Hymn Blog - January 31, 2010

January 31, 2009

VU 222 – Come, Let Us Sing. A rousing opening hymn with text by Jim Strathdee and tune by Jim and Jean Strathdee. The Strathdees live in Southern California and have contributed greatly to Christian hymnody over many years. The hymn has been popular in United Church circles since first appearing in “Songs for a Gospel People,” 1987.

VU 605 – Jesus, Teacher, Brave and Bold. See last week’s hymn blog.

MV 150 – Spirit God, Be Our Breath. Author and composer Bruce Harding is a singer/songwriter, worship leader, hymnologist and was Managing Editor for “More Voices”.  He has a PhD in the development of hymn tune repertoire in the United Church, a passion for worship song from around the world, and over twenty years' experience in both sacred and secular music fields. With his partner, Cheryl, he leads congregational singing at Crossroads United Church in North Delta BC and the Pacific InterChristian Community in Vancouver BC., and tours regularly across Canada encouraging gatherings large and small to sing with spirit and conviction.

VU 424 – May the God of Hope Go With Us. The first verse is by Alvin Schutmaat (1921-1987), an American Presbyterian minister who worked in Latin America for most of his career. He taught theology and music in Columbia, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. His primary goal was to use the arts to communicate the gospel, and served as a consultant in the arts for Central American churches and for the International Centre for the Arts in Mexico City. The second verse is by the late Fred Kaan. The text is set to an Argentine folk melody, chosen by Schutmaat for his text.