Wisdom Heaven from Martin Luther College Choir 2 0 1 9 S P R I N G T O U R but the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
Welcome to the concert. It is our pleasure and privilege to bring the Gospel in song to you today! Please turn off all electronic devices. Thank you. The Martin Luther College choir is an auditioned choir representing the various education programs offered at MLC. The choir rehearses five times a week to prepare a program of choral music to take to various areas of the WELS. In recent years the choir has sung at congregations in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The choir was also privileged to travel to our missions in Mexico in 2008. In addition to this choir, Martin Luther College has other opportunities for students to participate in ensemble performance. We have three other choirs: Männerchor, Women s Choir, and Chorale. In the instrumental area, we have the Wind Symphony and the Hosanna Ringers. These ensembles are open to all students and entry is via an audition process. Academic programs in the area of music at MLC include programs in K-12 vocal music, K-12 instrumental music, and parish music. For further information about these or other programs at MLC, visit the MLC website at mlc-wels.edu or call 507-354-8221. If you are interested in purchasing recordings of the MLC College Choir tour or previous programs that may be available, you may order them by contacting the Martin Luther College Bookstore at mlc-wels.edu/bookstore or 507-233-9138. 2
WISDOM FROM HEAVEN Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13) Scripture speaks of two kinds of wisdom: selfish ambition and bitter envy fuel the wisdom of the world, but the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17) The greatest example of such wisdom from heaven is in the cross of Christ. Jesus humbled himself, always doing the Father s will on our behalf, even to the point of death on the cross. The Savior, who never sinfully focused on himself and always lovingly focused on the eternal welfare of others, is Wisdom personified. The wisdom from above is true, eternal wisdom, revealed and fueled only by the gospel. Who is wise and understanding among you? The one who knows, trusts, and walks with Jesus. Part One Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33, 36) HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power, God of might! Great your glory throughout the earth and heaven. Sing hosanna, God on high. Oh, blest is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Sing hosanna, God on high! without pause 3
PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN THE LORD IS THE EVERLASTING GOD Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is God who sits above the circle of the earth, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in. To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and see: Who created these? God who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name: not one is missing. Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who does not faint or grow weary; whose understanding is unsearchable. God gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Have you not heard? Have you not known? 4
ERSCHALLET, IHR LIEDER Erschallet, ihr Lieder, erklinget, ihr Saiten! O seligste Zeiten! Gott will sich die Seelen zu Tempeln bereiten. Ring forth, O songs, resound, you strings! Oh, most blessed time! God himself shall prepare our souls for his temple. A pledge of peace from God I see when thy pure eyes are turned to me to show me thy good pleasure. Jesus, thy Spirit and thy Word, thy body and thy blood, afford my soul its dearest treasure. Keep me kindly in thy favor, O my Savior! Thou wilt cheer me; thy Word calls me to draw near thee. PSALM 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, serve the Lord with gladness, come into his presence with singing. Alleluia. Know that the Lord is God, it is he who made us, not we ourselves. Alleluia. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture, and we are his. Alleluia. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his holy name. Alleluia. For the Lord is good, his mercy endures forever, and his faithfulness endures, from generation to generation, from age to age. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, serve the Lord with gladness, come into his presence with singing, Alleluia. A freewill offering will be received at this time. The offering is designated for tuition assistance at Martin Luther College. Your generosity is appreciated and we thank you for your prayerful support of our students as they train for gospel service. 5
Part Two For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 30) SING, MY TONGUE, THE GLORIOUS BATTLE Choir: 3. Thus, with thirty years accomplished, he went forth from Nazareth, destined, dedicated, willing, did his work and met his death; like a lamb he humbly yielded on the cross his dying breath. Women and men sing in canon, women begin, men begin one measure later. 6
Please stand to sing the final stanza. 7
NITAIMBA SIFA I Will Sing God s Praises Nitaimba sifa, nitaimba sifa za Mungu. Yeye atupenda upendo wa kweli daima. Wewe ndiwe Mungu wangu na ngome yangu. Tena wewe ndiwa msaada wangu Shida zijapo songa, aiye, mimi sitaogopa hakika. Kwa maana wewe upo, aiye, uliye msaada wangu duniani kuna dhiki nyingi bali yeye Kristo ameushinda ulimwengu, jipe moyo, kuna dhiki nyingi bali yeye Kristo ameushinda ulimwengu, Furaha, ni furaha kuu, ahadi Mungu yu nasi. Upendo, huu wa ajabu hakuna mfano wake. Mpokee nawe uishi. Itika wito uitwapo itika harakisha ufanye hima usichelewe Bwana akuita kwa upendo mwingi uingie sasa kwenye furaha ya milele, isiyo na mwisho. I will sing God s praises; God s love is everlasting. You are my God and my fortress. You are my help. When trouble comes, truly I will not fear, for you are with me, my help. There are many troubles in this world, but Christ is victorious over the world. Take courage. There are many troubles in this world, but Christ is victorious over the world. Great joy, God s promise He is with us. This great love is incomparable, receive him by faith so that you will live. Accept the call to serve when being called; hurry, do not be late. With much love, the Lord is calling you now to follow him; to get into the everlasting joy. HOW DEEP HAS BEEN MY SINNING How deep has been my sinning, yet greater still your grace. My God and Lord, I call you with all my heart and voice. In your great mercy, hear me, and be not far from me; purify me in your love, oh, Lord, for it is time! VENGO A TI, JESÚS AMADO Vengo a ti, Jesús amado: líbrame de mi pecado Calma, Redentor, mi llanto; he pecado tanto, tanto Con la sangre que vertiste das consuelo al alma triste; hambre tornas en hartura, salvación me das segura. Oh Cristo! Generoso tú me ofreces la salud, que a los tuyos siempre das con plenitud. Vida ofrece, y paz preciosa tu palabra poderosa; Por unirse al elemento hace el santo sacramento. Con el pan y vino adquiero cuerpo y sangre del Cordero. Oh, misterio tan profundo! Quien lo entiende en este mundo? Oh Cristo! Generoso tú me ofreces la salud, que a los tuyos siempre das con plenitud. Jesus, you alone can free me from the gloom of sin that grieves me. Oh, Redeemer, calm my distress; wipe away all tears and grant rest. For your blood, so freely given, comforts my soul, now forgiven. Hunger turns to satisfaction. You give me a sure salvation. Oh Christ! You graciously offer healing to my wounds and always give abundantly to your own. Precious peace and life are offered through your powerful Word. Word and elements united form the sacrament most sacred. For the bread is Christ s true body, and the wine, his blood most holy. Oh, this mystery so profound! Human reason cannot fathom! Oh Christ! You graciously offer healing to my wounds and always give abundantly to your own. 8
IF THEN YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST UNITY Be humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all. Be humble, be gentle, bearing with one another in love. An address from Martin Luther College Choir president, Jacob Ungemach 9
Part Three We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives... and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9, 12-14) I WANT TO WALK AS A CHILD OF THE LIGHT Choir: Choir: 1. I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God sent the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. 2. I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father. In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. Please stand to sing the final stanza. 10
WAYFARING STRANGER I am a poor wayfaring stranger while journeying through this world of woe, Yet there's no sickness, toil nor danger, in that bright land to which I go. I'm going there to meet my Savior, I'm going there no more to roam; I'm only going over Jordan, I'm only going over home. Libera nos. (Deliver us.) I know dark clouds will gather o'er me. I know my way is rough and steep. Yet beauteous fields lie just before me, where God's redeemed their vigils keep. I'm going there to meet my Savior, who shed for me his precious blood; I'm only going over Jordan, I'm only going over home. Libera nos. (Deliver us.) I want to wear a crown of glory, when I get home to that good land; I want to shout salvation's story, in concert with the blood-washed band. I'm going there to meet my Savior, to sing his praise forevermore; I'm only going over Jordan, I'm only going over home. Libera nos. (Deliver us.) Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, Lord, and lead me home. When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near, when my life is almost gone, at the river, Lord, I stand, guide my feet and hold my hand: take my hand, Lord, and lead me home. PRECIOUS LORD SWEET RIVERS Sweet rivers of redeeming love lie just before mine eyes; had I the pinions of a dove, I d to those rivers fly. I d rise superior to my pain, with joy outstrip the wind: I d cross o er Jordan s stormy waves and leave the world behind. I view the monster death, and smile, now he has lost his sting; though Satan rages all the while, I still in triumph sing. By faith I see the radiant throne, the crown of life for me, by faith I claim it as my own and wait my Lord to see. O! come, my Savior, come away, and bear me through the sky, nor let thy chariot wheels delay, but quickly draw thou nigh. Then I shall join the angel throng and circle round thy throne; I ll sing through all the ages long, and joy to be thine own. Sweet rivers of redeeming love lie just before mine eyes; had I the pinions of a dove, I d to those rivers fly. I d rise superior to my pain, with joy outstrip the wind: I d cross o er Jordan s stormy waves and leave the world behind. Sweet rivers of redeeming love lie just before mine eyes; 11
O Lord God, hear thou my prayer, help thou me, and give ear to my prayer. O LORD GOD Daily do I worship thy great name and thy power. Thou alone canst help me; O send me thy peace and love, O protect me, my God. Let me never stray, O my Savior. Leave me not, O God of my salvation. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live, and praise thy great name while I have my being. Hear my prayer, hear thou my prayer, help thou me, and give ear to my prayer. Glory to thee, glory to God. NOTES Holy, Holy, Holy Felix Mendelssohn Edited by Larry L. Fleming English text by Larry L. Fleming MorningStar MSM-50-7064 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Organ: Trumpet 1: Trumpet 2: Horn: Trombone: Donald Busarow Based on a tune by John Goss (LAUDA ANIMA) Text by Henry F. Lyte MorningStar MSM-60-7023 Emily Schmidt Matthew Scharp Brittany Jensen Christian Willick Karissa Nolte The Lord is the Everlasting God Kenneth Jennings Isaiah 40: 21-22, 25-26, 28-31 Mark Foster Music MF2137 Erschallet, ihr Lieder Johann Sebastian Bach (Sing Praises, Ye Faithful) From Cantata No. 172 written for Pentecost c.1714 Organ accompaniment arranged by Richard T. Gore Translated by Albert Beck Concordia 98-1823 Organ: Karissa Nolte Psalm 100 Piano: Flute: Oboe: Saxophone: Marimba: Percussion: String Bass: Moriah Hackbarth Rachel Goddard Emily Schmidt Andrew Carter Will DeMarce Abigail Mleziva Lydia Wilde René Clausen Psalm 100 Mark Foster Music MF5002 12
Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle Walter L. Pelz Based on a tune by Carl Schalk (FORTUNATUS NEW) Text by Venantius Fortunatus Translated by John M. Neale Concordia 11-2476 Organ: Emily Schmidt Trumpet 1: Matthew Sharp Trumpet 2: Brittany Jensen Horn: Christian Willick Trombone 1 Joseph Loescher Trombone 2: Josiah Mittelstadt Nitaimba Sifa Tanzanian-Bena Traditional Music (I Will Sing God s Praises) Music and Text by Seth Ole Sululu earthsongs S-383 Maracas: Aimee Olsen Drums: Jacob Bitter Will DeMarce Philip Snyder Nitaimba Sifa was written by the Rev. Seth Mesiake Ole Sululu, a Tanzanian composer and music educator. Sululu completed a master s degree in choral conducting at Northern Illinois University and previously studied theology and music in his native Tanzania. While this piece is newly composed by Sululu, he states that the melody is based upon typical melodic intervals and rhythms of the Wabena and Wahehe ethnic groups in Southern Tanzania. This composition also incorporates several other folk elements, such as call and response, polyrhythm, and outbursts of joy expressed through ululation. How Deep Has Been My Sinning Vengo a ti, Jesús amado Orlando di Lasso Edited and Translated by Austin C. Lovelace GIA Publications G-6891 Evy Lucio Cordova, Arranged by Bradley Ellingboe English transliteration by Rachel Hartman Augsburg Fortress 11-10949 If Then You Have Been Raised with Christ Organ: Joseph Loescher Trumpet: Matthew Scharp Oboe: Emily Schmidt Unity Michael D. Costello Colossians 3:1-4, 12-17 MorningStar MSM-60-6008 Benjamin Bedroske Ephesians 4:2-6 Manuscript I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Paul Manz Based on a tune by Kathleen Thomerson (HOUSTON) Text by Kathleen Thomerson Morning Star MSM-60-9019 Organ: Michaela Johnson 13
Wayfaring Stranger American Spiritual Arranged by Michael Engelhardt Walton Music HL00126213 Vocal solo: Percussion: Keyboard: Cello: Jacob Price Jazzmin Sanchez Will DeMarce Rachel Goddard Karissa Nolte Philip Snyder Allison Boggs Karl Christie Precious Lord Sweet Rivers O Lord God Music and Text by Thomas A. Dorsey Arranged by Arnold Sevier Unichappell Music, Inc. 061784 Shawn Kirchner Text by John Adam Granade Boosey & Hawkes 48024264 Paul Tschesnokoff English adaptation by N. Lindsay Norden The Boston Music Co. 7723-7 14
Martin Luther College Choir Adrian Smith, Conductor Soprano 1 Soprano 2 Raquel Freese Spring, TX Allison Boggs Royal Palm Beach, FL Rachel Goddard Bridgeport, MI Brittany Jensen Ixonia, WI Elisabeth Hahm Hilton, NY Karissa Nolte Circleville, OH Hannah Heyer Greenville, WI Aimee Olsen Kiel, WI Madison Leckwee West Bend, WI Kaitlyn Roux New Ulm, MN Yiling Leng Linden, MI Arianna Sanchez Milwaukee, WI Emily Schmidt Richfield, WI Emma Schibbelhut Onalaska, WI Lauren Stuebs Stoddard, WI Abigail Turman Omaha, NE Carley Techlin Brookfield, WI Maria Unke Las Vegas, NV Alto 1 Alto 2 Josephine Avery Burlington, WI Aislinn Eddy Saginaw, MI Grace Bain Onalaska, WI Moriah Hackbarth Lake Mills, WI **Grace Christman Lexington, SC Rebecca Heyer Greenville, WI Rachel Hoffmann Buffalo, MN Michaela Johnson Bangor, WI Abigail Mleziva Manitowoc, WI Natasha Oblender Aurora, NE Emma Schneck Monroe, MI Katelyn Raddatz Sparta, WI Lydia Schultz La Crosse, WI Jazzmin Sanchez Milwaukee, WI Lydia Wilde Stratford, WI Hannah Stegman New Hope, MN Tenor 1 Tenor 2 Derek Gulrud Marshall, WI Mark Burger Grand Ledge, MI Joseph Loescher Jackson, WI Andrew Carter Brownsville, WI Josiah Mittelstadt Lake Elmo, MN William DeMarce Memphis, MO Joshua Schoenfeld Lake Mills, WI Kevin Renner Rochester, MN Cameron Schroeder La Crescent, MN Joel Robbert Wasilla, AK Aaron Schultz Elkhorn, WI Christian Willick Elm Grove, WI Luke Schultz Elkhorn, WI Donovan Waege Tomah, WI Bass 1 Bass 2 Nathaniel Brauer Watertown, WI Jacob Bitter Milwaukee, WI Silas Dose Fairfax, MN Karl Christie Waukesha, WI Jonathan Marquardt Lena, WI Ryan Gurgel Mequon, WI Jacob Price Weston, WI Andrew Kramer Redwood Falls, MN Matthew Scharp Menomonee Falls, WI Caleb Raasch Stillwater, MN Andrew Stoner Shenandoah, VA Benjamin Roekle Racine, WI Philip Snyder Wonewoc, WI *Jacob Ungemach Manitowoc, WI * Choir President ** Choir Secretary 15
2019 Schedule Friday, March 1 Kettle Moraine LHS Jackson, WI Crown of Life Hubertus, WI Saturday, March 2 St. Paul Green Bay, WI Sunday, March 3 Salem Escanaba, MI Monday, March 4 Michigan Lutheran Seminary Saginaw, MI Divine Grace Lake Orion, MI Tuesday, March 5 Huron Valley LHS Westland, MI Beautiful Savior Grove City, OH Wednesday, March 6 Bethlehem Carmel, IN Thursday, March 7 Michigan LHS St. Joseph, MI St. Paul South Haven, MI Friday, March 8 Illinois LHS Crete, IL Faith Antioch, IL Saturday, March 9 St. John Wauwatosa, WI Sunday, March 10 St. Peter Milwaukee, WI Thursday, March 21 St. John Caledonia, MN Friday, March 22 Northland LHS Mosinee, WI St. Peter Schofield, WI Saturday, March 23 Good Shepherd Burnsville, MN Sunday, March 24 Living Hope Shakopee, MN Martin Luther College New Ulm, MN New Ulm MN 56073 mlc-wels.edu / 507.354.8221 The mission of Martin Luther College is to train a corps of Christian witnesses who are qualified to meet the ministry needs of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and who are competent to proclaim the Word of God faithfully and in accord with the Lutheran Confessions in the Book of Concord. To fulfill this mission, Martin Luther College carries out all instruction and programs of student life according to the gospel as revealed in the inspired and inerrant Word of God. 16