We Remember

The anniversary of the terrorist bombings in New York, Washington D.C., and the plane crash in Pennsylvania call the church to remember, to reflect, to pray.

As we lift up our hearts for those today who continue to suffer loss, may the Spirit of God also open our hearts to the voice through the Psalmist in Psalm 46.

For Christians, today is a day:

-to affirm that our strength comes from God

- our security comes from God

- our call is not to a spirit of fear, or retaliation,

but to live and work for God’s peace in this time of increasing militarization and a climate of uncertainty.

Mennonite Church Canada is please to offer to congregations for worship over the coming weeks

• this setting of Psalm 46 [51 KB PDF file - Help with PDF files], by Arlyn Friesen Epp.
• (Click above to view/download)

The setting is in chant/or plain song format- to be sung simply, without rigid time-keeping of the notation, but with natural flow of the text. An additional four-part setting will also be made available in the coming weeks.

If you are a congregation of Mennonite Church Canada, you have permission to print this song for worship use in your congregation. For additional usage, please seek permission from Arlyn Friesen Epp through the Mennonite Church Canada office.

May the gentle strength of this piece quiet and center your hearts as you worship and pray through this time of commoration, and through days of threats of war and increasing violence. May we remember all those who are innocent victims of violence in our world, and may we pray for those who believe that violent means will offer solution to conflict.

May we all be nurtured through praying and singing this psalm to be people of God’s peace.

Blessings to you and your congregation,
Marilyn Houser Hamm
Director Worship & Spirituality, Mennonite Church Canada

God of our refuge and strength