It is not possible to conclude this series of posts in honor of people blessed with the gift of lyrics without paying tribute to two incredibly gifted authors who had a profound influence on me, my writing, my theology, and my life. It was my privilege to work with both of these saints during the years I served as Director of Music Ministry for Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston. Now – in retrospect – what seemed very normal to me at the time I now know was a gift from God that allowed us to be on the cutting edge of inclusive language of love in a manner that was quite ahead of the times.

First – was Jim Wharton – who was serving Memorial Drive as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff when I first arrived in Houston in August of 1980. Jim loved opera!! One year he suggested that we write an “opera” based on the book of Ruth during the weeks that coincided with a Lenten study on Ruth. I agreed to compose the score for a “music drama” to go with his “opera libretto.” Ruth received its first and only presentation on Palm Sunday evening at Memorial Drive. Jim asked for a prologue that utilized the text from Micah 5:2-5a which later was published separately as an anthem with the title “Advent Prophecy.” Ruth was a remarkable and memorable experience and one of the highlights of my many years of music making!

Second – was Boyd Lien – who also served Memorial Drive as Associate Pastor for Christian Education durng the years I was there. Boyd is Norwegian! – and – until I met Boyd I never realized that Norwegian Independence Day was a major day in the liturgical calendar. Boyd’s writing gifts were easily matched by his ability as an artist and his seemingly endless gift of all things creative. It was during those years that I learned to properly celebrate Pentecost thanks to Boyd’s wonderful ways of bringing the day to life for all who were present. Boyd provided lyrics for numerous anthems for choirs of all different ages – but – the pinnacle of our collaboration – at least for me – was a full-length musical “Transformations” – written for and about the high school choir at Memorial Drive that toured each summer with a completely staged musical presentation. Together we created two incarnations of “Transformations” – and, happily and much to my surprise – some of it returned to life on the occasion of my retirement from Covenant Presbyterian Church in January, 2013.

My one regret about “Transformations” was – around the time it was written it seemed too sophisticated and difficult for most youth choirs – while not in the style that would be appreciated by most adult choirs. However, times have changed and I now believe that I am currently serving a congregation that would fully embrace “Transformations” – so I am beginning to dream about a possible third incarnation of this superb statement of Reformed theology and the inclusive nature of love. Oops! I think I may have just let the proverbial cat out of the bag as I have not yet shared my dream with Boyd – perhaps a fitting way to celebrate Norwegian Independence Day next year! Stay tuned . . .

I conclude this tribute to my two dear friends with the text for the first two stanzas of a song that runs throughout the musical “Transformations”:

Open our eyes Creating God that we may come to see your power in giving life and breath to all humanity.
Open our eyes to see your love transforming all around – throughout our world, in every heart, may love and peace abound.

Open our eyes Transforming God that we may come to see your power that breaks all barriers down, that forms community.
Open our eyes to see your love transforming all around – in life, in death, in life beyond, may love and hope abound.

May this be our prayer. Amen and Amen!