New Song to the Lord ... Contemporary Hymns to Traditional Tunes

Advent Hymn ... "We Watch, We Wait, We Hope, We Pray"

2011-11-21T13:13:00.001-08:00

Advent is a wonderful season of the church year that can so easily lose its significance and impact. From mid October society is moving head on into celebration of the "holiday season". The notion of patiently waiting gets lost. And yet what a profound experience it can be to wait patiently to enter into the saving mystery of the incarnation, the birth of Christ.

Advent is about watching and waiting with anticipation and joy for the encounter we will have with God through the gift of Emmanuel, God with us. God's message to us is clear through a baby born in a humble stall. And yet, we've made it so complex with our desire to explain and understand every nuance of what this mystery is about.

It's really quite simple; God has made a promise and God does everything possible to fulfill that promise, including sending his Son to become incarnate as a human being to experience fully human life as we know it. All God asks of us is to prepare ourselves spiritually for the encounter which has the possibility to transform us and our very experience of life.

How often do we feel like we have to cope on our own; that we have the resources within us to make things right; that we can fix what's going on around us and the things that are happening to us. The Incarnation reminds us that we don't have to do that. God is at work in each of our lives, every moment of our lives, even and especially when we find it hard to see and recognize.

All we're called to do is watch, wait and pray because to be sure there will be a glorious day. What that will mean for sure, who knows. But in that moment, with eyes and ears open, and with hearts and souls ready to receive the gift in store for us, we will know that glorious moment and experience the profound joy that God has in store for us.

So let's do what God asks of us; simply, let's watch; let's wait; and especially, let's pray!!

I wrote this hymn expressing these themes for the Advent season of waiting and preparing. May it remind us that there's merit in being patient; what we receive will be more than we can ever ask for or imagine.

"We Watch, We Wait, We Hope, We Pray"

tune: St. Columba
Meter: 8787

We watch, we wait, we hope, we pray
there’s yet to be a glorious day;
God’s promise is from ages past
a kingdom that is sure to last.

The world has changed yet stayed the same
despite the fact that Jesus came.
God sent Him with a message clear
God’s Kingdom is forever near.

Yet we as humans fail to know
as faithful we are called to grow;
the blessings of our faith and hope
as day to day we strive to cope.

God’s love and mercy, peace and grace
are gifts we’re offered to embrace.
The birth of Christ we’ll celebrate
new life, new hope God does create.

Unfolding mystery divine
a story that is yours and mine.
we watch, we wait, we hope, we pray
there’s yet to be a glorious day!

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2011. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

Remembrance Day Hymn: "Freedom is a Gift to Treasure"

2011-11-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

Although technically Remembrance Day is a civil observance of a significant day, it definitely has spiritual and religious overtones which are important to acknowledge and enter into. Depending on the focus of a church observance of Remembrance Day, the message of scripture, both Old and New Testaments, has much to say to us as we observe this solemn and thoughtful day.

I grew up observing Remembrance Day by attending observances at school and the local cenotaph. I remember when I worked in retail at Woolco, the store became silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was important to observe a moment of silence to remember and honor those who fought in the wars of the past, and all those who were in any way affected.

Beyond remembering the past, though, I think as a faithful observance of this day we are also called to look to the future and pray for peace and justice that comes about by means other than wars. The kingdom message of scripture is about a way of living which God intends for all people and the world which he created. I think God laments and cries when he witnesses what we do to one another, and to creation too, often in the name of goodness. And to be sure, our actions may be motivated by the best of intentions; I wouldn't want to downplay that. However, I believe that when it comes to wars, whether past or present, no one comes out a winner; everyone loses something; and for me personally, in the end we as a universal people are less because of it.

Scripture calls us to seek, know and share with one another a peace which is beyond human understanding. We can't create that peace; only God ultimately can. However, in our lives, relationships, homes, churches, places where we work or go to school, with our neighbors, and even with those we may disagree with and not get along with. We can't effect world peace on our own; but we can contribute to a more peaceful environment in our every day lives and relationships with others around us.

This hymn is written with faith and hope that God's peace can and will be a reality; that we will know a freedom which is a gift and experience justice like nothing we can ever ask for or imagine; and that we can learn that lesson, I believe, without the cost and sacrifice of human life. My prayer is that we can learn from the conflicts of the past, and the present too, that the world in the end isn't a better place because of war, hatred and violence.

"Freedom is a Gift to Treasure"

Tune: Hymn to Joy
Meter: 8787D

Freedom is a gift to treasure
peace amidst the throws of war;
justice worked out beyond measure
as we’ve never known before.
God’s intention is a blessing
hope for all the world throughout,
as we deal with issues pressing
which are often cause for doubt.

Prophets lay a firm foundation;
Jesus Christ the cornerstone.
God the source of our salvation
sets for us our hopeful tone.
Will we learn of the great freedom
without cost of human life?
God’s intention is His kingdom
living future without strife.

Instruments of war and hatred
used instead to till the sod;
acting justly, loving mercy,
walking humbly with our God.
Pray respect among all people
is the truth we come to know.
Christ we follow, His disciple;
peace and justice, may they grow.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2011. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

"Come to Me When You Are Weary"

2011-11-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

"Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest!"

What a hope and promise that God offers to us and freely gives to us, rest for our weary, tired souls!

There's a difference between feeling tired and weary, even though there is a relationship between the two. I am usually tired because I haven't taken the time for the rest and sleep that my body needs. For the most, being tired is a physical reaction.

For me, there is more depth to feeling weary. Weariness involves my state of being in my heart and soul; it's often about my spirit within me. There are many things that affect our spiritual state of being. Relationships with others, especially if they are strained; a situation where we work; family dynamics; a world issue or crisis; politics in an organization we belong to; issues that affect the church; and the list could go on.

Likewise, I believe that there can be what I'll call institutional weariness. Because of the environment I work in as a priest, I see that prevalent within the church. Being confronted with financial crisis, dwindling congregations, aging parishioners, buildings that are in need of restoration and repari and fewer volunteers to take on the various roles and ministries, it's no wonder we can be drawn into a weariness that is sometimes all consuming and overwhelming.

There are many things that lead us to feel weary, both individually and collectively. Thankfully, the gospel promises us that if and when we go to Christ, no matter how weary we're feeling, or what is the cause of our weariness, we will experience rest that is renewing and restoring for our souls. That doesn't mean the burden is completely lifted. However, we don't ever have to carry the heaviness on our own; God is present with us; God is a source of inspiration, new hope and newness of life.

I personally find myself feeling weary and am grateful for the gospel message that helps me find rest and peace. This hymn takes the essence of the message from Matthew 11: 25-30, such a well known passage, especially within our traditional Anglican liturgy.

"Come to Me When You are Weary"

Tune: Hymn to Joy
Meter: 8787D

Daily life is often weary, overwhelming us with stess.
God is present in each moment; God’s desire is to bless.
Troubles all around us spiral, burdens break our spirits down
We are never our own, trust the gospel we’ve been shown.

Come to me when you are weary, come to me and find relief;
I will give you rest and freedom in whatever causes grief.
Are you tired; feeling worn out; troubled with uncertain faith;
Come to me; I’m right here with you, offering the gift of grace.

Not just on our own we’re weary but as faithful people too,
day to day we’re often challenged as we pause and take review.
But together, through the Spirit, ours a confident new life;
we can be restored with promise; we can be renewed from strife.

Walk with me, I’ll walk with you too, as we journey on the way;
nothing heavy, no great burden tempting us to go astray.
Keep on living, keep believing, faithful on the path we walk;
come to me when you feel weary, trust that I will be your rock!

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2011. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

"The Upper Room, the Door was Locked"

2011-04-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

Although that is the proclamation of our resurrection faith, it's not uncommon to have periods of doubt and skepticism from time to time throughout our lives. This is often the direct result of a something we're experiencing that causes pain, grief, despair and confusion in our lives and in the world we live in.

Sometimes we think that to doubt is a sign of weakness or failure when it comes to being faithful disciples of the risen Christ. But the truth is, it's natural and very much part of our human condition to experience such moments when things aren't clear when it comes to our faith and we do find it harder to believe. I'd even venture to say that such moments are healthy, with great opportunity for personal growth in our faith and our relationships with God.

Thomas is most well known to us as "The Doubter". What a reputation to have throughout history! And it's true, he did doubt. But so did the other disciples until they themselves saw and recognized the risen Christ in their midst. Thomas wasn't there, though. And so, naturally he found it hard to believe what the others reported to him. He too needed to see the wounds in Jesus' hands and side. I prefer to refer to him as "Honest Thomas" instead of "Doubting Thomas".

In the end, though, where did his doubt and questioning take him? I think it made him even more of a believer and in the end truly a faithful follower of the risen Christ. I'm particularly drawn to his affirmation of faith, "My Lord and my God!" He went on from that experience in the upper room to preach the gospel in many places to many people who in turn came to believe.
Although Thomas has a somewhat bad reputation, if we're honest with ourelves, we are all Thomas. However, doubting isn't all that bad when it comes to our relationships with God. I think that doubt and faith go hand in hand. Times of doubt can and often do lead to renewed and intensified faith.

There aren't many hymns about Thomas, his doubt and ours too. So, I decided to write one. It pays tribute to the faithfulness of Thomas which can serve as an example of faithfulness to us too. It is sung to the tune "O Wally Wally".

"The Upper Room, the Door was Locked"

Tune: O Waly Waly
Metre: LM

The upper room, the door was locked
disciples gathered there in shock.
The risen Christ, He did appear,
His presence real to quell their fear.

I give my peace, my peace to you;
your life of faith now to renew.
There’s always hope in midst of grief
my presence here to bring relief.

Now Thomas he was insecure
not present there he was unsure.
His hands, His side I now must see
His faith restored abundantly!

Not unlike him we need to know
so that our faith can overflow.
Unsure within what it’s about
our life to walk assured throughout.

So honestly we struggle on
to greet anew the coming dawn.
The resurrection is our hope
with faith and trust so we can cope.

We’ll walk along the road ahead
assured that Jesus is not dead.
And with new life and spirit filled
we’ll carry on as God has willed.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2011. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

"God is Present! God is with Us!"

2010-08-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

In the next week I will be coming to the end of my sabbath leave from St. Mary's. I am thankful for the opportunity to simply be and to experience the presence and Spirit of God that is all around me, but which I'm often too preoccupied to see and recognize.

God is very present all around us! God is definately with us! Do we take time out of our hectic lives and schedules to appreciate that reality?

One day I saw God in the countryside during a drive through King township which included a walk through the grounds of the McMichael Art Gallery and the Kortright Conservation Center. On another excursion I experienced God in a walk through downtown Toronto: visiting places of worship, walking through a park, witnessing the poverty and in other ways too.

I attended two conferences on Spirituality and Photography: one in North Carolina, the other in New Mexico. These afforded me the opportunity to capture some of my experience of God through the lens of my camera. These were grace filled moments, and although I couldn't capture every image and every experience, as I look through the images I have I can return to that place and space where God was so visible and recognizable.

As a family we went to New York City. What an adventure into the urban culture. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle God was revealed to me there too. Like in downtown Toronto, God is present in the midst of the urban environment.

If you're interested, some of the images I captured, and the reflections that go along with them can be found on my blog "Spirituality in Focus" at www.spiritualityinfocus.blogspot.com

Out of these experiences, and the opportunity to simply "be" rather than "do", I have written the hymn "God is Present! God is with Us!" It expresses for me what I have learned and had the priviledge of enjoying over these past months. It is also a reminder to me that I need to take what I have learned and experienced and continue in this disipline even as I return to the stresses, schedules and responsiblities of my ministry at St. Mary's.

The tune is also one of my many favorites. It's a joy filled metre that proclaims a spirit of celebration and thanksgiving.

“God is Present! God is with Us!”

Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen
Metre: LM with Alleluias

Blessings surround us day to day
awesome and beautiful display;
God is present, God is with us!
But in the hectic lives we live
we often miss what God can give;
God is present! God is with us!
Sing our praises! Shout rejoicing!
God is with us!

Nature brings forth a broad array;
trees, birds and flowers to survey;
God is present, God is with us!
And in the urban centers too
God’s Spirit sets out to renew.
God is present! God is with us!
Sing our praises! Shout rejoicing!
God is with us!

Open our eyes that we might see
God’s grace so full of mystery;
God is present! God is with us!
Grace moments in our daily stress,
the sacred truth so endless.
God is present! God is with us!
Sing our praises! Shout rejoicing!
God is with us!

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2010. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

Maundy Thursday Hymn ... "Holy banquet, Sacred Feast"

2010-03-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

The celebration of the Eucharist is a primary focus for my personal theology and spirituality. Sharing in this holy feast is a source of nourishment as I am fed and nurtured.

Sharing in communion reminds me of God's real presence with me no matter what I may be experiencing in my journey of life or faith. Receiving the gift of the bread of life and drinking of the cup of salvation is a priviledge which also carries with it a responsiblity. I am changed and transformed in my experience of God which requires that I faithfully do what I can to make a difference in transforming the world I live in and the people I meet. This vocation and ministry is one we share as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a humbling vocation. At the holy table, sharing in the holy banquet, we don't simply receive passively, we're called to actively participate.

Too often in the world we live we feel we have to understand and explain all things. The Eucharist is a mystery and therefore can't easily be explained our understood with our finite human minds. What exactly happens and how it happens is something that we trust in through the working of the Holy Spirit. The bread and wine are presented, blessed, broken and shared; in that act of celebration and thanksgiving something profound happens.

On Maundy Thursday we celebrate the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples in the upper room. As they celebrated Passover, this simple meal of bread and wine took on such significance for we who have become the church. Jesus broke bread and said, "This is my body broken for you"; He took the cup of wine and said, "This is my blood shed for you." What a gift to not only remember that sacred moment of Holy Week, but to bring it into the present. We're called like the disciples to take our place at the banquet table; what a privilege; what an honor; what a responsiblity too!

I have written the words to this hymn to reflect the profound gift I receive at the eucharistic table, and that I hope you receive too. It is set to the lenten hymn tune "Song 13".

"Holy Banquet, Sacred Feast"

Meter: 7777
Tune: Song 13

Holy banquet, sacred feast
meant for greatest and for least.
Christ presides at breaking bread
for the hungry to be fed.

Sacred mystery so divine
as he passes cup of wine.
Body broken, blood outpoured
our slavation is assured.

This my body given for you
bread of heaven to renew
and for you my blood is shed
our redemption as he bled.

May we take our honored place
invitation by God's grace
and receive beyond compare
God's great blessing to declare.

Now may we his body share
live his risen life in prayer;
bring to life a hope made new
as we drink with thanks to you.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2010. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

Christmas Hymn ... "In the Ordinary Moments"

2009-12-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas is such a special time of faith, and for the renewing of our relationship with God. And yet, I have been reminded that God also uses the ordinariness of life to reach out to us, to speak to us and to call us into further relationship with Him.

The gift of the Incarnation is a prime example of that. In many ways, Mary was an ordinary young girl living an ordinary life engaged to an ordinary man. Yet something extraordinary happened to her and through her.

And there was the ordinary politicians who were doing their ordinary work of governing their nations and peoples. They were conducting an ordinary census which took these two ordinary individuals on a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. And speaking of Bethlehem, talk about ordinary small village that was barely on the map. And yet something so extraordinary would happen when they reached their destination, something so much more than simply being counted.

The shepherds were ordinary guardians of the sheep out in an ordinary pasture doing their ordinary nightly chore of watching over their sheep. Yet something extraordinary was made known to them which they then witnessed with their own eyes. And through them God spread an extraordinary message.

The stable was an ordinary barn with ordinary animals making their ordinary noises, eating from their ordinary trough of hay and oats. Yet something extraordinary happened there as God used that space to be born into this world.

As God takes on human flesh, something very extraordinary happens. God becomes one of us and we are blessed beyond measure. God reaches into our very souls and gives us a message of hope and promise that we really do mean something to Him, that God loves us more than we could ever imagine, that God wants us to be free of all that burdens us in this ordinary life we live.

This Christmas, ask yourself what are the ordinary moments, routines, traditions and even people that are in your life; and in those ordinary moments, how, when and where do you experience the extraordinary gift of God's presence and God's hand of healing upon you and this world in which we live.

I wrote this hymn on the theme of the exraordinary gift we receive in the ordinary moments of our lives. I hope that it inspires you to recognize the power of our extraordinary God right here today in your life and in mine!

"In the Ordinary Moments"

metre: 8787
tune: Stuttgart

In the ordinary moments
of our ordinary lives;
promises of sacred presence
as Incarnate God arrives.

Humble in a stable lowly,
cradled in a cattle stall;
nothing special, yet so holy,
brings redemption meant for all.

Angels sang their sacred message
to the shepherds unaware;
they should go and pay their homage
for good news was in the air.

Not expecting such great blessing
in the ordinary ways
of our world and daily living
God inspires us to amaze.

In the ordinary moments
of our ordinary lives;
promises of sacred presence
as Incarnate God arrives.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

"Justice, Mercy and Forgiveness" ... a Hymn for the Reign of Christ

2009-10-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

The reign of Christ is about today and the present as much as an event in the past. In fact, even more so! Jesus' life, ministry and teaching and of course his death, resurrection and promised gift of the Holy Spirit are all integral to the message of hope that we know as His kingdom and His reign. But that is also about today; and it's about us today too as disciples and faithful followers.

The message of Jesus' reign is a foreign one in our contemporary society just as it was in His own day too. Mercy, justice and forgiveness are the marks of the reign of Christ that is for all time and all places; they are the foundations of the Kingdom of God. How does that fit with a society that rewards the very opposite of what Jesus himself proclaimed, and what in the end he died for? It doesn't! But that's what we profess to believe in; and that's the message we're called to preach with conviciton; proclaim with boldness; and live out with confidence. It is only through the gift of the Holy Spirit that we can ever hope to do so!

We know Jesus' crown wasn't made of glittering gold, it was a crown of thorns; and, his throne wasn't comfortable either, it was the splinters of a wooden cross. All that Jesus did in his ministry and all that he taught were foundational to this moment of sacrafice as he suffered and died. And, the hope that we trust in was made real in a resurrected Christ who appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, in the upper room and on the beach.

Christ ascended to glory with the promise that He would return. And in truth, he does return again and again. He makes himself known in the everyday, ordinariness of life. We have opportunity to recognize and experience the glories of the resurrected Christ in kingdom moments we encounter along life's road; in our times of suffering, as well as in our times of joy and celebration. All we have to do is be open to seeing, hearing and ultimately believing!

For me, no where is the glory of the reign of Christ more evident than as we gather at the holy table to share in the holy banquet. We have a standing invitation. All we have to do is accept the invitation; go to the table; and receive that grace that God has in store for us; food for the journey; nourishment for the soul!

The mystery of the reign of Christ is that it is a reign that was in the past, that is today and that is yet to come in all of its fullness. Let's enter into the mystery of this sacred and holy feast day; let's celebrate the mystery with faith, hope and promise!

I wrote the words to this hymn as a reflection of what the Reign of Christ means to me. It's sung to one of my favorite hymn tunes, Cwm Rhandda. I hope you are inpsired to reflect on what the Reign of Christ means for you.

"Justice, Mercy and Forgiveness"

metre: 878787 and repeat
tune: Cwm Rhondda

Justice, mercy and forgiveness are the mark's of Jesus' reign;
His compassion is forever, healing those who are in pain.
Promised freedom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.

With a twisted crown of thorns; from the cross his sacred throne;
Jesus was compliant unto death, as God's grace and love were shown.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.

Far beyond our comprehension; more than we could ever ask;
with the promised resurrection, He's the one up for the task.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.

Through the promised Holy Spirit; God will lead us on our way;
By a holy invitation as we take the time to pray.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.

God's prepared a sacred banquet, now we're called to take our place;
With the table spread before us; with all those of every race;
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

50th Wedding Anniversary Hymn ... "Patient Love, Such Awesome Grace"

2009-09-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

This month my parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. This is a time of joy and celebration for us as a family. I am grateful for my relationship with them that has assisted in my growth into who I am today. Being grounded in a family that cared for and about each other was and remains a gift in my life. Celebrating their anniversary is honoring and paying tribute to the relationships in their lives, mine included, that have meant and continue to mean so much.

Love is first and foremost a gift from God. God shows us over and over again what it means to truly love. Of course the most profound example of that is the sending of his Son Jesus Christ to make things right and offer us the hope and promise of grace. Paul so eloquently describes for the early church, and for us too, the love of God in that well known passage from his first letter to the Corinthians.

We're called to emulate that love in our relationships with each other. Sometimes we do that very well; other times we don't. However, it's always something we're called to strive for.

I offer this hymn about God's love and our call to love each other in celebration of my parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. My prayer for them is that they will continue to love each other, and those around them, just as God has loved them; and, that I may continue to learn from their witness as together we celebrate their 50 years of marriage.

“Patient Love, Such Awesome Grace”

Tune: Duke Street
Metre: LM

Perfect love, such awesome grace,
Love that is joyful to embrace.
Love that is patient and endures
This is the love that Christ ensures.

Through all time God’s love doesn’t end
God’s love grows stronger to transcend.
In sacred moments, on holy ground
God’s love is surely to be found.

Love faithfully in gentleness,
Show one another kindness.
God’s example is to be lived
As one another we forgive.

Faith and hope and love abide,
These are the gifts that God provides;
But to be sure love is the best
And by this love we all are blessed.

Love one another as I love you
Christ’s great commandment live anew.
In the relations of your life
As parent, child, husband and wife.

Perfect love, such awesome grace,
Love that is joyful to embrace.
Love that is patient and endures
This is the love that Christ ensures.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

Celebrating 20 Years of ordained ministry ... Hymn about ministry

2009-05-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Next week, I will celebrate 20 years since I was ordained a Deacon in the church. I find it difficult to believe it has been that long. It has been a very fruitful ministry with many blessings, as well as times of difficulty. In all of it, I have felt assured that God has called me to this vocation, and that God has blessed me to be able to do the work he has invited me into. It has been a time of many grace moments, of standing on holy ground, and of entering into very sacred conversations. It has been about relationships - between God and I, as well as between the people of God's church and me. I give thanks for the parishes in which I have served, and for the lessons of faith I continue to learn. I give thanks for colleagues in ministry I have worked with.

For me, times of anniversary are a natural time to look forward as well as to the past. I do so confident that God is very much a part of my present, and will undoubtedly be part of my future ministry as well. It is only by God's grace, and under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit that I can and will do the work placed before me.

Ministry is definately a priviledge. I thank God for entrusting me and for continuing to empower me to be the priest he has called me to be. I pray that my future in ministry may be as fruitful as my past; that God will continue to work through me, by His grace and blessed by His Spirit.

I wrote this hymn, "You Call us into Ministry" in honor of this anniversary to one of my favorite tunes, Woodlands, meter 10 10 10 10.

You call us into ministry to serve,
to work through us your kingdom to preserve.
Help us to always seek to do your will;
the gospel promises you will fulfill.

To care and love as instruments of grace;
a priviledge and blessing we embrace.
Its humbling as we stand on holy ground.
God is a presence real and so profound.

Blessed and empowered we're able to discern;
we're gifted with vocations as we learn;
from day to day, the story comes alive;
God's hope and promise surely will survive.

Help us to be your hands, your feet, your ears.
Inspire in us a trust despite our fears.
It seems a daunting ministry ahead;
yet with your help it's one we need not dread.

So may we risk just as the Spirit soars;
faithful and trusting that each call is yours!
Help us the truth with confidence to speak;
God's guiding presence is all that we seek.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

"Living and Chosen Stones" ... Hymn based on 1 Peter 2

2009-04-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

I appreciate Peter's use of the image of living and chosen stones to describe the church. As I hold on to a stone in my hand, whether it is smooth or rough, no matter where I picked it up, no matter what colour it is, that stone reminds me of the relationship between God and the church. In particular, it gives me great hope in terms of where we are headed in the mission and ministry God has invited us into.

To be living means to be alive and full of the Spirit. God gives the church life, and despite our many challenges, I feel confident and hopeful that God's church will never die. We have work to do and conversatons to be had and decisions to be made. If we intentionally stay attuned to God's desire for the church, then we will have the means to do the ministries we enter into because they will be of God. God gives us life, and to be sure I believe God will sustain us as well! That is our only hope for the future. As the doxology for the Eucharist reminds us, God can and will do far more than we can ask or imagine. There is no limit to what God will do with us and through us! Thanks and praise to God for that truth!

God has chosen the church as well. It's a priviledge to be chosen, and a gift too. We are called by God as individuals, and collectively too. Whether we are talking about the church at the local parish level, or diocesan or national or as a communion, God says to us "You are my beloved; I have and continue to call you; I have chosen you; I have something I need you to do for me and for the world!" The question remains, what is our response. I pray that we will work with the Spirit in our midst, and become more and more the followers of Christ we are called to be.

In our baptisms we said "Yes!"; each time we renew our baptismal covenants we say "Yes!" again. What does that "Yes!" really mean? And when we promise to live that covenant with God's help, are we really ready to ask for the assistance of the Spirit, and listen for the advice of the Spirit and follow the direction of the Spirit? I hope so, and I pray so. The ministry of the church depends upon it. And I believe we have a bright, optimistic, spirit filled future ahead of us.

We are "living and chosen stones"! Let's never forget that and especially let's never stop living that vocation we are called to by God.

These reflections led me to write “Living & Chosen Stones” set to the tune "Darwall" with a metre 66 66 88.

Living and chosen stones, we’re built upon the rock
Foundation solid in God’s Son, Lord Jesus Christ!
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.

Our faith is made secure through stories we have heard,
Alive and vibrant as we listen to God’s Word.
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.

We gather to discern, our mission to embrace;
Unsure ourselves where we might go we ask for grace.
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.

As living, chosen stones, there is a way ahead;
And with attentive prayerful hearts we’re Spirit led
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.

All praise and thanks to God who guides us on our way;
We are empowered by the Spirit every day!
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

"Earth Day" Hymn ... Hymn about Creation

2009-03-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

In the next month, the world will celebrate "Earth Day". In the church it is imperative that we join in this secular observance to honor the gift of creation, and to remind ourselves that we are called to be stewards of this blessing God has given to us.

God is so present in creation ... in the beautiful sunrise and sunset; in the crashing waves of the ocean; in the rugged mountains; in the simple flower blooming in the garden; in the ice on the trees; in the cardinals that fly across the backyard; in the clear blue sky; in the hazy cloudy day too. These are sacred scenes where we encounter the holiness of God's presence in this precious gift he has so generously given to us.

The environment is a "hot" topic these days, with conversations about conservation and global warming, pollution and climate control, the carbon footprint and nuclear waste. We in the church need to be part of those conversations. We need to be in the dialogue. We need to be up front in taking action. We need to be the voice of advocacy and the impetus to doing something that makes a lasting difference.

With these thoughts in mind, I set out to write a hymn that expressed a theology of creation and to remind us to be faithful stewards, collectively and individually. We are called to be faithful in caring for and looking after this great gift we have been blessed with so that there will be something to pass on to future generations to enjoy too!

“God Creator of All Beauty”
Tune: Thaxted
Metre: 13 13 13 13 13 13

God creator of all beauty, you formed the earth and sky.
You created all of nature, all of the birds that fly.
We are blessed by your creation; you surround us with your grace;
In the summer’s bright warm sunshine, and autumn’s cloudy haze.
You are here in all the colours, so full of life and bright;
You are here amidst the darkness, as the daylight fades to night.

God creator of all beauty, you formed us as your own.
And you gave us your creation, to enjoy as life goes on.
And you’ve called us to be stewards, to take care of this great earth.
So with honor and thanksgiving, what a ministry of worth.
It’s a privilege to do our part, just as you ask us all.
So responsible and caring, make us worthy of our call.

God creator of all beauty, you saw that is was good.
Now empowered with your Spirit, our calling understood.
Our desire is to be faithful, your creation now to serve.
Help us understand the danger, if we do not conserve.
This great earth is such a blessing, one easy to neglect;
May we not abuse your goodness, rather show our great respect!

God creator of all beauty, the seasons, years and days;
We do thank you for your glory, and offer you our praise.
Now entrusted to our care, for generations yet to be,
This inheritance to pass on, for the future fresh and free.
Help us on this road of preservation, as we journey on.
May the gift that we now treasure, still to our children dawn!

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

Road to Emmaus ... Contemporary hymn for Easter season

2009-03-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

I think that of all the resurrection appearances of Jesus, my favorite is the story of the encounter on the road to Emmaus. These two followers, in their grief and sadness, are returning home. Their lives have changed; they don't understand; they have so many unanswered questions; they feel despair and hopelessness.

Jesus comes along beside them. They don't recognize him because they can't. They're so caught up in what they've been through and what they are going through now that they can't see him for who he really is. They can't believe that he doesn't know all that's gone on these past days. After all, everyone in Jerusalem must have known. It was the talk of the city and of all the pilgrims there for the holy festival. So they explained it all to him. And he listened to their lament even though he was all too aware of what went on.

Jesus then re-told all the stories of their faith, from the prophets of old on. He reiterated that God had promised that a Messiah would come and bring salvation and redemption. But that wouldn't happen without suffering, pain, death and even grief. But God's glory would prevail.

As they reach Emmaus, it looked like this fellow traveler on the road was going to journey on further down the road. It was late, why not stop and spend the night with them. The conversation was good; they were enjoying the fellowship and the reflecting together, even if they didn't really get what he was saying to them. He knew so much; he was so well informed. There was something about him.

Jesus did stay, at least for a brief period of time. And in that time he did what needed to be done for them to recognize him for who he was. He sat at the dinner table with them; he broke bread with them. At that very moment they recognized and knew him for who he was. It all now made perfect sense. That's why they were so taken with him and all he had to say to them.

But, they couldn't keep it to themselves, and they weren't supposed to. They knew they had to tell the story to the others. They needed to indeed celebrate and rejoice because Jesus wasn't dead; he was very much alive; and, he had appeared and journeyed along the road with them.

We too need to recognize the presence of the risen Christ with us on our journeys through life, whatever the name of the roads we take. How profound it is when we too break bread and know that real presence that brings joy in the midst of sadness; healing in the midst of brokenness; light in the midst of darkness; hope in the midst of despair.

Thank God for the disciples on the road to Emmaus; thank God for their story, for it is our story too.

These thoughts inspired me to write this hymn, "As they Walked Along Emmaus Road" sung to the tune Kingsfold (CMD).

As they walked along Emmaus road, full of grief and in despair,
This stranger came along with them who would help them be aware.
Jesus was dead, there was no hope, he was buried in his tomb.
But they’d find new life for there was hope even in the midst of gloom.

Imagine if they recognized the risen Christ with them.
But the time had yet to be fulfilled when they’d see the valued gem.
All the things they could have said to him, all the things his death had bought.
They really didn’t understand despite the things he’d taught.

So he opened up the Word for them, a word to set them free.
The Messiah had to suffer, into glory then he’d be.
Open up your eyes, your ears, your hearts; believe and be made whole.
Learn the story of God’s glory; let freedom fill your soul.

At the edge of town they asked him, come with us and spend the night.
Come to dinner, come and sleep well; til the morning light is bright.
So he sat with them at supper, and he took and he broke the bread,
It was then the truth revealed itself, he was risen from the dead.

To stand on holy, sacred ground, spirit fed and hearts aflame.
What a privilege to walk this road! What a faith and hope to claim!
Alleluia, Christ is raised indeed, made known in breaking bread!
Alleluia! God’s true promise; a message to be spread.

As we gather at your table, Lord, fill our hunger, quench our thirst.
May we now relive the story trusting death has been reversed.
Break the bread with us and pass the cup; through this mystery amaze.
Yes! The tomb is empty and we live. Boldly now proclaim God’s praise!

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.

10 Commandments hymn ... Contemporary hymn for Lent

2009-03-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

As I reflected on the first reading in the lectionary for this Sunday (Lent 3), and on what I might preach, I realized that many people see these commandments as just rules to follow or else they will be punished by God. Instead of this, I'm exploring the idea of these commandments being a gift from God which are meant to free us just as the people of Israel were liberated from their slavery. As a gift, if we live in that freedom God has given us, following these logical guidelines for our living in relationship with God and with others, then our lives as individuals and as a whole society will be blessed.

With these intial thoughts, I set out to write the text of a hymn which is sung to the tune "Westminster Abbey".

“I Am God, Your Own True God”
Based on the 10 Commandments
Tune: LMD Westminster Abbey

I am God, your own true God; I have brought you to this place;
On a journey out of slavery, into freedom by my grace.
Promised life you will inherit, full of blessings to embrace.

I am God, your own true God; I take pleasure in this gift!
This new life beyond your slavery brings redemption free and clear.
Make your choices; build your friendships always faithful to my Word.

I am God, your own true God; in your freedom take your rest.
Now live free of lifeless idols, free of jealous envy.
Free from stealing, free from lying, free from murderous tyranny.

I am God, your own true God; now you need not be afraid.
Not condemning, not demanding, these commands bring unity.
Blessed life in God’s communion lived within community.

I am God, your own true God; ours today as yesterday.
Still we’re called to faithful living our redemption to embrace.
Still a blessing, meant for freedom, gift of God a gift of grace.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.