A new hymn celebrating our Creator God
suggested for May 26^th

Bruce Gillette has sent this hymn, written by his spouse, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.  Our thanks to both of them!

Bruce writes:

"Ancient Ways, New Hope" was the theme for the April 2002 conference of the National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen (NAPC) in Albuquerque, NM. Marjorie J. Thompson, the PCUSA minister who is the director of the Pathways Center for Christian Spirituality at the Upper Room and author of Soul Feast : An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life, was the keynote speaker. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette was asked by NAPC to write a new hymn based on the themes of Thompson's presentations on ancient wisdom and practices relating to the earth/contemplative vision; relating to time/keeping sabbath time; and relating to others/forgiveness and reconciliation. The new hymn, with references to the creation story, would be a good one for May 26th with the lectionary's texts of Genesis 1:1-2:4 and Psalm 8.

Creator God, You Made the Earth
ST. COLUMBA 8.7.8.7 ("The King of Love My Shepherd Is" PH # 171)

Creator God, you made the earth,
A gift beyond comparing.
You called it good, you gave it worth,
You placed it in our caring.

You gave your gift of Sabbath rest,
Your pattern for creation.
You give us times to heal, to bless,
To join in celebration.

You give us Christ, who reconciled
The things of earth and heaven.
In him, you call each one your child!
What wondrous love you've given!

Because we've turned away from you,
Your world still needs your healing.
Creation longs to be made new
Through Christ, your love revealing.

God, by your Spirit, may we be
Communities of caring,
That as we're healed, your world may see
The hope that we are sharing.

Biblical Texts: Gen. 1-2:3, Romans 8:18-23, Exodus 5:12-15, Luke 7:36-47, Colossians 3:12-16
Tune: Ancient Irish melody. Tune is in public domain.
Alternate Tune: DOMINUS REGIT ME 8.7.8.7 by John Baccus Dykes, 1868. (PH#174)
Text: Copyright ©© 2002 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
305 South Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 Phone: (856)-589-8444
Email: Bruce.Gillette@ecunet.org

An alternative hymn about creation and environmental stewardship is "The Earth is the Lord's" to the Welsh tune of ST.DENIO 11.11.11.11 ("Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise") and can be found on the web site of Earth Ministry: http://www.earthministry.org/hymns.htm#The Earth is the Lord's

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has written other hymns about the Trinity ("I Believe" is a paraphrase of the Apostles' Creed); the Great Commission (Sunday's gospel text); the gifts of church members with disabilities (May 26th is PCUSA's Access Sunday) and Memorial Day. Check out the web site list of her hymns at http://www.firstpresby.org/hymnlist.htm

You are welcome to share the hymn with your online friends and neighboring pastors & church musicians (please include the copyright and contact information). Please drop me a note to my personal email address if you want permission to use this
hymn.

Blessings on you and your ministry!

Grace and Peace,
Bruce

Bruce & Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Co-Pastors
First Presbyterian Church, 305 South Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071
Office Phone: (856)-589-1050 Home Phone: (856)-589-8444
Email: Bruce.Gillette@ecunet.org  Church Fax: (856)-589-1051
Church website: http://www.firstpresby.org/

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Plan now for ...

GHOST RANCH PEACE & JUSTICE WEEK
July 27 - August 2, 2009

Now's the time to make reservations to be a part of the 2009 Peace & Justice Week at Ghost Ranch, July 27-August 2. There are eight seminars to choose among, including the Witherspoon-sponsored class “New Eyes for Peace & Justice from the World Church” led by Clifton Kirkpatrick.

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