Lenten hymns

Lest anyone think we're utilizing the visual arts to the detriment of music this season, rest assured we are not. To relate to each of the sermons during Lent, we have sought out hymns relevant to the person from the Bible serving as the focus for each particular week. This has been a real challenge and quite eye-opening, forcing me to plow through hymn resources I don't use very often. But I think it will prove to be quite rewarding for us all. Here's the working list:

February 26
Anointing Woman (Mark 14.3-9)
A most gracious display by John Ylvisaker (song collection Borning Cry, volume 1)

March 4
Slave with ear cut off in garden (Mark 14.32-50)
Jesus went out to a garden by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (BEACH SPRING)

Mark 11
Peter (Mark 14.28-38, 66-72)
Youth Sunday
When Peter boasted soon he fell (ABIDING GRACE)

March 18
High Priest-Caiaphas (Mark 14.53-65)
Go to dark Gethsemane (REDHEAD)

March 25
Judas (Matthew 26.14-16, 47-50)
Bitter was the night by Sydney Carter (BITTER WAS THE NIGHT)

April 1
Palm Sunday
Lessons and Passion Hymns

April 5
Maundy Thursday
Centurion (Mark 15.33-39)

April 8
Easter Day
Women at the tomb (Mark 16.1-8)
Sing the joy of Easter Day (ROYAL OAK)

We used the hymn by John Ylvisaker last year on Palm Sunday, so that was pretty easy to arrive upon. I never found any hymn dealing specifically with the slave in the story of the encounter in the garden. Therefore, we asked Carolyn Winfrey Gillette to write a new hymn for us. She did so in fine fashion, crafting a text that deals with the immediate story and character, but also addresses larger issues of violence and peace. We are looking forward to singing it. I still have not found the hymn I want to use to deal with the "Centurion." I am not finished looking, but I have made some notes of my own as a possible hymn text, in case nothing else pans out. "When Peter Boasted" was written by John Newton (of "Amazing grace" fame) and first appeared in 1779. I found the hymn by Sydney Carter in Voices United, the hymnal of the United Church of Canada. We'll probably also sing Carter's "Lord of the dance" that same day. On Palm Sunday we'll explore the Passion narrative through a series of readings and hymns, yet to be determined. I feel pretty pleased with the variety of hymns representing several eras and styles. I am certain the congregation will be able to appreciate the same as they encounter these songs in worship.