Episode 5040
The Joy We Share
Sunday, April 19, 2026
- Conductor
- Mack Wilberg
- Organist
- Brian Mathias
- Spoken Word
- Derrick Porter
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Program
Music: from Stralsund Gesangbuch · Text: Joachim Neander; transl. Catherine Winkworth · Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
2. Join We Now in Praise and Sing
Music: Spanish melody · Text: William E. Hickson · Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
3. Praise! Praise! Praise the Lord!
Music: traditional Cameroon processional song · Text: traditional; collected by Elaine Hanson · Arrangement: Ralph Johnson
4. Come, Come, Ye Saints
Music: American folk song · Text: William Clayton · Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
Come, Come, Ye Saints
5. The Spoken Word
6. How Firm a Foundation
Music: J. Ellis · Text: attr. Robert Keen · Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
7. Amazing Grace
Music: American folk hymn · Text: John Newton · Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
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Spoken Word message
The Joy We Share
TODAY’S THEME CENTERS ON the joy we feel as we strive to keep the firstand second great commandments—to love God and to love our neighbor.1
Across Africa, different words are used to express this idea, but the sametruth is taught: When we live generously, when we open our hearts and ourhomes, we find joy—and that joy lifts everyone.
These ideas harmonize with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who said, “Loveone another; as I have loved you.”2
This invitation begins with loving God. One important way we show our lovefor Him is by how we treat those around us.
As we strive to love both God and our neighbor, we discover that true joy ismore than a passing feeling—it is a spiritual blessing that fills our hearts andsouls with lasting, expanding happiness.
In the rich languages and cultures found throughout Africa, words such asubuntu, utu, harambee, nkabom, and isokan each reflect this divine truth: Ourjoy 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 spiritualreward of living in unity, in compassion, and in love—just as Jesus taught.
See Matthew 22:37–39.John 13:34.
The Joy We Share — Spoken Word Message
Derrick Porter