277

God of This City

Scripture References

277

God of This City

Introductory/Framing Text

For piano only accompaniment:
Try the following for the introduction:
  • Play the melody only for the first two lines (feeling the slow, steady pulse internally).
  • Then add the bass clef notes beginning with the last measure of the second system and continue the next two lines with both right hand and left hand, ending with the last measure of the 4th line.
  • Instead of the F Chord in this measure, substitute a C octave in the left hand, keeping the same rhythm.
  • Take a slight pause after beat 3, and then lead the people into the beginning phrase of this song.
Form
  • Mark repeats, signs, Coda, etc., so that you are confident of the form of this contemporary worship song.
— Diane Dykgraaf

Assurance

I believe that God,
because of Christ’s satisfaction,
will no longer remember
any of my sins
or my sinful nature
which I need to struggle against all my life.
Rather, by grace
God grants me the righteousness of Christ
to free me forever from judgment.
—Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 56
— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two
277

God of This City

Tune Information

Name
GOD OF THIS CITY
Key
C Major
277

God of This City

Hymn Story/Background

Members of the band Bluetree were on a missions trip to Pattaya, Thailand, and were struck by the poverty and poor living conditions of the city. This trip became the inspiration for their song, “God of This City.” Chris Tomlin and members of the Passion band were at an event in Belfast where they heard this song, and knew it was the perfect song for their upcoming Passion tour. The song grew in popularity, and is now the hit single of Passion’s album, God of This City. 
— Laura de Jong

Composer Information

Denise Miersma wrote the arrangement to “God of This City,” working with Paul Thé when living in Southern California.  Now based in Seattle, has been teaching piano over 35 years. She began her studies at the age of 7 and accompanied her school choirs from 6th to 12th grade. She also played piano and organ for her church and has accompanied many ensembles and soloists for performances and competitions as well as social events. She attended Cal State Fullerton as a Piano Performance Major. 
 
-from http://lessonsinyourhome.net/teacher/denise-miersma/
— Emily Brink

Author and Composer Information

Bluetree is a contemporary Christian band from Northern Ireland. The band originated in Strandtown Christian Fellowship Church in 2004. Lead singer Aaron Boyd, claims it started out of frustration – “I was frustrated with the idea that worship is only to do with your heart. I don’t really agree with that. It’s bigger than just your heart attitude towards something. Like the idea that music can be secondary and as long as you love Jesus, that’s fine! I don’t think that’s right.” The band’s debut album, Great Things, was released in 2007, and its second studio album, Kingdom, was released in 2012. The band has a heart for social justice, and launched its charity “Stand Out International” in 2009, an organization that rescues kids from the sex industry. The band’s hit song, “God of this City” was nominated for a Dove Award in 2009. 
— Laura de Jong

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