording artists, like Josh Groban in 2003 and Celtic Woman in 2005.

The First Church Choir recorded this the same way as their other one with Marcia Hempel, Music Director.

Pentecost/Proper 15

If We Only Have Love

Written by Jacques Brel
Sung by Marcia Hempel

This piece was composed by French singer-songwriter, Jacques Brel. It was introduced in his 1968 off-Broadway NY production of “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris,” which ran for four years.

Total Praise

Written by Richard Smallwood
Sung by Marcia Hempel

This gospel piece was composed by Richard Smallwood. He is a composer of gospel songs. He is currently the Director of Visions, earlier of the Smallwood Singers. He formed his first vocal ensemble at the age of 11, then completed a Master of Divinity degree in 2013 to prepare for ministry.

Pentecost/Proper 14

I Will Rise

written by Chris Tomlin
arranged and played by Marcia Hempel

This is a modern “praise song” by Chris Tomlin. It is often played with guitars, and was sung by the First Church Choir one Easter.

Largo/Going Home

written by Antonin Dvorak
played on organ by Marcia Hempel,

Largo from the New World Symphony is also known as “Going Home.” Antonin Dvorak composed it with the melodies of Native Americans and African Americans in mind. He considered the sounds to be similar, probably due to their use of pentatonic scales.
This version is dedicated to Katherine Ann Cima, a church and choir member, who died on July 12, 2020, memorialized and interred in our First Church Memorial Garden on July 30th.

Pentecost/Proper 13

Hear My Prayer

Written by Moses Hogan
Sung by Marcia Hempel

Moses Hogan, who died in 2003 at age 46, but left behind a large repertoire of masterfully arranged spirituals. This is such a one.

Away From the Roll of the Sea

Written by Alistir MacGilvray
Sung by Marcia Hempel

Canadian, Alistir MacGillivray, wrote this peaceful song about boats in the harbor, which have come home to rest. And he adds a prayer that they will return to the sea again.

Pentecost/Proper 12

He Keeps Me Singing

Composed by Luther Bridges
Sung by Tom Jahnke
Accompanied by Marcia Hempel

He Keeps Me Singing was written in 1910 by Luther Bridges. It is also known as “Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest Name I Know.”

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Written by Thomas Chisolm and composed by William Runyan Sung by Tom Jahnke and accompanied by Marcia Hempel

This piece was written by lyricist, Thomas Chisholm, and composer, William Runyan, in 1923. It was later popularized by Billy Graham and others.

Pentecost/Proper 11

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Arranged by Mark Hayes
Played by Marcia Hempel

Using Hayes’ improvisatory and soulful jazz harmonies, this hymn is one of the most expressive of all. It is played on our beautiful Steinway piano.

Children’s Song Medley

Arranged by Mark Hayes
Played by Marcia Hempel

A fun and rollicking rendition by Hayes. Here are three children’s songs—Praise Him All Ye Little Children, Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam, and Jesus Loves the Little Children.

Pentecost/Proper 9

There Is A Higher Throne

Written by Keith and Kristen Getty, and arranged by Lloyd Larson
Sung as a duet by Tom Jahnke and Marcia Hempel

Pentecost/Proper 8

Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross

Arranged by Gospel pianist C. F. Little
Played by Marcia Hempel

Pentecost/Proper 7

Jesus I Will Ponder Now

Composed by J.S. Bach
Sung by Marcia Hempel

This is a meditation on Christ’s suffering and the message of the Passion.

Listen to Jesus I Will Ponder Now

You Raise Me Up

Composed by Rolf Lovland
Arranged and played by Marcia Hempel

Listen to You Raise Me Up

Pentecost/Proper 6

Come O Thou Traveler

Words by Charles Wesley
Sung by Marcia Hempel.

This song has words by the Methodist hymn writer, Charles Wesley. It’s about Jacob wrestling with the angel. He asks the messenger, “are you love?”

Listen to Come O Thou Traveler

Suddenly There’s A Valley

Written by Chuck Meyer and Biff Jones
Sung and played by Marcia Hempel

This song was first recorded by Gogi Grant and Jo Stafford. It is in the Reader’s Digest “Family Songbook of Faith and Joy.”

Listen to Suddenly There’s A Valley

Trinity Sunday

I’m Trying To Be Like Jesus

Sung and played by Marcia Hempel
This is a children’s song about being like our Redeemer.

Listen to I’m Trying To Be Like Jesus

If I Can Help Somebody

Written by Alma Androzzo
Sung by Marcia Hempel

This is a gospel song about caring for each other as Jesus taught.

Listen to If I Can Help Somebody

Pentecost Day

I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

Arranged by Mark Hayes
Played on piano by Marcia Hempel

This is one of the most expressive and emotional spirituals, beloved by so many.

Listen to I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

Across the Lands You’re the Word of God

Written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Played by Marcia Hempel

Unity among all people, God’s presence among us, and love for fellow humans are some of the messages of Pentecost.

Listen to Across the Lands You’re the Word of God

Memorial Day

Battle Hymn Of the Republic

Arranged by Mark Hayes
Sung by Tom Jahnke

This hymn was first published in 1860. It has lyrics by the abolitionist, Julia Ward Howe, and a melody based on a popular military song.

Listen to The Battle Hymn of the Republic

Ascension

Day by Day

Day by Day, arranged by Mark Hayes
Sung by Tom Jahnke with a special part with Marcia Hempel Played by Marcia Hempel

Listen to Day by Day

None Other Lamb

Written by Craig Courtney for the Easter season, which ends on Ascension
Sung and played by Marcia Hempel

This piece captures the feeling of Ascension.

Listen to None Other Lamb

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Bright and Beautiful

Arranged by Mark Hayes and sung by Tom Jahnke
This is a beautiful medley of children’s hymns and songs.

Listen to Bright and Beautiful

Safe within Your Arms

This piece, based on “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:22-31), affirms that we are all children of God.

Listen to Safe Within Your Arms

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Lord of the Dance

This song tells the story of Jesus’ life.
It is arranged by Mark Hayes (who is playing piano in this recording), and sung by our own Tom Jahnke.

Listen to Lord of the Dance

The Gift of Love

This well-known song was originally the folk tune, “Waly, Waly,” and was used in Hal Hopson’s hymn, “Though I May Speak With Bravest Fire.” This arrangement is by Lloyd Larson. The words are based on I Corinthians.

Played by Marcia Hempel.

Listen to The Gift of Love

Fourth Sunday of Easter

I Then Shall Live. Words by Gloria Gaither, music of Finlandia by Sibelius

This piece is based on the well-known song from Finlandia by Sibelius, with words by Gloria Gaither. The words say, “May your living kingdom come in me.” It includes a wish that all of us be brought together in love. Marcia Hempel, soloist and pianist.

Listen to I Then Shall Live

I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes based on Psalm 121 with music by Marcia Hempel

I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes is an original duet newly composed by Marcia Hempel. It speaks of God’s protection and safety. Duet sung by Marcia Hempel and Tom Jahnke.

Listen to I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes

Third Sunday of Easter

Because He Lives by William and Gloria Gaither

This is perhaps the Gaithers’ best-known song.
Sung by Tom Jahnke, a member of the First Church Choir, and accompanied by Marcia Hempel.

Listen to Because He Lives

Give Me Jesus, an African American Spiritual

This Spiritual calls for Jesus (even after his death).
Sung by Tom Jahnke and accompanied by Marcia Hempel.

Listen to Give Me Jesus

Second Sunday of Easter

I Know That My Redeemer Lives by Craig Courtney

I Know That My Redeemer Lives was written by Craig Courtney, whose pieces always have beautiful melodies. The text is from Job 19: 25-26, and Corinthians 13:12.

Marcia Hempel, soloist and pianist.

Listen to I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I’ve Just Seen Jesus by William and Gloria Gaither

I Just Saw Jesus is a well-known song by William and Gloria Gaither. Award-winning musician Bill Gaither started singing in a trio in high school. He eventually went to work in the Christian music industry, and now has his own TV shows that are much loved.

Marcia Hempel, soloist and pianist.

Listen to I’ve Seen Jesus

Easter

For Easter we have 4 pieces.

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – Hymn

Christ the Lord is Risen Today is our stand out, stand up, festive hymn for Easter Sunday. Its words were written by the famous Methodist hymnodist, Charles Wesley, in the late 18th century. Join us from our UCC Pilgrim Hymnal 182.

Listen to Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today UCC Pilgrim Hymnal 182

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia
Sing ye heavens and earth reply, Alleluia

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia
Where o death is now thy sting, Alleluia
Dying once, he all doth save, Alleluia
Where thy victory, O grave, Alleluia

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia
Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia
Hail the Resurrection now, Alleluia

Bells Ringing by Edvard Grieg

Continuing the bell theme for Easter, this programmatic piano piece by Grieg sounds like bells ringing. Happy Easter! Maybe it resembles the way the First Church bell used to ring!

Listen to Bells Ringing

The Day of Resurrection – Hymn

The hymn, Day of Resurrection, was translated by John Neal in the 19th century from 8th century words. They link Christian Easter with Jewish Passover as “the Passover of gladness…the Passover of God.” Sing from the UCC Hymnal 192.

Listen to Day of Resurrection

The Day of Resurrection!  UCC Pilgrim Hymnal 192

The day of resurrection, earth tell it out abroad
The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God,
From death to life eternal, form earth unto the sky
Our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory

Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright,
The Lord in rays eternal, of resurrection light
And listening to his accents, may hear so calm and plain
His own “All hail” and hearing, may raise the victor strain

Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth her song begin
The round world keep high triumph, and all there is therein
Let all things seen and unseen, their notes of gladness blend
For Christ the Lord is risen, Our joy that hath no end.

Ring Them Bells by Bob Dylan

This song, while not strictly an Easter song, has strong religious references. Here songwriter, Bob Dylan, advocates for everlasting justice and truth. The last line is “they’re breaking down the distance between right and wrong.”

Listen to Ring Them Bells

Good Friday (Tenebrae)

All Is Well – Sacred Harp/Peter Amidon

All Is Well is a choral arrangement by Peter Amidon, a Guilford, Vermont, United Church of Christ choral director. It is based on his son Sam’s recreation of the Sacred Harp piece.

Listen to All is Well

Were You There? – African American Spiritual

This well-known spiritual, found in the UCC Pilgrim Hymnal 179, speaks directly to the heart. It describes Jesus’ crucifixion of being nailed to the cross like a common criminal then laid in his tomb. It repeats the word, tremble, three times; and as the word and we tremble, we are reminded of the earthquake that occurred at the very time of Jesus’ death.

Listen to Were You There?

Love Call Me Home, by Peggy Seeger

Peggy Seeger wrote the words and music to this beautiful song about friends, love, time, and death. Peggy is one of Pete Seeger’s sisters.

Listen to Love Call Me Home

Maundy Thursday

Mein Jesu Der Du Mich, by Johannes Brahms

Mein Jesu Der Du Mich (My Jesus Calls To Me)

Close to the time of his death, Brahms wrote eleven chorale preludes based on Lutheran hymns. This is the longest and grandest of all, and expresses pain, faith, and also triumph.

Listen to Mein Jesu Der Du Mich

O Thou Great Friend – Welsh Hymn Melody

Written by the great abolitionist Theodore Parker in the mid-19th century in Boston, and set to a Welsh melody, O Thou Great Friend describes Jesus as our Great Friend. Sing along with the UCC Hymnal 219.

O thou great friend to all the [heirs] of men,
Who once appeared in humblest guise below,
Sin to rebuke, to break the captive’s chain,
To call thy [children] forth from want and woe.

Thee would I sing: thy truth is still the light,
Which guides the nations groping on their way,
Stumbling and falling in the disastrous night,
Yet hoping ever for the perfect day.

Yes, thou art still the Life; thou art the Way,
The holiest know – Light, Life and Way of heaven,
And they who dearest hope and deepest pray
Toil by the truth, life, way that thou has given. Amen.

Listen to O Thou Great Friend

Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier by J. S. Bach.

This gentle chorale prelude is plaintive and worshipful. The second verse of this hymn has advice for Maundy Thursday: “Our knowledge and understanding are overshadowed with darkness, where the hand of [God’s] spirit does not fill us with clear light.”

Listen to Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier

Lent, Week 6

Ride on Ride on in Majesty

Ride on Ride on in Majesty is a well-known Palm Sunday hymn. Do sing along! It is in the UCC Pilgrim Hymnal, number 176, melody by John Dykes and words by Henry Milman.

Listen to Ride On Ride On in Majesty

Ride on ride on in majesty
Hark all the tribes hosanna cry
Thy humble beast pursues his road
With psalms and scattered garments strowed.
Ride on ride on in majesty
In lowly pomp ride on to die
O Christ thy triumphs now begin
O’er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on ride on in majesty
The winged squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice
Ride on ride on in majesty
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh
Bow thy meek head to mortal pain
Then take O Christ thy power and reign.

Notturno by Grieg

This Notturno by Grieg is moody and full of images. It connects to Lent by demonstrating the amazing progression from dark to light. Grieg wrote music that painted a picture. He lived from 1843 to 1907.

Listen to Notturno by Grieg

Lent, Week 5

Glory Train by Al Gausz

This is a song that Al Gausz was encouraged to record by musicians at the Gaither Studio. it. It’s a toe tapper! Al is a parishioner at First Church and has written about thirty sacred songs.

Listen to Glory Train, by Al Gausz

Courante by Scarlatti

Scarlatti’s emotionality in this piece stands out. It expresses the complexity of Holy Week. Scarlatti lived from 1685 to 1757, around the same time as Bach.

Listen to Courante, by Scarlatti