DeBows UMC Online

Serving Our Community • Connected To The World

Building on the Solid Rock of Christ
Join us as we Worship | Grow | Serve

  • About DeBows
    • DeBows UMC Home Page
    • Welcome to DeBows UMC
    • Visiting – What to Expect
    • Mission & Vision
    • History
      • DeBows UMC History
      • Chronology of Pastors at DeBows
  • Worship
    • In-Person Worship
    • Online Worship
    • Ash Wednesday & Holy Week
    • Message from the Pastor
    • Notes from the Music Director
  • Grow
    • Daily Devotionals
    • Bible Study
  • Serve
    • Online Giving
    • Community Food Pantry
    • Prayer Shawl Ministry
    • UMCOR Hygiene Kits
    • Care Team
    • St. Jude’s Ranch For Children
  • Calendars
    • DeBows Calendar (List)
    • DeBows Calendar (Grid)
    • DeBows Worship Planner
  • Blog
  • News & Media
    • DeBows UMC Newsletter
    • Coronavirus Information
    • Featured Videos
  • Resources
    • Weekly Lectionary Info
    • Worship Planning Resources
    • UMC Links
    • Local Community
    • Disaster Preparedness Info
  • Prayer
    • Prayer Request
  • Contact Us
    • Send Us Email
    • Map & Directions
You are here: Home / Hymn Story – UMH 517

Hymn Story – UMH 517

“Soldiers of Christ Arise” – UMH 517

Anybody know what “panoply” means?

This lyric gem came up in UMH 517 in the introit at in person worship: “Soldiers of Christ Arise”. The second verse states: “Stand then in his great might, with all his strength endued, but take to arm you for the fight the panoply of God; that having all things done, and all your conflicts passed, ye may o’ercome thru Christ alone and stand entire at last.” According to Mirriam-Webster online dictionary, ‘panoply” is 1) a full suit of armor – or ceremonial attire, 2) something forming a protective covering, 3) a magnificent or impressive array – or a display of all appropriate appurtenances.

Who wrote “Soldiers of Christ Arise?”

Charles Wesley (1707-1788). According to hymnary.org, Charles Wesley was the 18th and youngest son of Samuel and Susanna Wesley. He attended Westminster School. In 1721, he was elected Kings Scholar, continuing his education tuition free. He received a Westminster Studentship at Oxford Church from 1726-1729, when he graduated, considered one of the first “Oxford Methodists.” In 1735, already a priest and deacon, Charles accompanied General Oglethorpe to Georgia in the dual capacity of secretary and missionary. By 1736, Charles was back in England. Reportedly, in 1738 Charles preached as curate for his friend Stonegate, to the outrage of the wardens who insisted he not preach there anymore. Thus rejected, Charles connected with his older brother John Wesley and became an itinerant evangelist and preacher.

Charles remained faithful to the Church of England and became known as “The Bard of Methodism” due to his close association with his brother John and his prolific hymn writing. The UMH (United Methodist Hymnal) 1989 includes over 50 of Charles’ hymns and 8 poems. Every occasion in life resulted in Charles writing a hymn: over 5000 hymns were ascribed to him over his life. In the Wesleyan Hymn Book alone, 623 out of 770 hymns were written by Charles Wesley – one of the greatest hymn writers ever.

Welcome to DeBows UMC Online

cf200

DeBows UMC on Facebook

Upcoming Activities

Tuesday-May 24
  • Band Practice

    Tuesday-May 24 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

  • NA Group Meeting

    Tuesday-May 24 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wednesday-May 25
  • DeBows Newsletter Sent Out

    Wednesday-May 25

    All subscribers will receive the church newsletter via email. The newsletter is normally sent out at 4:00 PM. You can subscribe to the newsletter HERE.

  • OA Group

    Wednesday-May 25 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

    In Fellowship Hall

Thursday-May 26
  • Bible Study

    Thursday-May 26 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    The bible study will meet in Fellowship Hall or you may join the study via Zoom using this link: 
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85005841319?pwd=dXcxWDV0RTJlMEtteWZmeUQ5VUlmUT09

Friday-May 27
  • OA Group

    Friday-May 27 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

    In Fellowship Hall

Sunday-May 29
  • Chimes Reheasal

    Sunday-May 29 @ 8:30 am - 9:00 am

  • Indoor Worship Service

    Sunday-May 29 @ 9:00 am - 9:45 am

Monday-May 30
  • Memorial Day

    Monday-May 30

Tuesday-May 31
  • Membership Class

    Tuesday-May 31 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

    This class will be via Zoom. Watch for link.

  • Band Practice

    Tuesday-May 31 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

  • NA Group Meeting

    Tuesday-May 31 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Our Mission is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by proclaiming Him as Lord and Savior, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, be His representative in our community through worship, education and service.

Welcoming ChurchTransSmall

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Click below to make a difference. You share God’s love with others when you support the ministries of DeBows UMC using our secure online giving page. ~ Thank You

Recent Blog Entries

  • Earth Day Observance
  • Craft Fair
  • Flea Market – Concert
  • 125 Years of Faithful Service
  • Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
  • Care Team
  • Baldpate Mountain Hike

Search by Keyword

Associated Links

  • Greater NJ UMC Conference
  • Official UMC Home
  • Pleasant Grove UMC

DeBows UMC Newsletter

Stay connected and informed.
Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

© 2022 DeBows UMC · 509 Monmouth Road Jackson, NJ 08527 (732) 928-4475 · All rights reserved · Powered by the Holy Spirit