Music Spotlight! (Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021)

Special Music

"Built on the Rock" by Don McAfee

The text of the hymn on which this anthem is based was written by Nikolai Grondtvig in 1837 (translated from German to English by Carl Doving in 1909). Don McAfee employs only three of the original seven stanzas in his 1963 anthem, set to the 1840 tune by Ludwig M. Lindeman. 

Understanding Nikolai Grondtvig's story imparts special meaning to the poetry of this hymn. "Why has the Lord's word disappeared from His house?" His sermon by this title in 1810 attracted much attention around Copenhagen...

From the time of his ordination he had been deeply impressed with Evangelical church sentiments, in opposition to the fashionable Rationalism and Erastianism of the day; and adhered to the anti-rationalist teaching of Hauge, whose death at this time (1824) seemed to be a call to Grundtvig to lift up his voice. An opportunity soon presented itself; Professor Clausen brought out a book entitled "The condition, teaching, and ritual of Catholicism and Protestantism." This book was replete with the Erastian Rationalism which was so especially distasteful to Grundtvig, who forthwith, in his book "The Church's Reply" (1825) strongly opposed its teaching, and laid down truer principles of Christian belief, and sounder views of the nature of the Church. This caused a sensation: Grundtvig (who had not spared his opponent) was fined 100 rixdollars, and the songs and hymns which he had written for the coming celebration of the tenth centenary of Northern Christianity were forbidden to be used. On this he resigned his post at St. Saviour's, or rather was forced to quit it by a sentence of suspension which was pronounced in 1826, and under which he was kept for 13 years... He still worked on towards his object of raising the Christian body to which ho belonged from the condition of a mere slate establishment to the dignity of a gospel-teaching national church. In 1839, the suspension was removed, and he was appointed chaplain of the hospital Vartou, a position which he held till his death... [Source]

Grundtvig wrote "Built on the Rock" two years before the termination of his 13-year suspension from preaching (the penalty for refuting Rationalism in the Church.) The hymn seems to address his personal suffering ("when steeples are falling"), the stability of God's dwelling in us despite circumstance ("We are God's house of living stones, built for His own habitation"), and our call to return to the Lord ("Grant that when church bells are ringing, many may come to hear God's word").

Built on the Rock the Church doth stand,

Even when steeples are falling;

Crumbled have spires in every land.

Bells still are chiming and calling,

Calling the young and old to rest,

But above all the soul distrest,

Longing for rest everlasting.

We are God's house of living stones,

Built for His own habitation,

He fills our hearts, His humble thrones,

Granting us life and salvation;

Were two or three to seek His face

He in the midst would show His grace,

Blessing upon them bestowing.

Through all the passing year, O Lord,

Grant that when church bells are ringing,

Many may come to hear God's word,

Where He His promise is bringing:

I know mine own, mine own know me,

Ye not the world my face shall see!

My peace I leave with you, Amen.

Offertory

"My Days Are in Your Hands" by Greg Scheer

Greg Scheer is well-known for his sacred music, with congregational songs in numerous hymnals, dozens of choral anthems available from traditional and online publishers, settings of 75 Psalms, a hundred global song translations/editions, and arrangements for choir, orchestra, piano, and jazz ensemble. From Yale to Uganda, Indianapolis to Indonesia, Greg has spoken on worship and music topics including songwriting, worship theology, and leading praise bands. Two decades of leading worship in the local church provides street cred, insight, and a treasure trove of humorous stories. Greg is the author of "The Art of Worship: A Musician’s Guide to Leading Modern Worship", "Essential Worship: A Handbook for Leaders" as well as contributions to "The Hymn," "Worship Leader," and "New Songs of Celebration Render." 

(Find lots of free musical scores and recordings, including our offertory piece this Sunday, on Greg's website!)

Greg crafts the music and lyrics of "My Days Are in Your Hands" to reflect both the historical longevity of God's love for us and the needs of people living right now. He retains the verse-form of "traditional" Reformed hymnody but reinvents the sound, opting for a pop-style vocal line and contemporary ensemble. It's a perfect balance of old and new for the evolving Church. 

Listen to FPC's recording below:

My days are in your hands; my life is in your care, 

and all the things I am or love, I leave them there. 

The things I am or love I leave them there.   

My days are in your hands; in days both dark and bright. 

In pleasure or in pain still you are by my side. 

In pleasure or in pain you're by my side.    

My days are in your hands; why should I doubt or fear? 

Your peace, O Christ, surrounds me both in joy and tears. 

Your peace, O Christ, surrounds in joy and tears.     

My days are in your hands, though days be long or short. 

I know your care today, your love forever more. 

I know your care and love forevermore.    

My days are in your hands; your hands once pierced with nails. 

Your heart, it knows my pain; your love will never fail. 

O Lord, I know your love will never fail.