Mood: Welcoming
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STLT#317, We Are Not Our Own
Before I dive into the hymn, a few words about Charlottesville, since my only pulpit today is this one: I am certain I don’t have anything to say that hasn’t been said more publicly and eloquently by colleagues, friends, and admired public figures. But I too must proclaim this as loudly as possible, because we… Continue reading
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STLT#311, Let It Be a Dance
The first rule of Let It Be a Dance is that it is a mostly-spoken-word folk song. The second rule of Let It Be a Dance is that it is a mostly-spoken-word folk song. The third rule of Let It Be a Dance is that it if you’re going to use it, it’s really only… Continue reading
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STLT#295, Sing Out Praises for the Journey
Of course this is the hymn today, as I set out on 14-hour trip home from SUUSI that was called Blessed Is the Path. And in fact, I’m a little surprised no one used this in their worship this week… except that it’s probably a bit stodgier than most of what we sing here. Yet… Continue reading
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STLT#209, O Come, You Longing Thirsty Souls
In the first semester of a masters of divinity program at Union Theological Seminary, you are required to take a course in the Old Testament (with New Testament in the spring). Along with thrice weekly lectures with the professor, you also have a 90-minute “tutorial” with a teaching fellow, where you and nine of your… Continue reading
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STLT#188, Come, Come, Whoever You Are
Ear Worm Alert! This round is so common in Unitarian Universalist circles it’s hard to remember that in the scheme of things, it’s only about as old as the grey hymnal itself. Yet here it is, a standard welcoming song, even if it’s incomplete. As my beloved colleague Lynn Ungar originally wrote it, this setting… Continue reading
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STLT#182, O, the Beauty in a Life
I was expecting this to be a difficult song to learn – enough times, that “Irregular” at the bottom of the page signals complex rhythms and intervals. Yet once I got into it, and I felt the 9/8 rhythm (which is really a glorious 3/4), the song suddenly felt familiar, in a way that makes… Continue reading
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STLT#72, Has Summer Come Now, Dawning
I’m not sure if this should be a new rule, but it should be something: This title is highly misleading, and we need to do something about that beyond the couple dozen of you who read this blog. “Has Summer Come Now, Dawning” sounds for all the world like a SUMMER song, doesn’t it? And… Continue reading
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STLT#65, The Sweet June Days
Another season, another praise for the season song. Color me surprised. Now don’t get me wrong – this isn’t a bad thing. Hymns like this are wonderful openings for seasonal services, especially those that celebrate our seventh principle. And the tune is delightful and lively – this is a perfect opening hymn for the first… Continue reading
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STLT#41, You That Have Spent the Silent Night
Another damn morning song. You that have spent the silent night in sleep and quiet rest, and joy to see the cheerful light that rises in the east, that rises in the east, Now lift your hearts, your voices raise, your morning tribute bring; all nature join in grateful praise — rejoice, give thanks, and… Continue reading
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STLT#33, Sovereign and Transforming Grace
A post that is hardly about this hymn at all, but it’s fine. Sovereign and transforming Grace, we invoke your quickening power; reign the spirit of this place, bless the purpose of this hour. Holy and creative Light, we invoke your kindling ray; draw upon our spirit’s night, as the darkness turns to day. To… Continue reading
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