Easter // Week 11 // April 28 - May 4
Ten years old, lying in bed, round and round they go, thoughts race through my head
Grand Prix, green, yellow, and red, checkered flags ain’t slowing or quelling my dread
Peeling out at the boom of the starting gun.
Was that a boom in my room? Ok, now the party’s done
But the race is on, covers over my head until the dawn
‘Cuz I can’t turn it off in the night, no, can’t turn it off in the night, no sleeping
Can’t stop my thoughts in the night, so
The lanes of my brain are filled with the beeping
Of a hundred thousand thoughts in a traffic jam
Hear sirens whine, now I’m imagining
Police chase, fire, or an ambulance
Getting back to sleep, man, I don’t stand a chance
Heart pounding, feel it in my ears
Cry out, “momma, please!” and she always hears and
Draws me near, whispers, “my child, there’s nothing to fear”
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear
Perfect love casts out fear
Simon Peter was an apostle
Peter was a leader, read about him in the Gospels
Started out as a fisherman,
Jesus called him out, be a fisher of men
Jesus called him out on the water, Peter want to follow
Then he got afraid, faith smaller, he start to falter, sea start to swallow,
Even though Jesus like the Rock of Gibraltar
Steady, sturdy, never-changing love
Peter knew Jesus like a hand knows a glove
But even though it fit, Peter couldn’t quit fear
Remember in the garden, that bit with the ear?
Lashed out, then afraid for his life
He denied Christ, not one, not twice,
But three times, before the rooster crowed
Then he wept bitterly, because he said he didn’t know Jesus,
Still God’s perfect love is strong enough
To take Simon Peter from the waterfront
And—even with his flaws and all—
make him a rock
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear
Perfect love casts out fear
“4:12 No one has ever seen God;
if we love one another, God lives in us,
and his love is perfected in us.
4:13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us,
because he has given us of his Spirit.”
“4:19 We love because he first loved us.”
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear
Perfect love casts out fear
Lyrics: Greg Yoder, 2023, with direct quotation of 1 John 4:12-13, 18a, 19 (NRSV)
Music: Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Greg Yoder, Nicolas Melas, Ebony Nicole, Nichole Barrows, Jackson Maust, Kristina Yoder, Mitchell Yoder
Easter // Week 10 // April 21-27
Gentle Shepherd, when we wandered
You searched until you found us
Gentle Shepherd, everywhere we are
Your love is all around us
Lyrics: Seth Thomas Crissman and Greg Yoder, 2018
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman and Greg Yoder, 2018
Surely goodness and mercy
Surely goodness and mercy
Surely goodness and mercy
Shall follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
For ever
Lyrics: Direct quotation of Psalm 23:6 (KJV)
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman, Jackson Todd Maust, Mitchell Reid Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Jackson Maust, Eastern Mennonite High School Chamber Choir
Easter // Week 9 // April 14-20
For the bread, for the bread
Which you have broken
For the wine, for the wine
Which you have poured
For your word, for your word
Which you have spoken
Now we give you thanks, O Lord
Now we give you thanks, O Lord
Lyrics: Lewis F Benson, 1924 (alt)
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman; arr. Mitchell Yoder, Kristina Yoder, Greg Yoder, and Jackson Maust, 2023
Vocals: Jackson Maust, Kristina Yoder, Mitchell Yoder, Greg Yoder
Easter // Week 8 // April 7-13
If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just
And will forgive us our sins and purify us
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
And will forgive us our sins and purify us
Faithful, faithful and just
Faithful and just and will forgive us
Purify us from all unrighteousness
Purify us from all unrighteousness
Lyrics: Direct quotation of 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Music: Nichole Barrows, Ebony Nicole, Seth Crissman, and Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Mitchell Yoder, Rachel Mast, students of Redeemer Classical School
Easter // Week 7 // Mar. 31 - Apr. 6
Early on the first day of the week
I slip into the darkness, while the garden lays sleeping
Feel the dew upon my hand, cool from the weeping of the stone
Night still clings heavy like a shroud
I whisper to the emptiness, and the echo is as loud
As thunder, it’s a wonder that the dead still slumber and leave us here alone
They have taken him, and I do not know where he’s gone
Then all the world is in motion
Running, like waves, trying to outrun the ocean
They overtake each other, brother tumbling over brother,
To the threshold, but daring not go in
Standing in the flowers, unbelieving
Hearing voices in the garden, “Woman, why are you grieving?”
They have taken him away,
And I do not know where they have taken him
They have taken him, and I do not know where he’s gone
Someone has taken him, and I do not know where he’s gone
Now I have seen the lilies of the field
And I have seen the sparrows winging o’er
But if this is how you show your love
I’m not sure I can take much more
Early on the first day of the week
I slip into the darkness, where the gardener is keeping
watch over the mourning ones,
He’ll watch until the morning comes aflame
“Sir, if you have carried him away,
Tell me where you laid him so I may go to him today”
His silence breaks my spirit, then so soft I barely hear it
He remakes me with the whisper of my name
I know they have not taken him
For I have seen the coming dawn
Lyrics: Greg Yoder, 2023
Music: Greg Yoder, Valerie Bess, and Taylor Bess, 2023
Vocals: Valerie Bess, Taylor Bess
Lent // Week 6 // Mar. 24-30
Hosanna, loud hosanna the little children sang;
through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises, the simplest and the best
"Hosanna in the highest!" That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer, let our loud hosannas ring.
From Olivet they followed amid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving, and chanting clear and loud.
"Hosanna in the highest!" That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer, let our loud hosannas ring.
"Hosanna in the highest!" That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer, let our loud hosannas ring.
Lyrics: Jennette Threlfall, 1873, alt.
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman and Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Bethany and Micah Spicher Schonberg
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eye wastes away from grief, O LORD, my soul and body also,
For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.
I have passed out of mind like one who is dead
I have become like a broken vessel.
But I trust in you, O LORD; I trust in you, O LORD;
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." "You are my God."
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me
Lyrics: Direct quotation of Psalm 31:9-10, 12, 14, 16 (NRSV)
Music: Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Ebony Nicole, Nichole Barrows, Kristina Yoder
Lent // Week 5 // Mar. 17-23
Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls
Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls
Into the earth and dies
It remains just a single grain
But if it dies, it bears much fruit
No need, no need to fear decay
Our inner nature being renewed day by day
Every tear gon’ be wiped away
Resurrection in Jesus’ name
Resurrection in Jesus’ name
Resurrection in Jesus’ name
Lyrics: Direct quotation of John 12:24 (NRSV), with additional verse by Nicolas Melas, 2023
Music: Nicolas Melas, 2023
Vocals: Nicolas Melas, Nichole Barrows, Ebony Nicole
Lent // Week 4 // Mar. 10-16
When we are afraid and have nowhere to turn
God, our help in trouble
When waters rise and forests burn
God, our help in trouble
When our last hope has been claimed
By the floods or by flame
Give us voice to call out your name
God, our help in trouble
When we are afraid and have nowhere to hide
God, our help in trouble
Mountains too high and rivers too wide
God, our help in trouble
When we don’t know what to do
And there’s no way through
Give us strength to call out to you
God, our help in trouble
When we are afraid and have nowhere to go
God, our help in trouble
When we find ourselves in a place we don’t know
God, our help in trouble
When we’re not sure who to trust
And our walls turn to dust
You are the one who will never leave us
God, our help in trouble
Lyrics: Seth Thomas Crissman and Greg Yoder, 2023
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman and Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Chass Kreider, Mitchell Yoder, Kristina Yoder
Lent // Week 3 // Mar. 3-9
God, we have sinned, we have gone astray
We have turned away and fallen
God, we have sinned, we have put our faith
In our own strength and fallen
When we fall short, when we fall down
You stay right here, You stick around
When we call out, call Your name
Your love is near and You give us grace
When we are lost, You seek and find
When we confess, Your heart is kind
You call our name, call us Your own
And You always forgive
God, we have sinned, we have gone astray
We have turned away and fallen
God, we have sinned, we have put our faith
In our own strength and fallen
When we fall short, when we fall down
You're always here, You're all around and
When we call out, call Your name
Your love is near and You give us grace
When we are lost, You seek and find
When we confess, Your heart is kind
You call our name, call us Your own
And You always forgive
Lyrics: Seth Thomas Crissman, 2023
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman and Lauren Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Lauren Yoder, Rachel Mast, Kristina Yoder
Lent // Week 2 // Feb. 25 - Mar. 2
Surely goodness and mercy
Surely goodness and mercy
Surely goodness and mercy
Shall follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
For ever
Lyrics: Direct quotation of Psalm 23:6 (KJV)
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman, Jackson Todd Maust, Mitchell Reid Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Jackson Maust, Eastern Mennonite High School Chamber Choir
Lent // Week 1 // Feb. 18-24
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eye wastes away from grief, O LORD, my soul and body also,
For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.
I have passed out of mind like one who is dead
I have become like a broken vessel.
But I trust in you, O LORD; I trust in you, O LORD;
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." "You are my God."
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me
Lyrics: Direct quotation of Psalm 31:9-10, 12, 14, 16 (NRSV)
Music: Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Ebony Nicole, Nichole Barrows, Kristina Yoder
Epiphany // Week 11 // Feb. 11-17
Christ before and Christ beneath
Move our hearts and move our feet
Fill the hungry, bless the meek
And lead us into peace
Lyrics: Seth Thomas Crissman, 2023
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman, 2023
Vocals: Lauren Yoder
Epiphany // Week 10 // Feb. 4-10
Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, gloria, alleluia.
Lyrics: Luke 2:14a (Latin)
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman and Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Theresa Peachey Crissman, Eliana Crissman, Seth Crissman, Gina Coulson, Katie Maust, Julia Maust, Kristina Yoder, Ebony Nicole, Nichole Barrows, Sarah Halteman, Zach Halteman, Taylor Bess, Mitchell Yoder, Jackson Maust, Daniel Barrows, Greg Yoder
Epiphany // Week 9 // Jan. 28 - Feb. 3
We cry peace, peace, peace for the storms surround us
Peace, peace, peace for the fears that haunt us
Peace, peace, peace, God, we are perishing!
We cry peace, peace, peace for there is no peace
Oh hold, hold your arms around this tilting planet
Hold, hold your arms around the wounds of this world
Hold, hold your arms around your people, all of us,
Hold, hold your arms around the world
We cry peace, peace, peace — but there is no justice
Peace, peace, peace —- but some have more than others
Peace, peace, peace —- but there are hungry bellies
We cry peace, peace, peace — but there is no peace
Oh hold, hold Your arms around this tilting planet
Hold, hold Your arms around the wounds of this world
Hold, hold Your arms around Your people, all of us,
Hold, hold Your arms around the world
May we see the wounds within, around us truthfully
May we take the time and care they need to heal
Then bring our hammers and our hearts
A time for ends, a time for starts
Show us what to build and what to tear down to the ground
Peace, peace, peace, may our minds be set on it
Peace, peace, peace, may our fears make way for it
Peace, peace, peace, lay our weapons down for it
Peace, peace, peace, may we join in building it
Oh hold, hold Your arms around this tilting planet
Hold, hold Your arms around the wounds of this world
Hold, hold Your arms around Your people, all of us,
Hold, hold Your arms around the world
Lyrics: Susan Gascho-Cooke, 2021
Music: Susan Gascho-Cooke, 2021
Vocals: Susan Gascho-Cooke, Jackson Maust, Kristina Yoder
Epiphany // Week 8 // Jan. 21-27
For God alone
my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
Lyrics: direct quotation of Psalm 62:5-6 (NRSV)
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman, 2023
Vocals: Kristina Yoder and Mitchell Yoder
Epiphany // Week 7 // Jan. 14-20
Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine,
And visit it with Thine own ardor glowing.
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
And kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn, til earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let Thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
Let holy charity mine outward vesture be,
And lowliness become mine inner clothing;
True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,
And o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.
Bless’d be the tie that binds our hearts and souls and minds.
And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
Shall far outpass the power of human telling;
For none can guess its grace, till love creates a place
Wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.
Lyrics: Bianca da Sienna, d. ca. 1434; trans. Richard Frederick Littledale, d. 1890, with chorus by Seth Thomas Crissman, 2013
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman, 2013
Vocals: Mitchell Yoder, Nichole Barrows, Ebony Nicole, Lauren Yoder, Kristina Yoder
Epiphany // Week 6 // Jan. 7-13
On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh.
Awake and harken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of Kings!
We hail you as our Savior, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward.
Without your grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
And let us all our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there
Then cleansed be every life from sin:
Make straight the way for God within
Make straight the way
Make straight the way for God within,
And let us all our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there
Lyrics: Charles Coffin, d. 1749; trans. John Chandler, 1837
Music: Greg Yoder, Ebony Nicole, and Nichole Barrows, 2023
Vocals: Ebony Nicole, Jackson Maust, Kristina Yoder
Christmas // Week 5 // Dec. 31 - Jan. 6
Up in the fields, with shepherd and sheep
A withered old tree reaches out from her sleep
To call to the star, the night-watch now keeping
“Are you the one from the stories of old?
Is He the one sent to heal and make whole?”
Out on the plain, between dust and stone
A tender young sapling, hardly half-grown
Whispers to the family walking alone
“Are you the ones from the stories of old?
Is He the one sent to heal and make whole?”
To bind up the brokenhearted
Bring good news for the oppressed
With a garland instead of ashes
Planting oaks of righteousness
Down in the city, with no room for belief
An olive branch rustles, offers a leaf
And cries to the child, who has come like a thief
“Are you the one from the stories of old?
Are you the one sent to heal and make whole?”
Up in the fields, out on the plain,
Down in the city, they’re shouting his name
The mountains and trees sing with joy the refrain
“This is the one from the stories of old
He is the one sent to heal and make whole”
“This is the one from the stories of old
The one who the star and the prophets foretold
The Shepherd who gathers us into the fold
Jesus, the Son, sent to heal and make whole”
Lyrics: Greg Yoder, 2023
Music: Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Lauren Yoder and Mitchell Yoder
CHRISTMAS DAY
I am goin’ up to Bethlehem town
I am goin’ up hills and back down
Living in womb darkness like all peoples without the sun
King of Light, I Am the Bethlehem One
King of Light, I Am the Bethlehem One
We are goin’ up to Bethlehem town
We are runnin’ up fields and back down
“Glory to God and Good News!” they said, so we seek the new peace begun
Prince of Peace, we need you, Bethlehem One
Prince of Peace, we need you, Bethlehem One
We are goin’ up to Bethlehem town
We are climbin’ up mountains and back down
They call us wise but we are not, we only come weary, broken, undone
Son of the Wise God, we love you, Bethlehem One
Son of the Wise God, we love you, Bethlehem One
So glory to God in the highest!
And may Your favor and peace rest on all
Immanuel, God so big, baby so small
Immanuel, God so big, baby so small
Immanuel, God so big, baby so small
Lyrics: Philip Fisher Rhodes, 2009
Music: Philip Fisher Rhodes, 2009
Vocals: Ben Luna, Ebony Nicole, Jackson Maust
Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, gloria, alleluia.
Lyrics: Luke 2:14a (Latin)
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman and Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Theresa Peachey Crissman, Eliana Crissman, Seth Crissman, Gina Coulson, Katie Maust, Julia Maust, Kristina Yoder, Ebony Nicole, Nichole Barrows, Sarah Halteman, Zach Halteman, Taylor Bess, Mitchell Yoder, Jackson Maust, Daniel Barrows, Greg Yoder
Advent // Week 4 // Dec. 24-30
Here am I, the servant of the Lord;
let it be with me according to your word.
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name,
and holy is his name.
Lyrics: direct quotation of Luke 1:38b, 46b, 47, 49 (NRSV)
Music: Seth Thomas Crissman, Nicole Barrows, Ebony Nicole, and Greg Yoder, 2023
Vocals: Nichole Barrows, Ebony Nicole, Lauren Yoder, Kristina Yoder
