"Hymns and Their Stories" -- Sunday, July 17, 2011

Some of you may know that Joan and I are involved in promoting the understanding of Hymns, the stories behind their writing, and encouraging congregational singing. We have been presenting musical programs of hymns at churches since 1997 and have appeared over 120 time at venues in Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

I am fortunate to be married to a fine pianist and accompanist who can cover and swing with my spur-of-the-moment inspirations. Below is the format that Joan and I will present this Sunday on Long Beach Island in New Jersey at the historic Spray Beach Chapel, built in 1893 and open during the tourist season there, May through September.

Drop by, if you can. Otherwise, hum along:

Worship Service

Spray Beach Chapel – Long Beach Island, NJ

Sunday July 17, 2011 – 9:30am – Hymnal for Worship & Celebration

Ronald D. Giles, Baritone -- Joan E. Giles, Accompanist

Welcome – Hymn 588 -- The Prayer of Convocation -- The Prayer of Confession --

1. “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” – Text: Henry Van Dyke, 1907;

Hymn #1 Music: Ludwig van Beethoven “Ninth Symphony,” 1824

Verses 1 & 2 – All in Unison

2. “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – Text: Robert Robinson, 1757;

Hymn #2 Music: Folk tune published by J. Wyeth, 1813; arr. by Mark Hayes

Ron and Joan

3. “Praise My Soul The King of Heaven” – Text: Henry Lyte, 1834;

Hymn #3 Music: Mark Andrews, 1934

Verse 1 – Ron; Verse 2 – All in Unison

4. “How Great Thou Art” – Text: Carl Boberg, 1885; English text, Stuart Hine;

Swedish Folk Tune, arranged by John Ness Beck

Hymn #4 Verse 1 -- Ron;

Verse 3 -- Ron;

Verse 4 -- All in Unison

~~ Morning Offering ~~

~ Prayer—Offertory—Doxology ~

5. " On Eagle’s Wings” Words and Music by Father Michael Joncas, 1988;

Arranged by Mark Hayes

Ron

6. “O God, Beyond All Praising” – Text: Michael Perry, 1982;

Music: Gustav Holst, 1918, arranged by Jane Holstein

Separate Sheet Verse 1 – Ron;

Verse 2 – All in Unison

7. “This Little Light/ This Joy” – Spirituals, arranged by Jeffrey Radford, 1993

Verse 1—This Little Light of Mine -- All in Unison

Separate Sheet Verse 2 – Ron – This Joy of Mine

Verse 3 – This Hope of Mine – All in Unison

Verse 4 – This Faith I Have – Parts – S.A.T.B.

Verse 5 – This Peace I Have – All in Unison

Musical Closing – “Benediction” (“May the Lord Bless You”) – Music: Joan Giles, 1999

"You know when you're young you think you will always be. As you become more fragile, you reflect, and you realize how much comfort can come from the past. Hymns can carry you into the future." ~~ Andy Griffith