Together We Grow

These are the words to the opening hymn we are singing during the "In Christ, Together We Grow" appeal.  The words "Deus ibi est" are Latin and mean "God is present."  This weekend, our second weekend into our special worship series for the appeal, is "Music Weekend."  We celebrate with Faithlift, our Senior Choir and the Pre-K Sunday School choir.

Let's take a Lectio Divina approach to this blog entry.  Read each verse, one by one, slowly and out loud.  Read it over and over again.  Even sing it if you remember the tune.  Now, what words or images speak to you?  Why?  Feel free (in fact, we encourage you!) to discuss your thoughts in the comments section below.

"Together We Grow"

by Paul Sannerud & Dr. Gary Walth

Rooted in your sustaining Word,

Nourished by disciples true,

Our faith grows in your sunshine fair,

Our fellowship in you.

By your water, wine and wheat

We are sacrament’ly fed

With always enough for us to share,

Your eternal abundant bread.

Refrain:

Together we grow in fellowship,

Together we grow in love,

Together we grow in God’s redeeming grace,

In Christ together we grow.

Thankful hearts are humbled now

By the many saints around

We welcome, worship, work as one

To make your name renowned.

By welcoming the stranger we see

The image of your face.

By opening wide our welcome doors

We’re your earthly hands of grace.  (Refrain)

Built on visions, dreams, and hopes

For what-e’er our future’s charge,

Unite us in our love for you,

Our humble gifts enlarge.

We pray that we will always serve all

Others as you did best,

Those touched by our church will all proclaim

Surely “Deus ibi est.”  (Refrain)

Let us pray:  Lord, keep us rooted in your Word.  Help us to grow together in fellowship, love and grace.  Let us welcome strangers in your image and make them friends.  Unite us in our visions, hopes and dreams for this church so that we may serve your people.  Amen