Bethesda MD Congregation will Celebrate Its Anniversary with a John Dalles Hymn...

If you live in metropolitan DC you may already recognize the Hermon Presbyterian Church.  It is the quintessential white frame church with a center tower at the doorway, that you will see depicted in many illustrations, especially at Christmas time.  It looks like a child's drawing of "The way churches are supposed to look".

If you are looking for a small church worship and community and you're in the DC area, you should visit. The congregation has a full mission ministry, and is a very welcoming place.

They are about to celebrate a milestone anniversary, and I am glad to be part of it, even if remotely, by having written an anniversary hymn for them to sing.  

It is great to be able to be with the church in spirit, if not in person, for their special day.  Here is how the new hymn came into being:

I worked with Andrew Corson, who is a church Elder and who grew up in the church. In response to my request for idea starters, Andrew provided Hermon’s beautiful and thoughtful Welcome Statement, as well as some photos of the current restoration work being done on the church.  Andrew indicated that they like singing  ROCK OF AGES, A MIGHT FORTRESS, and GOD OF AGES. So I selected from those ROCK OF AGES, to which I wrote their new anniversary hymn called: “God of Blessings, On This Day…” and emailed it to him in early December.  I'm looking forward to hearing how the congregation enjoys singing it.

 

A New Hymn for the First Church of Weymouth's Four Hundredth Anniversary (1623-2023)

 Here is a remarkable story.  In Weymouth, Mass., you can worship on any given Sunday, with a congregation that began in 1623.  Just three years after Plymouth Rock!  It boggles the mind, that this congregation has been gathering for worship every Sunday since then, and is considered to be the oldest church in the USA offering continuing weekly worship.

As you might guess, a church this old also must have some interesting stories to tell about its many years of faithfulness. And you would be correct.  Regarding their history, nothing stands out for me as much as the association with the Smith family.  As in Abigail Smith Adams, who grew up in this congregation before marrying John Adams (in the church parsonage) and becoming the second First Lady of the United States, a celebrated letter writer, and one of the chief definers of the role of First Lady.  Her father was the pastor of the church, and its longest tenured minister - serving a total of 46 years.  Awesome as that is, there is more to tell about Rev. Smith.  Indeed, he was one of the first people anywhere to read the newly written Declaration of Independence to a gathered crowd, in this case, from the pulpit of the church which is still in use, to this day.

I love this kind of history.  And so I am glad to say that the church has given me the responsibility of writing their 400th Anniversary Hymn.  It is written, and in the hands of the church's music director, Jane, who has written a brand new tune to go with my words.  Exciting indeed.

The church has been celebrating its 400th all year long, and had a special concert several weeks ago.  

I enjoyed working on this new hymn with Jane Cleary, who is the music director and also a long time part of the congregation.  Here is how it unfolded...  I sent Jane a list of questions to consider as we began our work.  Jane sent me a nice informational email answering many of the questions and adding additional helpful details.  From it, I was immediately inspired to write their hymn “Four Hundred Years Before Us”.  When it was done, I sent the first draft to Jane.  Jane loved it.  Better yet, she composed a brand new hymn tune to go with it, which she completed on October 28, 2023. 

Anniversary Sunday is still on the horizon, December 10th of this year.  The hymn will have its debut on that day in worship.  I am so honored to be a part of their amazing and wonderful 400 years in this way.

South Church - 300th Anniversary Hymn by John A. Dalles

 This past Saturday evening saw a festive celebration concert at the South Church in Bergenfield New Jersey.  They were celebrating a remarkable anniversary - 300 years!  Imagine, the church was begun long before we had the Declaration of Independence.  Indeed, a decade before the birth of Founding Father George Washington. 

I was glad to be part of the celbration.  There was music from various periods n the church's 300 year history.  There were instrumentalist, pianists, soloists, and organist, as well as the church choir.  And as the finale of the evening, the congregation sang the 300th Anniversary Hymn that I had written for them. They sang it with verve.  It was wonderful to hear them.

I wish I could have been there - but thankfully, I could participate remotely on line.  

New 225th Anniversary Hymn Sung at Sycamore Presbyterian Church on October 15th, 2023

 "God is Forever Near" is the name of the hymn that I wrote for Sycamore Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati Ohio.  

The Sunday before last, I tuned in to their online Sunday Morning worship service and it was almost like being there in person.  

The service was lovely in every way.  Much of it was written by and presented by the children of the church - which on an anniversary Sunday is a perfect way to highlight the present and future of the congregation.  

The sermon by the associate pastor Rachel was right on target, focusing on Jesus' words, "Let the children come unto me."  

There was lots of good music, and the hymn I wrote for them was the concluding hymn of the morning.  The congregation sang it with what I can only call gusto, so I believe they were enjoying singing it as much as I enjoyed hearing it.  

What a treat!

 

Down the Ages

Down the Ages

A hymn of the ongoing work of Christ - For All Saints Sunday

Text: John A. Dalles, May 18, 2012

Tune: COEDMOR

Meter: 878787

Down the ages, saints have offered

Endless praises, wise and well.

Sharing wonders of the Gospel,

As they worked, good news to tell—

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

Since the day when Jesus called them

As God’s word inflamed their soul

And the ways of faith enthralled them

Saints still seek the kingdom’s goal—

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

Come and cast off vain ambition,

Clothe yourselves in love and grace,
Serving Christ, your only mission,
As God sets the time and place!
Living in the light of Jesus,
Down the ages, to this day!

Humble servants, scholars, poets,

Teachers, preachers, all who care,

Friends who love the Lord and show it,

Taking Jesus everywhere.

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

See them in one great procession,

One in Christ and one in faith,

Praising, serving, in succession,

Christ the Living Lord of grace!

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

 

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.

If We Go Where Jesus Leads Us

If We Go Where Jesus Leads Us

A hymn of discipleship

Text: John A. Dalles, May 17, 2012

Tune: CALON LAN

Meter: 8787D

If we go where Jesus leads us,

He reveals a better plan,

For the route to gallant highlands,

Calls our faith to understand!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the peaceful lilies grow,

From the ground they spring in season,

Bloom and bless Christ by their glow!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

And may all who trust in Jesus,

From old lifelessness move toward,

What reveals our worth and names us,

As the ones who call the Lord!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the smallest sparrows fly

From the fledgling nest, in season,

Tiny feathers win the sky!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the saddest heart shall sing,

From the love that grows, in season,

Joy shall come and earth will ring!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

If we seek the slightest blessing,

Bless all those, this day, we meet,

Show God’s kindliness unceasing:

It is Christ himself we greet!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.

WE SING OF YOU, O CHRIST, AND PRAY

WE SING OF YOU, O CHRIST, AND PRAY
Hymn of Celebration based on St Andrew

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: FOREST GREEN
Meter: CMD

We sing of you, O Christ, and pray
Your perfect will may guide,
Throughout our worship on this day,
And each new day beside.
Like Andrew's life, our own lives claim,
Like Andrew we would turn,
Your gospel message to proclaim,
Discipleship to learn!

Christ, help us travel on your way,
As Andrew followed you.
You called him and he walked away,
At once, toward all that’s true.
O may our church rejoice to be
Upon Your holy way;
To hear your graceful “Follow Me!”
And walk with you, today.

Christ, make us hearers of your word,
As Andrew heard of old,
He listened to the truth You told,
It made him brave and bold.
O may this church we love so well,
In every time and place.
Be bravely true and boldly tell,
Good news of love and grace!

Christ, may our witness reach unto,
Your everlasting goals!
As Andrew was first called, we too,
Shall fish for human souls!
We sing of you, O Christ, and pray
For all the future holds,
Both in our worship on this day,
And as each day unfolds.

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

New Wine in Old Wineskins, Volume 2

Hi friends, I thought you would enjoy knowing that my work is included in this anthology. That is the hymn: "May God's Love be Fixed Above You".  It has already appeared in several denominational hymnals, as well as in my book published by GIA: "Swift Currents and Still Waters".

...

New Wine in Old Wineskins: A Contemporary Congregational Song Supplement, Volume 2, James Abbington, Editor, from GIA Music.

...

Here is their promotional information about the collection:

"Beginning with an edifying essay by renowned hymn text writer Mary Louise Bringle, New Wine in Old Wineskins, Volume 2 is packed with 76 hymn texts coupled with more familiar hymn tunes, creating a winning combination that provides exciting, new, yet singable, music for worship.
...

Some of the text writers of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries included in this collection are Thomas Troeger, Timothy Dudley-Smith, Delores Dufner, Adam M. L. Tice, Frank von Christierson, Albert J. Bayly, John A. Dalles, and John Thornburg. As in the previous volume, this collection includes compositions by such pioneering African American composers as Charles H. Nicks, Jr., Stephen F. Key, V. Michael McKay, G. T. Haywood, Glenn Edward Burleigh, Oliver H. Owens, and David Frazier."

You can see more about it at the GIA website.

What a great cover on that book!

Gracious God, Your people are before You,

Gracious God, Your people are before You
Isaiah 44:1-5

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: BLOTT EN DAG
Meter: 10.9.10.9.D.


Gracious God, Your people are before You,
In the brightness of this splendid day.
We are here, to worship and adore You;
We are here to give ourselves away!
Unto You, our lives are now a present,
Set apart to do as You decide;
Gracious God, make us an off’ring pleasant,
Be our Master and Your servants, guide!

Pour afresh on us Your living water,
Dry and thirsty, we await your grace;
Come refresh Your waiting sons and daughters:
Gracious God, renew us in this place!
May we hear, as all who heard before us,
Your clear words of comfort and command;
May we sing, our voices joined in chorus,
Of the wondrous blessings from Your hand!

Gracious God, descend in light and power,
As our praise and prayers to You ascend!
Bless us now, bless us every hour,
Bless our days, in You, that have no end!
May Your angels bear Your holy vision,
Unto us, as once in Jacob’s dream!
May we grow and thrive as You determine,
Fair as willows by the flowing stream!

Gracious God, Your people serve beside You,
With what high and humble gifts we may;
As we give them, Lord, may we provide You,
All You wish and want from us, today!
Gracious God, whose vast, eternal power,
Shown in Christ has come to make us free,
Write Your name upon us in this hour,
Write Your name on us, eternally!



Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

All You Who are Thirsty Now Come to the Waters!

All You Who are Thirsty Now Come to the Waters!
Isaiah 55:1-7

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: ST. CLEMENT
Meter: 9.8.9.8.

All you who are thirsty now come to the waters.
For this is yours, come buy and eat.
Come buy milk and wine - O come sons, O come daughters.

As Christ your salvation with praises you greet.

Why would you spend money for that which is useless?
You could be fed by wholesome bread.
Why would you waste labor on that which is worthless?
You could be working for Jesus instead.

So carefully listen to hear the Lord speaking.
In God’s good grace may you delight.
The blessings abundant all people are seeking,
Are present right here, in your reach, in your sight!

Be downhearted, never, God’s promise forever
Is yours, with love that is sure and true;
God’s witness, you shall be, in Christs service ever,
Shall cause all the nations to flock to you!

O seek the Lord while He may be found,
And call upon Him when He is near,
Return to the Lord, for blessings abound,
God’s mercy, God’s pardon, are offered here!



Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

ST CLEMENT is a lovely tune that allows for some variation on where one puts the syllables, so the lines in this hymn text are not rigidly identical from one stanza to the next.  Even so, with a little bit of anticipation and practice, this hymn flows along nicely as it should.  Give it a try!

Dear Jesus, Come and Visit Us

Dear Jesus, Come and Visit Us
Mark 10:46-52

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: AMBERLEY
Meter: 8787D


Dear Jesus, come and visit us,
Your gathered people sing.
We turn to You in humble trust,
For healing You shall bring.
Like Bartimeaus by the road,
Come visit us, Dear Lord.
We shout and cry to You aloud.
We wait Your healing word.

Dear Jesus, may no other voice,
Distract You from Your way.
May our renewal be the choice
You make for us this day.
We have been blinded by our fears,
Discouraged, we have been.
Come, bring Your joy to dry our tears,
so healing may begin.

O Son of David, Lord of Life,
Have mercy on us here.
Restore our lives, uncloud our eyes,
And bring Your kingdom near.
May every separating wall,
That keeps the outcast far,
By Your command collapse and fall,
To show You as You are.

Dear Lord, may we take on Your yoke,
And spring to life new-born.
So we may shed the threadbare cloaks,
Our worried lives have worn.
Dear Teacher, may we hear You say,
Our faith has made us well.
So we may follow on Your way,
Your love and grace to tell.


Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

Remember to read the Bible

Originally this page held a hymn text based on a Statement of Faith my church member Mackenzie Efta. 

I removed it because it was published in a book, a collection of 53 of my hymn texts called "We Turn to God" that had its debut at The Hymn Society's 2010 Annual Conference.

I want to support the publisher by no longer having the set of texts that will be in the book appearing in this blog. Otherwise it would have been here still.

I kept her dad, Greg's, comment that you can read below, as a special reminder of her part in the hymn's inspiration.  Greg was a wonderful church member who has since entered the Church Triumphant, and is greatly missed. 

O Seek the Lord in Prayer

O Seek the Lord in Prayer
Healing in Affliction

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: MARION
Meter: S.M. with refrain


O seek the Lord in prayer
And fall down at Christ’s feet,
As two or three are gathered there
Entreaties shall Christ meet!
Be whole! Be well! Be holy in the Lord!

Though we were reckoned lost
And numbered with the dead,
Christ came to suffer on the cross
To grant us life, instead!
Be whole! Be well! Be holy in the Lord!

The touch of Christ brings strength,
Makes well and makes alive;
All who are languishing in pain,
Christ ventures to revive!
Be whole! Be well! Be holy in the Lord!

Be calm and do not fear;
Be thoroughly restored!
May joy replace each anguished tear:
The joy of Christ the Lord!
Be whole! Be well! Be holy in the Lord!


This appears as selection # 478 in The Covenant Hymnal


Copyright © 1993, John A. Dalles

Available for one-time use in worship with this copyright notice,

according to the guidelines listed above.

Please let me know if you use this hymn!

Some Work Today is Mine!

Some Work Today is Mine!

A Simple Hymn of Dedication

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: ST CECILIA
Meter: SM

Some work today is mine,
A work for God to do,
God be in the design,
God make it good and true!

Some word today is mine,
A word of God’s to share,
God, make my message fine,
Filled with Your grace and care!

Some prayer today is mine,
A prayer for those in need,
I know God will incline
And offer help, indeed!

Some song today is mine,
A song that I may sing,
To cast the clouds away,
God’s hope and peace to bring!

A word and work, maybe;
Perhaps a song, a prayer;
Some gift that God gave me;
A gift I am to share!


Copyright © John A. Dalles, 2024.

Permission granted for one time use in worship as noted above.

Please let me know if you use this hymn text.

O Lifter of Downhearted Souls!

O Lifter of Downhearted Souls!

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: ST JAMES
Meter: CM

O Lifter of downhearted souls,
We bring our prayer to You,
That You might make the wounded whole
And grant us life anew!

O Savior of humanity,
Who bore our sins alone,
Whose death is life, who sets us free,
Come, make us all Your own!

Dear Prince of wisdom, Source of joy,
Good Shepherd of the sheep,
Your mercy and Your love, employ,
Our souls to guard and keep!

O Guiding hand along life’s way,
O Fisherman of all,
Help us to greet You, here this day,
And answer when You call!

Great Cultivator of all life,
Good Guardian of desires,
O send Your Spirit, ending strife,
With cleansing tongues of fires!

Copyright © John A. Dalles, 2024.

Permission granted for one time use in worship as noted above.

Please let me know if you use this hymn text.

To Live a Life of Joy!

To Live a Life of Joy!
Christ Church, Dublin. Hymn

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: CHRIST CHURCH
Meter: 6.6.6.6.8.8.


To live a life of joy!
Lord, show us what to do
Our powers to employ,
In love that comes from You.
From morning light to evening star,
May we reveal Your love afar!

To live courageously!
Lord, make us more alive!
Your distant goal we see:
So toward it may we strive!
To lift the fallen, find the lost,
To risk our best, nor count the cost!

To live as ones reborn,
Anew and from above,
With light our lives adorn
With lustrous chords of love!
Lord, by your glory may we shine;
Let us proclaim Your way, divine!



Copyright © John A. Dalles, 2006.

Permission granted to Christ Church, Dublin.

Permission granted for one time use in worsihp as noted above.

Please let me know if you use this hymn text.