2006
This project is the realization of a long time dream. In the ’70s, I played banjo and mandolin in a bluegrass band called the “Joyful Noise Boys”. That band didn’t last long, but I enjoyed that experience as much as anything musical I have done since – one of the highlights of my teenage years.
I have thought for a long time that it would be good to have a setting of the liturgy for Holy Communion featuring this wonderful American music. When my old friend, Dave Rogers (the fiddler in the Joyful Noise Boys”) contacted me in the summer of 2006, I remembered the fun we had pickin’ in church. With the sound of Dave’s fiddle ringing in my imagination, I started to compose the songs of this liturgy called “Remembered and Remembering”. String band music, with strong harmony singing, and driving rhythm, has proven to be good for tuning people’s hearts to praise God. This kind of music is a lively resonator for the gospel
God remembers us always and invites us to remember the grace and love in which we are all held all the time.
Confession
We sinners are all wayfaring strangers down here
Lord Have Mercy
“…We practice your presence…” worship is basically conversation with God. We hear from and express our hearts to God. This is all prayer. My favorite definition of prayer is “practicing the presence of God”. It’s not us getting God’s attention, it’s God getting ours.
Gloria
The Christmas angels are the song leaders here.
Gospel Verse (Alleluia)
We stand to honor the reading of some pericope of the story of the Incarnate Word – the “story from God’s heart.”
We Believe
“We Believe” In CS Lewis’ “The Lion , the Witch and the Wardrobe” human beings are referred to as “sons of Adam” and “daughters of Eve.” Three verses – one for each article of confession of faith (trust) in the Creator, the Redeemer and the Sanctifier.
Offering
Sung as the gifts (bread and wine) are presented. – (this is my favorite song in this collection.)
Great Thanksgiving / Holy! Holy! Holy!
This is a dialogue between the presiding minister and the congregation. It really should have been recorded with different voices singing the part that the congregation sings. I just never got around to finding other singers to come in and redo the scratch vocal that I did to demo the song.
Remember Me
Jesus’ words of institution are paraphrased in the song “Remember Me”.
Lamb of God
sung during the distribution.
Show and Tell
The Post Communion Canticle
Remembered and Remembering
“Remembered and Remembering” states the theme and name of the mass. The “bright benediction smile” lighting our way is how I imagine the Lord’s face shining on us (see the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26) that is traditionally used here. We go out remembered by God and remembering what God has done and reflecting the light of that bright smile of grace into the darkness of the world.
Lead sheets for musicians and congregational songbooks are available for the liturgy Contact me. mandocaster@gmail.com
