New hymn selected for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday
A hymn titled “God’s Work, Our Hands” was selected as the winning entry in the ELCA’s “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday hymn contest. The selected hymn, written by Wayne Wold, references the official tagline of the ELCA and expresses how the people of this church live in service for the life of the world.
More than 120 entries were submitted to be considered as a hymn for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, the ELCA’s annual dedicated day of service, Sunday, September 8, 2019. Designed to celebrate the mission and ministries of this church, “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday provides an opportunity for congregations to gather together in service to their neighbors.
Wold is a professor and chair of the music department at Hood College in Frederick, Md., where he also serves as concert manager and college organist. Wold is also the director of music ministry at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ellicott City, Md.
The selected hymn includes music to a familiar tune as well as music to an original composition. The hymn is available as a year-round worship resource.
God’s Work, Our Hands
God's work, our hands: working together,
building a future, repairing the world,
raising up homes, planting new gardens,
feeding the hungry and shelt'ring the cold.
Bless, God, our hands as we work in your name,
sharing the good news of your Gospel.
God's work, our feet: trav'ling together,
following Jesus to places unknown,
walking as friends, marching for freedom,
running the race with God's future the goal.
Bless, God, our feet as we follow your way,
sharing the good news of your Gospel.
God's work, our voice: singing together,
praising, proclaiming to all who will hear,
praying for peace, shouting for justice,
claiming God's love for the lost and the least.
Bless, God, our voice as we speak in your name,
sharing the good news of your Gospel.
God is at work in and around us:
seedlings are sprouting and bread's on the rise!
Washed and set free, humbled and honored,
gifted by grace, we respond in God's love.
Bless, God, our lives as we answer your call,
sharing the good news of your Gospel.
Text: Wayne L. Wold
Text © 2019 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
Permission is granted to reproduce this composition for local, non-sale use in synods, congregations and other ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Other uses prohibited without securing permission or reporting usage under a valid copyright license.