Each week, you may find information here about the music in the traditional worship services at First United Methodist Church in Lewisville, Texas. Some of this information is original; most of it is copied from other websites such as Wikipedia, GBOD, and hymnary.org. It is my hope that this information will enhance your understanding and enrich your worship experience.
About the Organ Music:
Voluntary - Charles Hommann
(c.1983, Belwin-Mills Publishing)
In honor of the 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, will will have American music from the first 100 years for the next few weeks.
Charles Hommann (1803-c.1872) was among the first American-born composers to produce chamber and orchestral music successfully. His father, who had immigrated to the United States from Germany in the 1790s, worked as a music promoter and publisher in Philadelphia. Charles Hommann was one of the first American composers to be trained exclusively in the United States, though his musical training likely came mostly from his German father. Early in his career, Charles held positions at St James's Church and the Third Dutch Reformed Church in Philadelphia. As a violinist and violist for the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia, Hommann was exposed to the works of the major European composers of his time. His own music was performed by the Bethlehem Philharmonic Society as well as the Philadelphia Philharmonic Society, and he won a gold medal prize from the latter for his Overture in D in 1835. Hommann moved to New York around 1854, where his music was performed at chamber music concerts given by the New York American-Music Association. Although his music was relatively unknown by the time of his death, he left behind a significant body of orchestral, chamber, and church music that is important for the early history of American musical composition.
About the Piano Music:
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands - Bruce Greer
(c.1996, Van Ness Press)
"He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" is a traditional American spiritual. It was first published in the paperbound hymnal Spirituals Triumphant, Old and New in 1927. In 1933, it was collected by Frank Warner from the singing of Sue Thomas in North Carolina. It was also recorded by other collectors such as Robert Sonkin of the Library of Congress, who recorded it in Gee's Bend, Alabama in 1941. That version is still available at the Library's American Folklife Center. Frank Warner performed the song during the 1940s and 1950s, and introduced it to the American folk scene. Warner recorded it on the Elektra album American Folk Songs and Ballads in 1952. It was quickly picked up by both American gospel singers and British skiffle and pop musicians.
He´s got the whole world in His hands.
He´s got the wind and the rain in His hands.
He´s got the the tiny little baby in His hands.
He´s got you and me, brother, in His hands.
He's got ev'rybody here in His hands.
Bruce Greer (b.1961) is an American pianist, singer and composer. Greer recalls arranging hymns for choir and piano by age twelve. By the time he was in high school, his compositions were being performed by his church and school choirs. During his senior year at Longview High School, his school choir used one of his pieces, "We Are Thy People," for UIL competition. Another choral composition, "Prayer of Joy," which was also written for his high school choir, went on the following year to become his first published work. This interest in musical composition lead Greer to Baylor University where he graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition. Upon graduation, Greer went to work as a Creative Director for Word Records, the world's largest producer of Christian music. He spent six years as a songwriter, arranger and producer for Word Music, recording several projects as a piano artist. In 1990, he left Word to pursue a full-time writing and concert career. He currently serves as Chief Accompanist at First Baptist Church Dallas.
About the Choral Music:
We Are the Church - Lee Dengler
(c.2013 Alfred Music)
Lee Dengler received a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from West Chester University School of Music in West Chester, PA. He studied choral composition and arranging with Alice Parker at Westminster Choir College as well as in her home in New England where he participated in the Melodious Accord Fellowship program. Lee and his wife, Susan, live in Goshen, Indiana where they are Ministers of Music and Arts at College Mennonite Church. He directs the Goshen Community Chorale. Composing has always been a passion for Lee, beginning very early in life. Lee grew up in a Mennonite church in eastern Pennsylvania where four-part a cappella congregational hymn singing was the norm. This planted in him a deep love for singing. This love continues to be an influence in his writing today. Lee composes a wide range of choral, vocal and piano works and has over 220 works.
The text is by Joseph D. Rojahn (1928-2017). Rojahn received a BA in Social Studies and Spanish from Lebanon Valley College, and in 1956, a Master’s Degree from Penn State University. He began his teaching career in Wintertown School District before moving to Loganville-Springfield Elementary School in Dallastown after receiving elementary certification in 1954 from Millersville State College. Joseph served as curriculum coordinator and director of federal program for Dallastown Area School District from 1959 to 1985, after which he was a member of adjunct faculty at York College of Pennsylvania until 2006. Rojahn was Children’s Director at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Dallastown for 25 years, and also served as music coordinator and sang in the choir since he was 16 years old. A proud member of the American Society of Composers and Publishers, he also worked as a lyricist for several publishing companies, and had 91 choral works published. A devoted patriot, Joe served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was also a life member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, National Education Association, the Red Lion Masonic Lodge and the Dallastown Golden Age Chorus.
We are the church, a fellowship divine.
In one accord, we share the bread and wine!
We are the church, ordained by God above;
saved by His grace united by His love!
We are the church.
We are the church of Christ the crucified.
We bear good news, for all the world He died!
we are the church, with purpose sure and true,
to service the Lord in all we way and do!
We are the church. We are the church.
We are the church, we labor not alone.
He stands with us, our Christ the cornerstone.
We are the church, we strive to do God’s will.
Through joy or strife, He’s ever with us,
He’s ever with us still.
We are the church, inspired by saints of old.
They gave their all to see Christ’s church unfold.
Through sacrifice they labored not in vain,
bearing His cross, their loss was turned to gain.
We are the church, whatever may befall.
His cross leads on, a beacon to us all!
We are the church, by faith we live and love,
until we reach His glorious church above,
His church above! We are the church, the church!
About the Hymns:
Lord, Speak to Me
Frances Ridely Havergal (1836-1878) was one of several women hymn writers who came into prominence in England during the last half of the 18th century. Before this time women’s voices were rarer in the English-speaking hymnological world. Havergal’s father was an Anglican clergyman. After a carriage accident, he devoted himself to the improvement of church music in England, and according to hymnologist Albert Bailey, “revived the use of the solid tunes of early English composers and so did much to improve the quality of congregational singing.”
Havergal was obviously inspired by her father’s efforts. She possessed a natural musicianship, as well as a love for walking, swimming and mountain climbing. By the age of 7, she displayed a talent for writing verse. Her hymns appeared originally in leaflets and were eventually collected into volumes, including Ministry of Song (1869), Under the Surface (1874) and Loyal Responses (1878). “Lord, Speak to Me” first appeared in Under the Surface with the heading, “A Worker’s Prayer. None of us liveth unto himself, Romans 14:7.”
“Lord, Speak to Me” is a personal prayer of petition. The focus of this hymn is not an ecclesiological argument on the nature of the church, a theological discussion of the Trinity, a reflection on the sacraments or a liturgical statement on the Christian year. Havergal’s concern is the conversion of lost souls. This hymn and her other well-known prayer hymn, “Take my life and let it be consecrated” reflect her desire to make use of her many talents in the service of the Lord. It is as one sought by Christ that she wishes to seek for the lost; it is as one sure of her way, and well-nourished in the spirit, that she longs to lead other and feed them. This hymn is a prayer in two directions: for a full and energetic life, and for the surrender of that life in worship and service.
Lord, speak to me that I may speak In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek Your erring children, lost and lone.
Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead The wand'ring and the wav'ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed Your hungry ones with manna sweet.
Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart.
Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord, Until my very hearts o'erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word, Your love to tell, your praise to show.
Oh, use me, Lord, use even me, Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see, Your rest, your joy, your glory share.
Holy Ground
(c.1983, Meadowgreen Music)
Geron Davis (b. 1964) is a musician best known as a composer. He was first signed by Meadowgreen Music and best known for penning the song "Holy Ground". Davis married partner Becky Davis and, with his sister Alyson and her husband, they formed Kindred Souls.
When Davis was 19, he was helping to prepare the new building that his church congregation, pastored by his father, would soon call home. They had just completed a brand new sanctuary in the little town of Savannah, Tennessee. About six weeks before moving into the new place, Davis’ father started saying: 'Son, I wish you'd write us a new song for the first Sunday service.'" Davis, who had been writing songs since his earliest teen years, replied that he would do it. After a couple of weeks, Davis's father asked, "Son, you got that song?" He replied, "No, Dad, but I'll do it." A similar exchange followed weeks later. On the Saturday before the new building's dedication, church members worked all day, preparing for the opening service. At midnight, after the other laborers had left, Davis' father turned to him once again and asked: "Son, did you get us a special song for the first service?" Davis answered: "No, sir. But I'm fixin' to." Once his father had left, Davis finally sat down at the church's shiny, new grand piano and thought to himself, "What do we want to say when we come into this place for the first time?" The answer came without hesitation. "Literally, as fast as I could write the words down," Davis says, "they were there. Within about 10 or 15 minutes, I had the entire song finished.
As I walked through the door, I sensed His presence,
And I knew this was a place where love abounds
For this is the temple. Jehovah God abides here.
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.
In His presence there is joy beyond all measure,
And at His feet peace of mind can still be found,
And if you have a need, I know He has the answer.
Reach out and claim it, for we are standing on holy ground.
We are standing on holy ground, And I know there are angels all around
Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in His presence on holy ground.
About the Congregational Responses:
Goodness of God - Jenn Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Ben Fielding, and Brian Johnson
(c.2018, Alletrop Music/Shout! Music Publishing Australia/Fellow Ships Music/So Essential Tunes/Bethel Music Publishing)
Jennifer "Jenn" Johnson (b.1982) is an American Christian worship singer, songwriter and worship pastor. She is a co-founding member of Bethel Music, and is one-half of the husband-and-wife worship duo Brian and Jenn Johnson. She is also a senior worship pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California, and a Senior Overseer of WorshipU, an online school of worship sponsored by Bethel.
The story behind Bethel Music's "Goodness of God" centers on Jenn Johnson's personal experience of adopting her fourth child, Ryder Moses.
Johnson related this story: “We had just gotten home from our adoption of our son, Ryder. He was a gift that we never saw coming. We have three kids already. We thought we were done having children. Brian and I were always open to adoption. But, out of the blue, we just felt like the Lord say to us, 'I have this for you if you want this--like a gift. I have a present for you." We knew adoption was the Lord's plan for us; to have a baby again when you've been out of baby season for eight years was such a blessing. Darlene Zschech, who had been with us, told us the translation of the verse 'Here I am, send me' from Isaiah 6:8 says, 'my answer is yes before you even ask.' I was so struck with that phrase. When we had the chance to adopt, I felt myself saying yes before I was even asked. Within the next year, we were matched up. And, we brought our new son home to our family. During the adoption process, I found myself driving on a long country road. I was just singing to the Lord when I recorded a song on my phone about the "faithfulness" and "kindness of God." I wrote and sang most of "Goodness of God" as an overflow of my heart at that moment. That led to finishing and recording this song with Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, and Ben Fielding.”
This unplanned recording session became the foundation for the song, which expresses gratitude for God's unwavering presence and goodness through life's challenges and joys.
I love You, Lord. For Your mercy never failed me.
All my days I've been held in Your hands.
From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head,
Oh, I will sing Of the goodness of God.
And all my life You have been faithful;
And all my life You have been so, so good.
With every breath That I am able,
Oh, I will sing Of the goodness of God.
I love Your voice, You have led me through the fire.
And in darkest night You are close like no other.
I've known You as a Father; I’ve known You as a Friend.
And I have lived In the goodness of God, yeah.
'Cause Your goodness Is running after, It's running after me;
Your goodness is running after, It’s running after me.
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now.
I give You everything, ’Cause Your goodness
Is running after, It’s running after me, oh.
May God Bless and Keep You - Jim Strathdee
(c.1994, Desert Flower Music)
Internationally known artists, Jim and Jean Strathdee sing with thousands of people each year as they offer their music in concerts, worship, conferences, reteats, and workshops. Most often they travel throughout the United States and Canada, but over the 40 year span of their ministry they have shared their music in India, New Zealand, Cuba, and Central America. Their music spans a diversity of sound and style and includes use of guitar, piano, mandolin, harmonica, African drums, and Native American flute. They see music as an agent of transformation where ecumenical and inter-faith communities come together to make a stand for positive change. Jim and Jean have served on the staff of United Methodist churches in southern and northern California and Hawaii. They have written hundreds of hymns, songs, and anthems.
May God bless and keep you,
May God's loving face now shine on you and be gracious, gracious, Amen.
About the Modern Band Music:
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) - Chris Tomlin
(c.2006, worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music, and Vamos Publishing)
Cha
“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” combines the 18th-century words of John Newton with a modern Chris Tomlin chorus about freedom from spiritual bondage. John Newton wrote the original lyrics in 1772 in England. He was a former slave ship captain who experienced a dramatic religious conversion during a violent storm at sea. Newton became an Anglican priest and abolitionist. He wrote the poem to accompany a New Year’s Day sermon in 1773 on 1 Chronicles 17:16–17. The words were first published in 1779. William Walker set them to the familiar tune "New Britain" in 1835, which became the standard melody.
Contemporary worship leader Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio wrote the new chorus and bridge in 2006. Producers of a movie on John Newton's life asked Tomlin to write or update a piece for the project. Tomlin felt hesitant to add to a classic hymn. However, he realized that historical versions had already received anonymous additions over the centuries. Tomlin added the refrain—“My chains are gone, I've been set free, My God, my Savior has ransomed me”—to emphasize personal redemption, echoing Newton's own life story of being spiritually and morally transformed.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found, Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
Break Open This Box- Ben Smith, Jason Ingram, and Pat Barrett
(c.2026, Bread & Wine Sounds)
"Break Open This Box" is a contemporary Christian worship song written by Ben Smith, Jason Ingram, and Pat Barrett, originally performed by Bread & Wine featuring Ben Smith. The song was featured on the 2016 live album TWO by Bread & Wine, recorded live at Bethel Atlanta. The lyrics focus on surrender, vulnerability, and spiritual breakthrough, featuring lines like "Mercy, catch me when I've no strength to stand" and "Break open this box around my head around my heart.” Co-writer Ben Smith collaborated with artists like Pat Barrett (known for "Good, Good Father"), whose later related works and themes of breaking open share a similar creative and worship lineage in modern Christian music.
Love patient Love so kind Love always Always with us
Love faithful Love present Love always Always with us
Break open this box Around my head Around my heart
You're better than I think You're better than I think
Love gracious Love sacred Love always Always with us
Love healing Love so freeing Love always Always with us
I'm waking up I'm waking up
I'm waking up To the wonder of your love
First United Methodist Church, Lewisville, Texas
A Community of Everyday People Learning to Love Like Jesus
