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Many hymns are structured to reflect the three persons of the Christian Trinitarian God: Creator, Son and Holy Spirit. Other names are also used to reflect those three “persons”/manifestations/activities/characteristics (see, for example, Clare Stainsby’s wonderfully exploratory Adonai).
Some of these hymns are included in the suggestions to accompany lectionary readings set for Trinity Sunday (4 June). Also included for that day are three hymns published on the StF website. Marco Adria’s lovely re-wording of the Doxology is among them, set to “The Call” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
However, there are many other examples of Trinitarian hymns. I discovered one recently when looking at the three hymns in Singing the Faith by the late Michael Forster. I’ve described his God of forgiveness as “subtly Trinitarian … out of which a picture of the forgiving Trinitarian God unfolds”. If you don’t know it, take a look – it’s a hymn applicable to many preaching and worship contexts. There’s more about Michael’s hymns below.
You can also look ahead through June and July for other Lectionary hymn suggestions. Here, as in all the Sundays of June following Trinity Sunday, we enter a period where there are alternative lectionary readings according to whether you prefer to follow the “continuous” lectionary or the “related” (or “thematic”) one. Find out more about the difference in How does the Lectionary work?
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Michael Forster remembered
The Revd Michael Forster lived a truly cross-denominational life. Raised in an Anglican family, he joined the Baptist Church, later training for the Baptist ministry. Later still, he transferred into the United Reformed Church where, amongst other roles, he worked as a mental health and learning disability chaplain in Leicester. He was encouraged in his hymn writing by Kevin Mayhew, and three of his many texts are included in Singing the Faith – including the thoughtful funeral hymn, Going home, moving on (StF 734), about which Marjorie Dobson wrote so helpfully a few years back.
Following Michael’s death in April, we have taken another look at his three hymns in Singing the Faith and reflected on his words for each. As well as Going home…, there is God of forgiveness, your people you freed (StF 425) and Let love be real in giving and receiving (StF 615). They are all worth exploring if you don’t know them, or re-visiting if you do.
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Refugee Week
Refugee Week takes place annually in the week around World Refugee Day: 20 June. (Sunday 25 June falls within the week.) The programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK started in 1998 in reaction to growing hostility towards refugees and asylum seekers; long before the phrase “hostile environment” became current. The organisers say their aim is “to create better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration, enabling refugees to live in safety and continue making a valuable contribution.” Find out about Refugee Week here.
Though the specific issues and stories relating to refugees, and immigration more generally, vary from year to year, the basic questions and concerns are a constant thread. Refugees and the Bible – readings to explore is one place to begin thinking about the issues in worship. For hymn suggestions and other materials related to these readings, see A wandering Aramean was my ancestor – Refugee Week. A brief overview of what the Bible says about refugees can be found in Wandering people – learning from the Bible.
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80 years of MHA
Also in June, we celebrate one of the bright fruits in the family tree of Methodist-inspired organisations and charities: Methodist Homes for the Aged. (MHA Sunday, 11 June.) Founded 80 years ago (then chair of the Methodist North London District, the Revd Walter Hall, was a key player), today MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. It supports over 18,500 older people nationwide. (See MHA website for more information.)
Resources are available for 2023, highlighting international activities, as suggested by 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – “There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body.” MHA is highlighting the impact of intergenerational activities: “what we can learn from each other, and the amazing things we can achieve together”.
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Birmingham hosts Conference
The annual Methodist Conference runs from 22 June, beginning with its two-day Presbyteral Session. This year, Conference is taking place in Birmingham. All the information you need about following proceedings, either by watching them on the live stream or by reading the reports in detail, can be found on the Conference page of the Methodist website.
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Finally, the irrepressible Lenny Smith has been in touch to remind us about his hymn, Our God Reigns. Now aged 80, Lenny describes the hymn as an “old classic”, which he continues to share widely. Drawing especially on verses from the prophet Isaiah (chapters 53 & 53), Our God Reigns has been a worship staple since it was written in 1974. In some ways it pre-echoes Graham Kendrick’s From heaven you came (StF 272), while at the same time offering the other side of the coin – the “Servant King” as triumphant risen Lord.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Singing the Faith Plus. If you are starting to think about holidays and travel, go well. May you find the kind of space, rest and peace that you most need at this time.
All good wishes – Laurence
Laurence
Laurence Wareing @ stfplus@methodistchurch.org.uk
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