We all are one in mission


The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 28, 2019
As we conclude our summer focus on hymns from Wonder, Love, and Praise, we will sing one of the best known hymns from this supplement: "We all are one in mission." The text is written by Rusty Edwards (b. 1955). An Illinois native, Edwards graduated from the University of Nebraska and taught at a parochial school in Elgin, Nebraska following graduation. He completed his M.Div. degree at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1985 and was ordained as an ELCA minister. He served several churches in his home state from 1985-1998. Edwards now serves as Senior Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Marietta, Georgia.
This hymn was written in 1985, the year of Edward's ordination. It was published in his first collection of hymns in 1993. It has been included in over two dozen hymnals and collections, and it has been paired with a variety of tunes. It is the most frequently published of his hymns.

The tune used in Wonder, Love, and Praise is Nyland, a Finnish folk tune. This tune was already familiar to Episcopalians, having been used twice in The Hymnal 1982 with other texts. The tune is also known as Kuortane, the town in Finland considered to be its source.

 Listen to a recording: We All Are One in Mission

The word "mission," particularly in nineteenth century hymns, often conjures up images of missionaries traveling to far off lands to "convert the heathen." But what does "mission" actually mean for us and for the church? The Catechism provides the answer:

 What is the mission of the Church?
The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.

 How does the Church pursue its mission?
The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.

 Through whom does the Church carry out its mission?
The Church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.

                                                                     (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 855)

 Notice how the hymn effectively incorporates all of these themes. Like the Catechism, it teaches us that we all share in ministry through our worship, work, and service.



Music for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 28, 2019

Hymns
47   On this day, the first of days (Gott sei Dank)
674   Forgive our sins, as we forgive (Detroit)
533   How wondrous and great thy works, God of praise! (Lyons)
636   How firm a foundation (Foundation)
341   For the bread which you have broken (Omni die)

778   We all are one in mission (Nyland) 

Service Music
Gloria in excelsis S-280   -Robert Powell
Psalm 138, S-413 Simplified Anglican Chant   -Robert Knox Kennedy
Sanctus S-129   -Powell
Fraction Anthem S-152   -Ambrosian chant, adapt. Mason Martens

Anthem
Prayer to the Trinity   -Michael Bedford      

Organ Voluntaries
O Jesus, Grant Us Hope and Comfort   -J.W. Franck               
Psalm XIX   -Benedetto Marcello

Note: Praying Twice will be on summer break during August. Watch for our return in September!

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