Welcome back!

Well! When I wrote some weeks ago, I told how our wonderful early summer pulled me toward Thanks-giving Song. (You can sing the lyric to either our own tune or the marvelous tune of "Danny Boy.")

In early August, here, a tornado swept by, and there's been huge damage. But actually, this gave other reasons for thanksgiving! We did feel God's protection against injury, and have seen so many people volunteering to help, even "friends we hadn't met yet."

The sound of chain saws became a special music to me--with the dedication and strength of the people who worked them! It gave physical meaning to my hymn Connected by Spirit about the different gifts in the body of Christ. The hymn also goes with the Romans reading for August 23rd.

Since August remains a time of vacations, we still highlight our song Holy Places. Both the praise band version and the solo version begin with the beauty we might find on a summer trip.

We also continue to highlight

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing and I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, offered as solos with guitar;

Psalm 118—A Psalm and Psalm-Tone Paraphrase, for cantor and congregations as a reminder of God's salvation and care; plus

our communion pieces Jesus, Feed Us (with guitar) or Lord, Before that Quiet Meal (multiple treatments).

While gardens continue in bountiful swing, consider A Summer Thanksgiving, about how gardens relect the Kingdom of God. It has a hymn as well as a solo version.

Looking ahead, we draw your attention to our freshly-revised offering Brought Out by Patient Telescopes. We've prepared this especially for the new celebrations of Creation (September 1 or later). A dedicated piano accompaniment is now posted, and a Bible study will appear soon.

 

Please take time to appreciate God's current wonders,

and do check back for more upcoming suggestions!