Songs of Grace ‎#51b

51b. When We Were a Younger Nation

When we were a younger nation,
When new settlers filled this land—
God, you called this congregation
By your guiding, caring hand.
Those you gathered shared a language
And a life of love and praise;
Through your grace, they spread your message
In those pioneering days.

We, your church, have seen great wonders
As we’ve known Christ’s presence here.
We have welcomed in new members;
We’ve been blessed from year to year.
Through our music and our worship,
Through our teaching of your word,
Through our laughter and our friendship,
We’ve proclaimed it: “God is good!”

Yet your goodness that we cherish
Can’t be kept within this place;
So you send us out in service,
Doing justice, seeking peace.
Spirit-filled, we heal the broken,
Build new houses—new lives, too;
God, in ways both lived and spoken,
We have sought to follow you.

In an ever-changing nation,
God, you call us yet again;
You have shown this generation
How to welcome others in.
Crossings bounds of faith and culture,
May we learn and grow and share;
And may we, your church, be faithful,
Loving, serving everywhere.

Text Information

• First Line: When we were a younger nation
• Title: When We Were a Younger Nation
• Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2006)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2006
• Scripture:
  Luke 4:16-20
  ;
  Matthew 28:18-20
• Topic: Anniversary, Church
• Copyright: Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved

Tune Information

• Name: BEACH SPRING
• Harmonizer: James H. Wood (1958, alt.)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
• Key: F Major
• Source: The Sacred Harp