Cup Has Been Lifted

a post-communion hymn or anthem

Music by Ron Klusmeier
Words by Walter Farquharson
Tune Name: ROBERTS

Lyrics as Poetry

Cup has been lifted,
life blood been spilled.
Jesus is true wine,
meaning is filled.

Bread has been broken,
Christ crucified.
Love to us given,
life sanctified.

Peace has been spoken.
We are made whole.
Our living Christ-like,
our only goal.

Moving from table,
action complete.
Scattered we serve Christ
as hands, as feet.

Cup has been lifted,
life blood been spilled.
Jesus is true wine,
meaning is filled.


Words by
Walter FarquharsonCopyright © 1977 by Walter Farquharson
Administered by Hope Publishing Company
Carol Stream, Illinois • USA

Comments About Song

BY RON KLUSMEIER

“Cup Has Been Lifted” is an effective post-communion hymn or anthem which offers a few moments of reflection on the action just completed. Walter Farquharson’s use of the past tense in referring to the action of communion flows naturally to both the present and the future as we are called to move from the table, scattering to serve as Christ’s hands and feet.


A Reflection by
WALTER FARQUHARSON

Gathering at the table is important to me. When the family sits at table and shares a common meal there is blessing or the potential of blessing.

When Joan and I travelled during my term (1990-92) as Moderator of the United Church of Canada we were privileged to visit partner churches. We were often hosted, welcomed and fed, by people who had few of this world’s goods. Bread broken reminded us that there is a reality of godliness and essential humanity when bread is broken – clearly to be shared not hoarded, consumed not possessed. Similarly the cup of thanksgiving which is also a cup of sorrow and tears and cup of gladness and joy, is lifted in offering and shared with all who seek justice, all who would practice merciful living and all who would choose to walk humbly, in solidarity, with all brothers and sisters.

Beyond words that too often limit and define, beyond words that too often divide and categorize, the simple action of cup being lifted, bread being broken and shared, brings life and meaning. There is a uniting of people and peoples, and a bringing together of the broken pieces of our living and the putting together (the re-creation) of that which will reach out to welcome and bless.


Audio Sample for
"Cup Has Been Lifted"
(choral anthem version)

REGARDING THE SAMPLE
AUDIO RECORDING ABOVE:

To celebrate Walter Farquharson's 75th birthday, a small group of my church friends got together to create a very informal one-take, no-edits, recording of a few of the many titles on which he and I had collaborated over the years. We were an all-ages, ecumenical group. Some sang parts, some sang unison, some simply closed their eyes and listened. We were quite the authentic 'pick-up-congregation'! "Cup Has Been Lifted" was one of the selections burned onto a one-off "Happy Birthday, Walter!" CD which was sent with much affection to my writing partner and friend.

Scripture References

  • Matthew 26:26-29
  • John 6:35-40
  • John 17:17-26
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Season, Theme
or Subject

  • Bread
  • Communion
  • Cup
  • Eucharist
  • Post-Communion
  • Table

Presentation Suggestions

“Cup Has Been Lifted” works equally well as a congregational hymn, a choral anthem, or a combination of the two. Given the text, it is most appropriately sung near the end of or after the distribution of communion.

Consider having a solo wind or reed instrument play the melody of the anthem version with the piano accompaniment during distribution. After playing the entire selection, sing it in its entirety from beginning to end.

Take care not to ‘over sing’. Even at those moments where there are natural crescendos, the mood of the piece should remain reflective.

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