Gathered here in celebration by Alan Race

This hymns may be freely used. Alan Race should always be acknowledged as author. No authority is given for reproducing this works for general publication without the explicit permission of the author.

St Micholas of Myrs [Source]

1.

Gathered here in celebration, shaped as one community,

friends greet strangers as they offer praise to God who sets us free.

Grateful for the mem'ries we treasure,

sharing stories of joy and strife:

dwell among us, God of journeys;

open gateways into life.

2.

As we search with expectation, faith meets truth in myriad ways.

Love of loving for its own sake is sufficient all our days.

Heal our hurts, transform the systems

that control or foster hate:

kindle flames of wise desiring;

help us share, not dominate.

3.

From the future, hope is calling for a world that yields surprise.

Letting go is our vocation, looking back is compromise.

Waiting, reaching for the freshness

of a pride we can embrace:

God of every new beginning,

keep us open to your grace.

Words by Alan Race. Tune: Abbot's Leigh or Blaenwern