Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
June 2008
The choir performed a variety of selections for this program. This program was performed in honor our
our fathers for Father's Day and our forefathers.
We opened our program with the "Star-Spangled Banner".
Randal Thompson wrote "The God Who Gave Us Life". He used the words of Thomas Jefferson in this
selection we sang.
We have used Liberty: A Musical Celebration of Freedom many times over the years. It is one of our
favorites.
Several songs were performed from Liberty. Patriot's Medley of Songs included the tunes "Yankee
Doodle", "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Columbia, the Gen of the Ocean", and "You're A Grand Old Flag".
We sang a medley of songs called American, The Greatest and Best. The medley included "O Susanna",
"Home on the Range", "Dixieland", " Shenandoah", and "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad". We saluted
the Armed Forces with another medley. The veterans present were asked to stand during their branch's
song. We sang " U.S. Air Force", "Caissons Go Rolling Along", " Anchors Aweigh", "Marine Corps
Hymn", and "Battle Hymn of the Republic".
Jill Vincent performed "Fifty States In Rhyme".
The choir sang "America the Beautiful" from the back of the gym.
Mike Linholm and David McNair played their guitars and sang "Silver Medals and Sweet Memories".
The men sang Lee Greenwood's song, "God Bless the USA".
The women sang a portion of the song, "My Heart Belongs to Daddy".
June 2008
The Sunday before the Fourth of July, the service featured music by American composers.
The songs included songs from the hymn books. These were "How Firm a Foundation", "God of the Ages",
" Lord of the Dance".
The service veterans walked in during the Presentation of the Flags.
We sang several patriotic songs including "The Star-Spangled Banner", "God Bless America", "My Country
'Tis of Thee".
"America the Beautiful" was sung from the back of the sanctuary as a benediction.
During the rest of the service, we sang the following songs:
1. "Now I Walk in Beauty", a Navajo song.
Lynn Hedl played an Indian flute as an introduction to the song.
2. "The God Who Gave Us Life" (words by Thomas Jefferson)
3. "Calling My Children Home" (Appalachian tune)
4. "Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit "
Mel Travis sang a solo during part of this song.
5. "The Time For Praying"
Lynn Hidl had a solo during this song.
6. "Come Flood This Heart of Mine"
Jim invited a few special guests to perform and sing with us. One of the special guest played the violin during
the songs.
Melinda Pruitt was our guest pianist. She is Marsha's cousin. She and Marsha played duet parts on the
piano for several songs.
Marsha Alexander is our "regular" pianist/organist. She always does an excellent job.
Dennis Stephens sang bass in the choir. He is a former student of Jim's from Gardendale High School. He
attends church at Gardendale 1st Baptist.
Lynn Hedl played the flute and sang a solo. She does not let blindness slow her down. She is a member of
Ruth & Naomi Hope Circle at South Highlands Presbyterian Church. Their mission is to play for the
shut-ins and terminally ill.
Doris Kirkwood introduced each of the songs.
Jim Garner is the choir director.
Our scripture verses came from Psalm 33: 12, 18, 20-22
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance...
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy...
Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we
trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.