God So Loved the World

The Second Sunday in Lent
March 8, 2020

Psalm 121, appointed for this Sunday, is a favorite of mine. In addition to chanting the psalm to an ancient plainsong tone, we will sing a metrical paraphrase, "I to the hills will lift mine eyes." (Hymn 668)


 The words to this hymn are drawn from a 17th century Scottish psalter. The tune, Burford, dates from the 18th century. It appeared in over 200 English collections in the 19th century and gained popularity in the United States as well.
Our reading from John's gospel is the source of our offertory anthem text: 
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16)

 Like the psalm, this lesson reminds us of God's never failing presence and love. Numerous composers have set these well known words to music. Today, we're singing a setting by a contemporary British composer, Bob Chilcott. This sensitive arrangement for a cappella choir appropriately captures the quiet, reflective mood of this Sunday in Lent. View a video: God So Loved the World
Music for the Second Sunday in Lent
March 8, 2020

Hymns
401   The God of Abraham praise (Leoni)
668   I to the hills will lift mine eyes (Burford)
143, stanza 5   The glory of these forty days (Erhalt uns, Herr)
337, stanzas 1-2   And now, O Father, mindful of the love (Unde de memores)
448   O love how deep, how broad, how high (Deus tuorum militum)

 Service Music
Kyrie eleison S-96     Franz Peter Schubert, arr. Richard Proulx
Psalm 121     Plainsong, Tone V
Sanctus S-130     Schubert/Proulx
Agnus Dei S-164     Schubert/Proulx

 Anthems
God So Loved the World     Bob Chilcott
Grant unto us thy peace, O Lord     Felix Mendelssohn

 Organ Voluntaries
Wondrous Love     Southern folk hymn, arr. David N. Johnson
Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless     Hans Friedrich Micheelsen

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