Hymn
The Light of Christ now guides the way to go,
shines through our hearts, so all the world can know:
God loves and cares for all humanity
and yet we hide that light too easily!
This dwindling light must into action leap,
the Church must rise where it is deep asleep;
Christ calls us on to share the grace love’s given
and distribute the blessings of God’s heaven.
Not for a few did to the cross Christ go,
but for all people, God’s vast love to show;
then let us stand and shout that it is done,
all may now come and know life through the Son.
Outward we’re called, now stop the search within;
self-centredness has been the Church’s sin!
There is a world that cries in agony,
wake up, O Christians, look around and see.
Spirit renew our lives in serving all,
let every church hear God’s embracing call:
go through the world and preach the risen Son,
show those who long, what God, for all, has done!
© Gary Hopkins 2006
Metre: 10 10 10 10
Suggested tune: Woodlands
Hymn
In this family, here together
with the Godhead, One but Three,
may our friendship, warmth and loving
radiate for all to see.
Hearts that care and hold each other
in the Spirit, Father, Son.
Sisters, brothers, here united:
love embraces everyone.
Busy though in all our workings,
may we never fail to hear
cries of people needing friendship
and the wiping of a tear.
Guide us Spirit in our mission,
reaching outward, sharing grace:
hope to give the world around us,
touching lives with God’s embrace.
Though we offer rousing worship,
prayers of beauty, awesome song,
rendered useless is this offering
in ignoring those who long.
Feel God’s heartache, anguish, torment,
for the suffering, lonely, hurt,
then remember Christ’s compassion:
give to others, Jesus taught!
We the body of God’s people,
not yet finished, journeying,
need to love and serve our neighbour:
all the Church, Christ echoing.
Help us God to build your kingdom,
not our way, but from above,
looking upward, ever striving
till it’s done – one Church of love!
© Gary Hopkins 2005
Metre: 87 87 D
Suggested tune: Bethany