Focusing on God instead of Ferguson, Missouri

With gratitude
we raise our hands toward Heaven
in praise and worship of the God we serve.
We have been blessed
with mercies beyond number.
God’s faithfulness exceeds what we deserve.
With hands held high,
we reach to One who loves us
much like a child who longs to be embraced.

With gratitude
we raise our hands toward Heaven
convinced our world is governed by God’s plan.
When violence
disrupts the peace we pray for,
when prejudice and fear divide our land,
with hands held high
submitting to God’s purpose,
we gratefully declare that God is love.

With gratitude
we raise our hands toward Heaven
acknowledging the One who’s in control.
We humbly bow
before our Lord and Maker
relinquishing our bodies, minds and souls.
With hands held high, we gratefully surrender
to One who works all things for God’s own good.

tune: FINLANDIA

A new Easter hymn; The Gospel According to Dandelions

We are Resurrection People
A new Easter hymn

We are resurrection people
made alive through Easter faith
for the risen Christ has freed us
from the power of the grave.
Eden’s curse has been rescinded.
Death’s defeated once for all.
Since the serpent’s sting is thwarted,
we’ve no fear to see him crawl.

We are resurrection people
made alive through Easter hope.
Though we grieve when loved ones leave us,
Jesus’ victory helps us cope.
When we’re sidelined by some sadness,
or beset when dreams have died,
we don’t need to be despairing,
for Christ’s grave stands open wide.

We are resurrection people
made alive through Easter love.
Christ has given us his Spirit
mindful of the tests we have.
He who gave the great commandment,
gives the means for us to live
with compassion, kind and caring,
quick to help and to forgive.

We are resurrection people
marked by faith and hope and love.
Christ is risen! Christ is reigning
from his throne in Heav’n above.
We need never be discouraged
knowing he is on our side
as we celebrate his vict’ry
through this blessed Eastertide.

(The above can be sung to the tune for “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”)

The Gospel According to a Dandelion
Easter lessons from a hated weed.

Dandelions grow like weeds.
They multiply then go to seed.
But though they die and fly away,
it’s clear they live again.

While Easter lilies claim top perch
when palms give way to blooms at church,
it seems that dandelions should
be front and center, too.

For after all, as St. Paul said,
we grieve for ones who are now dead.
But not as those who have no hope
since death has lost its sting.

A call to reach the urban jungle

In a bustling city that we know as Old Jerusalem,
Jesus walked the streets in search of those imprisoned by their sin.
To the helpless and the homeless He reached out and gave a hand
as He lent His ears to listen and His heart to understand.

In the cities of our nation crime and commerce take their toll
as the din of daily traffic drowns the cry of human souls.
Who will hear them? Who will answer? Who will reach as Jesus did
to the corporate king who’s lonely or the dealer’s wife and kid?

To the city God has called us (near both wealth and poverty)
where a concrete garden blooms with colorful diversity.
Midst the steel and glass of buildings where imaginations soar
we’ve been placed to heal the hurting as the Savior did before.

What began within a garden at the dawn of human time
will conclude within a city where the Lord will reign sublime.
All the saints of all the ages will surround the heav’nly throne
as we worship with the angels in our vast eternal home.

(tune: Ode to Joy)

A baccalaureate hymn

Reach for the stars, but stoop to help your neighbor
who’s lost his footing on life’s rocky road.
Success is measured by much more than dollars.
Your worth derives from lifting someone’s load.
The bottom line (when all is said and finished)
is what you’ve given, not how much you’re owed.

Set lofty goals, but seek the Lord to reach them.
It’s His desire to help you to succeed.
He’ll make a way when dreams are dashed or doubtful.
He can restore the hope you dearly need.
God knows your name and can be fully trusted
if you let go and let Him take the lead.

Glance back with pride at what you have accomplished.
Gaze forward at new opportunities.
Look deep within and focus on your motives.
Don’t overlook but own the things you see.
Do not be blind to flaws that blur your vision.
Just visualize who God wants you to be.

Reach for the stars but serve the One who made them.
His grand design is purposeful and good.
Your God will clarify what seems uncertain
while guiding you to do the things you should.
Take confidence in knowing what He’s promised
will be provided as He said it would.

* The above lyrics can be sung to the tune FINLANDIA