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Patrick: A Courageous Missionary to Pagan Ireland

2005-11-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

Patrick: A.D. c.389-c.461

Patrick, a young man raised by loving Christian parents, was thoroughly acquainted with the Bible and the evangelical faith. He was also greatly influenced towards faith in Christ by an old family friend by the name of Julias, who had been a slave in Ireland many years before.

One day when Patrick was sixteen years old, he was out working on his Father's farm and became alerted to a disturbance on the beach near his house. He could tell something was going on by the loud cries of the sea gulls. Upon further investigation he discovered that “sea raiders” from Ireland had invaded the English coast and were preparing to attack the nearby village of Banavem. Knowing that he should warn his Father and Mother who were in the village Patrick tried to slip away undetected, but in his haste slipped and fell from a cliff overlooking the beach. As he tumbled downwards, he hit his head on a boulder and landed unconscious at the feet of the Irish leader. They tied him up in their boat and kidnapped him.

Much later, when Patrick awakened he realized that he would probably never see his parents or England again. He put himself in God’s providential care. However, God did not leave him all alone for Julius, his Father’s friend, had also been captured in the battle for Banavem. By God’s grace they managed to stay together in captivity.

For six long years Patrick served as a shepherd to an Irish chieftain by the name of Michlu (a Druid priest). He learned the language (Gaelic) and the local customs of the Irish, but he refused to worship the false deities of the Druid religion.

Strangely, many of the Druid Priests had widely prophesied that a man from over the sea that would humble the leaders of the land and lead the people to the Great God. The Druids greatly feared this man, yet they also acknowledged that he would cause them to take up “shepherd's staffs” in submission to the Lord and end their war-like ways. Patrick often wondered who this man might be, but never dreamed that he was the very man!

Julius in the meantime discipled him, as he would his own son, teaching him the doctrines of the Bible. Patrick said of this time, “The Lord opened to me the sense of my unbelief that I might remember my sins and that I might return with my whole heart to the Lord my God”.

It was during these formative years that Patrick grew in his own faith and in his desire to communicate the Gospel to the Irish people. His first interested listeners were the three children of Michlu: Gussacht, Emer, and Bronach.

After six years, Patrick escaped with Julias to France and eventually returned home to England. He believed that God had called him to become a minister of the gospel and he was ordained. During his studies he experienced an intense desire to return to Ireland in order to evangelize his former captors. He once had a dream where he heard a voice calling to him in Gaelic saying “Holy Boy, we beseech you to come and walk among us once more”.

Patrick finally returned to Ireland in 432, when he was 43 years old, and spent the next 30 years laboring there. He was appointed a missionary Bishop over that pagan land and risked his life many times in order to further the gospel. He had special ties to several of the chieftains and established many monasteries and preaching points throughout the land. He is the object of many legends and spurious tales, but none of these take away from the real man of God that he truly was. During his extended ministry he established thirty churches and baptized 120,000 persons. The following poem gives some idea of his courage in facing down the wicked Druids.

The Breastplate of Patrick

Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
against false words of heresy,
against the knowledge that defiles,
against the heart’s idolatry,
against the wizard’s evil craft,
against the death-wound and the burning, the choking wave, the poison’d shaft, protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me,
Christ within me,
Christ behind me,
Christ before me,
Christ beside me,
Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ in quiet,
Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the name,
the strong name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One, and the One in Three,
of whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word,
Praise to the Lord of my salvation:
salvation is of Christ the Lord.

In All of Life's Battles---Christ is With You!
Rev. Marcus J. Serven, Th.M.

Sources:
Cahill, Thomas, How the Irish Saved Civilization, Anchor Books, 1995.
Christian History Magazine, Vol. XVII, No. 4, Issue 60, “How the Irish Were
Saved: The Culture & Faith of Celtic Christians”.
Douglas, J.D. (ed.), Who’s Who in Christian History, Tyndale Publishers, 1992.
Dowley, Tim (ed.), Lion’s Handbook to Church History, Lyon Publishing, 1977.
Neill, Stephen, A History of Christian Missions, 2nd edit., Penguin books, 1964.
Reynolds, Quentin, The Life of Saint Patrick, Random House, 1955.
Wace, Henry and Piercy, William (eds.), A Dictionary of Christian Biography,
Hendricksen Publishers, reprint edit., originally published in 1911.
Woodbridge, John D., Great Leaders of the Christian Church, Moody Press, 1988.

test for Pay pal O Sing a New Psalm

2005-11-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

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Genevan Song's first recording was inspired by the desire to teach church congregations to sing from the Psalter in four part harmony. This CD goes through 10 all time favorites from the Book of Psalms for Singing, singing first all together, then each part separately (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). O Sing a New Psalm is the perfect introduction to Psalm Singing for your family, church, choir or home-school group.

Psalms Taught in O Sing a New Psalm
20B, 37C, 37D, 71A, 98A, 119X, 125, 126A, 127A, 148

Tracks
1-10 Four Part Versions
11-20 Soprano
21-30 Alto
31-40 Tenor
41-50 Bass

Related Links
Songs of the Remnant Volume 2
The Book of Psalms for Singing
Genevan Song
But I Can't Sing! Tips for New Psalm Singers
SATB: Untangling the Web of Part Singing Coming November 2005!!
Host Your Own Psalm Sing Coming December 2005!!

< Back to Psalm CDs

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2005-11-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

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2005-11-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

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Father of the Protestant Reformation

2005-11-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Dr. Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Following the great spiritual conflict at the imperial diet at Worms between Martin Luther and his accusers (1521), the Roman Catholic Church issued a Papal Bull for Luther’s excommunication. Not only was Luther’s soul threatened, but also his physical life.

A supportive German Prince, Frederick of Saxony, providentially arranged for his “kidnapping” from the Roman Catholic authorities. Heavily-armed knights, loyal to Frederick, disguised themselves as common thieves and captured Luther, whisking him off to a castle high in the mountains of Thuringia.

For almost a year he lay hidden in “The Wartburg” under the false name “George the Knight”. During this time he grew a beard and carried a large sword to complete the disguise. Although the Reformation went on without him, he did not fall into a period of melancholy and apathy. Instead, he used his time of concealment well, translating the entire New Testament into the German vernacular (1522). He also began work on a translation of the Old Testament which he completed later (1534).

Moreover, during this time of forced detainment he wrote many stirring hymns of which “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is the best known. When you consider the promises of Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength”, and how Luther was safely hidden in the Wartburg, then it is easy to understand his powerful lyrics:

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great; and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he, Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not
fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever.

May God Encourage You in the On-going Battle for Truth,
Rev. Marcus J. Serven, Th.M.

Lyrics from A Mighty Fortress: Trinity Hymnal (rev. edit.), Atlanta, GA: Great Commission Publications, 1990.

The Rallying Cries of the Reformation

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It is appropriate for Christians to remember the significant heroes of the past. This is especially true for Protestants, since there have been so many truly great champions from the Reformation era (c.1517-1650) who made a major impact upon the present day church.

Men such as: Theodore Beza, Martin Bucer, Heinrich Bullinger, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, John Hus, John Knox, Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Pierre-Robert Olivetan, Caspar Olevianus, Nicolas Ridley, Samuel Rutherford, Menno Simons, William Tyndale, Zacharias Ursinus, John Wycliffe, Ulrich Zwingli, and many other lesser known persons.

Each of these Reformers, despite some of their individual differences, greatly influenced the church in their own particular region to hold to right doctrine (orthodoxy) and to develop a practice in their churches rightly based upon the Bible (orthopraxy). This is why taking time to remember these men on Reformation Day (October 31st), the very day that Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral, is good and right and proper.

Consider the following “rallying cries” as hard-won blessings which have been “bought with blood” for the benefit of Christ’s Church during this current era in which we live.

1. “By Christ Alone” (Solus Christus): Jesus Christ is the only name by which we may be saved (Isaiah 53:1-12; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

2. “By Scripture Alone” (Sola Scriptura): The Bible alone is the source of God’s revelation; it contains the Law, the Gospel, and principles for how we should live and worship and think (John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 4:12-13).

3. “By Grace Alone” (Sola Gratia): God’s grace alone is the ground of our salvation, and this is received by faith alone (Psalm 31:1; Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 2:11-14).

4. “By Faith Alone” (Sola Fide): God-given faith is the only way to receive the imputed righteousness of Christ, which results in our justification (Romans 1:16-17, and 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9).

5. “In The Presence Of God” (Coram Deo): Christians are exhorted by the Bible to live all of life in the presence of God. This implies that there is no area of life where we do not have “business with God” [Negotium cum Deo] (Proverbs 15:3; Ephesians 5:1-14; Col. 3:1-17).

6. “To God Be the Glory” (Soli Deo Gloria): God alone is the proper recipient of our gratitude in the matter of salvation and the Christian life (1 Cor. 10:31; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

7. “The Priesthood of Every Believer” (Communio Sanctorum): Every believer is exhorted by God to live-out the Christian life as a “holy venture” that pleases God (1 Peter 2:9-10). Our sanctification and assurance of salvation are based solely upon the finished work of Christ on the Cross (Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 1:9; 1 Peter 2:21-25).

8. “After Darkness, Light” (Post Tenebras Lux): This was the motto of Geneva, Switzerland during the time of the Reformation. It reflects the wonderful deliverance from their former way of life that the local population came to feel as they lived by the doctrines of the Bible (John 3:19-21 and 8:12; Colossians 1:13-14).

Sources of Information for further study:

Beeke, Joel R., & Ferguson, Sinclair B., Reformed Confessions Harmonized, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Douglas, J.D. (ed.), The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church (rev. edit.), Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.
George, Timothy, Theology of the Reformers, Nashville, TN: The Broadman Press, 1988.
Godfrey, Robert W., Reformation Sketches, Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 2003.
Lindsay, Thomas M., A History of the Reformation, (2 vols.), New York, NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1949.
McKim, Donald K. (ed.), Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith, Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992.
Muller, Richard A., Dictionary of Latin & Greek Theological Terms, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1985.
Sproul, R.C., Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1995.
Sproul, R.C., Jr. (ed.), After Darkness Light, Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 2003.

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2005-11-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

Songs of the Remnant - Psalm Instructional CD, Volume 2
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2005-11-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

O Sing a New Psalm - Psalm Instructional CD, Volume 1
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2005-11-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

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TEST #4 O Sing a New Psalm

2005-11-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

Suggested Donation
$10.00 each

Genevan Song's first recording was inspired by the desire to teach church congregations to sing from the Psalter in four part harmony. This CD goes through 10 all time favorites from the Book of Psalms for Singing, singing first all together, then each part separately (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). O Sing a New Psalm is the perfect introduction to Psalm Singing for your family, church, choir or home-school group.

Psalms Taught in O Sing a New Psalm
20B, 37C, 37D, 71A, 98A, 119X, 125, 126A, 127A, 148

Tracks
1-10 Four Part Versions
11-20 Soprano
21-30 Alto
31-40 Tenor
41-50 Bass

Related Links
Songs of the Remnant Volume 2
The Book of Psalms for Singing
Genevan Song
But I Can't Sing! Tips for New Psalm Singers
SATB: Untangling the Web of Part Singing Coming November 2005!!
Host Your Own Psalm Sing Coming December 2005!!

< Back to Psalm CDs

SATB: Untangling the Web of Part Singing

2005-11-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

The mysterious nature of musical terminology will often scare many people from singing parts. Once explained, these terms are simple enough for a 6 year old to grasp and you can confidently say--"I'm a tenor!" or "Pass me that Psalter--I'm singing with the Altos!"

Make sure to first read over all the information, then go back and follow the guidelines for your age group.

Adults (generally over the ages of 18-24)
Those whose voices have settled into their adult ranges.
Voices are classified into 4 basic parts.
Soprano or "S" in SATB: The higher woman's voice.
Alto or "A" in SATB: The lower woman's voice.
Tenor or "T" in SATB:The higher man's voice.
Bass or "B" in SATB: The lower man's voice.

Are you a man or woman? That automatically narrows your options. : ) Try singing the high part. Now try the low part. Now the high part again. Which seems more comfortable?

Don't be deceived--in lazy America, our voices tend to favor the lower part because Soprano or Tenor "seem" too high. Try out both high and low parts until you can start feeling comfortable in one "range" or the other. This is an art not a science, so don't get hung up at this point. If you can't decide, just pick one. You can always change later.

Children (Birth to age 10/16)
Those whose voices have not changed/deepened/dropped.
It is very important to have young children singing. When they are taught from their earliest of days, it builds in them excellence, confidence and love for singing. I have seen children as young as 3 be able to carry their part with out batting an eyelash. For ideas to work with your children, you may find the article "But I Can't Sing!" helpful.

Soprano: Girls and Boys can sing this melody.
Tenor: I think it is fun to have the young boys sing Tenor with the men--just remember the children will sound an octave (8 notes) higher even though they are singing the "same note". This is because their voice has not yet changed. Sometimes this will be confusing to the other singers, but when you explain the children are singing up an octave, it will usually make sense to everyone involved.

Young People (10/16 to 18/24)
Those whose voices are in the middle of changing/deepening/dropping.
These important singing years are the most challenging to learn to sing if you've not had much experience . . . but a new world opens up when you figure out how to match pitches and sing a part. Both boys and girls voices will drop in range during these years. You may get to change parts from when you were younger. This is always a fun adventure!

Soprano: Younger boys in this category may stay here for a few years, but then their voice may deepen over a period of months to Tenor or Bass. Some girls will stay soprano their whole life until in their 60's-80's when their voice may deepen to Alto or Tenor.

Altos: Boys whose voices are changing may find the alto comfortable to sing for a while--this will generally be from ages 10-16ish. Then they may move to Tenor or Bass. Many girls voices will change from Soprano to Alto during these years--but not all!! Don't move out of Soprano unless there is a reason. But also, don't strain your voice trying to sing Soprano if your voice has deepened to Alto--use wisdom.

Tenor/Bass: If you have sung Tenor since you were little this will be an easy transition. Over the course of a couple months you may find it easier to drop your line of music down an octave. If this happens, you are probably a Bass. Switch over to Bass for a while--but when your voice settles you may come back to Tenor.

Through this transition, you may have sung Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Bass . . . the main point is just keep singing. Within a 6 month period you should generally get an idea of what part your voice is moving. In the middle of that process, you voice may "crack" or jump around. Just listen to the correct pitches and match them the best you can. This is the most exciting time of singing as it is a surprise to find out which part you get to sing as a man!

The most important thing to remember is keep singing through the growing years. It may sound a little different for a while, but persevere. Don't worry too much about what part you are in, just pick the one that seems most comfortable for the time; you may switch in a month or two. But that is ok--just part of the process. Make sure you can hear yourself sing. Listen to make sure you are on pitch by cupping your hand over your ear. Find other ideas in the article "But I Can't Sing!". Your enthusiasm will encourage the adults and children around you to sing with joyful hearts.

---

Singing in harmony is such a wonderful gift. Use music to it's full potential. Don't be shy when it comes to singing parts. With a little trial and error you can discover your musical range and use it to glorify the Lord.

TEST #3 for Songs of the Remnant

2005-11-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

Suggested Donation
$10.00 each

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Songs of the Remnant teaches 10 beautiful settings of Psalms, dear to Christ's church through the ages. The first 10 tracks feature Genevan Song singing all together. The subsequent tracks split up into parts so your family can practice the harmony. This tool will encourage and equip you as you praise the Lord through the Psalter.

Psalms Taught on Songs of the Remnant Volume 2
1A, 5B, 12B, 14B, 40C, 64B, 71C, 77B, 100B, 144C

Tracks
1-10 Four Part Versions
11-20 Soprano
21-30 Alto
31-40 Tenor
41-50 Bass

Related Links
O Sing a New Psalm Volume 1
The Book of Psalms for Singing
Genevan Song
But I Can't Sing! Tips for New Psalm Singers
SATB: Untangling the Web of Part Singing Coming November 2005!!
Host Your Own Psalm Sing Coming December 2005!!

< Back to Psalm CDs

TEST #2 Songs of the Remnant

2005-11-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Suggested Donation
$10.00 each

Add to Cart
and Pay with Check or Cash

Songs of the Remnant teaches 10 beautiful settings of Psalms, dear to Christ's church through the ages. The first 10 tracks feature Genevan Song singing all together. The subsequent tracks split up into parts so your family can practice the harmony. This tool will encourage and equip you as you praise the Lord through the Psalter.

Psalms Taught on Songs of the Remnant Volume 2
1A, 5B, 12B, 14B, 40C, 64B, 71C, 77B, 100B, 144C

Tracks
1-10 Four Part Versions
11-20 Soprano
21-30 Alto
31-40 Tenor
41-50 Bass

Related Links
O Sing a New Psalm Volume 1
The Book of Psalms for Singing
Genevan Song
But I Can't Sing! Tips for New Psalm Singers
SATB: Untangling the Web of Part Singing Coming November 2005!!
Host Your Own Psalm Sing Coming December 2005!!

< Back to Psalm CDs

Squanto: A Special Instrument of God

2005-11-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Genesis 50:20

“He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.”
Psalm 111:5

Squanto was an American Indian of the Patuxant tribe who significantly helped the Pilgrims during the first two years of their settlement in New England. Without the timely help of Squanto (or Tisquantum), it is doubtful whether the frail Pilgrim settlement at Plymouth would have survived the second winter. The deep personal friendship between Squanto and the Pilgrims is noteworthy, in that from the first day that he met them he never left them. How could it have been possible for an English-speaking, God-fearing, lonely-hearted Indian to emerge out of the dense forests of New England to assist the starving Pilgrims? Here are the fascinating details of Squanto’s story.

Fifteen years prior to the arrival of the Pilgrims, Squanto was voluntarily taken to England in 1605 by Captain George Weymouth. While there he was favorably exposed to English ways, the English language, and the Christian Gospel. Nine years later, in 1614, he returned to his kinsmen as part of an exploratory expedition led by Captain John Smith. A few days after his happy reunion with his family Squanto was lured aboard an English ship and kidnapped, along with many other Indians throughout Cape Cod Bay, by a deceitful English sea captain, Thomas Hunt. Squanto and the other unfortunate captives were sold at the slave market in Malaga, Spain. In God’s good providence he was purchased by some benevolent monks who eventually released him so that he could return home to the New World. He determined to make his way to England, which was familiar to him, and after successfully doing so he worked for several years as a domestic servant for the wealthy merchant, John Slanie. In time he was able to secure passage to America with a friendly sea captain, Thomas Dermer, who set him off in New England just six months before the Mayflower dropped anchor in Plymouth Bay.

Once he returned to his own land, Squanto found to his dismay that all of his tribe had been killed by a mysterious and unstoppable plague. No one from his entire village remained alive, so that Squanto became known as “the last Patuxant”. Lonely and forlorn, he sought refuge amongst the Wampanoags, a nearby Indian tribe led by Chief Massasoit. He also became friendly with another Indian who served as a guide to the English by the name of Samoset. When the Pilgrims finally landed after a very rough sea voyage in December 1620, they unwittingly established their colony near, or perhaps on, the same site as Squanto’s Indian village. This unknown fact protected the Pilgrims from hostile and superstitious Indians who would not come near the former village of the unfortunate Patuxant tribe. The pioneering Pilgrims quickly erected a sturdy squat common house for defense on the top of the nearest hill, and a short row of small rustic cabins in which several crowded families lived. It was not a comfortable country hamlet, but the Pilgrims insisted that, “It is not with us as with other men whom small things can discourage, or small discontentments cause (us) to wish (ourselves) at home again”. They were made of sterner stuff.

The first winter was an exceedingly difficult time for the Pilgrims. Out of the 102 initial settlers, exactly one half died from sickness before those disease-ridden months were completely over. The dead were buried at night in unmarked graves so that any Indians lurking in the forests would not see how small their company had actually become. If it were not for the enduring presence of the Mayflower with its extra supplies and the sacrificial efforts of several of the more stout Pilgrims in caring for the sick, the number of dead would surely have been greater. But the winter finally gave way to the spring and having survived their snowy ordeal, the Pilgrims launched into the planting season with hopeful optimism. However, the barren rocky soil in Plymouth proved to be very different from the productive fields of England and the fertile gardens of Holland. Beyond that, much of the seed for planting had been consumed during the desperate days of winter. Some additional “means” would have to be found to bring about a successful crop. The “means” that God provided was not a newly arrived ship crammed with abundant supplies, but a lonely Indian brave who longed to find a new home, a new family, and a new purpose for his life.

Squanto made his appearance in the rough-hewn village of Plymouth at the encouragement of his friend Samoset. It was said of Squanto that he knew the King’s English and the streets of London far better than his Pilgrim friends. He also knew all of the Indian ways that would be such a great help to the Pilgrims in their desperate hour. At just the right time God brought this unexpected deliverer upon the scene. Immediately, Squanto started educating the Pilgrims about how to fish, fertilize and plant corn, catch freshwater eels with their bare hands, and store food Indian-style. His most important role was in serving as an interpreter for the English in negotiating a pact of non-aggression and mutual defense with Chief Massasoit of the Wanpanoags. Without the timely provision of Squanto’s assistance it is doubtful that such a permanent peace could have been negotiated. This peace treaty remained in effect for over fifty years. He was called by the Indians “the tongue of the Englishmen”. But, Governor William Bradford affectionately referred to him as, “a special instrument sent of God for their good, beyond their expectation.” Squanto had in God’s providence not only discovered a new home for himself built upon the ruins of his old village, but he had also adopted the Pilgrims as a replacement for his deceased Indian family.

It would be a complete mischaracterization to portray Squanto as one who never had any further troubles in his brief life. He struggled with a deep-seated jealousy when Hobomok, an official representative of Chief Massasoit, came to live in Plymouth. Evidently, Squanto enjoyed having a special relationship with the Pilgrims and was reluctant to share this unique privilege with others. Even the level-headed Massasoit grew irritated and angry with Squanto’s intrigues at one point and demanded his death. Yet, Governor Bradford’s intercession for him prevented this rash deed from being carried out. Squanto also sought to gain an unhealthy advantage over his fellow Indians by asserting that the Pilgrims kept the “dreaded plague” under a plank in the common house. It was intimated that he could command them to cast it upon those whom he disliked. Thus he gained an elevated position amongst the local Indians for a short time, but in the end all of these ill-conceived schemes back-fired upon him and he was discovered.

It must be remembered that over-all Squanto was well-liked within the colony at Plymouth and proved to be a trusted and faithful friend to the Pilgrims throughout his entire life. Moreover, Squanto generously helped the Pilgrims in a sacrificial manner when they were most needy and destitute. Here was a man who truly laid down his life on behalf of his friends (John 15:13). What the wicked English sea captain meant for evil, God used for good, so that Squanto actually became a deliverer to the Pilgrims in their time of trouble (cf. Genesis 50:20). For without the assistance of Squanto, there very likely would have been no day of thanksgiving in November 1621 because there would have been too little food to warrant having a harvest celebration. Though, in God’s good providence there was an abundance of food and the celebration that became known as Thanksgiving took place. In the end, Squanto lived out the remainder of his life with the Pilgrims in Governor Bradford’s own home in the very center of Plymouth. He was a welcome member of the extended Bradford family all his days. His demise came rather unexpectedly while Squanto and others were on a necessary food-buying mission to the Indian tribes of Cape Cod during the winter of 1622. He endured a short bout with fever and finally gave way to illness following a few days of suffering. After bequeathing his few possessions as “remembrances of love” to various Pilgrims, his final words were spoken to Governor Bradford. He simply requested “ye Governor to pray for him, that he might goe to ye Englishman’s God in heaven.” Let us remember the true and faithful promise, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.” (Revelation 14:13).

Sources for Further Study:
Bradford, William, Of Plymouth Settlement, San Antonio, TX: Vision Forum Ministries & Mantle Ministries, 1988.
Brown, John, The Pilgrim Fathers of New England and their Puritan Successors, London, England: The Religious Tract Society, 1895.
Carpenter, Edmund J., The Mayflower Pilgrims, Arlington Heights, IL: Christian Liberty
Press, n.d.
Foster, Marshall, and Swanson, Mary-Elaine, The American Covenant: The Untold Story (rev. ed.), Santa Barbara, CA: co-published by The Foundation For Christian Self- Government (1981), and The Mayflower Institute (1983).
Jehle, Paul, Plymouth in the Words of Her Founders, San Antonio, Texas, Vision Forum
Ministries, 2002.
Schmidt, Gary D., William Bradford:Plymouth’s Faithful Pilgrim, Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1999.
Willison, George F., Saints and Strangers, New York, NY: Reynal & Hitchcock, 1945.

Paso Robles Psalm Sings

2005-10-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

LEARNING SOME NEW PSALMS TO TEACH TO EVERYONE ELSE

LITTLE ONES SINGING

CONCENTRATION

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Atascadero Psalm Sings

2005-10-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

FITTING TITLE

THE CROWD OF PSALTER SONGSTERS

LITTLE GIRLS CAN SING

. . . AND SO CAN DADS

PIANIST (NOTICE THE WATER BOTTLE--VERY IMPORTANT INGREDIENT)

THIS IS GOOD STUFF

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Missouri Psalm Sings

2005-10-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCING PSALMS TO MISSOURI

FIRST OFFICIAL MO PSALM SING--AND OUR BIGGEST YET (130 PEOPLE)

A COUPLE BASSES PRACTICING OUTDOORS

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Outdoor Psalm Sing

2005-10-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

PSALM SING AL FRESCO

PASTOR SERVEN

ALTOS

FUNNY FACES

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Soundtrack for A Journey Home

2005-10-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

PRACTICE TIME

OUR AUDIENCE

THE DAY HAS ARRIVED

RECORDING

OUR SOUND CREW

INITIAL EDITING OF SOUNDTRACK FOR A JOURNEY HOME

GENEVAN SONG WAS PROUD TO SEE A JOURNEY HOME WIN THE JUBILEE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY AT THE SAICFF

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Genevan Song

2005-10-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

The story of Genevan Song starts several years ago.

Early 2002, the Lord brought a young man into the Serven's congregation from the state of Vermont. Jonathan Landell became almost a member of the Serven family as they played, sang and talked together. Being from a musical family, Jonathan sought to introduce the Servens to Psalm Singing over that spring and summer. They loved it!! And so did their congregation.

"Psalm Sings" were started, where the church would get together in a home, break up into sections (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass), bang out the parts on the piano, and attempt to learn songs from the Psalter. One thing led to another and pretty soon, the idea for a Psalm Instructional CD was suggested by the members of the congregation. They wanted more tools for practicing!!

O SING A NEW PSALM

So, fall of 2002 they took the plunge. Jonathan drafted Rebecca, Nathan and Elizabeth Serven to sing for the various parts and they spent a week locked up in a back room of the house recording O Sing A New Psalm. Late that fall, Jonathan headed back home and the Servens stayed in California. The group was finished . . . or so we thought.

SONGS OF THE REMNANT

In the Spring of 2004 Jonathan came out again to California for a short visit. The first Sunday afternoon as we were gathered around the dinner table with various members of our congregation, someone joked, "You are going to make another Psalm CD, aren't you?" We all laughed. But then we started to consider the idea. With just a few days to record, and most of the equipment in Vermont, to actually pull it off would take some quick action. In God's providence, everything came together for Songs of the Remnant. Many thanks to Jonathans tireless efforts to keep all the Serven Siblings on track, providing our technical and musical expertise.

O Sing a New Psalm and Songs of the Remnant started making the circut as more and more families and churches requested copies. The Serven family has continued teaching Psalm Singing to people scattered around the country, in person and by CD. The Genevan Foundation for Cultural Renewal is pleased to be able to publish Genevan Song's newest editions of the Psalm Cds and offer them to you.

RECORDING FOR A JOURNEY HOME

Genevan Song was very honored to be requested to sing for the soundtrack of A Journey Home, produced by Franklin Springs Family Media, and a the Winner of the Jubilee Award for Best Documentary in the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Ethan Joyce joined the Servens as tenor in the soundtrack and all did a fabulous job singing, clapping and stomping the Shaker style song, "Encouragement".

Through the years we have stood in amazement as the Lord has taken our feeble efforts and used them for His glory throughout the United States and even in foreign countries. We look forward to all the ways the Lord will continue to direct Genevan Song over the coming years.

Contact

2005-10-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Mailing Address
110 Casmer Drive
Troy, MO USA 63379

E-mail
The Genevan Foundation for Cultural Renewal

Links

2005-10-06T18:27:00.002-07:00

The Genevan Foundation for Cultural Renewal does not necessarily endorse these sites. We merely offer them as interesting and thought provoking reading.

The Biblical Family
Family Reformation
Ladies Against Feminism

Business
Business Reform
Sound Mind Investing

The Church
National Center for Family Integrated Churches
Orthodox Presbyterian Church
Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly

Cultural Transformation
Chalcedon Foundation
Generations
Ligonier Ministries
Vision Forum Ministries

Film
Franklin Springs Family Media
Huntington and Jay Productions
San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival

Health
Samaritan Ministries

Home Centered Market
Elijah Company
Home Schooling Today
Patriarch's Path
Vision Forum
Wisdoms Gate

Higher Education
Global Learning Strategies
Greenville Seminary
Whitefield Seminary
Whitefield College

Music
Crown and Covenant Publications
Trinity Hymnal

Statesmanship
Matt Chancey
Constitution Party
Howard Phillips

Thinkers and Their Thoughts
George Grant
Doug Phillips

Friends of The Genevan Foundation
The Serven Clan
Nathan Serven

Photos

2005-10-06T18:27:00.001-07:00

Psalm Sings
Paso Robles Psalm Sings
Atascadero Psalm Sings
Outdoor Psalm Sings
Missouri Psalm Sings

Recording Process
Soundtrack for A Journey Home

Articles

2005-10-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Patrick: A Courageous Missionary to Pagan Ireland NEW!
Written by Pastor Marcus Serven
"One day when Patrick was sixteen years old, he was out working on his Father's farm and became alerted to a disturbance on the beach near his house. He could tell something was going on by the loud cries of the sea gulls . . . "
read more

SATB: Untangling the Web of Part Singing
Written by Rebecca Serven
"The mysterious nature of musical terminology will often scare many people from singing parts. Once explained, these terms are simple enough for a 6 year old to grasp . . . "
read more

Squanto: A Special Instrument of God
Written by Pastor Marcus Serven
"How could it have been possible for an English-speaking, God-fearing, lonely-hearted Indian to emerge out of the dense forests of New England to assist the starving Pilgrims? . . . "
read more

The Rallying Cries of the Reformation
Written by Pastor Marcus Serven
"It is appropriate for Christians to remember the significant heroes of the past. This is especially true for Protestants, since there have been so many truly great champions from the Reformation era . . . "
read more

Father of the Protestant Reformation
Written by Pastor Marcus Serven
"Following the great spiritual conflict at the imperial diet at Worms between Martin Luther and his accusers (1521), the Roman Catholic Church issued a Papal Bull for Luther’s excommunication. Not only was Luther’s soul threatened, but also his physical life. . . "
read more

But I Can't Sing! Tips for a New Psalm Singer
Written by Rebecca Serven
"Most people think they can't sing because long, long ago, someone told them, "Sing a little quieter Johnny!" Subsequently that child grew up thinking he couldn't sing--and he never sought to remedy the situation. However if the person merely exerted the smallest consistent effort, he would be amazed at the progress . . ."
read more

Books

2005-10-06T18:26:00.002-07:00

Book Description

Conferences

2005-10-06T18:26:00.001-07:00

Conferences

Psalm CDs

2005-10-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

O Sing a New Psalm
Psalm Instructional CD Volume 1
Genevan Song's first recording was inspired by the desire to teach church congregations to sing from the Psalter in four part harmony . . . "

read more

Songs of the Remnant
Psalm Instructional CD Volume 2
"Songs of the Remnant teaches 10 beautiful settings of Psalms, dear to Christ's church through the ages . . ."

read more

The Book of Psalms for Singing
"Translated from the original language into English meter for singing. 425 selections that include all 150 psalms in their entirety . . . "

read more

2005-10-06T18:25:00.001-07:00

News

Vision

2005-10-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

The Genevan Foundation for Cultural Renewal seeks to bring the Scriptures to bear on every aspect of life. As Geneva, Switzerland was a place of cultural reconstruction in the 1500's, so we hope to be. Our goal is to be a network and catalyst to encourage God's people to wholeheartedly embrace a biblical world and life view.

O Sing a New Psalm

2005-10-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Suggested Donation
$10.00 each

Pay with Check or Cash

Genevan Song's first recording was inspired by the desire to teach church congregations to sing from the Psalter in four part harmony. This CD goes through 10 all time favorites from the Book of Psalms for Singing. First all parts sing together, then each part features separately (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). O Sing a New Psalm is the perfect introduction to Psalm Singing for your family, church, choir or home-school group.

Psalms Taught in O Sing a New Psalm
20B, 37C, 37D, 71A, 98A, 119X, 125, 126A, 127A, 148

Tracks
1-10 Four Part Versions
11-20 Soprano
21-30 Alto
31-40 Tenor
41-50 Bass

Related Links
Songs of the Remnant Volume 2
The Book of Psalms for Singing
Genevan Song Coming November 2005!!
But I Can't Sing! Tips for New Psalm Singers
SATB: Untangling the Web of Part Singing
Host Your Own Psalm Sing Coming December 2005!!

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Songs of the Remnant

2005-10-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Suggested Donation
$10.00 each

Pay with Check or Cash

Songs of the Remnant teaches 10 beautiful settings of Psalms, dear to Christ's church through the ages. The first 10 tracks feature Genevan Song singing together. The subsequent tracks split up into parts so your family can practice the harmony. This tool will encourage and equip you as you praise the Lord through the Psalter.

Psalms Taught on Songs of the Remnant Volume 2
1A, 5B, 12B, 14B, 40C, 64B, 71C, 77B, 100B, 144C

Tracks
1-10 Four Part Versions
11-20 Soprano
21-30 Alto
31-40 Tenor
41-50 Bass

Related Links
O Sing a New Psalm Volume 1
The Book of Psalms for Singing
Genevan Song Coming November 2005!!
But I Can't Sing! Tips for New Psalm Singers
SATB: Untangling the Web of Part Singing
Host Your Own Psalm Sing Coming December 2005!!

< Back to Psalm CDs

Ordering Information

2005-10-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Please print off the following and use as an order form. Within 24 hours of receiving payment, Genevan Foundation will ship out the order. To expedite the process, please supply all information requested.

STEP 1: Choose your Items

O Sing a New Psalm
Psalm Instructional CD Volume 1 - Genevan Song
Suggested Donation: $10 each plus shipping
Number of CDs ordered: ____ Total cost of CDs: ____

Songs of the Remnant
Psalm Instructional CD Volume 2 - Genevan Song
Suggested Donation: $10 each plus shipping
Number of CDs ordered: ____ Total cost of CDs: ____

STEP 2: Determine Your Shipping Costs
All items are shipped in the continental USA within 24 hours of recieving payment using USPS Priority Mail.

1-4 CDs $3.85
5-10 CDs $5.40
11-80 CDs $7.40
81+ CDs: Please contact us for additional shipping rates and locations other than the USA.
Total number of CDs ordered:____ Total Shipping: _____

STEP 3: Calculate Grand Total

Total CD order: $____.__ + Total Shipping:$____.__ = Grand Total: $______.__

STEP 4: Send Order and Payment

Make your Check Payable to:
Rebecca Serven
Please write "GFCR: Psalm CDs" in the memo line.

Contact Information:
First Name:
Last Name:
Mailing Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:

Additional Form of Communication:
Please supply at least one alternative method of communication if we have questions on your order.
E-mail:
Phone:

Send Order and Check to:
The Genevan Foundation for Cultural Renewal
110 Casmer Drive
Troy, MO USA 63379

Thank you for your order! Within 24 hours of receiving payment, Genevan Foundation will ship USPS Priority Mail.

But I Can't Sing! Tips for New Psalm Singers

2005-10-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

I just completed a quick read of Understanding Music and Worship in the Local Church by Vernon Whaley. Though I would not agree with the author's practical applications of the role of music in the church, his overview of music history, from Jubal to Michael W. Smith, was fascinating. He traced the major shifts in hymnology to the Great Awakening, with the fruit of the Camp-Meeting Gospel Hymns (think Fanny Crosby) being Contemporary Christian Music. Steve Wilkins makes many of the same references and ties-in this same phenomena in his lecture series, America's First 350 Years. This sequence of historical hymnology contained in Understanding Music and Worship is worth the price of the book.

Mr. Whaley also supports the idea that every person can and should sing. Now all you reluctant singers--we are not talking that every person must sing opera. But we are talking about faithful, joyful and skillful singing. We are commanded many, many times in scripture to sing to the Lord (e.g. Ps. 96, 150, Col 3:16, etc). Your lack of musical expertise is not an excuse. Singing is a skill not a talent.

From my own experiences of conducting choirs for almost a decade, this hypothesis that "everyone can sing" was confirmed. In almost every choir there were people who by all definitions just "couldn't sing". Tone deaf, singing loudly off-key, physically damaged vocal chords, young children who could not keep a pitch--all these things were experienced. With all these situations though, each person who "couldn't sing" was purposefully working on overcoming that lack. With just that little bit of work and perseverance all these temporary obstacles of poor singing were overcome.

It is like riding a bike. "But I can't ride a bike!" someone might say. And they might be very true. But if they never have tried it, of course they can't ride a bike. You must practice and keep trying and one day--viola! You'll have it and you will never forget how.

Most people think they can't sing because long, long ago, someone told them, "Sing a little quieter Johnny!" Subsequently that child grew up thinking he couldn't sing--and he never sought to remedy the situation. However if the person merely exerted the smallest consistent effort, he would be amazed at the progress.

Need some easy ideas for learning to sing?

1. Listen

Stand next to someone in church who can sing and listen to them, trying to match the pitches.
Cup your hand over your ear and mouth making a "telephone" so you can hear yourself better.
Listen to quality recordings of songs you often sing in your church congregation.

2. Practice

Practice singing everywhere--at church, in family worship, while mowing the lawn, washing dishes, etc.
If you have access to a piano or a person, have them sing/play a note for you. Try to match the same note back to them. Once you can easily match the pitch, try to copy 2 notes in a row. Then 3, 4, etc. until you can sing a whole line of music back to them.
Be consistent--Set a time goal to really work on singing for a week, month or longer.

3. Tell Others

Tell others you trust that you are working on this project.
Talk to other people you know who do sing for tips and tricks.
Take advantage of ever opportunity to talk about and work on singing--informally around the campfire, when you have people in your home, in a choir, at a church Psalm or Hymn sing.

Our family has had the privilege of teaching several groups of people to sing the Psalms in 4 part harmony. Before we begin, invariably several people will say "Now I have to warn you, I can't even sing--let alone sing 4 part harmony!!" Again and again people are amazed at how easy it is when you actually put your mind to it.

Don't believe anyone who says they "just can't sing". Anyone can sing. Yes, it takes some people longer than others to learn. But the rewards, having a voice of unfettered praise to the Lord, are incomprehensible.

There. Now I'm off my soap box.

The Book of Psalms for Singing

2005-10-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Price
$18.00 plus shippingPay with Check or Cash

"Translated from the original language into English meter for singing. 425 selections that include all 150 psalms in their entirety. Includes music for each selection. 5 indexes. Cloth, 473 pp."

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