Selah Songs of Rejoicing

Yesterday I received a Christmas present (let's see, "On the third day of Christmas, my publisher sent to me..."). It is their newest hymn collection: "Selah Songs of Rejoicing" and includes a hymn I wrote some years ago, called "Vain Our Lives and Small Our Strivings" based on a passage from Ecclesiastes.

There are 267 selections altogether, and among the authors and composers you will find familiar names such as: Mary Louise Bringle, Margaret Clarkson, Carl Daw, Ruth Duck, Timothy Dudley-Smith. Sylvia Dunstan, Rusty Edwards, A Fedak, Fred Pratt Green, Gracia Grindal, Roy Hopp, Hal Hopson, Richard Leach, Jane Marshall, Alice Parker, Joy Patterson, Richard Proulx, James Quinn, William Rowan, Thomas Troeger, Rae Whitney, and Brian Wren.

It is quite a collection!

A New Christmas Carol - Sing Glory! Gloria!

Sing Glory! Gloria! Glory! Gloria!
(The Humble Shepherds Up High On The Hillsides)

Text: John A. Dalles, 2011
Tune: PAVLOVIC*
Meter: LMD

The humble shepherds up high on the hillsides,
Who watch and who wait through the long, lonely night,
Have seen the angels; have heard their fair voices,
Their glad songs of glory and echoes of light!
Sing Glory! Gloria! Glory! Gloria!
Gloria! Gloria! Jesus is born!
The humble shepherds up high on the hillsides
Sing Gloria! Gloria! Jesus is born!

The stars above us who whisper God loves us,
Who shine and who sparkle and bring us delight,
Have seen the angels; have heard their fair voices,
Their glad songs of glory and echoes of light!
Sing Glory! Gloria! Glory! Gloria!
Gloria! Gloria! Jesus is born!
The stars above us who whisper God loves us
Sing Gloria! Gloria! Jesus is born!

The busy people who live in big cities,
Who hurry and worry in fear and in fright,
Have seen the angels; have heard their fair voices,
Their glad songs of glory and echoes of light!
Sing Glory! Gloria! Glory! Gloria!
Gloria! Gloria! Jesus is born!
The busy people who live in big cities,
Sing Gloria! Gloria! Jesus is born!

The friends who gather in all kinds of weather,
To say “Merry Christmas” and mean what they say,
Have seen the angels; have heard their fair voices,
Their glad songs of glory and echoes this day!
Sing Glory! Gloria! Glory! Gloria!
Gloria! Gloria! Jesus is born!
The friends who gather in all kinds of weather,
Sing Gloria! Gloria! Jesus is born!

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

Permission granted for one-time use in worship.

(Please let me know if your congregation sings this carol!)

Premiere Performance of "Babe of Bethlehem Draw Near" at Mary, Queen of the Universe

The call came in from Bill Pitcher, who is the director of the Basilica Choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. He wanted me to know that they were presenting the premiere performance of an anthem I wrote called "Babe of Bethlehem Draw Near" with music composed by Wm. Glenn Osborne. And that I was invited to attend.

It was such a joy to be there last evening for "Christmas with the Basilica Choir". The Basilica Gift Shop held an open house beforehand and Judy was able to find several new pieces for the Nativity scene that was begun for her by her grandmother. Mimi and Papa came with us and we found a nice place to sit near the organ where we could see Glenn at the console while he accompanied the choir and have a nice side view of them, the orchestra, and director Bill.

There was a goodly gathering of people there--Bill had said that these concerts usually have about a thousand in attendance and last night he told us that he thought it was a larger audience than any other Christmas concert they have presented.

The choir (eight voices, two of each part: soprano, alto, tenor and base) were wonderful and brought the sounds of the season to our hearts. Among their selections were two by John Rutter, about whom I have posted Christmas musical praises in the past. All of the music was outstanding in every way, with selections ranging from "O Magnum Mysterium" to their finale ("O Holy Night") and an encore that had everyone misty-eyed: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".

And it was a thrill to hear "Babe of Bethlehem Draw Near" presented for the first time. I had been with the choir when they had their initial singing of it, a week or so after Glenn composed the music. As you would guess, they are not only marvelous voices but also marvelous sight-readers. So even there in the rehearsal room, the beauty of Glenn's music shined through. Even more, the beauty of hearing the music in the Sanctuary of the Basilica.

In short, it was a very delightful evening.

Thanks Dr. Bill, for calling to invite us to hear the anthem's premiere presentation! What a special way to mark the Advent season!

Almost Like Being There!

Not long ago I had an email from Carl Southerland who is one of the pastors of the Home Moravian Church in Salem, North Carolina, one of the historic Moravian congregations in that lovely place. Carl wanted to know if I would permit their church to sing a hymn that appears in the Moravian Hymnal and, as he said it, is one of their favorites. They were printing up a bulletin so that the congregation would not have to find the hymns in the hymnals which are in the pews, and so, take time away from the flow of song for their anniversary worship on November 13th.

Well! I readily agreed. 

As my Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, friends know, I am very fond of the Moravian Church, its theology, its worship, and its faithfulness. Dear friends from high school days are active in the Moravian congregation in Lititz, I've made a pilgrimage to the Little Town of Bethlehem (PA), and was so delighted when the editorial committee chose several of my hymns for their most recent Moravian hymnal.

And...to be part of the anniversary worship at Home Church! 

What an honor. Several of my friends and family said in effect, "John you really need to go and be there for that service." I could not be away at that moment, alas, but this is one of the joys of hymn writing. One's hymns can travel far and wide without a passport or having to tote luggage, and it is truly the next best thing to being there.

Hymn Anthology by Erik Routley and Paul A. Richardson

I am glad to report that several of my hymns were selected and appear in this anthology. 

They are:

- "Come to Tend God's Garden"

- "God, Could It Be?"

There is a River

There is a River Filled with Hope!

Psalm 46:4 & 5

Text: John A. Dalles
Suggested Familiar Tune: AZMON
Meter CM (8686)

This week, I learned that this hymn is to be published as an anthem, by GIA Publishing, Chicago.

I have received the contract from GIA; so you will have to check with them from now on if you wish to use it.

Sacred composer Dorothy Frisch has created the anthem setting of this text that is particularly lovely.

Thankful Hearts

Thankful Hearts
A Hymn of Thanksgiving – Psalm 69:30

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: GROSSER GOTT
Meter: 78.78.77.


Thankful hearts to You we bring,
God, whose mercies are forever,
Of Your blessings, God, we sing,
Your great love we honor, ever!
May we please You as we sing,
Thankful hearts to You we bring!

Source who sends both sun and rain,
Guide the way that fails us never,
Sharer of our joy and pain,
Grant us life, now and forever;
May we please You as we sing,
Thankful hearts to You we bring!

All Your goodness we receive,
As each day unfolds before You,
Joined in Christ whom we believe,
We rejoice, we praise, adore You!
May we please You as we sing,
Thankful hearts to You we bring!

We revere Your name in song,
Glorify You with thanksgiving;
Worship You, through ages long,
Glory, honor, reverence, bringing!
May we please You as we sing,
Thankful hearts to You we bring!



Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

World Communion Sunday Hymn

CHRIST INVITES FROM EVERY NATION
World Communion Sunday Hymn

Text: John A. Dalles, September 30, 2011
Tune: BLAENWERN, BEECHER
Meter: 8787D

Christ invites from every nation,
Every epoch, time and place,
Guests to join the celebration,
In God’s banquet hall of grace!
Here, God’s Spirit shall surround us,
While we worship Christ the Son.
Christ has claimed us, Christ has found us:
Now, from every land, we come!

Christ has spread the table for us
In the presence of our foes,
Where the bread is broken for us
Where the cup of blessing flows.
God has called the world to savor,
All that Christ has done and said,
Taste the goodness of God’s favor,
From the table Christ has spread!

Christ invites the world to meet Him,
To respond with thankfulness,
Sing and shout with joy to greet Him,
Pray and praise His righteousness.
High and mighty, now adore Him,
Praise Him, too, the low and lone,
Every heart, come bow before Him,
At Christ’s table, joined as one!

Christ, whose world awaits our presence,
May Your fields show great increase,
And the harvest, ripe with reverence,
Yield the bounty of Your peace.
May earth’s people hear Your story,
Take to heart the truth we show,
And draw nearer to your glory,
As to every land, we go!

Copyright © 2011, John A. Dalles. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship,

with copyright notation as shown above.

Please let me know if you sing this hymn!

There are No Words to Fully Say

September 11, 2001 - September 11, 2011

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: JERUSALEM
Meter: LMD

There are no words to fully say
What happened on that dreadful day;
When towers fell, when glistening planes
Became the tools of terror’s reign.
The ones we lost shall ever be
Reminders of life’s brevity.
Dear God, surround us as we sing;
Bless us in our remembering.

God, there are symbols we revere
To keep their sacrifices near.
We mark our loss, in photographs,
Rare souvenirs and echoed laughs,
We will not let the grief and pain
Outstrip the memories that remain.
Dear God, surround us as we pray:
Bless us this day, bless us this day.

We thank the helpful ones who came
To staunch the wounds, to douse the flames;
The ones who set their needs aside,
To offer comfort, serve and guide.
Heroic deeds and kindness shared,
By all who gave, and all who cared.
Dear God, we ever shall recall,
The selfless ones who gave their all.

May people of good faith agree
To fashion God’s community;
To overcome pain and distress,
And live in peace and righteousness.
We stand for this, and this we know,
From Christ whose blessings overflow.
Dear God, we live in hope and pray:
Bless us this day, bless us this day.

If you wish to use this hymn in worship you may do so by including the following notation:

Copyright © 2011, John A. Dalles. Used by Permission.

I Will Honor Christmas within My Heart

Inspired by a passage from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”

Text: John A. Dalles, July 7, 2011

Tune: ICH STERBE TAGLICH

Meter: 98.98.88

I will honor Christmas within my heart,

I’ll share these treasures all the year.

The glow of Christ will shine and not depart,

Love lifts my spirits, cancels fear.

The new born Savior to adore—

I’ll honor Christmas evermore!

I will live within each page of the past,

Where simple shepherds, splendid kings,

Sing peace on earth, bring gifts, and hold Him fast,

Beneath a star, and angel wings!

The Savior born in Bethlehem—

I’ll treasure in my heart again!

I will live in the present joyfully,

No matter what this day may bring;

My needs and fears, surrender gratefully,

While unto Jesus I shall cling!

The new born Savior loves me still—

I’ll trust His word, I’ll do His will!

I will live in the future hopefully;

I’ll take the longest view I may,

Sure that the One who planted faith in me,

Shall guide me to eternal day!

The new born Savior is my king—

I’ll honor Christmas as I sing!

I will honor Christmas within my heart,

I’ll listen to what Christ will teach.

The glow of Christ will shine and not depart,

But bring the love of God in reach!

The new born Savior to adore—

I’ll honor Christmas evermore!

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

New Collection of John Dalles Hymns is In the Works...

In yesterday's mail I received word from Wayne Leupold Editions that they plan to publish a new book of 62 of my hymns, called God Is the Singer's Friend, to be ready to present at the 2013 Annual Conference of The Hymn Society.

I am very pleased about this news.

As you know, Wayne Leupold Editions is the publisher of my most recent collection of hymns: We Turn To God.

That collection of 52 hymns appeared last summer, and can be ordered from Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc, 8510 Triad Drive, Colfax, NC 27235.

Visit their website:

www.wayneleupold.com

Take and Receive

Take and Receive

Based on St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercise #234

Text: John A. Dalles, June 29, 2011

Suggested familiar tune: ADELAIDE

Take and receive all my liberty;

Be all in all, O Master, to me!

Take who I am, take what I possess,

To use and honor, treasure and bless.

Take and receive all my memory—

What I recall, who I used to be.

Both joy and grief accept and renew,

So I may live according to you.

Take and receive all I understand

Insight and knowledge come from your hand—

All of my errors come and replace:

Give me your love and grant me your grace,

Take and receive my entire will

Help me, dear Lord, your plan to fulfill.

Riches from you are ample and more:

Thank you. O Lord! I need nothing more.

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

Hymn Commission Information

Hymn Commission Information

I am accepting commissions for new hymn texts or anthem lyrics on a particular theme, or for a special occasion.

Selected Completed Commissions 

"O Celebrate God's Love!" Commissioned for the ecumenical committee for the celebration of the city of Lancaster PA, 250th anniversary.

"Faith is Our Heritage!" Peachtree PC Atlanta; 75th anniversary hymn

"Welcome God With Joyful Singing" Commissioned by Gwendolyn Jensen, the President of Wilson college in memory of Debra Bowen.

“You Know the Way” AKA “O Troubled Heart” written for Glenn Rudolph as the text for his work commissioned by David Billings at Parkwood Presbyterian Church.

"We Look Outward, God of Blessings!" Commissioned by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in honor of the Rev. Dr. Carnegie Samuel Calian, President of the Seminary, on the occasion of his retirement.

"Draw Near in Peace" Music by Glenn Rudolph; a commission for Worthington (OH) Presbyterian Church.

“God May Your Presence Here” in honor of Don Wilkins on the occasion of his retirement as organist and choral director at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh.

“O Praise the Lord! O Praise the Lord!” with original tune by Bill Rhoads; commissioned by Highland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster PA for their anniversary.

“God Calls the Church to Endless Song” a hymn in honor of the ministry of music of Sharon Miller

“We Sing of Hampton” a hymn for the 2005 bicentennial of Hampton Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.

Why Commission a Hymn?

• To celebrate an important anniversary or other significant event in the life of a congregation

• To honor or remember the contributions of particular individuals

• To mark a significant point in the faith journey

• To provide a new text for a treasured familiar tune

• To give voice to concerns not yet addressed within available hymns

For more information, please contact me.

Commissioned hymn text fees vary, depending on length.

I retain the copyright but give permission to the commissioning church in perpetuity. 

CHRIST’S LOVE IS OURS

Text: John A. Dalles, February 25, 2011

Possible Tune: HOLY COMMUNION (by Johann Haydn, 1737-1806)

Meter: LMD

Christ’s love is ours, to receive with thanksgiving!

Jesus brings love that shall not end—

Love that sustains our daily living.

Christ greets us as our dearest friend!

He knows us well, He knows our need;

All we must do, is follow His lead.

Christ’s love is ours, to receive with thanksgiving!

Jesus brings love that shall not end.

Christ’s gifts are ours, Christ has given them to us;

He loves us so, His gifts are rare!

Christ blesses us, so to bless others through us;

Each gift is ours; yet, ours to share.

Neighbors in need, uphold and uplift,

So may we honor Giver and gift.

Christ’s gifts are ours, Christ has given them to us;

He loves us so, His gifts are rare!

To Christ I offer myself while I’m singing:

My word, my way, my liberty.

Take and receive, Lord, these gifts I am bringing:

My work, my will, my memory.

All that I have, and call my own:

It is all yours, yes, yours alone!

Take and receive every gift I am bringing:

Your love and grace, enough for me!

In Christ we live, by His timing and measure,

In every hour of the day.

Morning and night, both at work and at leisure,

We trust His word, we know His way.

Moment by moment, Christ nurtures and guides,

As He makes holy each of our lives.

In Christ we live, by His timing and measure,

In every hour of the day.

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

"Assembled for Song" - New Hymn Anthology by GIA - Will Have 7 John Dalles Hymns

I learned today that several of my hymns are about to be published in "Assembled for Song", a new hymnal anthology being created by GIA Music in Chicago.

They are the publishers of my book "Swift Currents and Still Waters" (2000).

The new hymn titles are:
1. O Spirit Grant Us Courage
2. The Day the Church was Born
3. God Write Your Blessed Name
4. As Morning Stars Together Sing
5. Here Face to Face We Long to See
6. Of Dust of Earth and Breath of God
7. O God, Our Lives are Parched and Dry

The only hymn among them that has appeared in print before is the last, which GIA published this past year, set as an anthem with the music by Dorothy Frisch.

All of them are written to be sung to familiar hymn tunes, and will appear "interlined" with the music, just as hymns are printed in the hymnals in the pews. They will also appear as text alone (the way poetry is printed).

The new hymnal anthology will be introduced at the 2011 Annual Conference of The Hymn Society, meeting this summer in Colorado Springs.

Here are some notes on these hymns...

"O Spirit Grant Us Courage"

is a prayer for the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in the trying times of life. In it, the singer admits a need for God's power, guidance, renewal and love. The words "Have no fear!" which are always the first words spoken to God's people when they meet God or God's representatives, might be called the theme of this hymn. The hymn is set to the familiar tune AURELIA.

"The Day the Church was Born"

is a hymn for Pentecost, the birthday of the church. Using images that come from Acts Chapter Two, the hymn's first stanza is all about the Wind of the Holy Spirit. The second stanza emphasizes the tongues of fire; the third, the ability of those first church members to talk to people in every language about the risen Christ. The final stanza asks for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our age. The hymn is set to be sung to the tune FOREST GREEN.

"God Write Your Blessed Name"

is set to the tune FESTAL SONG most commonly associated with the hymn "Rise Up, O Men of God". Hebrews 8:10, Jeremiah 31:33 and Psalm 7:3 are passages that encourage God's Word to be written upon our hearts. The four stanzas comprise a prayer that this may happen and that God would serve as the Author of all we do.

"As Morning Stars Together Sing"

was written as a farewell hymn for Hildur Satre Breese, who had served as organist at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, when she returned to Texas following her serving in Pittsburgh. So the themes are all music-related. As such this would be a fine hymn for a music appreciation Sunday. The tune is ELLACOMBE.

"Here Face to Face We Long to See"

is the 'oldest' of the hymns in this collection, the sixteenth hymn I wrote, and dates from 1990. It was written on a very blustery late-autumn day, at lunch time, in Highland Park in Pittsburgh, when I was serving Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. Those who know Highland Park will picture the spot, on the lower ring road around the park, where, if the leaves are off the trees (they were) and if you find just the right location, you can look across the Allegheny River toward Aspinwall, Blawnox and Sharpsburg and beyond (where many of our church members lived). The hymn is one that reflects Moses' longing to see God, a longing all people share. The cloud-filled grey skies, twisting bare tree limbs and the wind-tossed brown leaves all figure in the words of the hymn. It is set to the tune MELITA.

"Of Dust of Earth and Breath of God"

is set to the hymn tune MOZART. It reflects on our human make-up; that is, that we are both made of very ordinary stuff (the dust of the earth) and yet have within us the wondrous gift of God (God's breath). The first stanza is centered on our human frailty and simplicity as 'bits of earth-bound clay'. The second speaks of our transcendent nature. The third offers a view of our humanity in which faith prevails--we do not wish to simply be dust. The fourth and the final stanza asks God to make us able to engage all we are in God's praise and service.

"O God, Our Lives are Parched and Dry"

is the newest of these hymns, and has been set as an anthem by Dorothy Frisch that was published by GIA this past year. Now it is available for congregational song, set to the hymn tune CANONBURY. Throughout, it is a prayer for God to fill us with the Living Water of Christ. The Gospel of John, Chapter Four, is the key associated passage of Scripture.

A Hymn for Palm Sunday

Along The Road Our Savior Came

A Hymn for Palm Sunday

Luke 19:28-40

By John A. Dalles

Suggested Familiar Tunes:

KINGSFOLD, ROSEATE HUES, SHACKELFORD, VARINA

Meter: CMD

Along the road our Savior came upon a donkey’s foal—

A blameless beast not ridden on, till chosen for this role.

As Christ approached Jerusalem, great multitudes appeared

And sang with joy to welcome Him—Salvation drawing near!

They freely gave the best they had—the garments from their backs.

They spread them on the dusty road to soften Jesus’ tracks

They smoothed His way toward victory and His eternal throne,

That He would gain on splintered cross, by dying there, alone.

They cut whole branches from the trees. They waved the fronds of palm.

Their shrill hosannas caught the breeze, rebounding far and long,

And on He rode in humbleness, our promised Lord and Christ

Whose diadem would be of thorns; whose life was sacrifice.

Self-righteous ones, there in the crowd said, "Scold your raucous friends;

Rebuke them, they are rude and loud, their boisterousness offends!"

Such disingenuous piety scarce hid their evil ways.

This is how it will ever be - when wrong responds to grace.

But Jesus did not silence them; far from it, Jesus said

That even if no shouts were heard, the stones would sing intead—

So sing, His people! Sing this day of passion and of palms.

For Christ the Lord has come our way: All praise to Christ belong!

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

If you wish to use this hymn, please follow the instructions in the headder of this blog.

A New Book on the Beatitudes...

I am happy to announce the publication of a new book of which I am one of the authors:

The Beatitudes: How Happy Are You? by John A. Dalles, Anna L. Liechty and Phyllis Vos Wezeman

.
This book offers a thematic approach for communicating the message of the Sermon on the Mount and the eight teachings of Jesus known as the "Beatitudes." The Beatitudes: How Happy Are You? explores in depth the famous teachings of Jesus in Bible times, focusing on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the eight Beatitudes as a whole (Matthew 5:3-11), and each statement as a challenge for Jesus' followers to live by today. The book provides helps for congregations to use to create a focus on the Beatitudes within worship, during education, and for nurturing children, youth, and adults.
.
Worship leaders, pastors, music directors, Christian educators, teachers, small group leaders, and parents will be able to use The Beatitudes: How Happy Are You? to help others deepen their understanding of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount. The ideas in the resource can be used for a variety of worship, study, and congregational life experiences. Through their participation, people of all ages will experience the Beatitudes as a way for Christians to find a "handle" on happiness. They will connect Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount with both the high calling and the joy of discipleship. They will understand that what may seem contradictory and puzzling about the statements Jesus makes in the Beatitudes can make perfect sense when they join the throng who gather at Jesus' feet to see with new eyes and hear with new ears.

The book includes a series of new hymns that I wrote, one for each of the Beatitudes.

.
Wekiva Presbyterian Church members will be glad to know that the book includes portions that were first presented here at our church.

To read more or to order the book, follow this link:

http://leaderresources.org/thebeatitudesprint

The Messiah's Star - A Service of Lessons and Carols for Epiphany

Yesterday we had a worship service of Epiphany scripture and songs, a sort of Lessons and Carols for Epiphany, called "The Messiah's Star", that I had put together from various sources and included all the expected Epiphany hymns plus two new ones of my own making. It was a nice way to stay with the liturgical calendar in an age where, after Christmas, such things as Epiphany are soon forgotten.

.

Epiphany (meaning "appearance" or "manifestation") is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as fully human in Jesus Christ. Epiphany falls on January 6 (and can be marked on the Sunday that falls between January 2 and January 8). On the day of Epiphany, we commemorate the visit of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, remember the star that announced Jesus' birth, and therefore, Christ's manifestation to the Gentiles.

This celebration was also a good way to enjoy beloved and inspirational music on our organist, Bob Joyner's last Sunday at Wekiva. Bob began at our church three months after I arrived, that is in August of 1997. His musical gifts have added so much to our worship for nearly fourteen years, and we will miss him. For his last Sunday with us, he had great hymn introductions to the many Epiphany hymns we sang, as well as some lovely duets with Joan Grace and Olivia Signer. We also had great singing from the congregation as well as from the choir of the morning, "Sanctuary" with alumni from "Ransomed and the Worship Band".

The service was perfect for the occasion, even though I had planned it since about this time last year and had not a glimmer of a notion that we would be marking Bob's last Sunday with this event.

I was STILL not able to say where Bob is going because they had not yet told the congregation where he was going that this change was about to take place. Because Bob had asked me not to mention it at all, until last Sunday, and because the transition time came over the Christmas holidays, there were some in worship yesterday who were hearing it for the first time, and some who are still not back from vacation who will return to the news that Bob is gone. The timing is awkward, to say the least, but there is nothing to be done about it.

The Hospitality Committee and the Human Resources Committee had a lovely reception for Bob after both services. Many thanks to Ilene and Julie and their helpers, including their family members, for making it a festive morning! There were gifts and cards wishing Bob well in his new endeavors, and the choir presented him with a gorgeous handmade quilt by our church member and master quilter, Linda Leathersich, at the noon reception, after which Bob did at last tell the congregation he will become the organist at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church. I mentioned to some of our church members that we will think of Bob as a musical missionary whom we have sent out to serve in a new place.