The shells which cup such precious pearls – The Pearl of Great Price
The shells which cup such precious pearls are like our hands that cradle hope, which reach to others out of love; we seek assurance, strength to cope.
The pearls that hold a core of grit are like the grace that we have found, though life is troubled, sharp and sour, God folds in love, that’s sure and sound.
And so with hands like open shells we offer pearls of greatest price, the spirit's power, the grace of God and Jesus' loving sacrifice.
God is your source of strength and help – based on Psalm 121
God is your source of strength and help, ground of this changing, cosmic scheme; you need not look beyond the hills, God folds you close in love unseen.
God never sleeps by day or night, God's love will never lose its grip; your God will never let you down, your foot will never slide or slip.
The hottest sun will bring no harm, nor will the moon bring hurt or fear for God has guarded you with care, and love will always hold you near.
Each journey that you make in life, your coming in, your going out, will show how much God loves you still, through every danger, fear or doubt.
On life’s bewildering pathway we need you as our guide, when anxious moments tease us we need some place to hide. Come, God console your people, give strength to face this day, give grace to see more clearly, to follow in Christ’s way.
May steadfast loving kindness, infuse the lives we live, so sacrificial caring inspires us all to give beyond what we might measure, the greatest gift of all, to give our lives completely in answer to your call.
Christ walked beyond walls where the people were living
Christ walked beyond walls where the people were living, ignoring the fences of faith and respect. He reached to the ones near the lakeside, by hedgerows, ignoring the barriers the rich would erect.
And we in this Chapel adrift, but not drifting, aside from the parish of which we are part, have sought through two cent'ries to mirror compassion, to open our doors and to cherish love’s art.
With Wesley we see all the world as our parish, for nothing is foreign to hope, or God’s grace, and still we will sing till the rafters are lifted, and fear is dispelled as God’s joy fills this place.
We’ll look to the future, we’ll build on foundations as firm as the ones that our ancestors laid, we’ll trust in the Spirit that found us, and formed us, to guide us and keep us. God’s love will not fade.
hymnsandbooks 