Worship Notes - A New Playlist for a New Series
You will definitely notice more than one “kingdom” song in this playlist – which makes sense given the sermon series on Matthew chapters 5-7. These chapters share Jesus’ words about a way of life that is based on a different kingdom than the kingdom of Rome and power – a kingdom of peace, shalom, and love. A couple of these kingdom songs we have done before; a couple are new. I particularly love “The Kingdom of Jesus” -- which might be difficult to sing congregationally, but I invite you to listen and reflect on these lyrics. “Will you come and Follow Me” from the Iona Community in Scotland and “Teach us your Ways” by Porter’s Gate also remind us of Jesus’ way of love and challenge as well.
There are a variety of genres on this playlist too – including a beautiful choral presentation of Mary’s song found in “The Canticle of the Turning.” St. Olaf’s choir is one of the best college choirs around – here directed by Anton Armstrong whom I had the privilege of singing under when he was the Director of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus. (I don’t think Mary’s song gets the attention it deserves – it’s a calling out of the rich and powerful as she looks forward to Jesus coming and turning the world upside down: which he did and does).
I’ve included a few of the new worship songs that some of our youth have heard at SERVE and/or the AOYC this past summer: I Speak Jesus, What a Beautiful Name, I know a Name. What an Awesome God by Phil Wickham is especially fun as it uses that older chorus we know so well “Awesome God” and sets it in a new arrangement.
You’ll also hear a Taize song (simple ecumenical choruses) and a Gospel rendition of He’s Got the Whole World in his hands. And I always include a few newer ones that are not related to our theme, but that I hope you’ll appreciate and that we could include in worship in the upcoming year. (Gratitude; Bigger Table; The First Hymn; Hymn of Heaven). I may add more songs in the months ahead, so do keep listening!
May God stir us to praise and lament and gratitude and prayer as we listen and prepare for our community worship on Sundays.
In Christ,
Ruth Ann
SPOTIFY VIEW THE MOUNTAIN PLAYLIST:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/34s1pIsRcmKZIMQbfZ4JVb?si=f4a08d2d6cfd42cd
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST
