All Thy Gifts of Love

Last week I said I was going to write more about how my thought processes are changing concerning the whole idea of “blended” or “convergence” or “combined” worship. I really had hoped to have some quiet time to ponder these issues between then and now, but life continues to go way too fast for that to happen. It’s my own fault, I know, but it’s where my tent happens to be pitched right now. I’m trying to figure out how to move it to calmer pastures (to follow God leading me to still waters), but December looms on the horizon.

Sunday morning is Response Sunday, which means that the order of worship will (again) be a little different … hoping to allow room for some different kinds of interaction in worship. The Young Musicians Choir will lead part of the service with a wonderful piece called “All Thy Gifts of Love.” You will hear it Sunday, but I wanted you to read the text beforehand as we prepare for a season (short though it may be) of Thanksgiving. The first stanza is by the Diocese of Huron, the rest is by the composer David L. Brunner.

For food in a world where many walk in hunger,
For peace in a world where many walk in fear,
For friends in a world where many walk alone,
We give You thanks, O God.

For health in a world where many walk in sickness,
For joy in a world where many walk in grief.
For friends in a world where many walk alone,
We give You thanks, O God.

For love in a world where many walk in anger,
For light in a world where many walk in darkness,
Friends in a world where many walk alone,
We give You thanks, O God.

For these and all the many things unspoken,
For gifts unknown or as of yet unseen.
For these and all Thy gifts of love,
We give Thee thanks, O God.

That’s enough to think about for now. The peace of Christ to you.