Hymns



A COLLECTION OF HYMN TEXT
written by Rev. Peggy McDonagh

The voice of God                   (Tune: Kingsfold)
      The voice of God I heard to day
      speak to my searching soul;
      come forth into the mystery,
      reach for your sacred goal.
      Be one with self and whole in mind,
      seek wisdom’s truth inside;
      use strength of will until you find
      true courage as your guide.

      I fear the shadowed realms of life,
      my heart beats constant dread;
      for want of peace and quiet days,
      I dare not move ahead.
      But thirst I do for hope and light,
      and joy to mark my day;
      I’ll journey with my finite sight,
      God’s love will show the way.                                                            

      If ever I should dare to risk
      this sacred call to grow,
      may courage be my spring of life,
      a steady, bubbling flow. 
      If I but cling to God’s embrace,
      and trust my heart’s true plea,
      my soul will show its radiant face,
      for I’ll be whole and free.
                       

Seeking the quiet way             (Tune: Beach Spring 8787D)
      As we walk the paths of living,
      fears and heartache crowd our way;
      hate and anger, anxious worry,
      are the feelings we obey:
      seek the pathways of the Spirit
      that give hope to souls so torn;
      love can free us as we journey,
      so within us truth is born.

      Honest choices bring sweet justice
      to a soul entrapped in pain;
      love and goodness feed the spirit,
      greater strength and trust we gain:
      breaking patterns that enslave us,
      free the heart for wisdom’s grace,
      human souls find blessed freedom
      through the courage we embrace.
           
These two verses name the chaos of pain and joy and the freedom that comes from facing that chaos courageously.

In the chaos of our living,
hurt and anguish find their place,
chasing joy and bright tomorrows,
into empty, silent space.
Met with weakness, chaos deepens,
threatens life’s most gracious peace.
Empty longing, restless aching,
deepest doubt will never cease.

Chaos chains our lives in turmoil,
darkness reigns as days unfold.
Met with strength and faithful courage
chaos breaks its gloomy hold.
Courage frees the heart for living,
opens life to joy once more.
When we move beyond the chaos
hope and faith our joy restore.
                             
Hymn for Adult baptism
In this sacred space    (Tune: Abbot’s Leigh or 8787D)
      In this sacred space of worship
      standing here before us now,
      men and women seeking knowledge;
      learning, growing is their vow.
      May their faith be rich in wisdom,
      justice love with them abide;
      as they seek to find new meaning,
      truth and hope will be their guide.

      We the church embrace these people,
      care and , love we give;
      with these gifts we bless their journey,
      help them find the strength to live
      faithful lives and true in service,
      loving deeds to light the way,
      through this sacred act of blessing,
      joy and gladness touch our day.
                                   

Hymn for Child Baptism/Adult Confirmation
  Child of Wonder      (Tune: Stuttgart 8787 or Omni Dei)
      Child of wonder, child so precious,
      parents bring you to this place
      to receive love’s richest blessing,
      filling you with holy grace.

      Adults bring themselves before us,
      on this joy-filled special day;
      confirmation names their journey
      as they seek to live love’s way.

      See our act of arms wide open,
      reaching out, extending care;
      may these children and these adults,
      feel the love we freely share.

This hymn can be used to celebrate the beginning or the closing of a  church year.
           
Today We Celebrate               (Tune: St. Peter 8686)
      Today we come to celebrate
      the start of a new year.
      With joyful hearts we dedicate           
      the faith we hold so dear.

      With each new year our children grow,
      they blossom in our sight.
      They live with zeal and help to show
      love’s joy and deep delight.

      With understanding and in trust
      we’ve build a sacred space.
      Through learning, teaching, sharing too
     our children we embrace.

      In gratitude we name our thanks
      for smiles and fun and play.
      We pray for young hearts in our midst,
      for love to guide their way.

      With trusting hearts and eager minds
      we welcome this new day,
      to celebrate community
      and love that guides our way.
                                                                                               
Alternative words for “The church is wherever.”   
All verses can be sung or just a few or split up 
throughout a service.

The church is wherever          (Tune: Old Cornish Carol)
1.   The church is wherever a spirit-filled people
      offer ourselves through the love we impart.
      The church is a people who walk with each other,
      revealing love’s presence alive in our heart.

2.   The church is wherever the faithful know Jesus,
living his love, which is daring and free.
The church is wherever the faithful are open,
unveiling our hearts so with wisdom we see.

3.   The church is wherever the vision of Jesus
      stirs our compassion, infuses our care.
      The church is a people communing together,
      expressing our faith through the life that we share.

4.   The church is a people embracing a mission,
      living for justice, addressing deep need.
      The church is the faithful who struggle together
      to show love’s compassion in work and in deed.
                                                           
5.   The church is a people who welcome each other,
      elders and babies and youth we include.
      The lonely, the lost and the hungry blend with us,
      we cherish each spirit, not one we exclude.

6.   The church is a people communing together,
seeking true wisdom and eager to live.
With service and vision, through learning and laughter,
we touch every heart with these gifts that we give.


The following words were written to follow a sermon about how we express the Christ spirit within.  The sermon spoke of how the Christ Spirit is alive in a loving, caring community.  Two verses can be replaced with two communion verses in a service in which communion will be shared. 

Christ of compassion                   (Tune: Tenderness  5 5 10D)
      Christ of compassion, Christ of all giving,
      our hearts are full with your comfort and care.
      Love’s living presence, Spirit of Sharing,
      nourish and strengthen the faith that we bear.
     
      Love for our neighbor, friend to the stranger,
      gently we open a place in our heart.
      Peace to the fearful, hope to the lonely,
      spirits renewed through the care we impart.

      Traveling companions, friends on the journey,
      sharing our kindness, our joy to increase.
      Truth gives our faith its courage and wisdom,
      shaping our world with the love we release.

      Love from the heart, the sweetest expression,
      tells of the Spirit alive in this place.
      Spreading that love to people around us,
      touching our living, with honor and grace.
           
      Communion verses
      Grain of the land, and fruit of the planet,
      gifts of Creation, we share in this place.
      Feeding our courage, banish our failure,
      bringing new life for the whole human race.

      We who would hunger, thirsting for justice,
      through faithful action our love is made real.
      Bread of abundance, cup of renewal,
      our lives seek meaning through this sacred meal.



Move in the world                 (Tune: Sine Nomine)
     Move in the world, with kindness as your creed;
open your eyes to see its deepest need;
let peace and justice be the truths we heed,
Alleluia, alleluia.

Move in the world, embracing its despair;
the poor and hungry seek our love and care;
with outstretched hands the gift of hope we share,
Alleluia, alleluia.

Live in the world, strive for a better day,
let truth and fairness birth a kinder way,
where people, all, the love command obey,
Alleluia, alleluia.
                                         
Stewardship Hymn/Offertory Hymns
God of open, honest giving             (Tune: 8787)
God of open, honest giving,
stir our hearts that we may share
riches from our daily living,
free the world from its despair.

God who dreams a world of beauty,
shares our human struggling plight;
may our wisdom, truth and justice
save us from all narrow sight.

When we act as faithful stewards,
letting wealth and mercy flow,
all that rises from such goodness
shapes a world where love can grow.
                                                                                                                                                      
In Christ, we gladly share our gifts     (Tune: 8686)
In Christ we gladly share our gifts
with those who come our way;
our mission is to show our love
to those we meet each day.

For some we’re called to feed and clothe,
for others, teach and heal;
for some we listen to their pain,
their hope, their joy, their zeal.

This is the season of the heart,
the time to care is here;
the future will demand new ways
to serve this world so dear.
                             
Loving Spirit     (Tune: 8787D)
Loving Spirit, through our worship,
fill us with your pow’r and grace.
When our hearts are filled with goodness,
then with trust we leave this place
full of courage, joy and wisdom
for the living of your word;
take our lives and use their moments,
living well the truth we’ve heard.

May we dare to plant new meaning
into seeking, searching hearts.
We can pave a path to freedom,
when in faith we do our part
to rebirth a world of justice,
      full of passion, grace and peace;
      we can change a world of darkness,
when our fear and anger cease.

We give life to deep new vision,
when we see through Jesus’ eyes.
Changing habits, altered living,
open minds will make us wise.
Acts of wisdom quell injustice,
stifle greed’s most bitter face;
Wisdom’s gentle, honest passion
leaves a world blessed by God’s grace.

(An alternative verse to encourage people to ask questions and
to open their minds to the possibility of reframing Christianity.)

May we dare to plant new meaning
into seeking, searching hearts.
When we honor thoughtful questions,
truth and freedom we impart.
Grant us courage, grant us wisdom,
grant us strength to find a way
to reframe the church’s story,
birth new life each blessed day.

Honoring Life     (Tune:Omni Die or 8787)
God of courage, God of wisdom,
through your grace we long to see
how to love each other fully,
honor our divinity.

Unkind speaking, hurtful actions,
break the soul and rend the heart;
ending human thoughtless discourse,
fear and cruelty depart.

Life is sacred, life is precious,
life of each, a gift of grace;
God’s own beauty finds expression
      in each cherished human face.

      When we see all life has value,
      healing stirs the heart awake.
      Cherishing all human living,
      bitter chains of hate we break.
     
      When we claim the power within us
      to uphold all human life,
      we give birth to love’s own kingdom,
      peace and justice ease our strife.
                               
Hope Begins a Journey     (Tune: Stuttgart or 8787)
      Hope begins the healing journey
      From the grip of grief and fear;
      May we walk this path of wisdom
      with love’s presence ever near.

      Pain and loss can shape our living,
      Sadness moves our souls to mourn;
      How we ache to end the darkness,
      Find the path that will transform.

      Hope awakes us from our slumber,
      Lights the way for us to see;
      Spirit’s breath and loving presence
      stirs the heart and sets it free.

      Hope will guide our journey forward,
      grace and peace will bless our way;
      Hearts will rise from dread to wonder,
      Freed again to laugh and play. 


The following two hymns are similar; one celebrates love and the other joy.

Love’s Creation          (Tune: 8787)
Praise the birth of Love’s creation,
love with passion guides our way:
love that lifts the human spirit,
bringing hope with each new day.
Celebrate the gift of loving,
may it always with us stay.

Praise with gladness Love’s creation,
human love we long to share:
love that stirs concern within us,
so each other’s pain we bear.
Celebrate the gift of loving,
that infuses human care.

Praise with gladness Love’s creation,
love for freedom, hope and worth:
love that conquers pain and sorrow,
love that gives the soul new birth.
Celebrate the joy of loving,
changing tears to wondrous mirth.

Praise with gladness Love’s creation,
love that lifts the heart to sing:
love that frees the soul from bondage
soaring, as a bird on wing.
Celebrate the gift of loving,
joy and peace such love may bring.
             
Joy’s creation            (Tune: Lauda Anima or 878787)     
      Praise the birth of Joy’s creation,
      joy of wisdom, love and peace:
      joy that lifts the human spirit,
      joy so true it shall not cease.
      Celebrate the joy of living,
      giving hearts a glad release.

      Praise with gladness Joy’s creation,
      joy of strength to guide our way:
      joy that heals a grieving sadness,
      leads the heart to dance and play.
      Celebrate the joy of healing,
      bringing hope to each new day.

      Praise with gladness Joy’s creation,
      joy of laughter, hope and worth:
      joy that conquers pain and sorrow,
      joy that gives the soul new birth.
      Celebrate the joy of goodness,
      changing tears to wondrous mirth.

      Praise with gladness Joy’s creation,
      joy to face despair and need:
      joy that blesses hearts in action,
      joy infusing all our deeds.
      Celebrate the joy of kindness,
      make it our most noble creed.
           
This hymn was written following a Jesus Seminar on the road held at Robertson-Wesley United church.  The focus of one of the speakers was on the ancient  stories of the Hebrew Testament. The speaker delivered the sermon on Sunday and this hymn seem to fit for the occasion.

Stories of Faith        (Tune: Lancashire)
From scripture we have wandered,
compelled to drift away
from ancient, far-off stories,
lost to our modern day.
Their words and style confound us,
their messages unreal;
to modern minds that reason
such stories lack appeal.

In Ruth we hear a story
of freedom from despair:
a love and deep compassion,
a woman’s faithful care.
The wisdom of her action,
her courage, hope and zeal,
upheld the strength of friendship,
helped women’s hearts to heal.

This poignant, loving story
of Jewish scripture fame
reveals a potent message
for modern faith to claim.
These stories test our courage
through truths that still survive;
though distant, yet persuasive,
they bring our faith alive.

A hymn to honor a woman’s encounter with Jesus at a well.

Hope and Peace Found at the Well            (Tune: Promise)
      To the well the woman journeyed,
      in the fullness of the day.
      Parched and thirsty, seeking water,
      so to soothe the sun’s hot ray.
      In her life the deepest longings
      in her heart did sorrow swell.
      Jesus spoke, the spirit blessed her,
      hope and peace found at the well.

      Living Water, quench the dryness
      of our lives so full of pain.
      Move within our empty spaces
      so with you our hearts remain.
      Give us wisdom, strength and courage,
      for the healing that we need.
      As we face our many struggles,
      let not fear our quest impede.

      Living Spirit, in our worship
      may your goodness fill the space
      in our hearts where we are longing
      to enfold your holy grace.
      We can change our lives of searching
      when in courage we can dwell,
      in our soul’s most deepest centre
      hope and peace found at the well.


This hymn was written in response to a sermon that focused on the destructive power of the modern myths of conventional wisdom that inhibit humans from claiming their goodness and wonder and how these myths promote inequality, poverty, self-loathing and mistrust.

Healing Love     (Tune: Lancashire)
In all the world around us
we see strange imag’ry,
where beauty, wealth, and power
prescribe who we should be.
Though we regard perfection
the true and living Way,
through Jesus’ truth and justice
such sin can hold no sway.

When searching for acceptance,
some find their hearts distressed
with poverty and hunger,
they feel their lives oppressed.
Love touches their deep sadness
with faith and truth and light;
they gain a clearer vision,
and free their inward sight.

The lost, the ill, the hurting
find living hard to bear;
their pain and hopeless struggle
are what they seek to share.
Our love can bring them healing,
relief from toil and strife;
their journey we must honor
that they might cherish life.

With joy we sing our praises
for life’s most precious gift;
each person’s human spirit
we value and uplift.
With hope and grace and courage
together we must face
the goodness and the splendor
within the human race.
           
   
A hymn reclaiming the historical Jesus

Jesus, Mysterious One       (Tune: Wroslyn Road)
Jesus, mysterious one,
who through time was named Son of God above,
to the realm below did you send your love.
Jesus, the one true God.

Jesus, the silent one,
scripture story tells of your godly fame,
images divine you would never claim.
Jesus, the undefiled.

Jesus, the hidden one,
should the truth be told of your earthly place,
challenge faith of old with your human face.
Jesus, reveal your truth.

Jesus, courageous man,
speaking daring words to the righteous proud,
how you suffered wrong by an angered crowd.
Jesus, the martyred one.

Jesus, reveal yourself,
flee the mythic shroud of a passing age,
see you rise again as a human sage.
We set your Spirit free. 
                   ©Rev. Peggy McDonagh, 2003 All rights reserved


A hymn written in response to the lectionary reading during Lent of Jesus turning the tables in the temple.

The carpenter, in anger      (Tune: Lancashire)
      The carpenter, in anger,
      raged through the Temple gate,
      drove out the money changers,
      their greed had set their fate.
      The temple is for worship,
      not selling merchant wares,
      my Father’s house stands firmly
      a sacred place of prayer.

      The angered One sought justice,
      when others failed to see
      the lost and lonely peasants
      who longed to be set free.
      The temple place was holy,
      but in their urgent fear,
      they challenged God’s kind mercy,
      and sold their souls with tears.

      Our passion leads to freedom
      when we respond and live
      the loving acts of Jesus,
      to challenge and forgive.
      Though systems of oppression
      may keep God’s people down,
      our anger, love and justice
      set them on sacred ground.

      These Lenten days remind us,
      God’s grace is never lost.
      With passion and with purpose
      we love despite the cost.
      We move beyond the boundaries
      that hinder us each day;
      we honor peace and justice,
embrace love’s living way.
           

HYMN           The Goodness of this Friday       (Tune: St. Christopher)
      The goodness of this Friday, is tempered with
            deep pain,
      an evil plan, an act of hate, a vibrant life was slain.
      A human heart that shared a dream, a vision for
            his time;
      to see the world a loving place was Jesus’ only crime.
     
      Upon the cross of sorrow, an honest life did end,
      so deep an anguish filled the hearts, who lost a
      cherished friend.
      The pain and grief, the desperate hope, the yearning
            yet to grow,
      to live their lives as Jesus had, where love and faith
            did flow.

      We see its silent shadow, the cross upon our lives,
      It rends the heart with sad regret, but brings the truth
            alive:
      From deep within this darken deed, an act we can
            embrace,
      to stand with those who suffer most, and share
            God’s healing grace.   

This hymn was written in response to a sermon that focused on destructive vs. justice-love (term used by Carter Heyward) power.

Justice-love                                                                                                (Tune: 8787)
God of Courage, God of Wisdom,
clear our eyes, unstop our ears.
Justice-love, God’s truthful power,
feeds our hope, dismantles fears.

Hurtful power, hate-filled living,
break the soul and rend the heart.
Move us God from harmful action,
fear and tyranny depart.

Life is sacred, life is precious,
life of each, a gift of grace.
God’s own goodness finds expression
in each cherished human face.

Words of healing, sacred caring,
bless the wearied soul awake.
Cherishing our human living,
bitter chains of sin we break.

Justice-love, the power within us,
hallows God-blessed human life.
Justice-love and honest action
bring an end to human strife.

A hymn for Advent.

Advent’s Hope             (Tune: Stuttgart)
      Advent hope begins the journey
      into this new Christian year;
      may we enter this new season
      with love’s presence ever near.

      Advent is a time of waiting,
      waiting for our hearts to see
      peace and justice, human loving
      touch the world and set it free.

      Fear and anguish shape our waiting,
      dread can cause our souls to mourn;
      Advent hope frees hearts from darkness,
      human lives hope will transform.

      God of Promise, bless this Advent,
      bringing peace and joy our way;
      fill our lives with hopeful waiting
      for a new and better day.

      Communion Hymn during the Christmas Season
 
Advent communion hymn         (Tune: Regent Square)
      All who come with hearts confessing,
      now approach this meal of grace.
      Let us, with love’s richest blessing,
      Christmas hope and joy embrace.
      Come with praises, come with praises,
      celebrate the power of love.

      To this table bring your vision
      for a world of peace and love.
      Where all people share their wisdom
      truth and justice shall increase.
      Come with praises, come with praises
      Celebrate the hope of love.

      May the bread and wine unite us 
      in our quest for peace on earth.
      May our hearts be moved within us
      to embrace our own new birth.
      Come with praises, come with praises,
      Celebrate the way of peace.


As is true for the all hymns, the following hymns were written because it was difficult to find hymns that fit with the sermon.

In the turmoil of our living            (Tune: Nettleton)
      In the raging storms of living,
      hurt and anguish find their place.
      Chasing joy and bright tomorrows
      into empty, silent space.
      Met with weakness, sadness deepens,
      threatens life’s most gracious calm;
      endless freting, restless pacing,
      deepest pain will never cease.

      Storms of Life can chain our spirits
      darkness reigns as days unfold.
      Met with strength and noble courage,
      hardship breaks its gloomy hold.
      Faith awakes the heart for living,
      opens life to love once more;
      when the raging storm is silenced,
      hope and peace our joy restore.

      Gracious Spirit, in these moments
      may our lives be blessed with grace.
      We give thanks for treasured blessings,
      love and joy, our hearts embrace.
      Days of gladness brighten spirits,
      tender smiles that set us free;
      when we’re happy, filled with pleasure,
      all good things in life we see.
                                                                                                           
Same hymn but some changed wording

In the turmoil of our living         (Tune: 8787D)           
      In the turmoil of our living,
      hurt and anguish find their place.
      Chasing joy and bright tomorrows
      into empty, silent space.
      Met with weakness, sadness deepens,
      threatens life’s most gracious peace;
      endless worry, restless pacing,
      deepest pain will never cease.

      Suffering chains our lives in anguish,
      darkness reigns as loss unfolds.
      Met with strength and noble courage
      hardship breaks its gloomy hold.
      Love awakes the heart for living,
      opens life to hope once more;
      when we cease our anxious brewing,
      grace and peace our bliss restore.

      Loving Spirit, Sacred Presence,
      blessing us with endless grace.
      We give thanks for healing moments,
      trust and hope, our hearts embrace.
      Days of gladness brighten spirits,
      tender smiles that wake our hearts,
      freed from grieving, filled with pleasure,
      all good things in life we see.              
                       

Embrace this life        (Tune: Sine Nomine 101010 with hallelujahs)
      Embrace this life and all its wondrous days,
      let go of fear that in our heart betrays
      the joy of life, the beauty and the praise.
      Hallelujah, hallelujah.

      When truth becomes the gospel that we spread,
      it lifts the shadows of our deepest dread;
      with honest words our hearts are richly fed.
      Hallelujah, hallelujah.

      The strength of truth creates a warming light
      of peace and freedom, born when things are right;
      an honest heart expands our inward sight.
      Hallelujah, hallelujah.

      Give thanks for love that opens ways to care,
      to ease the struggles and the pain we bear;
      the way of truth improves the lives we share.
      Hallelujah, hallelujah.    
       

Embrace this life                                             
Embrace this life and all its wondrous days,
            let go of fear that in our heart betrays
            the joy of life, the blessings and the praise.
            Hallelujah, hallelujah.

            When thanks becomes the gospel that we spread,
            it lifts the shadows of our deepest dread;
            with grateful hearts our lives are richly fed.
            Hallelujah, hallelujah.

            A grateful heart creates a warming light
            of hope and freedom, born when life feels bright;
            a thankful faith expands our inward sight.
            Hallelujah, hallelujah.

            Embrace God’s love that opens ways to care,
            to ease the struggles and the pain we bear;
            the way of truth improves the lives we share.
            Hallelujah, hallelujah.    
                                     
To love each other fully                                                               
                                  (Tune: Omni Die [Dic Maria] or an alternative 8787D)
      God of Courage, God of Wisdom,
      with our eyes we long to see
      how to love each other fully,
      honor our humanity.

      Justice was the power of Jesus,
      feeding hope to those in pain; 
      loving actions, caring touches,
      free the lives of those in shame.

      As we live our lives with value,
      healing stirs our soul awake. 
      Cherishing our human living,
      bitter chains of sin we break.

      Life is sacred, life is precious,
      life of each, a gift of grace. 
      God’s own goodness finds expression
      in each cherished human face.
     
Gentle Spirit, calming presence          (Tune: 8787D)
Gentle Spirit, Calming Presence,
help our searching eyes to see
ways of living that compel us
to be bold and strong and free.

Pain and hardship mar the good life,
weigh us down in fear and grief;
with persistent hearts and actions,
strength and courage bring relief.

Gentle Spirit, Calming Presence,
touch our hearts with truth and grace;
days of darkness, endless worry,
loss and hurt we learn to face.

In our asking, in our seeking,
in our quest for inner peace,
may the door of wisdom open
and our trust in self increase.

Gentle Spirit, Calming Presence
            Gentle Spirit, calming Presence
             help our searching eyes to see
            ways of living that compel us
            to be bold and strong and free.
            Pain and hardship, stress and sadness,
            weigh us down with endless grief;
            Perseverance, faith and courage,
            Guide the heart and bring relief.

            Gentle Spirit, Calming Presence,
            touch our hearts with truth and grace;
            Days of darkness, endless worry,
            loss and hurt we learn to face.
            In our asking, in our seeking,
            in our quest for inner peace,
            may the door of wisdom open
            and our inner strength increase.

Give Praise for Summer                (Tune: Mount or 6686)
Give praise for summer days, the blue bright summer ways,
that bring us healing, hope and joy, give praise for summer days.

Give praise for summer sun, its golden shining fun,
that sends warm light into the heart, give praise for summer sun.

Give praise for summer rain, the softly falling rain,
that brings new growth to all the land, give praise for summer rain.

Give praise for summer rest, a quiet place to nest,
that gives us comfort, strength, and peace, give praise for summer rest.

Give praise for summer mirth, the joy it brings to birth,
that draws deep laughter from the heart, give praise for summer mirth.       

May summer bless your soul, your searching, thirsty soul,
and bring it healing, hope and joy, may summer bless your soul.



Same tune as above with words slightly changed to represent spring

Give praise for springtime days, the blue bright shining ways,



that bring us healing, hope and joy, give praise for springtime days.







Give praise for spring’s bright sun, its golden shining fun,



that lifts the heart with warming light, give praise for spring’s bright sun.



                                            



Give praise for fresh spring rain, the softly falling rain,



that stirs new growth within the land, give praise for fresh spring rain.







Give praise for springtime mirth, the joy it brings to birth,



that stirs deep healing in the heart, give praise for joyful mirth.   







May springtime green your soul, your trusting, thirsty soul,



and bring it healing, hope and joy, may springtime bless your soul.


Joy is Now in Every Place           (Tune:  Resonet in Laudibus)
Joy is now in every place, Advent lightens every face;
Now be with us, in your grace, O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.

May God’s joy that shines so bright, guide our way toward the light
of that special ancient night, O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.

Through this season let us stay, joyful as we make our way,
to the Christ child Christmas day, O hear us, bless us, holy Jesus.
                                            alternative words by Rev. Peggy McDonagh

Give to Us Play           (Tune: Oldham)
1.   Bless us with play, O Creator of life,
      Fool hearty fun can ease struggle and strife.
      Laughter and cheer dispel darkness and gloom,
      Opens the heart for your wisdom to bloom.
     
2.   Let us be playful, as signs of God’s grace;
      Pleasure and glee can calm life’s rapid pace.
      Wading, and skipping, and flying a kite,
      playing and laughing bring inner delight.

3.   In times of illness, in sadness, in grief,
      moments of play bring a gentle relief.
      Find time to play, seek its freedom and peace,
      playing and pleasure our joy to increase.
                                                              

 Give to Us Play      (Tune: Oldham)
1.   Bless us with play, O Creator of life,
      Fool hearty fun can ease struggle and strife.
      Laughter and cheer dispel darkness and gloom,
      Opens the heart for your wisdom to bloom.
     
2.   Let us be playful, as signs of God’s grace;
      Leisure and joy can calm life’s rapid pace.
      Wading, and skipping, and flying a kite,
      playing and laughing bring inner delight.

3.   In times of sorrow, in sadness, in grief,
      moments of play can bring gentle relief.
      Find time to play, seek its comfort and peace,
      playing and pleasure our joy to increase.

Spiritual Blessings           (Tune: Oldham)
1.   Spiritual blessings bring meaning to life,
      Blessings of hope can ease struggle and strife.
      Blessings in darkness and moments of gloom,
      opens the heart for God’s wisdom to bloom.
     
2.  Blessings in life show us signs of God’s grace;
      Blessings of peace calms our life’s rapid pace.
      Blessings in life bring us warmth and delight,
      Chasing away all our sadness and fright.

3.   In times of sorrow, as tears name our grief,
      Blessings of God can bring gentle relief,
      Deep in each heart lives rich blessings of peace
      Seeking that peace helps our joy to increase.

Hymn for the first Sunday in Advent)
 
  Hope Begins the Journey                                                                   (Tune: Stuttgart)       
      Hope begins the healing journey
      From the grip of grief and fear;
      May we walk this path of wisdom
      with love’s presence ever near.

      Pain and loss can shape our living,
      Sadness moves our souls to mourn;
      How we ache to end the darkness,
      Find the path that will transform.

      Hope awakes us from our slumber,
      Lights the way for us to see;
      Spirit’s breath and loving presence
      stirs the heart and sets it free.

      Hope will guide our journey forward,
      grace and peace will bless our way;
      Hearts will rise from dread to wonder,
      Freed again to laugh and play. 

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