Ask the Nominees: Week 3
Each week leading up to General Council we are asking the nominees for Moderator one question to help everyone get to know each of them a little better. More information about each nominee, their gifts, and their vision for the church can be found on the Moderator Nominees page.
Q: What is your favourite hymn?
Posted: June 26, 2012
Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett
That changes fairly frequently! Right now I would answer Voices United #567, "Will You Come and Follow Me" because it picks up the voluntary nature of our Christian vocation, the challenges we face, the truth that in being Christ's we too are changed, and many of the reasons why we may consider ourselves unworthy. During Advent, though, I'd have to say VU #68, "All Poor Ones and Humble."
Rev. Arlen John Bonnar
A favourite hymn—challenging! What a wonderful journey down memory lane: my childhood, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus"; young adults, "It Only takes a Spark"; my ordination, "Come Holy Spirit"; my ministry, "Here I am Lord"; and at this point in my life, VU 586, "We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection."
Rev. Sally Boyle
Only one? I would have to go with Voices United #278, "In the Quiet Curve of Evening." (Please read all the words.) Imagine a piece of music without the rests. They give it quality and depth, increase longing, put us on edge, move us to a new experience of an old piece. So, too, with the rests between the phrases of our lives.
Rev. Gary V. Clark
"I Feel the Winds of God" followed by "Praise" by the group rEvolve.
Rev. Jeff Cook
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
Rev. David Fines
To show by touch and word devotion to the earth... (VU #427 F. Kaan; R. Klusmeier)
Rev. Dr. Orville James
Our guitarist wears a T-shirt that says, "I am the wretch the song refers to." The author of "Amazing Grace" was a slave-ship captain who realized his past actions were evil; only God's grace could save him. Yet having said that, I choose "Though Ancient Walls" because it is so relevant and current to opening the barriers to LGBT community, to racial, gender, economic, and cultural marginalization. "Walls that divide are broken down; Christ is our unity!" Exactly! Thanks Walter…!
Mr. Moses Kanhai
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (VU 333). The last verse almost brings tears to my eyes.
Rev. John Lawson
Hard choice, I have so many favourites. I would bring from this wonderful treasure trove "something old"—"Love Divine" (Voices United 333) and "something new"—"I Have Called You by Your Name" (More Voices 161).
Rev. Gary J. Paterson
An old one and a new one, because musical styles change. "Be Thou My Vision"—for my Irish roots, with eighth-century words that still speak, a haunting melody made for the organ, and a title that has become a personal mantra. And then, from More Voices, "God of the Bible"—one of our congregational favourites, where poetry stretches the imagination.
Rev. Lisa Potter
A hymn that has inspired me over the years is "In Christ There Is No East or West." It speaks to me of Jesus' teaching of the Kingdom that is in potential in the human race like a pearl of great price waiting to be discovered. It speaks also of the Universal Body of Christ and the part that Jesus the Christ plays in helping humanity awaken to that understanding.
Rev. Dr. Barry K. Pridham
Hymn "O for a World" has long expressed my understanding of the churches' vision and mandate around Jesus' message of the Kingdom of God. There is a longing and expectation for justice, peace, unity, wisdom, belonging, resurrection and equality which is God initiated but collaborative in implementation. The tune is joyful, catchy and motivational.
Rev. Paul Reed
The question has prompted me to sing and hum "I Need to Move," "Like a Rock," "Go Make a Diff'rence," "My Love Colours Outside the Lines," and "Don't Be Afraid." But I think I will stop and call "Come O Holy Spirit" as my current favourite.
Rev. Dr. Tom Sherwood
Voices United 586, "We shall go out with hope of resurrection. We'll give a voice to those who have not spoken." More Voices 209, "Go make a diff'rence. We can make a diff'rence." By my wife, Lorena Duncan, "Listening Is the Language of Love" or "Let the Wind Blow."
Rev. Dr. John H. Young
So hard to pick only one! But if I must pick only one—"We Are Pilgrims on a Journey" (sometimes called "The Servant Song"), Voices United, #595.
