Dr. Nancy Hall serves as a professor at ABSW and as pastor of First Baptist Church of Berkeley, CA. The congregation is resident at the seminary. Each week Dr. Hall shares the musical selections the congregation will offer in worship. We hope you enjoy the ongoing series.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany and Annual Meeting Sunday
Hymn of Praise: “Praise my Soul, the God of Heaven”
(words: Henry F. Lyte, 1834; tune: lauda anima, John Goss, 1869)
Hebrew Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31
Related stanza from previous hymn:
Frail as summer’s flower we flourish; blows the wind and it is gone.
But, while mortals rise and perish, God’s compassion still lives on.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the high eternal One!
Gospel text, Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law; heals townfolk of diseases and demons)
Hymn in response to the text:
“O Christ, Your Heart Compassionate” (stanzas 1–2)
(words: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr. 2006; tune: ellacombe, Gesangbuch der H. W. k. Hofkapelle, 1784)
Hymn in response to the preached message: same as above (stanzas 3-4)
Sample stanza:
O Christ, create new hearts in us that beat in time with yours,
That, joined by faith with your great heart, become Love’s open doors.
We are your body, risen Christ; our hearts, our hands, we yield
That through our life and ministry your love may be revealed.
Sung Prayer Response: “I Know the Lord’s Laid His Hands On Me”
(words and music: African American spiritual)
Hymn of Dedication: “God of Aims and God of Ends”
(words: John A Dalles, 1992; tune: boundless mercy, Union Harmony, 1837)
Sample stanza:
God of aims and God of ends, grace us now and ever,
Pastor, people, family, friends, in each grand endeavor!
Give us joy this gladsome day, peace in joys and sorrows,
Grant your deep abiding way, blessing our tomorrows.
Song of Commitment: “We Are Marching in the Light of God”
This lively Zulu/Zhosa freedom song originated in South Africa and has gone on to be sung around the globe (translation of words: Gracia Grindal, 1984; tune: siyahamba)
FBC Berkeley worships at 10:00 am every Sunday in Crouch Classroom, Hobart Hall, on the ABSW campus. Rev. Dr. Nancy E. Hall (ABSW faculty) is the pastor. Our preacher this Sunday is Pastor Hall. Come sing with us! We are a Welcoming and Affirming congregation (www.fbc-berkeley.org).
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