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:
Coeli Enarrant - Robert Wetzler
(c.1962, J. Fischer & Bro)
“Coeli enarrant gloriam Dei et opera manuum eius adnuntiat firmamentum” is the Latin Vulgate text for Psalm 19. Psalm 19 is the 19th psalm in the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "The heavens declare the almighty of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 18. The psalm is attributed to David. The psalm considers the glory of God in creation, and moves to reflect on the character and use of "the law of the LORD". Psalm 1, this psalm and Psalm 119 have been referred to as "the psalms of the Law". The classical Jewish commentators all point to the connection the psalmist makes between the sun and the Torah. These connections include: The Torah enlightens man, just as the sun lights his way (Rashi); Both the sun and the Torah testify to the glory of their Creator (Ibn Ezra and Radak); The Torah is more perfect, whole, or complete than the powerful sun (Metzudat David); While the sun conveys God's glory and greatness in the physical world, the Torah expresses God's glory in the spiritual realm (Malbim).
According to the Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, this psalm compares and contrasts "the study of God's two great books—nature and Scripture”. Explaining the emphasis on the heavens, Spurgeon explains, "The book of nature has three leaves, heaven, earth, and sea, of which heaven is the first and the most glorious…” Beginning in verse 7 (KJV), the psalmist then extols the perfection of the law of Moses and "the doctrine of God, the whole run and rule of sacred Writ".
John Mason Good theorizes that this psalm was composed either in the morning or around noon, when the bright sun eclipses the other heavenly bodies; he contrasts this with Psalm 8, in which the psalmist contemplates the starry sky in the evening.[4] Praising the poetry of this psalm, 20th-century British writer C. S. Lewis is quoted as saying: "I take this to be the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world”.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. [KJV]
Robert P. Wetzler (b.1932) earned his Bachelor of Arts from Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania, and his Masters from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary. He did post graduate studies at the University of Minnesota in Music Theory and Composition. Wetzler has served as organist for both Thiel College's chapel and the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville, Pennsylvania, and as Chapel Organist and Choirmaster for Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary. Also, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, he served as Choirmaster. Later, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was Choirmaster as well as Director of Music. He was Assistant to the Music Editor for Augsburg Publishing House and President and Director of Publications for A.M.S.I. (Art Masters Studios Inc.) in Minneapolis. Wetzler held the Composer in Residence position at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and for each consecutive year since 1967, he has been honored to receive the composer Award from ASCAP.
About the Piano Music:
Come All Christians, Be Committed - Vickie Collinsworth
(c.2014, Lorenz Publishing)
This hymn was written by Eva Brown Lloyd (1912-2006). Lloyd was educated at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville (BS) and the University of Missouri Kansas City (MA). She taught in Missouri elementary and secondary schools, and English literature 15 years at Northwest Missouri State University. She also directed the Women’s Mission Union.
Vicki Collinsworth was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. She has been a church musician since the age of sixteen, and studied piano performance and pedagogy at the Hurley School of Music at Centenary College of Louisiana. Vicki currently resides in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and arranges music for numerous groups in the area. As a choral accompanist, Vicki has collaborated with the Tullahoma Community Choir, Middle Tennessee Vocal Association mass and honor choirs, and the college honor choir of the Louisiana American Choral Directors Association. Vicki teaches private piano lessons and currently serves as organist at the First Christian Church in Tullahoma, Tennessee, where she composes piano and organ pieces for use in worship services.
Come, all Christians, be committed To the service of the lord;
Make your lives for him more fitted, Tune your hearts with one accord.
Come into His courts with gladness, Each his sacred vows renew,
Turn away from sin and sadness, Be transformed with life anew.
Of your time and talents give ye, They are gifts from God above;
To be used by Christians freely To proclaim His wondrous love.
Come again to serve the Savior, Tithes and off’rings with you bring.
In your work, with Him find favor, And with joy His praises sing.
God’s command to love each other Is required of every one;
Showing mercy to one another Mirrors His redemptive plan.
In compassion He has given Of His love that is divine;
On the cross sins were forgiven; Joy and peace are fully thine.
Come in praise and adoration, All who in Christ’s name believe;
Worship Him with consecration, Grace and love you will receive.
For His grace give Him the glory, For the Spirit and the Word,
And repeat the gospel story Till mankind His name has heard.
About the Choral Music:
Give Me Jesus - Jack Schrader
(c.2008, Hope Publishing Company)
Give Me Jesus originated as an African-American spiritual written during the time of slavery in the United States. The lyrics of Give Me Jesus are simple, but poignant. Whether we are in tragedy or triumph, whether we are weathering storms or counting treasures, our hearts’ desire should simply be Jesus. That Give Me Jesus was written by people stripped of all dignity and every human possession says so much about what Jesus is, what He can give and His very nature!
Jack Schrader (b. 1942), arranger, composer, conductor, vocalist, and organist/pianist, is past editor with Hope Publishing Company, retiring in January of 2009. His association with Hope began in 1978. A 1964 graduate of Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, where he majored in Voice and Organ, he also received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska (1966). Further studies in theology culminated in Jack's ordination by the Evangelical Free Church of America (1975). Schrader is the best-selling choral composer in the Hope catalog. In addition to choral music Jack has published collections for keyboardists, instrumentalists and vocal soloists. He was a member of the editorial committee for Hope's most recent hymnal, Worship & Rejoice (2001), in which he has 24 hymn credits. His music is heard in hundreds of churches across the country each Sunday, and he can be seen throughout the year as a guest clinician at choral reading sessions and workshops.
In the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise,
in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, give me Jesus!
You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.
All along my tiresome way, all along my tiresome way,
all alone my tiresome way, give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, give me Jesus.
You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.
And when I come to die, and when I come to die,
and when I come to die, give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, give me Jesus.
You can have all this world, you can have all this world,
but give me Jesus, give me Jesus, give me Jesus, give me Jesus,
give me Jesus.
I'd Rather Have Jesus
(c.1966, Rodeheaver Co, a div. of Word Music)
At the age of 23, George Beverly Shea (1909–2013) had a hard decision to make. He could accept a job offer in a secular singing position in New York City, with a great salary and wide respect; or he could continue singing in churches and on Christian radio programs. George Beverly Shea was known for his booming baritone voice. Shea had been singing since he was a young man in the Wesleyan Methodist churches, where his father was a minister. He was forced to leave college and work in an insurance office as a young man, due to the family’s financial needs. However, that did not stop him from singing. He continued to sing in churches and for Christian radio programs. This practice led to the unexpected offer of an audition in New York City. He was offered a substantial salary and wide recognition for this secular singing position. Shea prayed long and hard while making this difficult decision, but he thoughtfully turned them down to become a singing servant for our Savior.
Beginning with Billy Graham in 1944, George Beverly Shea carried the Gospel in song to every state in the Union and to every continent of our world. “I first met Bev Shea while in Chicago when he was on Moody Radio,” declared Mr. Graham. “As a young man starting my ministry, I asked Bev if he would join me. He said yes and for over 60 years we had the privilege of ministering together.”
Bev Shea’s mother often would leave poems and quotes around the house that she collected, in order to spiritually guide him. “I was living at home with my parents, continuing to work at Mutual Life Insurance and studying voice. Going to the piano one Sunday morning, I found a poem waiting for me there. I recognized my mother’s handwriting. She had copied the words of a poem by Mrs. Rhea F. Miller, knowing that I would read the beautiful message, which speaks of choice. Mother thought it to be a very wonderful poem and wanted me to read it. She then asked me to try my hand at writing a melody for the verses.” He was immediately impressed with the words and so deeply moved that he began to compose music for the lines. “I began to play as a melody came to me. It seemed to fit the lyrics and so I began to sing, for the first time, I’d Rather Have Jesus.” That same day, he sang the song in his father’s church service. As the people in the church listened to George’s deep voice sing out “I’d Rather Have Jesus, than silver or gold,” little did they know that the song was destined to become one of the most well-known of all recent Christian hymns.
When Bev Shea signed with RCA Victor, I’d Rather Have Jesus was chosen to spotlight their new singer. Bev Shea commented, “Over the years, I’ve not sung any song more than I’d Rather Have Jesus, but I never grow weary of Mrs. Miller’s heartfelt words.” He ministered alongside Billy Graham and Cliff Barrows, often singing right before Graham stepped to the podium.
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands.
I'd rather be led by His nail pierced hand
I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame.
I'd rather be true to His holy name
He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs.
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
About the Hymns:
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” was written by the 18th century pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. Robert Robinson (1735-1790) was eight years old at the time of his father's death. He was a very bright, headstrong boy who became increasingly more difficult for his mother to handle. When Robert turned 14, she sent him to London for an apprenticeship with a barber. Robert proceeded to get into even more trouble, taking on a life of drinking and gambling.
At 17, Robert and some of his drinking buddies decided to attend an evangelistic meeting, with a plan to make fun of the proceedings. When George Whitfield began to preach, Robert felt as if the sermon was just for him. He did not respond to the altar call that night, but the words of the evangelist would haunt him for the next three years. On Dec. 10, 1755, at age 20, Robert finally yielded his life to Christ, and very soon thereafter answered a call to the ministry. Three years later, as he was preparing to preach a sermon at the Calvinist Methodist Chapel in Norfolk, England, Robert wrote “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” to complement his sermon. The music for the hymn was composed by Asahel Nettleton in 1813.
The lyrics, which dwell on the theme of divine grace, are based on 1 Samuel 7:12, in which the prophet Samuel raises a stone as a monument, saying, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us". The English transliteration of the name Samuel gives to the stone is Ebenezer, meaning Stone of Help. The unusual word "Ebenezer" commonly appears in hymnal presentations of the lyrics.
The tune NETTLETON first appeared as a two-part tune in John Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second(1813), where it was named HALLELUJAH. In the Index it is identified as a new tune, and no composer's name is given. The tune has been attributed by some to Asahel Nettleton (1783-1844), a well-known evangelist of the early nineteenth century, who compiled Village Hymns (1825). However, this compilation contained no music, and there is no evidence that Nettleton wrote any tunes during his life. It is not known where the tune name first appeared or who was responsible for it.
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it Mount of Thy redeeming love
Here I raise my Ebenezer Hither by Thy help I've come
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger Wandering from the fold of God
He, to rescue me from danger Interposed His precious blood
Oh, that day when freed from sinning I shall see Thy lovely face
Clothed then in blood washed linen How I'll sing Thy wondrous grace
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry Take my ransomed soul away
Send Thine angels now to carry Me to realms of endless day
Oh, to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be
Let thy goodness like a fetter Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it Seal it for Thy courts above
Take My Life and Let it Be Consecrated
Frances R. Havergal (1836-1879) originally composed her text in eleven couplets as a hymn of "self-consecration to Christ" on February 4, 1874. She told the following story about writing this hymn:
I went for a little visit of five days [to Areley House, Worcestershire, in December 1873]. There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and long prayed for, some converted but not rejoicing Christians. [God] gave me the prayer, "Lord, give me all this house." And He just did! Before I left the house, everyone had got a blessing. The last night of my visit. . . I was too happy to sleep and passed most of the night in praise and renewal of my own consecration, and these little couplets formed themselves and chimed in my heart, one after another, till they finished with "Ever, only, all, for Thee.”
The text is a "catalog" hymn that lists aspects of our lives and offers them in Christ's service. "Take My Life and Let It Be" was first published in the 1874 appendix to Charles B. Snepp's Songs of Grace and Glory (1872). A twelfth couplet was added at some later point, producing the six stanzas published in the Psalter Hymnal.
Although her formal education was sporadic because of poor health, Havergal learned six foreign languages, including Greek and Hebrew, and was well read in many subjects. She began writing poetry at an early age and was also an accomplished singer and pianist. The daughter of a clergyman, she had a conversion experience at the age of fourteen and was confirmed in the Church of England in 1853. Taking seriously her own words "take my silver and my gold," she sent all her jewelry to the Church Mission Society to be sold. She also supported other charitable organizations. Her more than one hundred hymns were originally published in leaflets and later gathered into seven collections: Ministry of Song (1869), Twelve Sacred Songs for Little Singers (1870), Under the Surface (1874), Loyal Responses (1878), Life Mosaic (1879), Life Chords (1880), and Life Echoes (1883), as well as in one large volume, Poetical Works (1884).
The tune MESSIAH, also sometimes called HEROLD, was written by Ferdinand Herold (1791-1833).
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
First United Methodist Church, Lewisville, Texas
A Community of Everyday People Learning to Love Like Jesus
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