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We Grieve in Isolation (a hymn)

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LLANGLOFFAN 7.6.7.6 D ("Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers") We grieve in isolation, we weep from far away. We wonder at the suffering we hear about this day. An enemy comes near us like none we’ve ever known. O God, we trust you love us, yet we feel so alone. O Christ, this world is changing and we are changing, too. We cry out with a longing that you will make us new. We see the ways the nations have tried to live before and offer our confession: it won’t work anymore. Can life rise from these ashes? Can hope rise from our fear? O Spirit, work among us, that we may change things here. May we be dead to sinning— to all that would destroy. Bring in your new creation; give life and health and joy. May we seek love and kindness that build community. May we seek truth and justice that heal society. We grieve in isolation; we cry, O Lord, to you. O God of our salvation, we pray you’ll make us new. Tune: Traditional Welsh melody, from Daniel Evans' Hymnau a Thonau (Hymns … [Read more...]

Tagged With: COVID19 • grief

O God, As We Pause (a hymn)

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ST. DENIO 11.11.11.11 ("Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise") O God, as we pause from our usual ways, as millions stay home, as we count passing days, may we learn what matters—what really has worth. May we seek your reign as we live here on earth. May we find your blessings in small, common things; may we learn the joy that community brings. In loving our neighbors, in stopping to pray, may we know your presence in each passing day. God, may we reflect on a world that has changed— a world where our values have been rearranged. For those who once thought they could stand by themselves now value the workers who restock the shelves. As greed and injustice are being laid bare, may we build a nation that’s loving and fair. God, give us the courage to change what we can, to work for the justice that’s part of your plan. So, turn us around, Lord, to make your world new; May we seek, in all things, to first follow you. In change and in sorrow may we seek your … [Read more...]

This Easter Celebration (A free hymn for 2020)

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AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D ("The Church's One Foundation") Download PDF: This Easter Celebration- with music - for bulletins This Easter celebration is not like ones we’ve known. We pray in isolation, we sing the hymns alone. We’re distant from our neighbors— from worship leaders, too. No flowers grace the chancel to set a festive mood. No gathered choirs are singing; no banners lead the way. O God of love and promise, where’s joy this Easter Day? With sanctuaries empty, may homes become the place we ponder resurrection and celebrate your grace. Our joy won’t come from worship that’s in a crowded room but from the news of women who saw the empty tomb. Our joy comes from disciples who ran with haste to see— who heard that Christ is risen, and then, by grace, believed. In all the grief and suffering, may we remember well: Christ suffered crucifixion and faced the powers of hell. Each Easter bears the promise: Christ rose that glorious day! Now nothing in creation can keep … [Read more...]

Tagged With: Easter

When We Face an Unknown Future (a free hymn)

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BEACH SPRING 8.7.8.7 D ("God Whose Giving Knows No Ending") When we face an unknown future that we can’t imagine yet, when the closeness we have treasured turns from blessing into threat— As we miss our friends and loved ones, as we crave community, may we look, God, in this season, for a whole new way to be. Jesus faced the lonely desert as a time to look within. There he met such trial and conflict; there he knew you were with him. In this time of separation when we miss the life we’ve known, may we hear your voice proclaiming: “I am here! You’re not alone.” May we cherish those around us as we never have before. May we think much less of profit; may we learn what matters more. May we hear our neighbors’ suffering; may we see our neighbors’ pain. May we learn new ways of offering life and health and hope again. God, when illness comes to threaten, and when so much here goes wrong, may we know this thing for certain— that your love is sure and strong. You’re … [Read more...]

Tagged With: COVID19

God Whose Will Is Health and Wholeness (hymn in response to the coronavirus)

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IN BABILONE 8.7.8.7 D ("There's a Wideness in God's Mercy") God whose will is health and wholeness, hear your people as we pray: Many now are facing illness; more face sickness every day. As we lift our song toward heaven, may we use the gifts you give— science, justice, and compassion— to help others safely live. Jesus taught that your commandments call for us to use the mind. May we use the gifts of science to seek health for humankind. Bless the ones who work for healing; bless the ones who seek to be Builders of a health care system that protects society. God, you call for love and justice, yet our laws are far from wise: Many don’t have good insurance; lack of health care threatens lives. Many workers must keep working, sick or not, to pay the bills. Turn us round when we have sanctioned greed that leads to greater ills. Loving God, we ask your blessing on the sick and those they love, And we pray for those now grieving as they lift their cries above. There … [Read more...]

Tagged With: COVID19

Joseph Heard the Troubling News (preview)

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TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM 7.6.7.6 D (“Gentle Mary Laid Her Child”) Biblical Text: Matthew 1:18-25 Tune: Piae Cantones, 1852. Arr. by Ernest C. MacMillian, 1930. Joseph heard the troubling news: Mary was expecting! What should he, a just man, do? He sought God’s directing. Joseph thought to send her home-- leave her, without blaming; Then an angel in a dream spoke of joy, proclaiming… “Go, take Mary as your wife; Joseph, don’t you fear it-- God has formed a precious life by the Holy Spirit! Mary soon will bear a son; you shall name him Jesus. When the prophet spoke of him, he said, “God is with us!” God of love, we too may face times of doubt and trouble. May we know your daily grace, even when we struggle. Just as Joseph answered, “Yes!” with new dedication, We rejoice, for we’ve been blessed by your incarnation. Text: Copyright © 2010 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Click here to go to the hymn order page. … [Read more...]

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