Sing a New Church

Andrew Green

This is the hymn that we sang in the Structure Committee when we completed Resolution C095, which calls for creation of a task force to re-imagine the workings of the Episcopal Church in the 21st century. We sang it again on the floor of the House of Deputies when it passed unanimously. We called C095 the "Big Kahuna," because it was our committee's big work. I was on the drafting sub-committee and I am very proud.

Sing a New Church

Set to the music of "Nettleton," the music for "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," written by Dolores Dufner, OSB.

Summoned by the God who made us,
rich in our diversity,
Gathered in the name of Jesus,
richer still in unity.

Refrain:
Let us bring the gifts that differ
and, in splendid, varied ways,
sing a new church into being,
one in faith and love and praise.

Radiant risen from the water,
robed in holiness and light,
male and female in God's image,
male and female in God's delight. 

Refrain 

Trust the goodness of creation;
trust the Spirit strong within.
Dare to dream the vision promised,
sprung from seed of what has been. 

Refrain 

Bring the hopes of every nation;
bring the art of every race.
Weave a song of peace and justice;
let it sound through time and space. 

Refrain 

Draw together at one table,
all the human family;
shape a circle ever wider
and a people ever free.