Graham Kendrick

Funny how a tune sticks in the brain. On Sunday we sang "Beauty for brokenness" by local Croydon composer Graham Kendrick. It has excellent words and a pleasant tune. DO you know it Ed? The refrain is
God of the poor, friend of the weak, give us compassion we pray;
melt our cold hearts, let tears fall like rain;
come, change our love from a spark to a flame.
Of course it fitted Sunday's gospel about lighting a fire on earth. It's much better than the ubiquitous "Shine, Jesus shine"! Verse 4 talks about the ravaged earth, plundered and poisoned - how appropriate!
Today is my last day at work for a fortnight and Ann arrives tomorrow from Sydney - hurrah!

Comments

Anonymous said…
BFB is one of GK's better efforts. Sound theology, an economical approach to the words and a simple tune that isn't mawkish or sentimental has produced a worship song that will last. Not sure if you sing any of Stuart Towend's songs at Coulsdon but he is a contemporary composer of worship songs whose writing speaks with a traditional voice which means that he will have broader appeal than many who write for this genre.
21 August 2007 at 17:58
Edward said…
I had to look it up! I agree about the good words; not so crazy about the tune. Was it easy for a congregation to pick up? But it could be useful. I don't usually admit it in public or to my musical colleagues, but there are a number of Graham Kendrick songs I rather like...
22 August 2007 at 04:16
John the organist said…
We don't have any Townend in BBC Songs of Praise which is not a good collection anyway! The congregation coped well with the Kendrick.
22 August 2007 at 22:49
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Vigil

 Saturday a memorable day. SM walk in Muswell Hill. To Parliament and met up with Kate, Lyn and Graham. So many people and buggies! The tourist trade has clearly revived. Glad I took my chair and the 2 hours went quickly. Ecological Stations and Rosary and Laudate Deum meditation. William Rhind and animators came. Sean and Ciaran came and Louise and Tom went to a party in Coulsdon. We went to Mass and I spoke to the lady from CAFOD. Petition nearly at 1000! Sunday Lent 1 Played Demessieux on Attende domine which Linda and I sang. Prelude and fughetta Franck. A mosy enjoyable family lunch at Westow House. Lamb and lemon posset. Had a sleep! Evensong Howells Like as the hart. Wierd hymn Christian dost thou see them to St Andrew of Crete by Dykes. Throwdown was good. Ben Fogle in the Congo. Antiques roadshow. Petition passed 1000!  Monday woke at 6 and 9.15. Chat to Ann. Swim and aerobics. Barbara's Mum had died last week - she is Jamaican. CMF zoom on the situation with Tim Live...
Read more

Optician

Image
 Monday swim and aerobics with the formidable Grace in bright red! To Crystal Palace optician and we are both having new glasses. Mine are 10 years old! Tea and cake. Tuesday swim and to Bromley cinema to see Message in a bottle amazing dance about refugees. Got a charger for my mobile. Enjoyed Santa's book - it made me cry! Golden wedding spreadsheet started. Exc talk by Fr Rob Esdaile on the white flag comment of Pope Francis. Sewing Bee was good.  Wed nice reply from Santa. Dm Brendan elected as abbot of Belmont. He will be good. To Our Lady's for annual Mass remembering deceased Norwood catenians. Fr Keith read the names at the start. Declan and I did the offertory - no prayers this time. Best turnout so far - Brendan, Mike, Tom, Declan, Mike Belfourd. Coffee in the hall. The new Polish priest has long silences after the consecrations. Prayer posture throughout the gospel?? To St Michael's for recital by Martin Noble from Chapel royal St James' palace. Very good. No...
Read more