April 19, 2026
THE JOY WE SHARE
MACK WILBERG
Conductor
BRIAN MATHIAS
Organist
DERRICK PORTER
The Spoken Word
ALLELUIA FANFARE AND PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY
Music: from Stralsund Gesangbuch
Text: Joachim Neander; transl. Catherine Winkworth
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
JOIN WE NOW IN PRAISE AND SING
Music: Spanish melody
Text: William E. Hickson
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE THE LORD!
Music: traditional Cameroon processional song
Text: traditional; collected by Elaine Hanson
Arrangement: Ralph Johnson
COME, COME, YE SAINTS
Music: American folk song
Text: William Clayton
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
THE SPOKEN WORD
“The Joy We Share”
HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
Music: J. Ellis
Text: attr. Robert Keen
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
AMAZING GRACE
Music: American folk hymn
Text: John Newton
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
THE JOY WE SHARE
The Spoken Word, April 19, 2026
By: Derrick Porter
TODAY’S THEME CENTERS ON the joy we feel as we strive to keep the first
and second great commandments—to love God and to love our neighbor.1
Across Africa, different words are used to express this idea, but the same
truth is taught: When we live generously, when we open our hearts and our
homes, we find joy—and that joy lifts everyone.
These ideas harmonize with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who said, “Love
one another; as I have loved you.”2
This invitation begins with loving God. One important way we show our love
for Him is by how we treat those around us.
As we strive to love both God and our neighbor, we discover that true joy is
more than a passing feeling—it is a spiritual blessing that fills our hearts and
souls with lasting, expanding happiness.
In the rich languages and cultures found throughout Africa, words such as
ubuntu, utu, harambee, nkabom, and isokan each reflect this divine truth: Our
joy increases as we choose to love. We were made to lift and bless one another—
and when we do, true joy follows.
Joy is more than happiness. It is more than a moment. It is the spiritual
reward of living in unity, in compassion, and in love—just as Jesus taught.
- See Matthew 22:37–39.
- John 13:34.