Floris Traditional Music Ministry

Jesus At Your Name

2012-02-24T18:33:00.004-08:00

Yes, Lent has started. When I sat and watched you all comingdown to the front to get ashes, my heart was filled with indescribable warmthand excitement. I can’t describe it well enough, but I could feel deep joy andexpectation from the Lord. Even though Lent is the most solemn and reflectivetime, I am very excited for the journey that takes us deeper to taste and seehow the Lord is good.

This year’s Lenten series is on the Lord’s Prayer. I haveprayed and chosen music to be prayerful along with the series. You will hear, “TheLord’s Prayer” in various forms and languages during Lent in our worship services. For this first Sunday of Lent, our men’squartet group, “Call to Harmony” will lift up “The Lord’s Prayer” as an offertoryat the 11:00 AM service, and the Sanctuary Choir will lift up, “Jesus, at Your Name”as an anthem at 11:00 AM. Through Jesus’ name we restore our relationship withAbba, our Heavenly Father, and the anthem proclaims the promise given by Jesus.

At the 8:00 AM service, I will share a song as an offertory basedon Micah 6:6-8: “With what shall I comebefore the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before himwith burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased withthousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer myfirstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Hehas shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humblywith your God.”

In addition, before I share the lyrics for this week’s anthem, I would like to remind you all thatthe Lenten Cantata Choir’s Sunday rehearsal starts this Sunday right after the11:00 AM service in the music room on the second floor. If you haven’t beenable to join our Wednesday night rehearsal, this is a great chance to join.Please come without hesitation!

Here are the lyrics to this week’s anthem. I pray that weall experience of power of Jesus’ name, especially this Lent.

Jesus, at Your Name

1. Over all the heaven’s bliss Jesus chosebirth like this, laid aside a royal crown, the Son of mercy traveled down. Nofeather bed on which to lie, instead this Christ born to die.

Refrain: Jesus at Your name every knee will bow, Jesus at Your nameevery tongue confess, Jesus at Your name every voice proclaim that You are Lordof all! O Jesus, at Your name.

2. Pilateset Barabbas free, but You, they hung for all to see. A cross, a spear, athorny crown became Your emblems of renown. Faithful to Your final breath,obedient even unto death.

Let this mind be now in you that thoughChrist owned the earth, He laid aside His very life to embrace this humblebirth!

All hail the power of Jesus’name!

Praise the Lord

2012-02-18T15:26:00.001-08:00

This Sunday is the last Sunday before Lent starts. Long ago, churches limited using “Alleluia”or “Gloria” during the Lenten season tobe more solemn. I respect this idea, so you may not be able to hear or sing joyfulsongs during Lent in our worship services. However, there are many otherbeautiful hymns and songs to praise God during our special time of Lent.

Our Sonrise Singers will sing, “Jesus, Name Above All Names”as an offertory at the 8:00 AM service. The Sonrsie singers meet every otherSunday at 2:00 PM in the music room for rehearsals and need new members, particularly tenors and basses. They sing every otherSunday at the 8:00 AM service. Please join us if you are interested in singingwith us.

The Sanctuary Choir will lift up, “Praise the Lord” byHandel. It proclaims that God is the only name that worthy of praise. You willhear Baroque articulations in Handel’s style.

As the offertory at the 11:00 AM service, our studentsingers will share a beautiful song, “You Raise Me up.” The student singersmeet every Sunday at 4:00 PM, and we do learn how to sing and breathe properlyand rehearse beautiful songs for an hour. All young people from 6^thgrade through 12^th grade are welcome to join us

This year Lent starts on February 22 (Ash Wednesday),andthere will be an Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 PM in the sanctuary. We willlift up our hearts prayerfully with songs from Taizé, and the Sanctuary Choir will sing,“Lenten Meditation” as an anthem on Wednesday night. I pray that our Lent isfilled with sincere prayers and the reflection of God’s grace. Let us come together on our knees.

I would like to share two lyrics today—the lyrics to this weekanthem at 11:00, and the lyrics to, “Lenten Meditation” on Ash Wednesday. Thesetwo songs lead us into totally different areas of worship, but I pray that theLord will be glorified and that His love is revealed to us within our worship.

Praise theLord

Praise the Lord. Let songs of joy break forth.

Sing alleluia. Praise His name forevermore.

Shout, sing and dance. Come dance and celebrate.

Rejoice; let all within us praise Hisname.

Lenten Meditation

1. JesusChrist, my Savior lived for me and died.

Source of my salvation, yet wascrucified.

Peace that knows no measure: This by faith Isee.

Love that knows no ending: Jesus died for me.

2. Hear menow, Lord Jesus: I will never stray.

I will never wander. Hear me, as I pray.

Free me now from darkness. Cleanse me now fromsin.

Pardon my transgressions. Make me pure within.

Refrain: Lord, we renew our commitment theseforty nights and days.

And Lord, by your grace help us change oursinful ways. Amen.

The Wonder of Grace

2012-02-02T12:08:00.001-08:00

This Sunday is our communion Sunday. I used to not like communion services when I was a child. At my home church in Seoul, Korea, we always had a baptism as part of the communion service. And there (I am not sure they still do it this way), the baptism is only given after one’s 16^th birthday. So, I could not participate in the communion until I was old enough to be baptized. However, here at Floris, communion Sunday soon became my favorite Sunday. Whenever we have communion, two images now come to my mind. The first is the scene in which Jesus served his disciples in the upper room. The second is the image of all of us seated together at the biggest table having a huge banquet in God’s house as one gigantic family in Christ. How amazing and how privileged we are to be one family in Christ, sharing Jesus. Jesus truly welcomes everyone to be a part of His family and He lets us have this awesome experience by sharing Him. I sometimes get overwhelmed by His amazing grace and mercy upon us during communion.

This Sunday at the 11:00 AM service, the Sanctuary choir will lift up a communion anthem, “The Wonder of Grace.” The song invites everyone to the communion. The choir, along with flute and piano accompaniment become one celebratory song to our Lord, to be shared with all. The Sonrise singers will share, “On Holy Ground” at the 8:00 AM service. I pray that we all have an experience of tasting the wonder of His grace through this communion Sunday. Here are the lyrics to, “The Wonder of Grace.” May the Lord bind us together as His family!

Come to the table. Come to the Savior, all who hunger and thirst for new life.

Come to the banquet, all who are burdened . Come, rejoice in the bread and wine.

Refrain: Everyone come! God’s feast has begun. This is the time, the place, a season of praise.

The table is spread. The meal is prepared. Come taste the wonder of grace.

Come to the table, for all are welcome, all those who are weary and worn.

Come gather closer, all who are lonely. Come, rejoice in the love of the Lord!

Come and remember the lift He gave. Come to His wounded side.

Run to the Savior’s fond embrace. His arms are open wide!

Come taste the wonder of grace. Come know the wonder of grace.

This week and beyond~!

2012-01-27T14:08:00.001-08:00

I would like to share two things through our blog this week—the music that will be in this Sunday’s worship services and two wonderful opportunities coming soon.
Do you know how many adult choirs we have at Floris? We have three! Sonrise Singers sing regularly at the 8:00 AM service. The Sanctuary Choir most often sings at the 11:00 AM service and the Chamber Choir sings at 11:00 AM a couple of times a month. This Sunday, the Chamber Choir will lift up an anthem, “Father, Forgive” at the 11:00 AM service. The song was published recently as one of the songs in a suite called, “Prayers at the Cross” for Holy Week. It is a beautifully written piece for a choir with a violin solo and it is based on the scripture Luke 23:33-34.
During the weeks of “Forgiveness Sundays” I have thought about Jesus a lot. I believe that Jesus is the one who truly understands how we feel when we have struggles with issues of forgiveness. I have chosen the anthem, “Father, Forgive” with a prayerful heart that the Lord may bless us and bring us closer to the heart of Jesus. I love the middle of the song, when we sing, “Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison”(Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.) It leads my heart to humbly kneel and remember Jesus on the Cross when he prayed, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” “Kyrie eleison” was sung in old churches at the beginning of each Mass.
I pray that we all lift up our hearts together during our worship services. The Floris Strings will play, “Allegro” by Corelli for an offertory at 11:00 AM. And at 8:00 AM, I will sing, “Lord, Be Merciful” during the offering.
So, now what are the two upcoming opportunities? The first one is for our Lenten cantata choir. The choirs and orchestras perform cantatas twice a year; one near Christmas, the other during Lent. We will perform, “The Lenten Sketches” by Joseph Martin as our Lenten cantata on April 6-- Good Friday evening. As we did last year, I would like to invite all who are interested in singing with the choir or playing with the orchestra to join us. The choir will start rehearsing this Wednesday night (Feb.1) from 8:15-9:00 PM. There will also be Sunday rehearsals right after the 11:00 AM service starting on Feb. 26 for those who can’t make the Wednesday night rehearsals. Please, join us! It will be your wonderful Lenten gift to the Lord!
The other opportunity is to sing on Easter Sunday for all three morning services with the choir. Many people asked me how they can sing the “Hallelujah” chorus on Easter morning after last Easter. So, here is a chance for you to come and join us! Yes, we will sing “Hallelujah” again with one more anthem. Two Wednesday night rehearsals are mandatory: March 28and April 4 from 7:30-9:00 PM. I can promise how joyful it will be. Looking forward to having you all join us!
Here are the lyrics to the anthem, “Father, Forgive”. May the Lord be with you all.
“O Father, forgive our sins. We are helpless. We have lost our way.
O Father, forgive our sins. In Your mercy save us! Hear our cry!
On a cross of grief and pain, Jesus suffered for our shame. Such amazing love He showed.
What a debt to Him we owe.
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison. (Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord have mercy.)
O, Father, forgive our sins. In Your mercy save us! Hear our cry!”

The Artist, and Creator!

2012-01-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

Do you like to observe the nature around you? I do. I love watching sky, and trees any time of a day. I love sunny days with pure blue sky like this morning, or with fuggy funny clouds. I also love watching people;I know it sounds a little bit strange but I love to watching people. One of reasons that I love watching them is that all of them remind me who the Creator is. I often am amazed how beautiful all the creations, but forget realizing that God made all.
I felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit on last Sunday worship services. I was not "watching" people around me but "feeling" people's hearts somehow, and it led me to pray for them deeply during worship services. "Forgiveness" is such a hard but common subject to think deeply and bring sometimes heavy hearts. As I shared last week, I have chosen music more thoughtfully. So that not only glorifying God but also the music can be used for God's working tool.
The Sonrise singer will lift up "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" with "What a friend we have in Jesus" as the offertory at 8:00 and the Sanctuary choir will lift up "The Artist" by Joseph Martin as our anthem at 11:00 o' clock service. Also, for a special musical offering, Christine Cox will be singing " If you search with all your heart"during offertory.We pray that May the Love of God presence with us and we all feel restored by it.
Here is the lyric of "The Artist".
Artist, Creator, I give to You my heart.
Mold me and make me into Your work of art. Turn me and shape me into a vessel true.
Lord, make me holy, Lord, make me holy, Lord, make me holy as I give myself to You.
Lord, paint Your beauty on the canvas of my soul. With hands of love You touch and make me whole.
Create the Masterpiece that only You can do.
Lord, make me holy, Lord make me holy as I give myself to You.

Prayerfully, Yoon

My Wordless Prayer

2012-01-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

This Sunday is our second Sunday in "Forgiveness" sermon series. It is such a hard subject to many people. While I was choosing anthems and music for the worship service in this series, I have given more thoughts and prayers. I pray that our music can be used by the Holy Spirit who opens hearts and touches us gently to feel God's presence. I think that forgiveness can't be made by only our own will. Even though we do forgive, complete forgiveness is always in God's presence.
The Sanctuary choir will lift their prayerful song up to the Lord at 11:00 o clock service. It is called "My wordless prayer". It is one of my favorite ones and beautiful. I pray that May God uses the music and accept our worship and praise as a fragrant offering. Also, Ward will share a beautiful song "A Heart that forgives" as an offertory.
Here is the lyrics of the anthem. May the Lord hear our prayers!
My Wordless Prayer
My words lie still and lifeless as dust upon the sand, I can no longer voice one request or one demand,
My cup of tears is empty, I can no longer cry, My lips have fallen silent, my prayer is but a sigh.
Spirit, come and rest Your ear upon my heart, O come and hear my wordless prayer,
My silent plea and take them far away from me. Take them from this heart of mine to the Father;s heart divine. Speak in tones unknown to man that God may hear and understand.
My voice is weak from calling to You both night and day. How long will You be silent?
Why do You turn away?
Spirit,come and rest Your ear upon my heart, O come and hear my wordless prayer,
My silent plea and take them far away from me. Take them from this hear of mine to the Father;s heart divine. Speak in tones unknown to man that God may hear and understand.

Come~ join us!

2012-01-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

I had a chance to invite and introduce our music ministry at a small group fair on last Sunday at our church. Even though only a few people stopped by, we got a few new members in various groups, and I am excited about them!
Do you know how many groups in our music ministry? I am amazed sometimes to hear people say "I did not know that you work everyday at the church." We have a number of musical groups in traditional music ministry! Please visit the church home page.
In this Spring, I would like to invite people to sing at two events; Lenten cantata, and Easter Sunday morning. The Lenten cantata will be lifted up on Good Friday, April 6th at 7:30PM as our Good Friday service. We need many instrumental players as well as choir members. It has been blessed to have those singers and players who joined us occasionally. It will be a great experience moment for not only to yourselves, but also us.
For Easter Choir, we will sing "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah as our tradition, and one more anthem for Easter morning. It will be very special to lift up our hearts with beautiful music to proclaim the risen Christ!

I am so excited even to think about coming year!
I pray that May the Lord bless us, enlarge our ministry, anoint His Holy Spirit, keep us away from evil, and be glorified through us wholly throughout the new year!
Come and join us to worship Him!

What shall I render?

2012-01-05T18:23:00.001-08:00

The sanctuary choir has started their regular rehearsal on last night and we went over five new beautiful songs to prepare sundays in the future. We will lift up our hearts with this week anthem "What shall I render?" at 11:00 o' clock service. I chose this song intentionally for the first Sunday that the choir sings in 2012. It is written, based on Psalm 116:12-19 which is posted on the right side as today's words.
At 8:00 o'clock service, the sonrise singers will lift up their hearts with a song " I love you Lord!". We pray that we love our Lord, Jesus more throughout the new year!
Also, the children's choir will sing at 9:15 and 11:00 o'clock service. It is very delightful to see and hear the children's praising God. They proclaim boldly and beautifully with their full hearts.
Here is a lyric of "What shall I render?" I pray that we dedicate our hearts to our Lord, Jesus through this week worship services as a symbol of our love toward Jesus.
What shall I render?
What shall I render to my God for all the good things the Lord has done for me?
I will lift up the voice of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all God's people.
What shall I render to my God for all the good things the Lord has done for me?
I will offer my song of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
O, Lord, I am your servant, I am your servant, the child of your handmade.
You have loosed my bonds and set me free, I am your servant, I am your servant.
What shall I render to my God for all the good things the Lord has done for me?
I will offer my song of thanksgiving and I will call on the name, call on the name of the Lord.
In the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord!

Start Engine!

2012-01-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

It is already Jan. 3rd 2012! I haven't gotten used to write "2012" yet in my writing. How about you?
We had a meeting to go over Christmas eve services and felt like it was very long time ago, in fact, it was just a week ago. I can't believe it.
We have started our regular rehearsal from tonight with Laudate Ringer's rehearsal. Tomorrow evening, there will be chimers, celebration choir and little praisers, and the sanctuary choir as regular rehearsal schedule. Please check on Floris Web site if you are new! We welcome all new members!
Thursday, Jubilate ringers, and Sunday afternoon there will be Floris Strings at 1:00, Chamber choir at 2:00, and Student choir at 4:00.
I am so excited to explore new music with each groups and praise Him with New songs in our worship services.

Personally, I have made a new motto for 2012. "Be fruitful, and be in shape in Him!" I will share why I got that motto in my personal blog later in this week.
I stayed home with my family after Christmas for a week, and had rested and thought about many things by looking back 2011. I am truly blessed.
Even though I have many mistakes, faults, and weakness, God has blessed me to be a part of His ministry. I could not go on to anything without Him as you all know. That is a reason that I go to kneel each morning.
Let' s have a fruitful year 2012! Please keep supporting music ministries with your faithful prayers!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

First of all, I would like to tell all choir members, Floris orchestra players, and parents of children's choir and student choir "thank you so much" for your effort, support, and prayers for throughout 2011 especially in December until yesterday's Lessons and Carols service. It was very lovely! I enjoyed a lot.
We will have a "Covenent Service" on Jan. 1st 2012 at 9:15 and 11:00. We will lift our hearts with one of Hymns byJohn Wesley " Let Us Use The Grace Divine" I pray that we all start the New year by giving our hearts to God by worshipping Him. I would like to share the lyric of the hymn. It is a bold, powerful and heartful hymn.
May the Lord bless you all!

1. Come, let us use the grace divine, and all with one accord,
in a perpetual covenant join ourselves to Christ the Lord;
Give up ourselves, thru Jesus' power, his name to glorify;
and promise, in this sacred hour, for God to live and die.

2. The covenant we this moment make be ever kept in mind;
we will no more our God forsake, or cast these words behind.
We never will throw off the fear of God who hears our vow;
and if thou art well pleased to hear, come down and meet us now.

3. Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

let all our hearts receive,present with thy celestial host
the peaceful answer give; to each covenant the blood apply
which takes our sins away, and register our names on high
and keep us to that day!

The Time is near!

2011-12-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

We passed the fourth Sunday of Advent, focused on "Joy" in the Lord through Mary's confession. While hearing the scripture from a gospel Luke, I was thinking how wondrous and mysterious God's plans are. Have you thought about why the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Almighty God, Prince of Peace had to be born in a small town at a barn to say? No one noticed his birth except those the humble ones. I still think it is just an amazing wonder and mystery how much God loves us.

Yes, Christmas is near! As you all know, we will have multiple Christmas eve services including eve eve service on 23rd at 7:30. That service is identical with 9:00 PM service which is a traditional service: The sanctuary choir and orchestra will lift up "Dance into the light" and "A Rose Tree Carol" from the cantata, the Winter Rose. Call to harmony-men's barbershop quartet- will lead hymns and sing an offertory, a uplifting song " Heard about a Newborn King". Handbells will play wonderful four carols accompanied with organ, brass, and timpani as prelude music at the service. There will be service at 3:00 for preschoolers and families with skits and fun carols, 5:00 o clock service will be family service that children's choir will sing anthem " Christmastime" and flute duets for an offertory. 7:00 o' clock service will be a blended service, Ward; our contemporary music director will lead the service with praise hymn voices, and student choir who will sing "Mary, did you know" as an offertory.
The last service at 11:00 is my personal favorite one; a communion service. It is more intimate and quieter than others. The chamber choir will sing "Ding Dong merrily on high" as an anthem, and a beautiful motet"O magnum mysterium" by Victoria as an offertory. Also, they will sing " O Nata Lux" as a communion music. What a beautiful selection of music! There will be a reflection time after a communion while Jason-my husband and I will be lifting up " O Holy Night".
I know, It is lots of music! However, we all need to boldly proclaim who needs to be worshipped and praised in this season. He is Emmanuel, Counselor, the prince of peace, the Almighty God!

There is one more! On actual Chirstmas day, we will have "Nine Lessons and Carols" service at 10:30.

We will read, hear God's words and praise God with beautiful carols. You and your family will enjoy very much! It will be a very meaningful to share with especially children that we worship and celebrate Him on Christmas!

I pray that we all get excited to celebrate Jesus and praise and worship Him with all our hearts and voices!
Come and join us!

Glory to God!

2011-12-12T01:12:00.001-08:00

How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!
(Psalms 92:5)

Psalm 118

¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
² Let Israel say: His love endures forever.”
³ Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.”
⁴ Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.”
⁵ When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place.
⁶ The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
⁷ The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
⁸ It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.
⁹ It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
¹⁰ All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
¹¹ They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
¹² They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
¹³ I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.
¹⁴ The LORD is my strength and my defense^,he has become my salvation.
¹⁵ Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!
¹⁶ The LORD’s right hand is lifted high;the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
¹⁷ I will not die but live,and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
¹⁸ The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
¹⁹ Open for me the gates of the righteous, I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
²⁰ This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter.
²¹ I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
²² The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
²³ the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
²⁴ The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
²⁵ LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success!
²⁶ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.
²⁷ The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.
²⁸ You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
²⁹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 118 has been a prayer that God has given to me over this year. Especially, when I started praying about the Christmas cantata, I felt that I needed to pray with the Psalm in the sanctuary to proclaim that God is the one that we praise, worship, and glorify.
Sometimes people ask me why I emphasize that much about prayers over things. For me, prayer is a way to tell God that I can't do anything without Him and it is totally true. Not only asking God's help, but also confessing who I am. I have many bitter experience without prayers. Some people might have not noticed by seeing results only however, I know how bitter and regretful I was. I could share how faithfully God answered prayers over this time of preparation with prayers. God sent people to be a part of the cantata one by one faithfully. I usually named instrumental players and ask God which part instrumental parts were missing. Believe or not, in next couple of days, those part players showed up from middle of nowhere. How can I say that I did make it happen? I can't! God did!
The choir and I have prayed for several specific things over the Cantata; God's presence, glorifying God only- not us, good weather, unity in God, proclaiming Him only, full of people who especially got lost, or never had experience of relationship with God.
Whether we can see answers of our prayers or not, I know that God hear our prayers always and answer them in His perfect hand.
I am just truly grateful that God has led me to be a part of His ministry. I do not know how to be successful in Him without prayer and His help.

Christmas is near. I have a prayer that we all can be more focused who we prepare and celebrate for especially in this season. Let's proclaim to the world "Emmanuel!" God is with us!

Cantata Sunday~~

2011-12-08T10:35:00.001-08:00

I am so excited about this Sunday! The choir members and instrumental players have been working hard on the cantata to glorify God and to share His love to others.
There will be only the choir and piano for the 8:00 o clock service but full orchestra and choir will be at both 9:!5 and 11:00 o clock service. I pray that we all feel God's love and presence through the service, get restored in His love so we can go out to the world to share His love completely.
There will be ten movement in the cantata.
1. The Winter Rose
2. When will He come?
3. Advent Cry
4. Every Valley
5. Lullaby to a Rose (duet)
6. In the Judean Hills
7. Dance into the Light
8. The Rose Tree Carol
9. Look to the Rose
10. Lo, how a rose

Please bring your friends and family to share this opportunity!

Looking forward to having you all on Sunday!

A Blessing of Music

2011-12-05T11:35:00.001-08:00

This Sunday, the cantata choir and Floris Orchestra share "The Winter Rose" a Christmas cantata during worship services in the morning. And there will be a special benediction from the choir to all brothers and sisters in Christ. The song called " A blessing of music". The choir has been praying for God's presence in our worship services especially to those people who have difficulties to feel His presence. Here is our prayer and blessing through the song. I pray that we all praise our precious Jesus together and proclaim His glory to this world.
May your days be filled with music. May your path be paved with song.
May the sounds of forever lift you up and keep you strong.
May your heart resound with laughter. May your life be tuned for praise.
May the hymns of faith bring you hope. May the rhythms of your life bring you joy.
May the harmony of friendship bring you love.

May the Maker bless and keep you. May God's music guide your ways.
May God's gentle whisper always comfort you with grace.

"The Winter Rose" Christmas Cantata

2011-12-02T01:37:00.001-08:00

I would like to invite you all to our Christmas cantata " The Winter Rose"on Dec. 11th during morning worship service times at 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00.

The Winter Rose is written beautifully like one long poem; describing our precious Savior, Jesus as a rose that blooms in the midst of bitter cold winter to give a life, hope, and comfort. We have been praying deeply for God's presence on these special worship services, especially for brothers and sisters who need to hear and feel the message of God and restore personal relationship with God.
I strongly would like to recommend you all to invite your family and friends to share this opportunity to go closer to the Lord during this Advent season!
We have 32 orchestra players with 63 choir members~! Let's praise Him and proclaim His glory on the earth together!

2nd week of Advent: Peace!

2011-11-29T17:22:00.001-08:00

This coming Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of Advent, and we will think about "Peace" based on Matthew 3:1-6, 11-12 through a story of John the Baptist and Jesus.
Also, it is our first week of December, it means that it will be our communion Sunday. At 8:00 o clock service, I will lift up a song called " Light of the World" as an offertory. It is a beautiful Advent song with poetic lyric. At 11:00 o' clock service, the choir will lift up "Advent Cry" from our Christmas cantata "the Winter Rose". It is also a beautiful song with a phrase of "Veni, Veni, Redemptor"- Come, come, Redeemer. Laura and Larelynn will sing a Christmas carol as a duet during offering time.
Here is the lyric of Advent Cry. I pray that we all have same desire that longs to the Lord deeply with this song.

Veni, Veni,Redemptor.

Peace willcome on the wings of a promise.
Hope willcome like the morning’s first call.
Joy willcome on the winds of the Spirit.
Love willcome, Love will come.
Come LordJesus, come!
Veni, Veni,Redemptor.
Peace willcome on the sings of the angels.
Hope willcome like a song in the night.
Joy willblossom like roses in springtime.
Love willcome, love will come.
Come LordJesus, come!
Veni, Veni,Redemptor.
Come LordJesus, Come!

First week of Advent!

2011-11-22T08:18:00.001-08:00

Even though we do not feel any yet it is coming, but the Advent is here!! :) I am very excited to sing those beautiful advent songs and Christmas carols with you all.
This Sunday is the first week of advent; the message is about "hope". At 8:00 o' clock service, Sonrise singers will lift up " O Come, o come, Emmanuel" and the Sanctuary choir will sing a beautiful advent anthem "The Yearning" by Craig Courtney at 11:00. The Advent is a time to be more closer to God with longing heart. I wish you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and come together on Sunday to worship our Lord!
Don't forget there will be "Celebration of Season" at 5:00 o' clock with lots of carols!
Here is the lyric of the Yearning.
There is a yearning in hearts weighed down by ancient grief and centuries of sorrow. There is a yearning in hearts that in the darkness hide and in the shades of death abide, a yearning for tomorrow.
There is a yearning, a yearning for the promised One, the Firstborn of creation. There is a yearning for the Lord who visited His own, and by His death for sin atoned, to bring to us salvation.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel within our hearts, the yearning.
There is a yearning that fills the hearts of those who wait the day of His appearing.
There is a yearning when all our sorrows are erased and we shall see the One who placed within our hearts the yearning.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel within our hearts, the yearning.

The Majesty and Glory of Your name

2011-11-17T06:08:00.001-08:00

When fall arrives, my heart starts beating faster than usual to see beautiful trees and sky. It seems that every fall is new; every trees change their clothes differently each year. I might be forget how they looked like last year but still the inspiration in fall makes me wonder of God's world and creation. I enjoy walking anytime of a day in my neighborhood, watching trees mostly and sky. Fall in this year has been a real treat for me from God. I did feel blessed much last year but somehow I feel more blessed in this year through the season. Some trees let their leaves go earlier than others, some stay until the end with green and finally change their clothes. When I walked this morning, there were tons of late leaves covering the streets. Still those vivid and undescribable colorful leaves are just gorgoeous. When I stood under one of trees to look up to see the beauty, I could hear the tree speaking to me " there is a time to gain, there is time to lose. however, I praise the Lord with all my hands lifted. " Maybe...,my imagination was too childish to accept, but truly, I could hear them talking, and praising God who created them beautifully. I have thought about me: I love to worship and praise my God, the Creator.However, I could confess that I do not praise in all circumstances. I have been learning through the trees that we don't have to find reasons to praise God, because He is the Creator: we just need to praise and worship God because of who He is! We try hard to find making lists of blessings to give thanks in this time of season near Thanksgiving. However, I have learned the trees that I don't even have to think about the list to praise Him. He has given us the most wonderful gift, the life; the eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The choir and Floris Strings will praise God with "The Majesty and Glory of Your name" at 11:00 service on this Sunday. It is a beautiful, poetic praising anthem based on Psalm 8. I pray that we all lift up our heart together to praise and worship God with all our hearts like the trees. " O what is man, that You are mindful of him." God is mindful of us, gave us salvation through His only Son, Jesus. What else we need to praise and give thanks to God?

Psalm 47

2011-11-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying "fall" very much lately; beautiful sky, shinning sunshine, colorful trees, etc. What a treat from God that we can enjoy! I love taking a walk especially right at sunrise. It is like a breath taking moment from a scene through a big screen in a movie theater. Sometimes, I started clapping to God without thinking that I am outside.
We are in "servant leadership" series, have taken time to think about Jesus. I think about Him when I walked through that beautiful scene beautiful Jesus. His humility and compassion are more than any beauty of the world.
This week, we will praise God with Psalm 47; a simple upbeat song with congas, and some simple percussions along with the choir at 11:00 o'clock service. It is a simple praise song however, it has full of joyment with clapping, and dancing. I love this song because of simple expression of praise with "doo, doo, doo..." in the beginning. The composer express this full of joy with the sound. I would like to invite you all to join us to praise Him fully wiht the choir this week.
Also, Call to Harmony will lift up "Holy, Holy, Holy" as offertory music. They will also lead congregation hymns at 11:00!
At 8:00 o'clock service the Sonrise singers will praise "Be Exalted O God" as an offertory.This wellknown song is fully praising God also!

Let' fill our week with full of praise and thanksgiving!!

Servant Leadership

2011-11-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

When I was a middle school student, I had a chance to attend one of retreats during summer break. Even though I was serious about my faith at the age of 14, I never had this experience before. On the last day of the retreat, we had a time to serve each other. The leaders at the retreat intentionally let us play outside without shoes for a while right before the event. We did not know that our feet will be washed by someone else. Well... we were teenagers, full of energy, naive, and sweat really, sweat and ran around at the grass and dirt. Can you imagine how dirty our feet were? Anyway, the experience being washed was not that bad but washing my friends' feet like Jesus was totally amazing. I could not explain why but I really loved my friends more after my washed their feet somehow. I was not crying when my feet were washed but I started crying when I washed my friends' feet. I still do not know why but indescribable feeling overwhelmed me and I could not stop sobbing until all the event was done. I was not only one but everybody were sobbing. I have thought about why we were sobbing for a long time, and got an answer: it was conviction that I realized that I was not living as a servant like Jesus. I wanted to be treated as a princes, not a servant. I wanted to be a center of all attentions, be praised, and be noticed by other people how great I was. Even though I am still learning the servant hood, I ever felt that much convicted before.

This week, our new sermon series starts; servant leadership! We can't talk about the servant leadership without Jesus as you all can imagine. I pray that we all get convicted deeply by the Holy Spirit so our hearts will be restored as servants like Jesus.

The Sanctuary choir will share a beautiful song called " Seek to serve" at 11:00 service. It is a prayer, and like a chant style. Here is the lyric of the song. Let's praise God together.
"Seek to Serve"
May I live in the world, as one who always seeks to serve.
May I live as one who knows the love of God.
Lord, teach me how to live and how to serve.
With my ears may I hear, with my eyes may I see,
with my lips may I speak. May Your word be heard through me.

Thus, as I live each day may love sustain the will to serve. Amen.

Praise the Lord all Ye people!

2011-10-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

I would like to share special thanks to all brothers and sisters in Christ for your help and devoted hearts for the Fall Music Festival! Even though the weather was really nasty, the festival was very inspiring and full of energy. It is just amazing to see how much God has given people in various talents, and lives styles. The beauty of God's world is in diversity; colorful! He made all creatures differently. He likes that. It is not easy to accept differences with others often, but still... we need to learn how to live in harmony. Harmony made up of all different notes. If it is from same notes, it can't be a harmony.

I have felt how God has been plesed with our open hearts to accept diversities in His world.
I pray that Floris UMC may grow deeply in God's vision to represent God's colorful beautiful world.

Thank you all so much!

Enough

2011-10-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

We have started a new sermon series with a book "Enough" by Adam Hamilton. It was a such blessing personally to have to think about again what things to remember in my life through last week sermon and reading the book. I am looking forward to learning more through this series.
Celebration choir and Sanctuary choir will sing together "I will serve You" on this Sunday as our anthem. It is arranged with incorporating of the children's choir singing a hymn "For the Beauty of the earth". It is a beautiful anthem to praise!
The Floris String will also lift their music up to the Lord during the offertory with Handel's "Largo".
The Christmas Cantata rehearsals have been going really well with many Cantata singers! I have been enjoying a lot, and looking forward to having more people to praise Him!
As you all know, our Fall music festival is coming up soon on October 29th at 7:00 in our church! It is free but there will be an offering time to support "Connections for Hope" during the Festival. I am so excited that many singers from all over the world will join us! Please come to celebrate God's colorful world through music!
Here is lyric of our anthem this week.
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies, Lord of all, to You we raise . This our hymn of grateful praise.
I will serve You, Creator, Savior, I will serve You because I love You.
Every sunrise reminds me, Jesus, You are my lord, and I, I will serve You.
Lord of all, Creator of all, Lord of life, Lord of Lord and King of kings;
Lord of all, this prayer toYou we raise: that our life may be a hymn of grateful praise.

The World Communion Sunday!

2011-09-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

This Sunday will be the World Communion Sunday. It is amazing to imagine all Christians in the world will serve the communion as one big family in Christ!

We will sing " Holy, Holy, Holy!" as our first worship hymn and the choirs will lift up "How beautiful" as an offertory at 11:00 service, "The Gaelic blessings" at 8:00. Also, the call to harmony; a men's quartet group, will praise a couple of communion songs during the communion at 11:00. I pray that we all get blessed by the Holy Spirit and be restored to share the love of Jesus to the world.

These are lyrics of two offertories. Enjoy~!

A Gaelic Blessing by John Rutter

Deep peace of the running wave to you, Deep peace of the flowing air to you,

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you, Deep peace of the shining stars to you, deep peace of the gentle night to you, Moon and starts pour their healing light on you, Deep peace of Christ, of Christ, the light of the World to you. Deep peace of Christ to you.

How Beautiful

How beautiful the hands that served the wine and the bread and the children of earth.

How beautiful the feet that walked the long dusty roads and the hill to the cross. How beautiful, how beautiful , how beautiful is the body of Christ. And as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice that we will live just as He died; wiling to pay the price.

How beautiful the feet that bring the sound of good news and the love of the King. How beautiful the hands that serve the wine and the bread and the children of earth. How beautiful~How beautiful is the body of Christ. How beautiful!

Inviting to our Christmas Cantata

2011-09-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

We will lift up our Christmas cantata "The Winter Rose" by Joseph Martin on Dec. 11th all three morning services with a full orchestra.
I would like to invite anyone who would like to join singing or playing instruments to proclaim our Savior, Jesus, with a beautiful music! Please go to our web site and see the dates of rehearsal and contact me! The Winter Rose was beautifully written like a poem; desribing our Savior, Jesus as a beautiful winter rose.
There will be two time offered rehearsals; one on Wed. night starting Sept. 21st at 8:30-9:00 PM for 30 min. The other one starting on Oct. 30th at 12:30-1:10 Sunday right after 11:00 service. Either one will be great if you can join us. Please contact me before you join.

The adult choir had a mini retreat last Saturday in our church. There were around 40 people, sharing what core values are in our lives and as a choir member. We focused on also rehearsing "Missa Festiva" which will be performed on Oct. 29th at 7:00, and had a reading session of our Christmas cantata. We all got very excited.

We still need more people to join us in various ways; The student choir, band; children's choir, handbells, chimes, and of course adult choirs as well as instrumental players.
As I heard over the people's shoulders, there are many school activities scheduled on Sunday mornings. It broke my hearts; it means Christians are not standing up! We need to proclaim that worshipping God is our priority as christians! We sometimes get too soft to stand up. I have been praying for this problem as soon as I heard. People who are not Christians do not have any ideas about Sundays. We need to stand firm of our priority. Let's keep praying!

All Choirs and instrumental groups start on week of Sept. 11th!

2011-09-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

What an exciting week! All choirs and instrumental groups will start their rehearsals on the week of Sept. 11th.
Please look closely on our church home page with the calendar! www.florisumc.org

This Sunday is our Sunday school kick off Sunday as well as Sept. 11th. When we think about ten years ago Sept. 11th, there is always heavy and sad feeling. Life never has been the same after that day. Even though I did not have any direct connection to people who got killed and injured, I still get chill and heavy heart.
However, I am grateful for God's presence among us; His faithfulness, hope, peace, and comfort are still here among us. I would like to share these God's charcters through our anthem on this Sunday; called "Canticle of Hope" by Joseph Martin. It was written to the people of Oklahoma city. The combined adult choirs will sing this song to proclaim that God's faithfulness, and His promise of restoration. I pray that God reveals in our music to everyone, especially who need to hear the message strongly.

Here is the lyric of the song.
Lord, You are God, perfect in holiness. Lord, You are God of the needy and the poor.
A sure defender, You are our refuge. You are the Giver, You are Jehovah. You are the God who restores.
Lord, You are God, reigning in righteousness. Lord, You are God in the time of our distress.
We call on You, our sure salvation. Lord, You are faithful. You are the God who restores.
Lord, You are God, rulling in gentleness. Lord, You are God. You wipe away each tear.
You hrea our every prayer. You give us comfort. You touch our hearts and calm our fears. You are eternal. Alpha, Omega. We place our hope in You alone.
Lord, You are God, perfect in holiness. Lord, You are God. In our darkness You are everlasting light. Great is Thy faithfulness! You are the God who restores. Your love restores.

Welcome New Members to the Music Ministry!!

2011-08-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

We welcome new members to our music ministry!!
We would like to invite you all to praise and worship through muisc in various ways.
If you visit our church website, you can see details about each group.
These are groups for adults.
The choirs
Sanctuary choir who sings at 11:00 o'clock service on Sundays, meets on Wed. night from 7:30-9:00, and 10:20 on Sunday morning for rehearsal.
Chamber choir: Auditioned choir, sings once a month at 11:00 0'clock service, meets on every other Sunday at 2:00 for rehearsal.
Sonrise Singers who sings at 8:00 o'clock service on every other Sundays, meets on every other Sundays at 2:00 for rehearsal.
Call to Harmony: men's barbershop quartet group; meets on Wed. night 6:45-7:30, sings various worship services and occasion.

The instrumental groups
The Floris Strings: open to students to adults who plays string instruments; meets at 1:00 on every other Sundays, plays once a month at 11:00 o'clock service and joins with Floris Symphonic Orchestra for Christmas and Easter seasons concerts.
The Floris Symphoic Orchestra; meets occsionally during Advents, and Lent for concerts and special musical service.

For Students (6th-12th)
The Student choir: meets at 4:00 on Sundays, sings once a month at 11:00 o clock service and 5:00 PM service.
The Student Band: open to woodwinds and brass instrumental players, meets at 1:00 on Every other Sunday, plays often in worship services.

For childrens (3years-5th graders)
Grace notes: 3 years-pre kindergardeners; meets on Sunday school time, sings once a month at 9:15 and 11:00 service.
Little Praisers: Kindergardners to 2nd grade; meets at 6:00 on Wed. night, sings once a month at 9:15 or 11:00 service.
Celebration choir: 3rd-5th graders: meets at 6:00 on Wed. night, sings once a month at 9:15 or 11:00 service.

Handbell Choirs
The Chimers: k-3rd grade: meets on Wed. 5:30-6:00, plays once a month.
The Laudate Ringers: adutls: meets on Tuesday nights 7:30-9:00, plays once a month at worship
The Jubilate ringers: adults and students: meets on Thursday night 7:00-8:30, plays once a month at worship
The Hosanna Ringers: 3rd-6th graders: meets on Wed. 7:00-8:00, plays once a month at worship.

IF you visit the Small group fair between the service on this and next Sunday at the Fellowship hall, you can find "Music Ministry" table. Please visit us and ask questions!!

We will start our rehearsals in the beginning of Sept. Please visit our church home page!!
Looking forward to seeing you all there! Let's praise the Lord with our one heart, and one voice!

Here I am Lord

2011-08-22T01:10:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Sunday was today! I truly enjoyed worshipping God with people today at our church. The new sermon serious, "Remembering the future" has given me many thoughts and visions in God's world. It was very hard singing untuned but I loved Rev. Tom's comparison of tuning to God. I often think about tuning to God as tuning to my favorite channel of radio at my car. If you have your favorite channel in the radio, we can set as our number 1 channel so whenever we want to listen click the number 1. Or you know where you can find the channel. Especially an old style; you might need to turn the round wheel to find the channel back and forth to get clear sound. If you fix the channel in the same position, you will get the clear sound all the time but if you move to somewhere, it is not sometimes easy to find the channel right away. Tuning to God's heart requires attitudes of humility, openess, and willing to sacrifice. Like Rev. Tom's describtion, we need open our lids to accept the Holy Spirit to stir our hearts that often we refuse. Being stirred is not easy, or comfort. It gives even insomnia! :) Because of the stirred mind, we pray, seek, and do His works.
It has been an exactly year that I have joined to Floris. I am grateful to be a part of stirred paint business. I will keep on praying that God hears our prayers like we sang this morning "Here I am Lord, is it I Lord, I have heard you calling in the night, I will go Lord if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart!"What a privilege to hold His people in our hearts! Let's keep on remembering the future in Him!

Why do we praise God?

2011-08-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

While I was preparing the short presentation about why we praise God, I had a great moment to realize in various things about praising God.

First of all, praising God should be the first reaction and expression as His people. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of kings and the Lord of lords: He is the only one who deserve our worship and praise. Also, He commends us to worship and praise Him. In Psalm 150 "Let everything has breath praise the Lord!" Praising God is not suggestion, it is His commendment. However, the commendment is based on His love toward us. By praising God, we find and recognize who God really is and His amazing characters. As I shared this morning, by praising God, we meet our God closely. He empoweres us with His love, comfort, peace and hope through the moment.

We can find how worthy God is to be praised throughout these words from the Bible: Psalm 96:4, Psalm 145:3, 2 Samuel 22:4, Revelation 4:11 and more.

Also, praising God strengthens us to live well as His children.

God uses praises to overcome the battles, to heal brokeness, and to transform people who like He is.

Then how we can praise God?

People often think "praising God" is limited to verbal expression; singing, or reciting words. However, we can praise God with instruments, clapping, raising hands, dancing and so on. God does not limit of praises.

One of my unforgetable memories was also related to the praising God. There was always a special Sunday worship service for the deaf after 5, 6 graders' Sunday worship service in my home church. One Sunday, I was about to leave the place, I saw people wearing robes to attend the service as choir members. I was curious how they would praise God without singing. :I did not know any other forms of praising God except singing at that time. I was shocked with their beautiful praise and worship! I could feel full of God's presence right there! Their facial expressions and sign languages were just beyond we could imagine. I learned that day that there is no limitation to praising God!

Even though God commends us to praise Him, I believe that God commends for us to do it. If we don't praise God, there will be no relationship between God and us. Let's praise the Lord!

Praising God brings always power of God because in praising God, God is there! I pray that we all become "praising people" like John Wesley's description of methodists who are singing people. I pray that whenever we get together to worship God, we praise Him with all our hearts and spirit that transforms us to go out in the world with His living power!

Thank you for visiting our blog~

2011-08-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for visiting our blog. As I promised you to post about praising God, I will post it during this week! I will trim my writing and post it to share with you.
I enjoyed very much to share my mom's story with you all this morning. I was nervous and worried if I could deliver the story clearly to you. However, I lifted up my prayer for you all that you all live as praising people, singsing people to the Lord our God throughout your lives.
Thank you again so much for visiting us and please don't forget visiting again during this week!

Let's praise the Lord!!

If you are happy~!

2011-07-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

There will be our another summer choir opportunity on August 7th at 11:00 service, a rehearsal will be at 9:30 on that morning in the music room. We will sing "If you are happy/ Amen" by Andre Thomas. It is a joyful, happy song to lift up our heart to the Lord.Amazingly, I met the composer at the conference in June and had a chance to hear his music.

I have thought about the lyric for a long time. Even though it seems very easy to say "if you are happy and you know it, say amen!", it is not easy on our own to be happy truly. The happiness from our own has limitation in some ways. However, if the happiness is from God, and His Holy Spirit, it is unlimited whether we are in happy circumstances, or not, we are able to be happy and say "Amen". Saying amen means that we all recognize and accept the power of God that is based on His unfailing love and faithfulness whether we are not able to understand or see them right now. Saying amen means also given up ourselves to the Lord who is the Lord of lords, the King of kings, the Almighty Father. Like at the lyric, if the Spirit falls on you, makes you shout, "Hallelujah!". I truly believe that. Only the Holy Spirit could be able to let us truly praising "Hallelujah" and saying "Amen".

I have prayed that when we all sing this song, our song is meaning to truly being happy and saying "Amen" with full of His Holy Spirit.

Here is the lyric, and enjoy!

If you are happy and you know it, say, "Amen!" If the Spirit falls on you, makes you shout, "Hallelujah!" If you're happy and you know it, say, "Amen!"

Look in the manger! see the little Baby! See him at the temple, talking to the elders,

See Him at the seaside, preaching to the people. See Him on the cross bearing all our sins.

Died to save us! Rose on Easter! Amen~!

Living Water, Guiding Spirit

2011-06-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome July!! I can't believe how fast the summer has been passing.

I attended "conductor's craft workshop" in Kenosha, WI this week. I have inspired by those wonderful composers, conductors, and musicians with their musics. It was a blessing.

One of them was Joseph Martin. As you know, he has written countless music for anthems, cantatas, and so on. He was a certainly humble inspiring christian composer. Honorably, the summer choir will sing one of his songs on July 10th.

It is "Living Water, Guiding Spirit", inspired by Psalm 42. He wrote with Native American melody based with the song. Whenever I sing the song, it brings the imaginary of the gushing streams of water in the movie "Spirit". In the beginning part of the movie an eagle flies into the canon and streams. The lyric is an inspiring prayer. I pray that we all long for presence of the living God through this beautiful music.

Here is the lyric.

"Just as the deer longs for the water, my spirit longs for you, my God.
Living water flow in me. Refresh my soul with Your truth and grace.
Make in me Your vessel pure, a heart to hold Your praise.
Just as the wind blows through the forest, move through my life today, O Lord, I pray.
Guiding Spirit blow through me. Refresh my soul with Your truth and grace. Lift me up where eagles fly. Teach me a higher way. Teach me O Lord, I pray."

Summer!

2011-06-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially started at our Floris UMC!
The choirs finished singing on Sundays as well as our rehearsals.
However, there will be two Sundays with our summer choir!
On July 10th, we will get together at 9:30 to rehearse and sing at 11:00 service with "Living water, Guiding Spirit" by Joseph Martin.
On August 7th, we will praise Him with "If you are happy/amen" by Andre Thomas.
Please come and join to praise the Lord especially this Summer!
I will be attending a workshop " Conductor's craft" from this Sunday in Kenosha, WI. There will be Joseph Martin and Andre Thomas as speakers and I am very excited!

Looking forward to having you all on July 10th!!

Have a blessed and peaceful summer!
And Keep on singing!

Welcome June!

2011-06-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

June is already here! I can't believe that a half the year 2011 has passed. Our summer starts from June 22nd in our church, so June 19th is the last Sunday for the choirs and other groups in music ministry.
This Sunday is our communion Sunday, and the sanctuary choir will lift up "Let us talents and tongues employ" as an offertory at 11:00 service. The song is accompanied by piano, flute, and conga. It will be uplifting.
At 8:00 service, the sonrise singers will praise "You are my hiding place."
Next Sunday on 12th, as Pentecost, the sanctuary choir will sing "Filla me up" with several percussion, and for offertory, the string will share "Eine kleine nightmuzik" last movement Rondo at 11:00 service.
On 19th, at 11:00 service two choirs will combined and sing " Holy" as an anthem, "The Majesty and glory of Your name" as an offertory in our last Sunday.

There will be two Sundays with the summber choir on July 10th and August 7th. Please come to the music room at 9:30 on those Sundays to rehearse if you are interested in singing at the group.

Praying to see you all at the worship service!

Gracious Spirit dwell with me

2011-05-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

This Sunday all three worship services in the morning have choirs and traditional music.
At 8:00, the sonrise singers will lift up "Great are you Lord" as an offertory, at 9:15 the sanctuary choir will sing " Gracious Spirit dwell with me" as an anthem, the call to harmony will sing " the Lord's prayer" as an offertory. at 11:00 service, the chamber choir will sing a early music by Palestrina "Sicut cervus" as the deer based on Psalm 42, and sing "the Lord bless you and keep you" as an offertory.

May the Lord bless us with His Holy Spirit throughout this week!

Is God Enough?

2011-05-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

We are at the serious of " Is God enough" based on the Book of Job. The choirs and instrumental groups will continue praise during worship service until June 19th. We have only a month left.
We will sing various of music related to each week's topic.
This week, the sanctuary choir will sing "In this very room" by Ron and Carol Harris. It is a calm but intimate song. Praying that God speaks to you all through this music.
Here is the text.

In this very room there's quite enough love for one like me, and in this very room there's quite enough for one like me, and there's quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom, for Jesus, Lord, Jesus is in this very room.
In this very room there's quite enough love for all of us, and in this very room there's quite enough joy for all of us, and there's quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom. Jesus, Lord Jesus is in the very room.
And in this very room there's quite enough love for all the world. And in this very room there's quite enough joy for all the world. And there's quite enough hope, and quite enough power to chase away any gloom, for Jesus, Lord Jesus is in this very room.

Holy Week

2011-04-21T12:44:00.001-07:00

Our journey in Lent reaches now to the Holy week. There will be several important worship services at Floris UMC.
The Maundy Thursday service will be held at 7:30 on Thursday, Good Friday service at 7:30 on Friday, Easter Eve service at 5:00 on Saturday, Sunrise service at 6:15 on Easter morning, and three 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 all traditional Easter service. There will be a contemprory service at 5:00 on Easter afternoon.

On Thursday, the choir will sing "Ubi caritas" by Durafle, and "Abba" by Craig Courtney. Both songs were composed for Maundy Thursday. As I shared it with you before, Ubi caritas was sung on Maundy Thursday from Ancient Christian worship service. Right after they washed their feet each other, they sang this song. It is such a powerful song! "Abba" was written by SUsan Boersma with the lyric. She noted in front of the music; "when Craig asked me to think about the Upper Room from the perspective of God the Father, I was at first overwhelmed by imagery. The participants, the celebration, the singing, the washing of feet, the meal, the aromas, the candlelight, all blurred together in one familiar scene. However, after spending some time in prayerful contemplation, what finally came into focus was the Father/ Son relationship-God, the Father, 'one' with the Son in the Godhead but separated at that moment by Christ's humanity, and Christ Jesus the Son, fully engaged with His disciples in the celebration of the Passover, but with His mind and heart set on His Father and the suffering ahead. The pathos of that moment provided the inspiration for the text of Abba. "

On Easter services, the choir and orchestra will praise " Lord of the Dance" and "Hallelujah" from Messiah by Handel.

Jesus said in a gospel John "I am the resurrection and life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die."

I pray that we will all have experiences of God's presence during this Holy week.

Lenten Concert on this Friday night

2011-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

The combined choir and orchestra at Floris UMC will have a Lenten concert on this Friday at 7:30. "The Seven last words of Christ" by Dubois will be performed. Three soloists; Tenor, Baritone, and Soprano will lead the seven words on the cross with the choir. I hope that many people come and have an experience of God's grace and mercy through the concert. There will be a light refreshment after the concert. Also, the free offering will be collected during the concert to support Camp Hutchison in this summer.

Courage to change

2011-03-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

We will keep focusing on our serious of courage, and this Sunday will be about "courage of change". This Sunday will be also the first Sunday of the month April, so there will be a communion. The chamber choir will sing "Ubi Caritas" as an offertory at 11:00 service. This song was composed based on a chant "Ubi Caritas" which was sung during washing their feet at a communion service near the table on Maundy Thursday especially. It is beautifully arranged with mystical harmony with other parts. I hope that everyone has an experience of "real communion" with our Christ on this Sunday. Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. :Where there is charity and love, God is there. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.: The love of Christ has gathered us as one. Exsultemus et in ipso jucundemur. :Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Timeamus et amemus Deum vivum.: Let us honor and love the living God. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.:And from a sincere heart let us love one another.

Courage to face the future

2011-03-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

It will be 3rd Sunday of Lent on 27th. Our focus will be "courage to face the future" based on Jesus' story in Luke 21:5-19. Jesus told his disciples what future will be. We could imagine how the disciple would feel to hear them.
The Sanctuary choir will sing "What wondrous love is this" as our anthem at 11:00, the sonrise singers will sing "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" as an offertory at 8:00. Also, excitingly, the new barber shop quartet will sing an offertory with the Lord's prayer and postlude at 11:00 service.
The Lenten cantata is getting near and praying that God sends people needed to meet Him, and cured by His grace and love to the concert. Please keep in our concert in your prayers that God uses us completely in His purpose.

Here is the lyric for "What wondrous love is this" and " Beneath the Cross of Jesus".
What Wondrous Love is This
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul; what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!
When I was sinking down , sinking down; when I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul!
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing; to God and to the Lamb I will sing! To God and to the Lamb, who is the great "I am," while millions join the theme, I will sing!
When from death I'm free, I'll sing on, and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on!
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be, and through eternity I'll sing on!

Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand, the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land; a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
Up on that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess: the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding places; I ask no other sunshine than the Sunshine of his face; content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross; my glory all the cross.

Profile of Courage

2011-03-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

During this Lent, the sermon will be serious of "Profile of Courage". This coming Sunday will be about The courage of conviction. When Jesus entered Jerusalem in the temple, he cleaned all the clutters and wept. Reflecting on his weeping, the sanctuary choir will sing " When Jesus Wept" as an anthem at 11:00. The children's choir will sing special songs at 9:15 and 11:00.

I pray that we all humble ourselves more in front of Jesus and see ourselves through His cross.

May the Lord be with you all!

Here is the text of the anthem.

When Jesus wept, the falling tear, in mercy flow'd beyond all bound. When Jesus groaned, a trembling fear seized all the guilty world around, around.

O come, and mourn with me awhile. And linger here beside; O come together, let us mourn; O Jesus, our Lord, is crucified.

Lent

2011-03-06T13:29:00.001-08:00

Lent will start on this Wednesday March 9th. There will be Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 at our Floris UMC. Due to the service, there will be a short Sanctuary choir rehearsal for 30 min from 8:30-9:00 in the music room.

This Sunday is first Sunday in Lent. The chamber choir will sing " Jesu, Jesu" as an anthem, and "the Lord bless you and keep you" as a benediction response.
The student choir will sing an offertory "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord".

Here is the lyric of two beautiful songs. May the Grace of God shine upon us during this week!
Jesu, Jesu
Jesu, the very thought is sweet. In that dear Name all heartjoys meet, No word is sung more sweet than this, No sound is heard more full of bliss than Jesus Son of God most high.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord!
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord! open the eyes of my heart, I want to see you.
See You high and lifted up. Shining in the light of Your glory! O Lord, pour out Your power and love, as we sing holy, holy, holy!
Holy, Holy, holy! Lord, God almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

In March, and beyond!

2011-02-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

I can not believe how fast the time has been! It is almost March!
Yes, this coming Sunday is our first Sunday of March, and a communion Sunday.

The Sanctuary choir will praise a simple but beautiful hymn arrangement of "Be thou my vision" as an anthem.

The Floris Youth Band met this afternoon as their first rehearsal. There were only four people but they sounded good. They will meet again on March 13th. Please bring your children if they are playing at their school band to the group!!It will be a wonderful opportunity for the students who have talents to use them to worship our God!

Ash Wednesday will be on March 9th this year. There will be a communion prayer service on Wednesday during Lent with prayers, and simple hymns. It will be a wonderful intimate time to draw closer to Jesus during this meaningful time.

Looking forward to starting March!

Music this week

2011-02-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

The weather has been telling us that Spring is coming on the way!

Even though the wind still is cold sometimes, we can smell the Spring in the air.

On 25th Friday, there will be "Sock Hop" with dances, and music at our fellowship hall. Several music band will be here to play music And, there will be real dance floor!! :) Wear crazy socks to win a prize for "crazy socks!" It will be lots of fun and great opportunity to invite non-believers to the church.

Due to the sock hop dress rehearsal on Wed. night at the music room, the sanctuary choir will have our rehearsal at the Sanctuary.

The sanctuary choir has been working on the Lenten Cantata " The Seven Last Words of Christ" by Dubois. If you are interested in singing with the choir, please come on Wednesday night at 7:30. It will be wonderful to have new members to sing to the Lord with beautiful music.

This week anthem will be "With a voice of singing". It is a classic anthem written many years ago. It is a joyful and praising song.

The offertory will be played by Mark Cooke with his beautiful trumpet! I wish you all come and lift your harts up to the Lord at the worship service!

Here is the text of the anthem, With a voice of singing.

With a voice of singing declare ye this, and let it be heard, Alleluia.

Declare ye this, and let it be heard, alleluia. Utter it even unto the ends of the earth. The Lord hath delivered His people, Alleluia.

O be joyful in God, all ye lands, O sing praises to the honor of His name, make His praise to be glorious.

Happy Valentine's day~!

2011-02-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, today is Valentine's day! It is a great day to think about our love toward people and God, as well as thinking about God's greater love toward us! Wishing you all that your Valentine's day is filled with unlimited love!

We are at a sermon serious of "Speak Up". Rev. Berlin will talk about "injustice" on this Sunday. At 11:00 o'clock service, the Sanctuary choir will sing an anthem "Breathe" with the Jubilate Ringers. The anthem combines two beautiful songs; breathe on me breath of God and breathe. The prelude and offertory will be played by the Floris String Orchestra. They have been working on Bach and Charles Wesley's music.
I pray that you all have a blessed week with abundant God's love and enjoy the beautiful weather!
Here is the lyric of the anthem, Breathe.

Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life a new, that I may love what ever you love, and do what you would do.
This is the air I breathe, this is the air I breathe. Your holy presence living in me.
This is the air I breathe, this is the air I breathe, your very word spoken to me.
And I, I'm desperate for you, Jesus; and I, I'm lost without You, I'm lost without You.
Breathe on me , Breath of GOd, so shall I never die, but live with You the perfect life of Your eternity.
And I, I am desperate for you, Jesus; and I, I am lost without you, I'm lost without you.

Anthems and beyond~!

2011-02-07T08:23:00.001-08:00

What a beautiful sunny day! I can smell springs on the air lately.
On this Sunday, at 11:00 o'clock service, the sanctuary choir will lift up a joyful anthem "Celebrate the Joy" by Joseph Martin and the student choir will sing "Adoramus Te" as an offertory. At 8:00 o'clock service, the sonrise singers will sing " The potter's hand".
The Sanctuary choir has been opening to invite new members as well as the sonrise singers. The Sanctuary choir meets on every Wednesday night for our rehearsal at 7:30 to 9:00. We already have started rehearsing a lenten Cantata " The Seven last words of Christ" by Dubois. Please come and join us to praise the Lord together! The sonrise singers meets on every other Sunday afternoon at 2:00 for an hour. The sonrise singers will also join singing the cantata on April.
It is a true blessing to serve and worship the Lord through music for sure! Come~!
Here are lyrics of the songs on this Sunday. Enjoy!
Celebrate the Joy
Celebrate the joy of the Lord with glad singing. Magnify the Lord on high. Celebrate the joy of the Lord with glad music. Lift up your voice to the sky. Let every alleluia be raised. Give to the Lord the honor and praise. Shout to the world His glorious name, for great are the works of the Lord, our God. Gloria, Deo. Alleluia!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

The Potter's Hand
Beautiful Lord, wonderful Savior, I know for sure all of my days are held in Your hand, crafted into Your perfect plan.
You gently call me into Your presence, guiding me by Your Holy Spirit; teach me dear Lord, to live all of my life through Your eyes.
I'm captured by Your holy calling, set me apart, I know You're drawing me to Yourself; Lead me, Lord I pray.
Take me, mold me, use me, fill me, I give my life to the Potter's hand. Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me; I give my life to the Potter's hand.

Welcome February!

2011-01-31T17:14:00.000-08:00

It is already February!

This Sunday is a first Sunday of February, and there will be Holy communion during worship services. It will be the last week of the series of "Who is this Man?".
The Sanctuary choir will lift up "Holy Ground" by Geron Davis, arranged by Lloyd Larson as our anthem this week at 11:00 o' clock service and Linda Scott will sing a special music at 8:00.
The Holy Ground is combined two beautiful hymns; Holy Ground, and Holy, holy, holy. It is a wonderful anthem for especially the holy communion worship service.
Here is the lyric of the anthem. Enjoy!
Holy Ground
When I walked through the door I sensed His presence, and I knew this was a place where love abounds; for this is a temple, Jehovah God abides here, and we are standing in His presence on Holy Ground. We are standing on Holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now; we are standing in His presence on Holy ground.
In His presence there is joy beyond all measure, and at His feet peace of mind can still be found. If you have a need I know He has the answer. Just reach out and claim it, for you are standing on Holy ground. We are standing on Holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now, we are standing in His presence on Holy ground.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, bless Trinity! We are standing in in His presence on Holy ground.

On This Saturday

2011-01-26T07:27:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
As we all know, there will be a memorial service for Maynard Fader on this Saturday at 2:00. The choir will sing an arrangement of one of his favorite hymns; Be Thou My Vision. We will meet at 12:50 in the music room. Please come and lift our heart up to the Lord. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to meet Mr. Fader in person but heard about him a lot. The family will appreciate if you come and sing.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

This week anthem and special

2011-01-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

The chamber choir will sing on this Sunday at 11:00 service, and the sonrise singers will sing at 8:00 service. The chamber choir will lift up "Rejoice, the Lord is King!" words by Charles Wesley, music by John Darwall, edited by Joel Raney. It is a joyful praising song with rhythmic accompaniment.
The Sonrise singers will sing "Lord, Be Glorified". It has also "take my life and let it be" in the middle of the song.
Here are text of two songs. Praying that you all praise Him throughout your daily lives!

Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Lift up your voice, let all creation sing a song of love and praise to glorify the King. Lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, I say, rejoice!
Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing, and triumph evermore: Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, I say rejoice!
Our Savior, Jesus, reigns, the God of truth and love; when He had purged our stains, He took His seat above.
His Kingdom can not fail, He rules both earth and heaven; the keys of death and hell are to our Jesus given. Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, Rejoice!
Lift up your voice, lift up your heart. Let all creation sing the mighty power, the power of God! Rejoice in glorious hope for Christ the Judge shall come together all His saints to theri eternal home. Lift up your heart, lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Lord, Be Glorified
In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In my life, Lord, be glorified today.
In my song, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In my song, Lord, be glorified today.
Take my life and let it be Consecrated Lord, the Thee: Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love, at the impluse of Thy love.
In Your church, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In Your Church, Lord, be glorified today.
Be glorified today!

Exciting News!

2011-01-20T16:20:00.001-08:00

At our Floris UMC, there is a Floris String orchestra who meets every other Sunday to rehearse, and share once a month during worship services. However, we did not have a band orchestra, consist of woodwinds and brass. I have been praying for God's guidance and decided to form the Floris Youth band! It is for students who are in middle school and high school and play any woodwind or brass instruments to praise together to our God. Gratefully, Garry Moore, a trombone player and member of the church, stepped in to help the group! It is very exciting!
If you are interested in joining any groups in music ministry at Flori, please let us know!!

This week anthem

2011-01-19T15:34:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, the sanctuary choir will sing an anthem called "Jesus, at Your Name" music by Mark Hayes and lyrics by John Parker. It was written as a dedication music to Dr. and Mrs. Ira Pinkston for their 10th anniversary in music ministry at First Baptist Church in Waxahachie, TX. The music tells about Jesus's birth to death, and praise His name throughout.
We have been having "Who is this Man" series in our church to explore who Jesus is. I think that this anthem tells also clearly who Jesus is.
May the Lord be with you all and open your hearts to understand more who He is throughout this week and especially in our worship services!
Here is the text. Enjoy!
Over all of heaven's bliss Jesus chose a birth like this;
Laid aside His royal crown, the Son of mercy traveled down.
No feather bed on which to lie, instead, this Christ born to die.
Refrain: Jesus, at Your name every knee will bow. Jesus, at Your name every tongue confess.
Jesus, at your Your name every' voice proclaim that You are Lord of all! O Jesus, at Your name!
Pilate set Barabbas free, but You, they hung for all to see.
A cross, a spear, a thorny crown became Your emblems of renown. Faithful to Your final breath, obedient even until death.
O Jesus, at Your name. Let this mind be now in you that though Christ owned the earth, He laid aside His very life to embrace this humble birth!

Welcome to Floris Traditional Music Ministry!

2011-01-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to share our blog with you all!
I will use this blog to share mainly with lyrics of anthems each week or about music we will lift up during the worship services each week.
I also will update what is going on each week with each group of choirs and ensemble. Please visit us often and pray for our ministry!
May the Lord be glorified through all we do for Him!