Some Say It’s Nothing O Quanta Qualia 11. 10.11.10 (“God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us”) Some say it’s nothing-- this faith we believe in; some think the gospel is curious or odd. Some say the cross is for fools and naïve ones, but to the saved it’s the power of God. Some put their trust in the things they can measure; some count on wealth so they’ll feel more secure. Some cling to fame or to knowledge or pleasure; only the cross brings us love evermore. Some look for wisdom this world claims to offer; some search for signs to discern what is true. God, may we see in a Savior who suffered all that is needed to make our lives new. Those lost and found tell their friends and their neighbors, people forgiven have joy to declare. Those who are poor find they’re rich in God’s favor: God, by the cross, we have good news to share! Biblical Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Tune: Paris Antiphoner, 1681, as in La Feillee’s Methode du plain-chant, 1808 Text: … [Read more...]

Third Sunday When Christ Went to the Temple LLANGLOFFAN 7.6.7.6 D (“Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers”) When Christ went to the Temple to worship God one day, He entered through the courtyard where anyone could pray. That court was for the nations--and all could enter in. But Jesus found a market, a shameful robbers’ den. There, cattle, sheep and pigeons were sold for sacrifice, And moneychangers shouted of quality and price. Outsiders could not enter the inner courts for prayer. Their only place to worship was in the courtyard there. When prayer gave way to profit, and pride closed many doors, The Lord cried out in anger and made a whip of cords. He shooed the sheep and cattle and scattered pigeons, too. God's house was for all people-- not for a chosen few. O God, you love the nations and call us all to pray. Forgive us when our worship turns other folk away. As Christ, in loving protest, fought prejudice and pride, May we who follow Jesus now welcome all … [Read more...]

  Old Abram Was Blest LYONS 10.10.11.11 (“O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!”) Old Abram was blest and Sarai was, too, When God called their names and said, “I choose you!” I’ll give you descendants like stars up above— Too many to count, and a sign of my love.” That old couple laughed at what God might do. Was what they had heard impossibly true? For they had no children to carry their name— Yet God promised nations would rise out of them. God promised to them a life that was new: A new set of names, a new future, too. They faithfully trusted—that husband and wife; Soon Sarah and Abraham found a new life. O God, in your love, a whole nation grew; You called them to be a blessing for you. You sent them, you send us, to be this world’s light. Your promise still shines like the stars in the night Biblical Reference: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16. Tune: Attr. Johann Michael Haydn (1737-1806); arranged by William Gardiner, Sacred Melodies (London: … [Read more...]

Shades of Purple, Shades of Blue DIX 7.7.7.7.7.7 (“For the Beauty of the Earth”) Shades of purple, shades of blue, green and yellow, orange, red— Noah and his family, too, saw the rainbow overhead. God, Creator, high above you displayed your sign of love. Soon new life was springing forth, filling land and sea and air. God, you chose to bless the earth with the promise of your care-- And your promised love extends far beyond our human friends. In the rainbow, you were clear: every living thing has worth. You love every creature here on this planet we call Earth. God, forgive when we destroy gifts from you that bring you joy. May your church begin to see In that rainbow high above: We are daily called to be stewards of this world you love. Since the earth is dear to you, may we treat it kindly too. Biblical Reference: Genesis 9: 8-17 Tune: Conrad Kocher, 1838, Abr. William Henry Monk, 1861. Text: Copyright © 2012 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights … [Read more...]

Ash Wednesday God, Your Love is Everlasting BEACH SPRING 8.7.8.7 D (“God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending”) God, your love is everlasting and your grace is ever-near, Yet our worship and our fasting aren’t enough to please you here. We love songs and prayers and preaching, yet, O Lord, we must confess That our actions aren’t in keeping with our talk of righteousness. Even on this day of worship, many hurt and we don’t see. While we bask in food and friendship, others long for dignity. Lord, we love to get a bargain, but the waitress where we eat Can’t afford to feed her children, as her wage won’t make ends meet. Some are cheated as they labor to produce the things we buy; We don’t see our hurting neighbor, just what labor can supply. We don’t see the cost of violence; we don’t challenge and resist. Lord, forgive us when our silence towers like a wicked fist. God of mercy, how you love us! May we seek to live your way. May we welcome in the homeless; may we … [Read more...]

Good Friday Simon Peter Stood There Waiting BEACH SPRING 8.7.8.7.D (“God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending”) Simon Peter stood there waiting, listening, wondering what to do. Soon a woman asked the question, “Are you with him? Is it true?” “No, I’m not!” said Peter to her. He just sought to slip away. What would we have done? We wonder. And would we say “yes” today? Now we see in our own nation, Christ, you’re here— a refugee. You face mass incarceration. You are longing to be free. In the streets, alone, you cower. In the war zone, Lord, you cry. Are we with you in that hour when your dreams begin to die? Lord, we’re sorry we reject you when the risk is hard to bear. When you need us to protect you, when we leave you standing there. Lord, we’re sorry when we see you and we don’t know what to say— When we claim we do not know you and we simply turn away. Biblical Reference: John 18:1-19:42 Tune: The Sacred Harp, 1844 Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn Winfrey … [Read more...]