Hymn: As With Gladness, Men of Old
This hymn, written by William Chatterton Dix, was penned
while the author was sick in bed and was inspired by the Gospel lesson for the
day. The tune used was originally penned by the German Conrad Kocher, and was
later modified by William Henry Monk, who set the text to his tune, and named
it after the author.
Hymn: God of Our Life
LindaJo McKim writes, “This hymn was written by Hugh Thomson
Kerr in 1916 for the fiftieth anniversary of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church,
Pittsburgh, where Kerr was pastor. It was then published in The Church School Hymnal for Youth
(1928).” The text reflects Kerr’s intent to celebrate his own congregation’s
milestone, as well as the church universal’s journey. Let the text speak to you
today as we begin worship in this new year.
Hymn: Called as Partners in Christ’s Service
This hymn was written by Jane Parker Huber in 1981 for the
Women’s Breakfast at the General Assemblies of the PCUSA and the Presbyterian
Church U.S. LindaJo McKim notes, “The partnership of women and men in the
church was on the author’s mind as she penned these words. She was thinking of
the fiftieth anniversary of the ordination of women as elders [in 1980] and the
twenty-fifth anniversary of women ordained to the ministry of Word and
Sacrament. Today, the concept of partnership has broadened to include people
graduating from seminary, those planning ordination and installation services,
couples planning their marriage, and clergy couples serving the same
congregation.”
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