A new hymn celebrating our Creator
God
suggested for May 26th
[5-20-02]
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/
