Christmas Year C When Mary and Joseph Sought Safety and Shelter ASH GROVE 6.6.11.6.6.11 D ("Let All Things Now Living") When Mary and Joseph sought safety and shelter, Who welcomed them gladly? Who said, “Come and stay”? Who said, “Come inside here”? Who gave food and water? Who offered a place to keep cold winds away? O Lord, we remember, and sometimes we wonder: You no longer need a small bed filled with hay. So how can we welcome you, Jesus our Savior? And how can we show that we love you today? We look all around us and see the world’s children, And so we remember they’re precious to you. As nations have chosen to help or to hurt them, O Lord, we confess nations do unto you. The youth in detention, the poor, hungry orphan, The neighbor, the stranger, the child in the pew: May we reach in love and give safety and welcome. By loving God’s children, we welcome you, too. Biblical Text: Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 25:31-46 Tune: Traditional Welsh melody ("Let All … [Read more...]

Fourth Sunday Year C My Soul Proclaims That God is Good GREENSLEEVES 8.7.8.7 with Refrain ("What Child Is This?") My soul proclaims that God is good I sing to God my Savior. For God has blessed me! I am loved! God looks on me with favor. God is not far away; God cares for people every day. God sees and loves the poor And gives to them a blessing. The Mighty One has done great things; I see God’s hand of mercy. God’s people know the love God brings; They know that God is holy. God is not far away; God cares for people every day. God sees and loves the poor And gives to them a blessing. God casts the mighty from their thrones; The proud will surely scatter. God lifts the lowly, hurting ones, And shows them their lives matter. God is not far away; God cares for people every day. God sees and loves the poor And gives to them a blessing. God fills the hungry with good things; And sends the rich ones hungering. God’s promise was to immigrants And also … [Read more...]

Third Sunday Year C John Proclaimed, “Change Your Lives!” PERSONENT HODIE 6.6.6.6.6 with Refrain ("On This Day Earth Shall Ring") Alternative tune: MENDELSSOHN 7.7.7.7.7.7 with Refrain ("Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”) John proclaimed, “Change your lives!” Brood of snakes! Be baptized. Who warned you you should flee? There is wrath that’s coming. See on the horizon.” Have you heard? heard? heard? God’s own word? word? word? Turn from wrong. Live God’s song. Live God’s song of justice. People asked, “How can we Follow God faithfully?” John replied, “Be the good In your situation. That is your vocation.” Have you heard? heard? heard? God’s own word? word? word? Turn from wrong. Live God’s song. Live God’s song of justice. Have two coats? Go and share With the one shivering there. Spread God’s joy! Seek to bring Economic justice. Don’t use threat or violence. Have you heard? heard? heard? God’s own word? word? word? Turn from wrong. Live God’s … [Read more...]

Second Sunday Year C O God of Peace, You Sent Us John CAROL 8.6.8.6 D ("It Came Upon the Midnight Clear") O God of peace, you sent us John who called, “Prepare the way!” He challenged all we counted on and promised your new day. He cried out in the wilderness and made the pathway straight. He filled the valleys, smoothed the roads, and taught us how to wait. We wait for Christ and look around at all that is not good. We see the crooked places found in our own neighborhood. We see within this land we love the children cast aside. May we who long for peace be moved to answer when they cry. We hear the words that John proclaimed as we await Christ’s birth. We long for peace to come one day and fill this troubled earth. Could it be that we’re called to be peacemakers in our day? By doing so, O God, may we again prepare the way. Biblical Text: Luke 3:1-6 Tune: Richard Storrs Willis, Church Chorals and Choir Studies, 1850 ("It Came Upon the Midnight Clear") Text: … [Read more...]

First Sunday of Advent Year C Prophets Told Us, “Pay Attention!” REGENT SQUARE 8.7.8.7.8.7 ("Angels, from the Realms of Glory”) Prophets told us, “Pay attention! God is working in the land. Lo, the days are surely coming; seek the justice God has planned! Seek the signs of your redemption; hear God’s word and understand!” Christ, you taught us: “Pay attention! Nature’s signs are sure and clear: When the trees grow leaves and blossom, summertime is almost here.” So it is in God’s good kingdom; be alert; God’s reign is near! As we welcome your salvation, all around we see distress; There is trouble in the nations! There is greed and wickedness; As we trust in your redemption, may we live your righteousness. May we work for what you call for; may we labor for your reign. Families cry out at the border; children suffer grief and pain. May your church, committed, prayerful, work for justice in your name. Christ, you taught us: “Pay attention!” So we humbly serve … [Read more...]