This week and next, we dip into two sections of the longest psalm. The psalm We're talking Psalm 119, of course - not the whole lot, as it runs to 176 verses, just the first eight. This long psalm is a succession of 8-verse sections, each acrostically labelled with a Hebrew letter. We sing Aleph this week and He the following … Continue reading Psalm 119, 16 Feb 14
The crystal ball
Christmas and New Year celebrations seem ancient history already! Thanks to Dal, Jo, Bette and Brian for Psalm 112, Light rises in darkness last Sunday. The week before, we sang a blessing (in lovely harmony of course) upon our young people as they launch forth upon a new academic year. Relishing those aural memories and a … Continue reading The crystal ball
Psalm 112, 9 Feb 2014
Light rises in darkness when justice rules our lives. This is the antiphon from our chosen setting of Psalm 112 in Together in Song number 69; it's a paraphrase based on verse 4. It contains a powerful message - although just what 'justice' might mean in our daily lives is open to question. As usual, … Continue reading Psalm 112, 9 Feb 2014
Update on style
For those interested, this is to advise there is some new material on the Styles page - click here> or at left. 1. It now includes a review of the pattern of activity in Year C, December 2012 to November 2013, based on about 40 weeks of singing the psalms (your cantor was away for a … Continue reading Update on style
Psalm 15, 2 Feb 14
Psalm 15 is short and direct. It asks the question: Who may dwell in the presence of the divine? Who can abide on your holy hill? No problem: live a blameless life speak the truth don't cast discredit on others do no evil ... and so on Sets the bar pretty high, you will agree. … Continue reading Psalm 15, 2 Feb 14
Psalm 27, 26 Jan 14
Hang on, what happened to this coming Sunday 19 Jan? A slightly different but interesting worship will be led by Gwenda with some of her typically thoughtful ideas yet to be revealed - that do not include singing a psalm. I take the opportunity to sketch out the next few weeks, Plan B or C … Continue reading Psalm 27, 26 Jan 14
Psalm 29, 12 Jan 14
The voice of God is a constant and powerful theme in this psalm - thundering over the mighty waters, shaking the wilderness, breaking cedars or flashing forth in flames. The psalmist assures us that through all the elemental turbulence of life, God reigns supreme. In God's house, all sing 'Glory' and pray for strength. The psalm … Continue reading Psalm 29, 12 Jan 14
Psalm 96, 25Dec13
Christmas Day at South Woden is a joyful and sometimes fairly noisy event. True, some of our membership are travelling away from Canberra: we shall miss you but wish you safe and happy visits. On the other hand, relatives, friends and particularly children and children's children (bearing new gifts) appear from far away places. Some of … Continue reading Psalm 96, 25Dec13
Psalm 80, 22Dec13
Psalm 80 is a cry for restoration by the 'Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock'. As strife continues all around, the singer seeks a more peaceable zone, perhaps by the still waters and safe pastures of other familiar psalms. The psalmist invokes the Creator's strength and justice to intervene and bring safety to the … Continue reading Psalm 80, 22Dec13
Mystery mediaeval music
Quiz of the Season. Thank you ladies and girls for the rendition of the Magnificat today. So, over half-way through Advent and just when you thought it was safe to open the mail, here's a twister. What is this early chant all about? (I won't ask if you can sing it) Of course, after our … Continue reading Mystery mediaeval music
Psalms in the South 