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Christ Taught Us of a Farmer

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: Christ taught us of a farmer who went out sowing seeds Lyrics: Christ taught us of a farmer who went out sowing seeds. A few had trouble growing among the rocks and weeds. But others grew till harvest in soil that was so good. O God, you sow the gospel: The seed is your own word. You sowed your word of love here so many years ago.* Your message found a welcome; your word began to grow. By grace, this church was built here by saints who followed you. The seed took root and flourished: we hear and follow, too. We thank you for each member who lives in loving ways, For those who seek to serve you without expecting praise. For hearts and songs uplifted, for work and sacrifice. The seed you planted grows here: we grow in Jesus Christ. In times of joy we praise you, in struggling times we search, And always we are learning to be your faithful church. Your Spirit gives us vision, and hearts and lives made new. Your harvest is for sharing: sent out, we work for you. *Original wording was “You sowed your word of love here one hundred years ago.” Topics: Anniversary, Church; Jesus Christ Teachings Scripture: Luke 8:4-15 Used With Tune: AURELIA

Creator God, You Made the Earth

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 8.7.8.7 Appears in 2 hymnals Lyrics: 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, This 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. Topics: Covenant/Salvation History; Creation/Earth Day/Environmnet; Sunday/Sabbath Scripture: Colossians 3:12-16 Used With Tune: DOMINUS REGIT ME

Jesus Sat and Watched the Crowd

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 7.7.7.7 Appears in 1 hymnal Lyrics: Jesus sat and watched the crowd At the temple treasury. Some that day were rich and proud, Making sure that all could see Their great generosity. Then a widow came along Who had nothing she could spare. Yet her faith in God was strong And she gave as few would dare: All she had, she chose to share. Just a penny, nothing more, Yet Christ said her gift was best. What a risk, for one so poor! What rich faith her gift expressed! Trusting, giving, she was blest. Lord, you see the way we live; All within our hearts, you know. Like that widow, may we give. Trusting you, our gifts will grow And our joy will overflow. Topics: Jesus Christ Ministry; Stewardship Scripture: Luke 21:1-4 Used With Tune: HENDON

O Lord, You Called Disciples

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: O Lord, you called disciples, proclaiming, "Come and see!" Lyrics: O Lord, you called disciples, proclaiming, “Come and see!” And so an invitation began your ministry. Then Andrew called his brother, and Peter came to you; More men and women followed, and little children, too. You met a busy woman out in the noon-day sun. You shared God’s love, you listened; you told all she had done. She called her friends and neighbors and brought them face to face With you, the living water, the bearer of God’s grace. O Christ, your invitation has reached from year to year! Through some who heard you calling, a church was founded here. As faithful people served you a century ago,* They soon invited others; your church began to grow. God, by your Holy Spirit, now send us in your name To serve the lost and outcast, the poor for whom you came. Through gifts of hope and healing, through loving ministry, May we reach out, inviting the world to “Come and see!” *Or “as faithful people served you so many years ago,” Topics: Call/Vocation; Jesus Christ Ministry Scripture: John 1:35-41 Used With Tune: LANCASHIRE

You Call Us, Lord, to Worship

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: You call us, Lord, to worship; the day is set aside Lyrics: You call us, Lord, to worship; the day is set aside. Your love is overflowing; the doors are opened wide. Yet as we see your goodness, we see what we have been. And so we humbly ask you, "Forgive us of our sin!" We are forgiven people; we know your love's embrace. The peace of Christ is with us; forgiveness fills this place. We hear your word in scripture, in sermon and in song. Again, again, you tell us: we're loved and we belong. We share our joys and sorrows and then we offer prayer For people who are hurting, for nations everywhere. We bring our tithes and offerings, returning what is yours, For what we keep may vanish, but what we give endures. We celebrate your love, Lord, with water, wine and bread. For at your font we're welcomed and at your feast we're fed. We pray the prayer you taught us; we sing your praise and then Through daily, faithful living, we worship you again. Topics: Worship Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:2 Used With Tune: LANCASHIRE

We Look to You, O Jesus

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: We look to you, O Jesus--in faith, our Pioneer-- Lyrics: We look to you, O Jesus—in faith, our Pioneer— For you have gone before us and brought your people here. You showed us all God’s kingdom, you gave us work to do; In death you went before us; for life, we turn to you. We looked to you to guide us three hundred years ago; How different was the land then, from this land that we know. With towns and country growing, your people heard your call, And so they built new churches, proclaiming you to all. Through times of strife and anguish, through times of joy and grace, Through conflicts with our culture, you’ve brought us to this place; And still your world is changing, and still we seek to be A church reformed, reforming in faithful ministry. Perfecter of the faith, Lord, we look to you each day; We work for peace and justice, we worship, learn and pray— And witnesses surround us, a host of saints above, As we continue sharing the joy of your great love. Topics: Anniversary, Church Scripture: Hebrews 12:2 Used With Tune: LANCASHIRE

We Love to Sound Your Praises

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: We love to sound yoiur praises To lift our hands above Lyrics: We love to sound your praises, To lift our hands above, To sing how grace amazes, To celebrate your love. Yet, God, your world is grieving; Is your heart breaking, too? May we cry out, believing Laments can honor you. Like Jeremiah, crying For cities that were lost, We see the children dying Who know war’s awful cost. Each day repeats the story; Sin takes its toll again. How can we sing your glory When our hearts break with them? The scope of sin is broader Than what the late news tells; Rejecting living water, We dig our broken wells. In gods of our own making We look for joy each day; O God, is your heart breaking When we all turn away? O God, you came to save us In Christ, your suffering Son. In his death you forgave us; In his life, joy is won! And when this world is suffering, When songs of grief abound, May we work for your kingdom, Till alleluias sound! Topics: Confession, Prayer of; Justice; Lament; Peacemaking Scripture: Jeremiah 2:5 Used With Tune: PASSION CHORALE

O God, Our Creator, You Work Every Day

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 11.11.11.11 Appears in 2 hymnals Lyrics: O God, our Creator, you work every day: A potter, you form us, your people, like clay. A shepherd, you guide us and seek out the lost. A parent, you love us, not counting the cost. Christ Jesus, how rough were your hard-working hands! You labored among us; our God understands! Bless workers who struggle, their families to feed; Bless those who face hardship, oppression, or greed. Lord, some live among us who need constant care, Whose work is to make us more humbly aware. They teach us the best of your lessons, by far: It’s not what we do, Lord, you love who we are! We’re baptized! Your Spirit gives new work to do, That we, through our serving, may glorify you. Each person’s vocation, each calling, has worth As you send us out to bring Christ’s love on earth. Topics: Call/Vocation; Grace of God; Nation/National Holidays Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Used With Tune: ST. DENIO

Looking Back, O God, We Wonder

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 8.7.8.7 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: Looking back, O God, we wonder of that time in history Lyrics: Looking back, O God, we wonder of that time in history When the early settlers gathered, building this community. Children did their chores and played here; men and women worked the land. Sundays, Lord, they knelt and prayed here, seeking your protecting hand. Looking to your love, we worship as your people long have done, Sharing bread and Word and friendship, singing praises to your Son. Bricks of old are such a treasure, well-worn pews proclaim our past; But your love beyond all measure is the treasure that will last. Looking out, we see our neighbors, and—in each one—Jesus’ face. God, we offer you our labors so that all will know your grace. As we witness all around us, as we welcome strangers in, As we help those lost and homeless, your church welcomes you again. Looking on to where we’re going, God, we wonder what will be; Yet we trust your Spirit, knowing you will guide our ministry. You give each new generation ways to praise you, work to do; God, be with this congregation as we keep on serving you. Topics: Anniversary, Church Scripture: Matthew 25:38-40 Used With Tune: HYMN TO JOY

God, Bless the Poet's Heart and Hand

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Meter: 8.8.8.8 Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: God bless the poet's heart and hand, creating songs of faith and praise Lyrics: God, bless the poet’s heart and hand, creating songs of faith and praise; Yet may each writer understand our words cannot contain your ways. God, bless the ones who boldly dare to let the scriptures be their guide; Yet may no one of us declare that you are always on our side. God, bless the ones who teach and learn, who seek the truth by which to live; Yet show us: Knowledge cannot earn the love that only you can give. God, bless the ones who daily lead your churches, cities, nations, too; Yet may these leaders humbly see their need to serve and follow you. In Christ we daily live and grow; your Spirit guides us by your grace. A mirrored image now we know; yet one day we’ll see face to face. Topics: Life in Christ; Worship Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:12 Used With Tune: TALLIS' CANON