Music at WPC-
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Epiphany II
​Voluntary: "Journey of Hope," Brenda Austin (b. 1972)
Offertory: "You Are the One," Thomas Keesecker (b. 1956)
Voluntary: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," Matthew Machemer
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Hymns
Opening Hymn: 455- All Creature of Our God and King LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Sequence Hymn: 504- Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether UNION SEMINARY
Communion Hymn: 71- Lord, When You Came to Jordan GENEVAN 130
Closing Hymn: 2130- The Summons KELVINGROVE
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Next Week's Music at WPC:
Sunday, January 25- Nik Stackpole, Organ; WPC Choir
Prelude- About the Composer
Brenda Austin is a dynamic American handbell composer, clinician, and conductor whose music has become a staple for both worship and concert settings. Known for her rhythmic energy, lyrical writing, and accessible yet expressive scoring, Austin’s pieces are frequently performed by choirs of all levels. She serves as the Artistic Director of the Detroit Handbell Ensemble and is in demand nationally as a workshop leader and festival clinician, bringing both pedagogical clarity and contagious enthusiasm to the ensembles she works with. In addition to her handbell compositions, she is an active church musician and has contributed significantly to advancing the art of handbell ringing through new repertoire, educational resources, and community engagement.
Offertory- About the Composer
Thomas Keesecker is an American composer, pianist, and church musician widely admired for his melodic sensitivity and reflective, hymn-inspired style. Much of his writing—especially his piano collections and choral music—blends classical influence with contemporary harmonies, resulting in works that are both accessible and emotionally resonant for congregations and concert audiences alike. Keesecker draws deeply from his long career in parish music ministry, crafting pieces that support worship and foster contemplation, often based on beloved hymn tunes. In addition to his compositional work, he is active as a performer and workshop presenter, sharing his music and insights with church musicians across the country.
Postlude- About the Music
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” is one of the most well-loved hymns in the Christian tradition, set to the vibrant German chorale tune “LOBE DEN HERREN,” first published in the 17th century and attributed to Joachim Neander for both text and melody. The pairing creates an energetic marriage of poetry and tune: the bold, rising lines and rhythmic vitality of LOBE DEN HERREN mirror the text’s sweeping calls to praise God for creation, providence, and protection. The hymn’s stanzas draw heavily from psalmic imagery—especially Psalms 103 and 150—and invite the whole congregation to join in corporate praise. Over centuries it has appeared across denominational hymnals, often with slight textual variations, and remains a favorite for festive occasions, ordinary worship, and civic celebrations alike due to its spirited character and robust congregational singability.