"Earth and all Stars" is hymn 412 in the 1982 Episcopal Hymnbook. It quotes Psalm 96 which was part of the lectionary today, Oct. 22, 2017. We try to learn new hymns in the church practicing before church before trying it out. This was our second go at it this year. It is just a beautiful, moving hymn.The children had a good time with the noise makers in the spirit of the hymn
"I tried to gather into a hymn of praise the many facets of life which emerge in the life of community. So there are the references to building, nature, learning, family, war, festivity. Seasons, emotions, death and resurrection, bread, wine, water, wind, sun, spirit. . . have made great impressions on my imagination."
So wrote author, Herbert Brokering (1926-2009), Lutheran pastor, write, poet, playwright, and popular speaker. He wrote this text for the ninetieth anniversary of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, in 1964.
Earth and all stars!
First verse
Loud rushing planets!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Oh, victory!
Loud shouting army!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Refrain
He has done marvelous things. I too will praise Him with a new song!
Second verse
Hail, wind, and rain!
Loud blowing snowstorm!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Flowers and trees!
Loud rustling dry leaves!
Sing to the Lord a new song!