Music this morning, June 7th, features vocalists Tyler Gruttemeyer and Julia Olynyk, as well as Rick Avard on Piano and Steve Gomez on Bass.
We Reclaim the Name of Jesus
This hymn is written by New York based pastor and hymnist Carolyn Gillette, whose hymns we have frequently used at Countryside (“God May Your Justice Roll Down,” “God of the Women,” and others)
We reclaim the name of Jesus; we announce the grace he brought.
We believe his love redeems us; we reclaim the things he taught.
We know each one bears God’s image; racist words and deeds are sin.
We commit to spread the message:God is love and love will win.
We reclaim the name of Jesus; we’re Christ’s body here on earth.
We resist when some would lead us to devalue women’s worth.
We see how Christ loved the stranger, tore down barriers, opened doors.
We will welcome those in danger; we will love and serve the poor.
We reclaim the name of Jesus; he brought love to all the earth.
We protest when people tell us that our country should come first.
We are in a time of crisis, so Christ’s church must call out sin.
We stand firm for we believe this: God is love and love will win.
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace first taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
’tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
It Is Enough!
This powerful text was written by Reverend R. DeAndre Johnson, a music minister from Sugarland, Texas. He wrote the text in 2016 as a response to the police killings of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota. He returned to the text after Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor’s stories came to light, and set it to music in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd. We are grateful to Reverend Johnson for allowing us to use his performance of his hymn in worship this morning, as we seek justice in our own community for James Scurlock, and mourn the loss of yet another black life at the hands of systemic racism and white supremacy.
There are no words that can contain the depth of sorrow, grief and pain
That mothers, sons, and all exclaim: Kyrie eleison!
“It is enough!”, the prophets cry, yet still black men are doomed to die
By those who wish to vilify: Kyrie eleison!
It is enough! The harm must cease, from warring madness by police
Who are sworn to protect, keep peace: Kyrie Ellison!
It is enough! We cannot wait! No more excuse for bias, hate!
Your savagery we cannot take: Christe eleison!
It is enough! We cannot breathe! Will you stand there and watch us bleed?
Are you not moved by cries and pleas? Christe eleison!
No! No more death! It is enough! No more dead sons! It is enough!
No! No more tears for lives cut short: Christe eleison!
O my soul, it aches and yearns for a day when passions burn
For others with deep love, concern: Kyrie eleison!
I’ve had enough of these charades, Of clichés and hasty crusades
Whose triteness wounds and cuts like blades: Kyrie eleison!
There are no words that can contain the depth of wounds our souls sustain
Each time a grieving heart exclaims: Kyrie eleison!
We Walk in Love – Deanna Witkowski
We walk in love, united in purpose.
We join our hands and lift up one voice.
We speak the truth with strength and compassion
resounding with hope, with courage and joy.
We cry for peace and rights for all people.
We welcome friends from far and near.
We fight for those whose voices are silenced,
resisting in faith until all are free.
We dream a world of justice and kindness.
We build a bridge creating new paths.
We march with pride as all walk together.
Embracing each one, we boldly stand.