Reunion (Philip Rayment)

Reunion (Philip Rayment) - Performed live by the Canadian Staff Band at Yorkminster Citadel on June 11th, 2022.
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Programme Note:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
As the body of Christ, we were meant to be a community of worship. Although Christians can certainly worship the Lord anytime or anywhere, there is a deeper experience of His personal presence that can often only be experienced when we come together. At times people can become separated from their Christian family - either by fate or by choice - deprived of the fellowship and deep blessing that comes from worshipping together. But God can overcome these barriers and restore communities. Written in the midst of a global pandemic, this piece explores the vital importance of corporate worship for believers.
I. CONGREGATION - Gathering together as a body of believers is an important aspect of the Christian faith. This section captures the joy of this experience. The tune Waltham is featured for the first time. The words associated are benediction by John Newton:
May the grace of Christ our Saviour And the Father’s boundless love, With the Holy Spirit’s favour Rest upon us from above.
II. SEPARATION - There are times in life when one can become separated from the family of believers. Sometimes those who are separated will try to continue worshipping in solitude. This is represented by fragments of the song, When The Music Fades. But there is a sense of loss and a longing to return to corporate worship.
III. VIRTUAL CONNECTION - During times when it’s not possible to meet together, some will innovate and find ways to meet virtually. Although this can be entertaining and fun at times, there is still a sense of disconnect. Fragments of songs and ideas come and go, but are often interrupted by distractions. This section contains several (mostly) subtle references to virtual projects undertaken around the world during the pandemic.
IV. ISOLATION - Loss of fellowship can be especially hard on those who are isolated and alone. There are times when it seems like there is no end in sight. However, the believer can have faith that God can overcome. This truth is found in the words of the song, Do It Again:
Walking around these walls
I thought by now they'd fall
But You have never failed me yet Waiting for change to come Knowing the battle's won
For You have never failed me yet Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You've never failed me yet
V. ANTICIPATION - Buoyed by the hope of God’s promises, the believer looks forward to re-joining fellow Christians and worshipping together. The tune Waltham is re-stated in augmentation, this time reflecting the words of the second verse:
So may we remain in union With each other and the Lord, And possess, in sweet communion, Joys which earth cannot afford.
The excitement gradually builds, looking forward to the day of...
VI. REUNION - The excitement of seeing, first-hand, the Holy Spirit move again in worship is reflected in the chorus of Do It Again:
I’ve seen You move, You move the mountains And I believe I’ll see You do it again.
You made a way where there was no way, And I believe I’ll see you do it again!
The piece closes with a taste of the excitement, power and glory of the Holy Spirit moving in live gatherings once again. Great is God’s faithfulness, His love never fails. To Him be the Glory.

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Beautiful

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