Beginning May 5:
The following hymns by William Flewelling are offered for your use. ©2024 William Flewelling; all rights reserved.
On John 15:9-17
Great is your love, O God, as we discern
love that commands love, love that conquers all.
Thus we adore you, thus we echo Christ,
thus in our eager hour we answer love.
Friends, as you call us, friends we answer well,
knowing you wield love, gracious to the end,
finding your heart ours, now and evermore,
learning of your joy, ours fulfilled in care.
Burdens upon us, filling all our days,
weigh on our strides, Lord, name our boldest dare.
We learn of love, Lord, learn it satisfies,
learn love is offered one another wise.
You chose us, Lord, and we respond in kind,
sharing your kindness all our longing days.
Here, in your counsel, understanding well,
here we adore and here we share your gifts.
10.10.10.10.
Suggested tune: Ellers
On Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Although we know how failure bides,
even such as must thrive,
the care of mastery attends
the mission of our Lord’s design,
the witness of God’s choice.
Among us one must rise to share,
to bear the story known.
Among those knowing all the tale
that is the story we adore,
this witness, God must show.
The answer to the failure known
becomes the choice to stand.
For in our efforts, we fulfill
the gracious story that persists,
the story of our Lord.
By God’s intent, the answer comes;
the chosen witness stands.
Upon our company is set
the purpose we have learned to raise
in our fulfilling call.
8.6.8.8.6.
Suggested tune: Grandchildren
On Romans 8:22-27
Molded with all creation, groaning, longing,
we, in travail together, heave for fulness.
Now is the time of consummation’s passion,
our redemption’s hour.
Though ours may be the first fruits of the Spirit,
the hour of our adoption, children of our God,
remains our dearest anticipation yet,
completed blessing.
The Spirit lures us ever, our lasting hope,
the eager consecration of salvation.
Yes, in our hope shall we be saved in full joy,
this reach beyond sight.
Ours is a waiting bearing patience ever,
lingering as hope entices our desire.
Our hope completes the Spirit’s promised gifts,
the Lord’s enjoyment.
11.11.11.5.
Suggested tune: Christe Fons Jugis
On John 3:1-17
Come, seeking Jesus in the night,
we find him there, our teacher.
Come, finding Jesus in the night,
we confess him come from God.
Jesus speaks beyond our knowing,
tells of Spirit, birth from above.
How can second birth arrive?
Jesus speaks of what he has seen,
matters born of heaven’s scene.
Jesus’ testimony echoes,
gives resounding witness now.
As Moses lifts the serpent high,
so Jesus must be lifted up
that faith be living in us.
For God so loved the world – God gave
the only Son, Redeemer.
For God in greatest love desired
to satisfy the living.
There is no condemnation here,
but live salvation by God’s love,
the course and agency of life.
8.7.8.7.8.8.7.
Suggested tune: Palace Green
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