One might expect our bible readings always to provide food, but this week they are especially focused on eating. The Old Testament lessons describes Elisha feeding 100 people and the Gospel reading is Jesus feeding the 5000. The first hymn is ancient, written by St Bernard who died in 1153. The translation is by the 19thC American hymn writer, Ray Palmer.

Following with the food theme, I am the bread of life is a hymn by the American composer, Sister Suzanne Toolan. For many years she has led Taizé style retreats and now aged 93 she continues as resident liturgist at Mercy Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy in Burlingame in California.

'Through all the changing scenes of life' is a paraphrase of psalm 34 by Irishman Nahum Tate (1652-1715) collaborating with Nicholas Brady. They wrote 18 verses though few books today contain them all and neither does the recording here! Tate and Brody also wrote the libretto for Purcell's opera 'Dido and Aeneas'.

I am grateful to the music director at Bury Parish Church for inviting me to play this weekend and also for allowing me to use their instrument to record the hymn 'Lord thy word abideth' for our use. I also recorded some others on their very fine organ and these will figure in future weeks.

AMNS 255 Jesu thou joy of loving hearts - https://youtu.be/e7JffiBajpI

SHF 182 I am the bread of life - https://youtu.be/ow6VEjEk_Jc

AMNS 209 Through all the changing scenes of life - https://youtu.be/_34u7MjBQxk

AMNS 166 Lord, thy word abideth - https://youtu.be/bKMEkbYQ-XM

Mel.