This 'sticky' post is intended for South Woden readers. Scroll down for weekly blog posts. Subject to the choices of worship leaders, what is in store? 12 Nov. Psalm 78. Listen to my teaching; see the post for this psalm published recently. Chorus meet early Sunday. 19 Nov. PFAS 123A suggested - draw a copy of … Continue reading Crystal Ball Advent 2017
Tag: male voices
Crystal Ball, May 2016
The plan for the coming month looks roughly like this -- a first cut, and anything can happen according to leaders' inspirations, the Cantor's whim and happenstance. 1 May. Psalm 67 is quite like the Aaronic blessing, suggesting lots of atmospherics. There's a famous canon by Tallis, but it needs preparation. If our visiting leader wishes, we could sing The emergent psalter (May God … Continue reading Crystal Ball, May 2016
Psalm 23, 17 April 2016
On Good Friday we noted that, in the midst of darkness of Psalm 22 (why have you forsaken me?), the restoration and peace in the next psalm was not far away. So here they are, those pastures green and cup overflowing of Psalm 23. How sweet is resolution after a time of conflict, oppression or depression. The Psalter does … Continue reading Psalm 23, 17 April 2016
Psalm 126, 13 March 2016
Psalm 126, a song of ascent, contains one of the great scriptural narratives. The sower goes out with seed, responding to the ever-changing seasons, renewing a livelihood. It's not easy. Drought comes -- or floods, birds and animals. Weeds grow to choke the good seed. However: May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. … Continue reading Psalm 126, 13 March 2016
Psalm 27, 21 Feb 2016
God is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? Light -- the light of the world (John 8:12) and light upon the path (Psalm 119:105) -- is a theme found in many psalms, in words that have become familiar by virtue of repetition and songs based on such verses. This psalm offers encouragement, weaving together two threads of thought. … Continue reading Psalm 27, 21 Feb 2016
Psalm 16, 15 Nov 2015
Most weeks I look up the lectionary and, lacking a reliable (let alone encyclopaedic) memory, the first thing I do is look back in this blog history or my Psalm Library to see what goodies I have in the cupboard from last time. There I find a couple of settings of Psalm 16 and things that I … Continue reading Psalm 16, 15 Nov 2015
Psalm 23, 26 April 2015
Well, who needs an intro to Psalm 23 and the still waters? Over the years this Blog has taken several angles, from the quiet waters to the light-hearted. Do you remember Things that comfort me? Two previous entries on this lovely psalm appeared in 2014, and it's tempting on this year's appearance to just say: 'Yep, the post for … Continue reading Psalm 23, 26 April 2015
Psalm 62, 25 Jan 15 (2)
An earlier preliminary post on this psalm, since refined, featured the Wode Partbooks (pronounced 'wood') in the British Library. Tempting, but this Sunday being close to Australia Day we shall not sing from its ancient treasures. The Psalm Turning initially to the text, the first verse we read or hear (this reading being verses 5-12) is one that caught our … Continue reading Psalm 62, 25 Jan 15 (2)
Psalm 126, 14 Dec 14
Sowing can be back-breaking work. If you are down in the dumps at the time, burdened by worries, tough conditions and long days, 'sowing in tears' as in this psalm, the harvest seems a doubtful and distant prospect. But this is one of the psalms of Ascent. So there's an inspiring promise there, one that … Continue reading Psalm 126, 14 Dec 14
Crystal Ball, December 2014
At the final gathering in the church year last Sunday 23 November, we relished Psalm 100 in various forms and much more, including Josquin des Prez and the Old Hundredth. We sang If ye love me by Thomas Tallis for the induction of Elders, who have our full support in their demanding role. Year B and Advent … Continue reading Crystal Ball, December 2014
Psalms in the South 