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A Father Came to Jesus

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal Lyrics: A father came to Jesuswith only one request."My daughter needs your help now.They say that you are blest.Come, Jesus, heal my daughter.She lies so close to death.Come, lay your hands upon herwhile she has life and breath."Before they reached the daughter,a man came, bringing word:"Why bother Jesus now, sir?Your daughter died, we've heard."The wails of weeping womengrew loud as they drew near,but Jesus told the father,"Believe and do not fear."When Jesus saw the mourners,he said, "Why do you weep?She is not dead; believe me,the child is but asleep!"The mourners laughed, but Jesusstill took his friends inside.The faithful parents followedto see what would betide.They watched the girl with wonderas Jesus took her hand.He said, "Dear child, get up now,"and gently helped her stand.Then Jesus warned the father,"Tell no one that you meet;"and asked the grateful motherto bring her food to eat.Dear God, when we are temptedto doubt Love's mighty power,give us the faith of Jairus in every day and hour,that, trusting in your promiseof everlasting care,we all may lay before youour deepest needs in prayer. Topics: Faith in healing power of Christ; Jesus Healing; Women in the Bible Daughter of Jairus Scripture: Mark 5:21-43 Used With Tune: LOVING FATHER Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

Are You the One

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 2 hymnals First Line: "Are you the one," they asked him Lyrics: "Are you the one,"they asked him,"the one who is to come?or must we go on waitingfor God's own promised one?"He gave John's friends an answer,so simple, yet profound."See for yourself," said Jesus,"the signs are all around."A lame man's bed is empty,he danced with joy today;a beggar's cup unneeded,for he can see his way;the leper's bell discarded,no longer cause for fear;an ear long tuned to silencenow suddenly can hear!"No sackcloth now or ashes,the sinner's been redeemed;and into mourners' tear cupsforgiving love has streamed.An unused tomb goes begging,a widow sings her praise,a precious son is living,and wondrous are God's ways!"Tell John what you have witnessed;go tell him what you've heard:The sick and poor in spiritaccept God's living Word.And blest are those who love me,who doubt and yet believe,who hope and wait, expectingLove's blessings to receive." Topics: John the Baptist Question for Jesus; Jesus Reply to John's disciples; Women in the Bible Widow of Nain Scripture: Matthew 11:2-6 Used With Tune: SENT BY JOHN Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

One Was Old, Another Barren

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.7.8.7 D Appears in 1 hymnal Lyrics: One was old, another barren,and a third was young and fair,when God promised wondrous blessingsfor the sons they were to bear.Though incredible each promise,yet they trusted and believed,guarding closely in their hearts thevisions that they had received.Sarah must have told her baby,as she calmed his anxious cry,"God has promised you more childrenthan the stars up in the sky!Little Isaac, kings and nationswill descend from you one day,destined to inherit blessingsif they follow in God's way."And Elizabeth, once barren,must have whispered to her son,"Someday, John, you'll be God's heraldto announce the Promised One!Someday you will speak with couragewords from God for all to hear,calling people to repentance,telling them the Christ is near."Mary must have echoed prophetsin her cradle lullabies,"Jesus, you will be our Savior,Christ the Lord, Love's great surprise!Someday I may watch you suffer,and your pain may pierce my soul, but I trust that God will heal mybroken heart and make it whole."God, we thank you for these mothersand the faith they had to share.May we also trust your promisefor the children in our care,that through us the Spiritâ€™s blessingsmay upon them come to fall,giving them the strength and courageto be faithful to your call. Topics: Faith in God's promises; Jesus Mary's son; Women in the Bible Sarah; Women in the Bible Mary; Women in the Bible Elizabeth Scripture: Genesis 22:15-16 Used With Tune: GOD'S PROMISES Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

A Long-Lost Lamb

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.6.8.6 with refrain Appears in 2 hymnals First Line: A long-lost lamb is in the fold Refrain First Line: Good news! It's time to celebrate Lyrics: A long-lost lamb is in the fold,a woman's coin retrieved,a wayward son is home again,most lovingly received.Good news! It's time to celebratewith friends who gather round.So God rejoices, Jesus said,whene'er the lost is found!The little man who climbed a treehas found a friend at last.A woman with her cup of tearshas put behind her past.Good news! It's time to celebratewith friends who gather round.So God rejoices, Jesus said,whene'er the lost is found!The fisherman who turned awayreceives another chance.A Pharisee has seen the lightand mourns his arrogance.Good news! It's time to celebratewith friends who gather round.So God rejoices, Jesus said,whene'er the lost is found!Let everyone who suffers nowfrom guilt and deep despair,return unto the house of God,for love awaits you there.Good news! It's time to celebratewith friends who gather round.So God rejoices, Jesus said,whene'er the lost is found! Topics: Jesus Parables of the Lost; Jesus Disciples; Reconciliation Assurance of Pardon Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 Used With Tune: PARABLES Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

The Wedding Guests Were Waiting

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 2 hymnals Lyrics: The wedding guests were waitingbut all the wine was gone,so Mary went to Jesus,"Please help our friends, my son."Then Jesus said, "Bring water."He turned it into wine,and thus revealed his power.It was the first great sign.The father was a Gentile,a Roman soldier too,an enemy and strangerto any faithful Jew,but still he begged of Jesus,"Come heal my dying boy.""Believe in me, " said Jesus."He lives to bring you joy."When everyone was hungryand no one seemed to care,a boy came forward, smiling,"I have this food to share."He gave his bread to Jesus,his fish, though they were small.Then Jesus blessed his offering,and lo, it fed them all!A mother shows compassion,a father trusts God's way,a child finds joy in sharing--such are the signs todaythat Christ still lives among usand through love's faithful deeds,works miracles and wondersto meet our deepest needs. Topics: Jesus Healing; Jesus Miracles; Women in the Bible Mary Scripture: John 4:46-54 Used With Tune: SIGNS TODAY Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

Song of Two Widows

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.8.8.8 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: A widow of Zarephath town Lyrics: A widow of Zarephath towndiscovered her cupboard was bare.Some meal, and a few drops of oilwere all that was left for her there."Elijah the prophet appeared,and God said, "Please see that he's fed."She used up the meal and the oilto bake him a fine loaf of bread.A poor widow came to the mountwhere Jesus was teaching that day.He watched as she offered her gift,and went in the Temple to pray.Her offering was two copper coins.She had no more money to give.Said Jesus, "Her gift was the best.She gave all that she had to live."Two widows from days long ago,forgotten by name, but not deed,both teach us how we should respondwhenever God shows us a need.In plenty we're all quick to give,but slower when cupboards are bare.God, move us to share in your workto show by our gifts that we care. Topics: Jesus Widow's mite; Sacrifice; Women in the Bible Widow of Zarephath; Women in the Bible Widow's mite Scripture: Luke 21:1-4 Used With Tune: TWO WIDOWS Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

We Sang Our Glad Hosannas

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 3 hymnals Lyrics: We sang our glad Hosannas,and waved our branches high,but some were silent, frowning,as Jesus rode on by.They sought a royal Saviorbut did not understanda king could rule by loving,instead of by command.We heard an angry Jesusin Temple courts declare,"Be gone, you moneychangers!This is a house of prayer."Though many came for healingand stayed to hear his word,still others, hostile, plottedand thus his death assured.We served him at the tablewith wine, unleavened bread."The one who will betray menow eats with me," he said.His friends would not believe him,but one by one that night,as soldiers came to take him,they scurried out of sight.We saw a suffering Jesusalone, without a friend,and heard the voices shoutingabuse until the end.We wept as we stood watchingLove's light grow dim and die,and cried, "Why did this happen?God, tell us, tell us why!"We buried him, not knowingthat on the third day morn.a risen Christ would greet usand hope would be reborn.Though evil had extinguishedthe life that burned so bright,the love of God would triumphlike dawn that ends the night. Topics: Holy Week Palm/Pssion Sunday; Jesus Holy Week events Scripture: Matthew 21:1-17 Used With Tune: HOLY WEEK Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

The Church Is Our Safe Haven

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: The church is our safe haven, Lyrics: The church is our safe haven,a refuge in the storm,where we can come when troubleshave left our hearts forlornand find a gracious welcome,compassion, love, and care,among your people gatheredfor story, song, and prayer.Since they, too, have known wintersof doubt, despair, and fear,they warm us with their friendshipand fill us with good cheer,their presence like a candlethat gives off heat and lightto save a stranded travelerlost on a snowy night.God, in their understanding,we feel your kind embrace,and sense the joy and wonderof your transforming grace,a grace that makes us holy,a people set apartto travel on love's highwaywith mind and strength and heart.Protected by this mantleof love that we have known,we face life's new adventuresno longer lost or lone.Though storms of life may threaten,and cold winds chill our soul,we journey on with courage,our spirits now made whole.God of the fiery pillar.and Pentecostâ€™s bright flame,the love of Christ still glowingin those who bear his name,forge us as loyal servants,his faithful friends always.Fill us with glad thanksgivingand everlasting praise. Scripture: Psalm 46:1 Used With Tune: SAFE HAVEN Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

When Cain Killed Abel

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.8.8.8 Appears in 3 hymnals First Line: When Cain killed Abel in a fight Lyrics: When Cain killed Abel in a fightand Jacob stole another's right,when Joseph's brothers gave him chase,God wept, and mourned their fall from grace.In every family, small or great,when jealousy twists love to hateand rivals turn to enemies,God weeps at our hostilities.And when in church and world todaysuch feelings still come into play,when brothers, sisters stand apart,God weeps for every broken heart.Good Christians, join in God's lament,weep now and mourn, be penitent,and pray to God: Forgive us all.Restore us as before our fall. Topics: Conflict; Repentance Scripture: Genesis 4:8-10 Used With Tune: ABSOLUTION Text Sources: Time Now to Gather

Time Now to Gather

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 5.4.5.4 D Appears in 3 hymnals Lyrics: Time now to gather,Time now to feelChrist's holy presencegracing this meal.Grain from the harvestfruit of the vine;simple the supper,sacred the sign.Time to rememberChrist who was sent.Time to say thank youfor all he meant.Come to this table.Come, without fear.God will forgive you,welcome you here.All who are hungry,come, and be fed.Serve one anotherthis cup and bread.All who are troubled,hurting, or sad,come, and find healing.Come, and be glad! Scripture: Luke 22:19-20 Used With Tune: WELCOME SONG Text Sources: Time Now to Gather