Amen music
Happy Third Day of Eastertide. Christ is risen, and we’re drawing on that energy all across the United Methodist connection. In particular, several folks are following the Wesleyan tradition of putting beliefs to music as a way to convey our faith in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jonathan Aigner of Houston, a United Methodist music director, is still devoting his Patheos blog, “Ponder Anew,” to “hymns of hope and comfort.” His hymn for April 15 is perfect for Eastertide: “I Know My Redeemer Lives.” Other recent offerings have included “The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done,” and “The Day of Resurrection.” Jonathan typically includes a video or audio clip so readers can hear the music as well as read the words.
Contemporary hymn writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, also a United Methodist, wrote a poignant hymn for the season that encompasses both Easter and coronavirus lockdown. Her hymn “This Easter Celebration” can be sung to the tune “Aurelia,” familiar to most of us as “The Church’s One Foundation.”
The Rev. Clayton Childers, newly retired from the General Board of Church and Society, sent his hymn to United Methodist Insight. He writes: ”Jesus Our Healer is a prayer/hymn of lament similar to many of the Psalms. I believe it speaks to much of the angst many are feeling. God welcomes honest prayer coming from the depths of our hearts. We need to acknowledge the truth of who we are and what we feel, bringing all we are to the One who loves and cares"
Here are the lyrics:
Jesus Our Healer, Heal Us Now
By Clayton Childers
Holy Saturday, 2020
Can be sung to the tune of The Friendly Beasts (Jesus, Our Brother, Strong and Good) No 227 in the United Methodist Hymnal
(Inspired by our current COVID-19 crisis)
Jesus our healer, heal us now
Reach out your arms and welcome your child,
Broken and bruised, we stand before you
Jesus our healer, heal our wounds
Jesus our healer, heal your own
Those whom we love, yet lost and alone
Suffering each day, longing for hope
Jesus our healer, help us cope
Jesus our healer, open our eyes
You are among us, naked, despised.
Hungry and homeless, you’re cast aside
Jesus our healer, open our eyes.
Jesus our healer, heal all who grieve
United by loss, we struggle to breathe
Divided by fear, the earth cries out
Jesus our healer, heal us now.
Here’s a link to Clayton’s recommended tune (click on the arrow for “Audio Recording.”)
GCORR Suggests Intercultural Movies and Books
The United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race suggests that our collective physical distancing offers “an opportunity to learn about other cultures and increase your intercultural competence.” Given the attacks on Asian and Asian American people as a result of prejudice against COVID-19 as “the Chinese virus,” more intercultural competence would be a good skill to acquire. GCORR offers a list of movies and books that will help.
Reconciling Ministries Seeks to “Be the Resurrection”
Reconciling Ministries Network is among the many church-related ministries that are seriously pondering how they will adapt to a new post-coronavirus society. With that in mind, Deaconess Laura Young, South Central Jurisdiction coordinator for RMN, has invited Reconciling United Methodists to think about how to “be the Resurrection” as we move into the future.
In her most recent newsletter Ms. Young encourages Reconciling United Methodists to send their ideas for personal and corporate ministries to the organization. Post ideas on Reconciling Ministries Facebook page or Twitter with the hashtag #BeTheResurrection
Ms. Young says that RMN leadership will discuss new ideas throughout the spring and will publish updates on new, longer-term ministries. Her newsletter included seven suggestions for actions that advocates of full inclusion can take now, such as registering for free online training through Resistance School where they can learn how to tell their personal faith stories effectively. Email Ms. Young for more information.
Media Mentions as of April 15, 2020
Justice Department takes church’s side in 1st Amendment suit – The Associated Press
Opposition to Samaritan’s Purse Central Park field hospital grows – Religion News Service
Franklin Graham says he is being harassed over Central Park hospital – The New York Times *
Are faith services 'essential' services?: Letters – LA Daily News
Civil liberties group sues county over restrictions on religious gatherings – Valley News
California pastors sue Gov. Gavin Newsom over ban on religious services – New York Daily News
Close to 700 Participate in Virtual Community Easter Service – Patch.com
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. Share how you and your congregation are coping with the coronavirus pandemic.