May 26, 2006

and then he sang...

Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? You shall have a song, a song, and gladness of heart! Randall Thompson's Peacable Kingdom

I am singing on Sunday. This is nothing new, as many of you know. The difference is that it will be my final Sunday as a member of North Shore Baptist Church. I have been singing there for a good long while now. They saw me through all kinds of messes. They saw me through seminary. They watch Trish and I date and then marry. They ordained me. Now they will send me on. I imagine that there will be simply a nod during the service. There may be cake or something afterward. It is Memorial Day weekend, so many people will be out of town. I almost prefer the idea of a quiet good-bye. The Music Director is actually out of town this weekend. So, we said our good-bye last night with a hearty "We'll bring the kids up to play in your yard this summer!" So, this is not good-bye. No, instead it is an opportunity to discover what the relationship will look like next. Maybe in a year Wilmette and North Shore will play together somehow. Can we set up a congregational playdate?

Anyway, I started my time there as the bass soloist. I will end my time there as the bass soloist. Sunday morning I will sing the Introit.

Come thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my hear to sing thy praise.
Dreams of mercy never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in his arms.
In the arms of my dear Saviour
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

Here I raise my songs and praises,
Hither by thy help I've come,
And I hope in thy good measure
Safely to arrive at home.

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in his arms.
In the arms of my dear Saviour
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wand'ring from the fields of God.
He did rescue me from danger,
Interposed his precious blood.

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in his arms.
In the arms of my dear Saviour
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

It is a shapenote/traditional quodlibet of sorts. I am looking forward to trying to make my way through this a cappella beauty.

I praise God for North Shore.
I praise God for time well spent.
I praise God for what fruit he will harvest in the future.

Peace and all good things to you all today.

Posted by tripp at May 26, 2006 07:59 AM
Comments

A mother's heartfelt thanks to Doug and Carol and the members of North Shore. It was a great comfort to me know that they were there during your ups and downs and for taking you in as a true member of their family. Many friendly faces are forever etched in my mind. Now, on to a new adventure. Will they let you sing from the pulpit at Wilmette?

Posted by: Mom at May 26, 2006 08:57 AM

How lovely!

Posted by: Megan at May 26, 2006 10:04 AM

That is like one of my all time favorites!
Play the mandolin as accompaniment.

All the best.

Posted by: teresa at May 26, 2006 10:07 AM

dude, this post almost brought tears to my eyes. plus, that is one of my favorit hymns.

have fun playing with my wife...

Posted by: justin at May 26, 2006 11:22 AM

Transitions like this are exciting - promise, hope, opportunity - and at the same time somewhat trepidatious - uncertainty, unknown, decisions. You are in my prayers.

I really enjoy your site. I found it through Mike Kear just after I started blogging, and I check in often.

BTW - the songs you will sing Sunday are perhaps my two favorites - I may borrow this concept for a service in the near future at my shop.

Peace and happiness during the transition.

Richard Dunn

Posted by: Sojourning Pilgrim at May 26, 2006 11:38 AM

Richard, thank you for the compliment. Yes, transitions are oft frustrating. I am excited about the new opportunity. I am mourning the loss of a significant relationship. These two things always pair up in transition.

Posted by: Tripp at May 26, 2006 10:35 PM