Holy Cross Music Notes with Chuck

We open our worship this Sunday singing He Is Exalted, a 1985 praise chorus written by Twila Paris in Springdale, Arkansas, inspired largely by the Psalms and celebrating Christ’s eternal reign. Its simple, triumphant message—declaring Jesus as the exalted King—quickly made it a staple in modern worship.

The processional is Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service, a 1961 hymn written by English pastor Albert F. Bayly for a Hymn Society project on social welfare. It links Christ’s self-giving love with the church’s call to serve human need, urging worship that overflows into compassionate action.

We introduce the Gospel reading with the hymn, Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service. It was written by English pastor Albert F. Bayly in 1961 for a Hymn Society project on social welfare. It links Christ’s self-giving love with the church’s call to serve human need, urging worship that overflows into compassionate action.

During the Offertory, please join the band singing Highly Exhalted,

a 1985 praise chorus written by Twila Paris in Springdale, Arkansas, inspired by the Psalms and celebrating Christ’s triumphant, eternal kingship.

In 1982, John Michael Talbot wrote I Am the Bread of Life, a contemplative adaptation of Sister Suzanne Toolan’s 1966 hymn. Recorded for his album Come to the Quiet, Talbot’s version blends the original John 6 text with his signature meditative, acoustic style. This is our communion hymn.

You know we like to be upbeat concluding the service, so lift your voices to sing Wade in the Water, a traditional African American spiritual that emerged in the 19th century among enslaved communities. Rooted in biblical imagery—especially the healing waters of John 5 and the Exodus story—it was also used as a covert message in the Underground Railroad.