Disciple

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Songs this Week

See what a morning is a triumphant Easter hymn, written by Keith and Kristyn Getty, and is part of the new evangelical move to write hymns – as opposed to shorter choruses. The hymn deals with the first Easter morning where the angels announce that Christ is risen. The second verse looks at Mary’s response to her risen Lord, and the third reminds us of Jesus’ unity with the Father and the fact that we shall too be raised and will reign with him.

Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom is a reflective chant from the ecumenical Taizé community in France. It uses the words of the penitent thief as quoted in Luke's Gospel as a repeated prayer that we also may one day be with Jesus in paradise. The words are set to a haunting melody by Jacques Berthier who is responsible for much of the Taizé musical tradition.

All heaven declares the glory of the risen Lord is a modern evangelical song really suitable for Eastertide with it's emphasis on the "Risen Lord" and images of the "Lamb upon the throne". The first verse is full of praise for Jesus, whilst the second urges us to think of our response - proclamation of the Risen Lord who has reconciled us to God and adoration in his presence.

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing is a powerful proclamation of the Easter message, with words written in the 1970s by Brian Wren. It is set to the uplifting tune 'Truro' which has been sung in churches since the late 18th century. The hymn's primary message is that Christ brings good news to this and every age.

Be still and know that I am God is a bright and lively song by the British evangelical writer and evangelist Lex Loizides. It was written in 1995 and unites the idea of God being active in all of the world, with the powerful work of the Holy Spirit bringing people from all over the world to a saving knowledge of and faith in God.

Let us talents and tongues employ is a joyful hymn with words by Fred Kaan, first published in 1975 and set to a Jamaican folk melody. The words combine the assurance of Easter that 'Jesus lives again' with the promise that we meet him at communion where 'bread is broken, the wine is poured, Christ is spoken and seen and heard'

For such a time as this is a song from Latin America which was collected and arranged by John Bell of the Iona Community. It picks up on a phrase from the Old Testament book of Esther (4:14): "For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.’" The song reflects on the various acts we are called to fulfil 'for such a time as this'.

In Christ alone was written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty.  Townend is one of Britain’s most prominent hymn writers – he lives in Brighton and attends the independent Christ the King church there.   The song, set to a majestic tune, is a presentation of central Christian beliefs: our hope is found in Christ alone who is our “light”, “strength” “song” and “cornerstone”.  No matter what life throws at us, it is Christ who give us strength.  The song reflects on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and finishes with a powerful expression of Christian faith which has “No guilt in life, no fear in death”.  It’s one of the most popular hymns sung in Britain today.

Yours is the glory, resurrected One, probably better known as 'Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son', is a fresh and elegant modern translation by Alan Gaunt of the original French words written by Edmund Budry, who was for 35 years a pastor in Vevey in Switzerland.  The hymn was composed in 1896, speaks of the resurrection narratives in the Gospels, and is full of joy. It has become very popular for both its words as well as for Handel's memorable tune from his work 'Judas Maccabaeus'.

Daily Prayer Resources

Daily readings, reflections and prayers via email are offered by the United Reformed Church. To subscribe to the free service please complete the online subscription form here

If you would like to explore some additional on-line prayer resources, please visit the Daily Prayer and Devotion page on our website here.

Previous issues

You can view previous issues of our Disciple newsletter by following the links on this page of our website.

Foodbank

Many thanks for your regular and generous donations to the foodbank. You make a real difference to people's lives - some will have a meal on their table today solely because of your gifts!

We provide a bag of food and other basic essentials to a number of people each week which supplements either the meagre allowance they are given by the state or (for many) the Red Cross food parcels they receive for a limited period. We know that some people rely just on the food we provide as they are not entitled to either help from the state or the Red Cross.

As a general rule, we always need long-life foodstuffs such as

• rice,
• pasta,
• pasta sauces,
• tinned vegetables (peas, carrots, baked beans, kidney beans, potatoes, chopped or plum tomatoes),
• canned fruit,
• jams and preserves,
• tea, coffee, sugar,
• and any other long-life basic larder items such as herbs, spices and condiments

Personal toiletry items (ideally 'family' brands for use by both men and women) - such as shower gel, shampoo, soap and deodorant - are also very welcome.

Meetings Calendar

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Church Meetings (Sundays at 1.45pm)

• June 18th
• September 17th
• December 17th

Elders Meetings (Mondays at 7.30pm)

• May 22nd
• June 12th (if required)
• July 24th
• September 11th (if required)
• October 23rd
• November 27th
• December 11th (if required)