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This musical setting of Psalm 137 aims to interpret the spirit of the psalm rather than being a literal rendition, turning harps into guitars and naming some of the oppressors of our modern world.
Psalm 137
How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
“So Far from Home” is perhaps the first congregational song to include a curse word. Before passing judgment about the indelicacy of such a poetic move, let’s consider its theological appropriateness. Psalm 137 ends with the imprecation: “Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!” What are we to do with such an expression of vengeance? Should we sing the pleasant parts of the psalm and just skip this? Do we believe that vengeful feelings no longer apply in the age of Christ? Do we simply put the imprecation on people’s lips without examination?
I chose to interpret this imprecation as a curse—specifically, the curse words “God damn.” It retains the shock of the original psalm while turning from the violence of killing babies to damning some modern forces of human oppression and misery: slave traders, pimps, and wars. At its core, Psalm 137 ends with righteous anger. I attempted to transplant that righteous anger in a way that makes sense for a modern worshiper.
Psalm 137’s message of enslavement, homesickness, and vengeance has never been more timely. Perhaps an unblinking musical setting like this will allow its message to speak in a new way.
Realistically, few congregations will sing this as a group. However, I could imagine it being performed in conjunction with the scripture reading and sermon, perhaps with scripture and lyrics displayed side by side.
Text and Music: Psalm 137; Greg Scheer, © 2015 Greg Scheer
Used by permission. CCLI #400063.
Contact: CCLI License or Greg Scheer, greg@gregscheer.com
Songs from the people of Korea can deeply enrich your liturgy whether you have Korean-speaking members in your congregation or not. This workshop will introduce a variety of bilingual Korean-English songs that have been newly translated in the past few years as well as strategies to lead them effectively in your own worshiping context.
In this panel, Hispanic pastors share the learnings and experiences lived by their congregations after completing projects related to the development of their understanding and practices about worship. Together, they represent a variety of Hispanic denominations as well as of "dreams" they were able to realize (learning about the Creeds, bilingual worship, multigenerational worship, worship in non-traditional settings). Their congregations were part of the first cohort of Hispanic congregations receiving "worship grants" under a new initiative CICW launched in July of 2022.
What basic models for worship planning are out there, and which patterns will work best in your context? Join a lively discussion of several worship planning models by the authors and pastors who use them. Bring your questions and suggestions as we learn together.
Songs from the people of Korea can deeply enrich your liturgy whether you have Korean-speaking members in your congregation or not. This workshop will introduce a variety of bilingual Korean-English songs that have been newly translated in the past few years as well as strategies to lead them effectively in your own worshiping context.
In this panel, Hispanic pastors share the learnings and experiences lived by their congregations after completing projects related to the development of their understanding and practices about worship. Together, they represent a variety of Hispanic denominations as well as of "dreams" they were able to realize (learning about the Creeds, bilingual worship, multigenerational worship, worship in non-traditional settings). Their congregations were part of the first cohort of Hispanic congregations receiving "worship grants" under a new initiative CICW launched in July of 2022.
What basic models for worship planning are out there, and which patterns will work best in your context? Join a lively discussion of several worship planning models by the authors and pastors who use them. Bring your questions and suggestions as we learn together.
Join us after the University worship service (chapel) for a conversation with worship leader Kimberly Williams. We will explore topics related to worship leading and planning for diverse congregations, leading teams, songwriting and recording, and mentoring women in ministry.
