By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it, and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” ~Psalm 34:1-3 Over the next few weeks, we will share Christian Praise Music that exhibits “praise” in what may be classified as “non-traditional”. Be patient and open to the music without judging it for strict conformity to our 2025 expectations…moreover, just accept it as another believer’s “praise”. The first offering is “Creed” performed in studio by Third Day (lead singer Mac Powell) and Brandon Heath. The “Creed” we recite each worship service in more accurately named the Nicene Creed. You may recall Mother Liz’s homily last summer, which included a brief history of the Nicene Creed. If you missed that explanation, the following is a synopsis of the origins of the Nicene Creed: There were two events that resulted in the “First Council of Nicea” in the 4th century: (1) The Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in the early 4th century and soon thereafter declared Christianity the official belief of the Roman Empire, and (2) There was confusion and varying beliefs within the early church regarding the precise relationship between the Father, Jesus his Son, and the Holy Spirit. For example, several prominent early Christian leaders (lead by Arius) preached that Jesus was a man and not a divinity. Other leaders had problems with the connections between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. To resolve this dispute and unify all Christian teachings, Constantine called most of the Christian leadership within the Roman Empire (essentially the entire Mediterranean basin) to a council at Nicea in 325 CE. The resulting statement of beliefs was later modified in 381 CE and forms the basis of the Nicene Creek we now accept and recite weekly. That statement foundationally accepts God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as the “Holy Trinity” and now is accepted by an estimated 98% of the world’s Christian community. Today’s YouTube video is one version that clearly is not word for word what we pray and declare at Grace Memorial each Sunday; however, in its uniqueness it should be considered “praise”. Cut: “Creed” Artist: Third Day (with Brandon Heath)
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By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Brandon Lake was born in 1990 in South Carolina. His career as a Christian worship singer and songwriter began in 2015, and since then he has been a member of Bethel Music and Maverick City Music prior to striking out as a solo artist. He has garnered either individually or with one of his previous groups 25 awards from ASCAP, Billboard, Grammy, and GMA Dove, including the 2023 Billboard “Top Christian Song” for this cut: “Gratitude”. His soothing and pitch-perfect vocals are complemented with his accomplished guitar instrumentals. We have heard Mr. Lake on past presentations that he collaborated with Elevation Worship and Bethel Music. RE: “There Is A King”. “Gratitude” has a simple yet worthwhile message for all of us. Cut: “Gratitude” Artist: Brandon Lake Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. Some time after Easter Sunday (traditionally 40 days), our Savior ascended into heaven having walked among his disciples to ratify his rising on the third day, and to bless and dispatch them to spread His message to the ends of the earth. This year Ascension is May 29th . The Grace Memorial youth enjoyed Casting Crowns performing “Hallelujah” at the Lafayette Cajun Dome in April, 2017, and the impact that performance had on all of us was significant. Cut: “Hallelujah” Artist: Casting Crowns CD/Album: The Very Next Thing Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah.
On the morning of creation, Father, Son, and Spirit rise. As They set the world in motion the morning of the first sunrise. A symphony of golden sunlight dancing in the Father’s eyes. He gazes at His masterpiece as all creation cries, “Hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah.” Man shakes a fist at heaven, the breath of God still in his lungs. A brokenhearted Father grieves, in love He sends his only Son. He was bruised for our transgressions, crushed and buried in the ground. As the sunrise finds and empty tomb, the redeemed of God resound, “Hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah.” A holy quiet grips the night, the morning of the last sunrise. Broken slumber, blinding light, nations tremble at the sight. The Son of Man just split the sky! Every saint and every scoffer…every king and every pauper at the name of Jesus all fall face down. From Holy ground we’ll rise to meet the bridegroom in the sky, from earth to heaven reigns the Son, “Hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah.” Hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah…hallelujah! By Chuck SpanglerO Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches. ~Psalm 104:24 Grace Memorial Parishioner As a follow up to our traditional hymns shared last week, we offer below two (2) versions of “How Great Thou Art”. The first cut is performed by Selah. Selah embarked on an international tour in the early 2000’s, including performances in the Congo on the continent of Africa. They discovered a surprisingly large and dedicated African audience filled with the Holy Spirit. As a result, Selah recorded a portion of “How Great Thou Art” in the native Kituba dialect. Cut: “How Great Thou Art” Artist: Selah CD/Album: Greatest Hymns The second version is performed by Home Free. They are a five person acapella ensemble that produced their interpretation of “How Great Thou Art” in a spectacular setting with impeccable harmonies. Tim Foust (who opens this song) is considered one of the two or three finest bass voices in the world. It is worth listening to for the sheer comfort and empowerment of the soul. Cut: “How Great Thou Art” Artist: Home Free CD/Album: Land of the Free O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds thy hands hath made.
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Kituba Dialect O Mfumu Nzambi bu mono yindula, Bima yonso ya Nge me salaka. Ba mbwetete ntangu ti ngonda songa, Ngolo ya Nge mu nsi ya mvimba Buna mono zitisa Nge Nzambi: Nge ikele nene mingi Buna mono zitisa Nge Nzambi: Nge ikele nene mingi Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art! By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner "After I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love unto all the saints I cease not to give thanks for you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe… far above all principality and power and might and dominion…not only in this age but also in that which is to come." ~Ephesians 1:15-21 As we approach Holy Week, the vision of Christ’s suffering on the cross and the ultimate victory of His resurrection on Easter Sunday, this compilation of several century old hymns mixes the beauty, suffering, and miraculous fulfillment of ancient scripture. Jesus alerted the disciples of the inevitability of this event…but the disciples were either blind or in denial as they did not want their teacher and rabbi to depart under such painful circumstances. Note the lyrics “…sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” Anthem Lights is a quartet of talented “Twenty-something” men from Nashville that combine impeccable harmony with inspirational music, founded in 2007 by Chad Graham (tenor). They were awarded K-Love “Song of the Year” three consecutive years (2014, 2015, 2016). This cut was released on Easter Sunday, 2018. They rarely tour, but concentrate on social media (YouTube, Instagram, etc) for their popularity. Cut: “Cross Medley (Jesus Paid It All/The Old Rugged Cross)” Artist: Anthem Lights CD/Album: Hymns Vol. 2 I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small,
“child of weakness watch and pray, “find in Me thine all in all.” Jesus paid it all…all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame. And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown. And when, before the throne, I stand in Him complete. Jesus died, my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat, Jesus paid it all…all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner This first cut (“acoustic”) is a rare acoustic recording by Elevation Worship, led by Elevation Worship's lead singer, Chris Brown. No heavy metal band backup…no throngs of worshippers listening…no light show…just a simple, pure message. The second cut (“worship version”) features Brandon Lake as lead with Elevation Worship. A somewhat different interpretation of a moving message. Cut: “There Is A King” Artist: Elevation Worship CD/Album: Graves Into Gardens There is a King seated amongst us. Let every heart receive Him now.
Where there is praise, He will inhabit, and there will be grace and mercy all around. Every burden will be lifted in His presence. Every trophy will be laid down at His feet. There is a name that reigns above all others: Jesus Christ, the King above all kings. Unto the Lamb honor and glory. Worthy is He who overcame. Buried in shame, risen in power. He is alive and the stone is rolled away. All our worship will belong to Him forever. Death is conquered and our Savior holds the keys. There is a name that reigns above all others: Jesus Christ, the King above all kings. It won’t be long, we will behold Him. And every tear He’ll wipe away. We’ll be at home, the war will be over. Soon we will meet our Saviour face to face. And every burden will be lifted in His presence. Every trophy will be laid down at His feet. There is a name that reigns above all others: Jesus Christ, the King above all kings. And all our worship will belong to You forever. Holy, holy, for all eternity. Yours is the name that reigns above all others: Jesus Christ, the King above all kings. Jesus Christ, the King above all kings. Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Following the most significant week of the Christian year (Holy Week/Easter), we now follow the church calendar into a season of celebration and recommitment. Where are we going as followers of Christ? Do we share that lifestyle with others (directly or indirectly)? Who am I:
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:19-22 Anthem Lights is a quartet of talented “Twenty-something” men from Nashville that combine impeccable harmony with inspirational music, founded in 2007 by Chad Graham (tenor). They were awarded K-Love “Song of the Year” three consecutive years (2014, 2015, 2016). This cut was released on Easter Sunday, 2017. They rarely tour, but concentrate on social media (YouTube, Instagram, etc) for their popularity. Cut: “Easter Medley”
Artist: Anthem Lights CD/Album: Hymns Vol. 2 Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know my Redeemer lives, I know my Redeemer lives. All of creation testifies, this life within me cries: I know … He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives. The very same God that spins things in orbit, runs to the weary, the worn, and the weak. And the same gentle hands that hold me when I’m broken, they conquer death to bring me victory. Arise, my love. Arise, my love, the grave no longer has a hold on you. No more death’s sting, no more suffering, arise…arise. Well I know, my Redeemer lives, I know my Redeemer lives. All of creation testifies, this life within me cries: I know my Redeemer lives. And life is worth the living just because He lives. By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishoner "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, be made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2:15 Another selection from Selah (Todd Smith, Allan Hall, & Amy Perry). As we experience the Passion of Christ, this music focuses on the dichotomy of “the Cross”: so inhuman and cruel, yet so life-giving and redemptive to us sinners. Cut: “Beautiful Terrible Cross” Artist: Selah CD/Album: You Deliver Messians, chapter 2; v. 15:Colossians, chapter 2; v. 15: "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your vain manner of life received by tradition from your fathers, But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…" 1 Peter 1:18-19 As you may have surmised by now, Selah is one of my favorite Christian Praise music vocal groups, lead by Amy Perry whose beautiful voice is complimented seamlessly by Todd’s tenor and Allan’s keyboards. Their music is characterized by beautiful harmonies and not by heavy metal arrangements. This offering seems appropriate for Holy Week. Cut: “O the Blood” Artist: Selah CD/Album: You Amaze Us By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishoner “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 This particular passage from John’s gospel is perhaps one of the most commonly repeated of Jesus’ quotes, recorded during a conversation with Nicodemus. Simple and impossible to misinterpret. We The Kingdom is a contemporary Christian music band consists of multiple generations of the Cash family. Ed Cash, the recognized leader, is well known for his songwriting abilities. Prior to the formation of WTK, Ed penned music for the likes of Chris Tomlin. The lone female vocalist, Franni Rae Cash, is Ed’s daughter; the drummer is Ed’s son; the lead guitarist is Ed’s brother; the keyboards are played by Ed’s nephew. The youth of Grace Memorial attended a We The Kingdom concert in Hattiesburg, MS, in March, 2022. Cut: “God So Loved” Artist: We The Kingdom CD/Album: Live at the Wheelhouse Come all you weary, Come all you thirsty, Come to the well That never runs dry
Drink of the Water, Come and thirst no more Come all you sinners, Come find His mercy, Come to the table, He will satisfy. Taste of His goodness, Find what you’re looking for. For God so loved The world that He gave us, His one and only Son to save us. Whoever believes in Him Will live forever. Bring all your failures, Bring your addictions, Come lay them down At the foot of the cross. Jesus is waiting there With open arms. The power of hell forever defeated, Now it is well, I’m walking in freedom For God so loved…God so loved the world. Praise God, Praise God, From whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, Praise Him, For the wonders of His love. Bring all your failures, Bring your addictions, Come lay them down At the foot of the cross Jesus is waiting, God so loved the world. By Jeanne VoorheesI was the Director of the Youth Service Bureau for 30 years. One of our several programs was Discovery/ Renew, which now greatly benefits from the GMEC Pumpkin Patch and Grace Baskets Ministries.
Our Grace Basket Ministry at Grace was born many years ago when one of the families served by Discovery/Renew was in crisis. Their children were in danger of being removed by the state because they were not able to provide a clean and safe home environment for them. The case worker was coming soon, and they needed help. Since I had a few hours available, I went to their home to see if I could help them with the cleaning. When I arrived, I asked if they had a broom. They showed me a handle with a plastic cap on the bottom, which had once held the bristles. There were tiny nubs where the bristles belonged. So I asked if they had a mop, or sponges, or paper towels, or disinfectant, or dishwashing soap - or any kind of soap! Sadly, they had none of those things. I looked under the kitchen sink, and it was bare. All they had were rags, which were old clothes with holes in them. The only thing I could do at the time was to help them straighten up the house. The staff then purchased the needed supplies and helped the family clean the home. The children were not removed. These were not lazy people nor neglectful parents- they deeply loved their children. The problem was extreme poverty. I was the Outreach Ministries Coordinator for Grace at that time, so I brought the problem to Father Paul. Soon thereafter, the Grace Basket Ministry was hatched! Initially, we filled actual laundry baskets full of a wide assortment of cleaning supplies to give to families in this kind of crisis. After many years of trying to carry 20 to 30 heavy, filled laundry baskets, we decided to collect funds and donate them to the program to use as needed for the purchase of cleaning supplies for families in need. It has been a powerful program that has helped many families, giving them the resources, encouragement, and morale boost they needed to tackle the many challenges in their lives with the help of the Renew/Discovery staff. In Tangipahoa Parish, 19% of our residents live below the federal poverty line- that’s almost 1 in 5! Those of us who are blessed to have a broom and some soap can deeply bless those who do not, through this powerful ministry. |
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