During this season of Lent we invite you to connect the practices of prayer, reflection and discussion with our life in worship together. Each week in worship, the Pastors’ sermons will explore themes generated by the content and history of African American Spirituals, each paired with a companioning Biblical text. Below are lyrics, music, scripture and reflection questions so that you might as an individual, family or small group continue to be shaped by God through the Spirituals, the scriptures and prayer.
The Music and Lyrics
O! What a Beautiful City
O! What a beautiful city.
O! What a beautiful city.
Oh! What a beautiful city.
Twelve gates to the city, Hallelu!
I’m seeing three gates in the East, three gates in the West;
Three gates in the North, three gates in the South;
Making it twelve gates to the city, Hallelu!
My Lord built that city; and He said it was just four-square
And He said He wanted you sinners, to meet Him in the air
He built twelve gates to the city, Hallelu!
Denise Sheffey Powell sang Jacqueline Hairston’s arrangement of O! What a Beautiful City in Worship on Easter Day, accompanied by Gabe D’Abruzzo at the piano.
Over My Head
Over my head I see trouble in the air.
There must be a God somewhere!
Over my head I hear music in the air.
There must be a God somewhere!
Over my head I hear singing in the air.
There must be a God somewhere!
Over my head I see glory in the air.
There must be a God somewhere!
The Chancel Choir Section Leaders sang Nolan B. Williams Jr.’s arrangement of Over My Head during worship on Easter Day. Listen to it here.
The Scripture
The Reflection
Easter Sunday
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! As you read through the text of Christ’s Resurrection, reflect on the meaning of this important celebration in your life and in the life of the church. Reflect:
- What does Christ’s resurrection mean to you?
- How does it make a difference in your life?
- What does it teach you about God?
Act:
- How can God’s power, shown to us in the resurrection of Jesus, help inform how we are to live our lives?
- Do something that honors the gift of life – and new life – to all of creation. Perhaps plant a garden, encourage a lonely friend, donate food to a food pantry…something that, in a small way, reflects God’s gift of new life to us all.