Voices Found

                                                                                                         What gift can we bring Voices Found #118 What gift can we bring, what present, what token, What words can convey it the joy of this day? When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, what song can we offer in honor and praise? Give thanks for the past,  for those who had vision, who planted and watered  so dreams could come true. Give thanks for the now,  for study for worship for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed. Words and Music: Jane Marshall (1924-2019) "What gift can we bring," is a song of offering.  It is a wonderful hymn for  E...

  "Angel with bagpipes" c. 1380 from the Chapel, The Royal Foundation of St. Katharine, London, UK Voices Found #39, verses 1 and 2 Eternity touched hands with time when Mary said "G od's will be done," and commonplace became sublime when that young woman bore a son. The angels shared in earth's delight, a star became the Magi's sign, and shepherds met, on Christmas night, a child, both human and divine. Words: Rae E. Whitney (1927-2023) Music:  Conditor alme siderum,  plainsong, Mode 4 "Eternity touched hands with time" offers a moment of quiet contemplation as we rejoice in incarnation.  An ethereal chant, it is a   meditation on Mary's sublime love.  The simple tune is  easy for a small  group or congregation to sing; or it may be chanted by a soloist.  Plainsong is traditionally sung a cappella ; however, Voices Found offers an optional handbell or keyboard accompaniment to support singers.   Conditor alme siderum, "Creator of the...

  Emmanuel!  Voices Found #46, verse 1 Emmanuel! The angel's ancient chorus today unfolds before us, the final triumph starts. Emmanuel! within that name a treasure, announcing God's good pleasure to dwell within our hearts. Words and Music: Betsey Mulloy  The angels' chorus is a hymn  of praise, telling  of  Emmanuel!  from  Manger to  Resurrection.   Verse one, above,  could be sung in Advent. "Emmanuel!" works well for congregational singing especially for informal worship with families.  The tune is simple and the words are easy to memorize.  The full text is appropriate for the Easter season.  Mulloy's  exuberant chorus could be sung as a hymn of praise, at the Offertory, or after Communion. Emmanuel! He laid aside his splendor, and paradise surrendered  that we might be set free. Emmanuel! He rises now victorious,  to live forever glorious , and reign eternally. Emmanuel! This Jesus meek and ...

                                                                                       Voices Found #4 Mary heard the angel's message, Verses 1 and 2 Mary heard the angel's message: "Greetings, Mary, favored one. Do not fear, for God is with you; you will one day bear God's son." Filled with questions, filled with wonder, she proclaimed her faith in God: "May it be as you have spoken; I'm the servant of the Lord!" When she heard her cousin's greeting, Mary's heart was filled with joy, so she sang of God's great blessing promised in her baby boy: "God has looked on me with favor, so I sing this song of praise. God has worked, the proud to scatter; humble hungry ones to raise." Words: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Music:  Ecce Deus,  Alfred V. Fedak "Mary heard the an...

                                                                                                              A lily, symbol of Faithfulness  Voices Found #64, verse 2  Joseph in your darkest night, angel message hearing, You cast not your live aside, scorn and anger fearing. When a loved one brings us grief, rips our world asunder, Dreamer, may we have your heart, open to God’s wonder. Words: Carol Goodwin King Music: Tempus ad est floridum from Piae Cantiones, 1582 Joseph  rarely appears in  Christmas Carols even though he courageously   nurtured and  and protected Mary during her Holy Pregnancy. His love affirmed her willingness to bear the Christ-child. Therefore it is appropriate t...

                                                                                                                                                                                           The Song of Mary   Voices Found  # 152 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in you, O God my savior, for you have looked with favor on your lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: you, the Almighty, have done great things for me, and holy is your name. You have mercy on those who...