It's Great to Have Files!

I took a wonderful class on parables my third year of seminary. My final project for the class was on this week's lectionary Gospel reading, Matthew 13:24-30, the parable of the weeds among the wheat. I had forgotten that I had even written this paper, funny how that happens! I came across my file on this project and it has helped me quite a bit as I prepare to preach this week.

The most delightful discovery in this file was to find a hymn text I had written as part of the project. It is to the tune of "Gather Us In," which is in the Catholic hymnal. I'm a little nervous about it, but I have decided to use it in worship.

Oh, and looking at the first line of the text, I guess I've had the name for my blog in my subconsciousness for a long time!

Inspired by the Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat

Matthew 13:24-30

1. Here in the field, we grow where we're planted.

Nourished by sunshine, soil and rain.

Planted with care, our lives have been granted,

Food for the many, the earth to sustain.

Grow in God's care, our roots will grow deeper.

Grow in God's care, our plants will grow tall.

We're not alone; we grow strong together.

Yielding abundantly for one and all.

2. We have been sown as good seed to prosper,

Growing together to serve in God's name.

Yet all around are weeds in our number,

sown by an enemy, dark night he came.

It's not for us to weed out the other,

Not to employ the hoe and the scythe.

We have been called to love one another,

Extend to others the hope of new life.

3. Hopes may be dashed; our stalks may be broken,

Loneliness, sadness, sorrow and shame.

Here in the field, life words should be spoken.

Tending the field is the Farmer's domain.

Grow in God's care, from near to the farthest.

Grow in God's care, by the truth of the Word.

We know not the time, so wait for the harvest.

We shall be gathered to dwell with the Lord.

ETA: blogger will not let me put spaces between the verses. Sorry if it's hard to read. grrrrr.....

Pentecost Service

We had a fantastic service this morning! Of course, it was Pentecost service, but it was also Confirmation Sunday, complete with a baptism of one of the confirmands. The confirmands were the liturgists and read their statements of faith to the congregation. Oh, and we also had communion. I am exhausted, but also very full and satisfied with how the Spirit blew through our congregation today.

I did, however, have a perplexing encounter with our music director. I heard the choir rehearsing the final hymn, "Spirit," and the organist was playing it as slow as a funeral dirge. I asked if it could please be played more quickly, as I was trying to create a joyful and celebratory mood for worship. The music director got annoyed, and in front of the choir, told me that I needed to arrange these kinds of changes beforehand. I repeated that I wanted it played faster and left. I wasn't asking for any major change like adding a hymn or asking for a soloist on a verse. Was I off base?

Graduate Recognition

Does anyone know of a good litany or prayer for graduation recognition? If so, may I borrow? Pretty, pretty please? With proper credit given in our bulletin, of course!

I'm tired of the ones I've used before and my creative well is dry right now. Many of those that I have call for the graduates to say a part in the litany, which usually is a wonderful idea. However, this year we only have one high school graduate and she would mortified to be asked to speak all by herself.

If anyone can help me out, e-mail me.