Lyr Add: New York - A hymn from Cornwall

Subject: New York - A hymn from Cornwall
From: Cappuccino
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 10:25 AM

A Reverend from Cornwall has just posted this to a journalists' forum I take part in:

*

I spent this morning walking near my house. It is beautiful and I was struck by the contrast to what I have seen on TV since Tuesday. At 11am I stood on my own in silence, listening on the radio to the tribute in London, looking out over the River Camel, seeing the glory of God's creation and reflecting on the devastation that people can cause.

Occasionally I write hymns and, while I was walking this morning, the following began to take shape. I know it doesn't say everything but it is one way I can offer something of my hopes at this time:

Tunes: Vox Dilecti ('I heard the voice of Jesus say') and others

When mountains that we thought secure
lie crumbled where we stand
and pain and helplessness endure
- all from another's hand -
Help us to bear the prophet's mark,
to stand apart from hate
and witness to the Father's call
for justice in the land.

God is our strength and refuge still
though all the earth give way;
our help at every time of ill,
the light of our dark day.
And as his people in the world
we bear the scars of grief,
but echo faith's resounding note
- and still for justice pray.

There is a place of holiness
where God makes warfare cease.
There is a day of hopefulness,
a promised time of peace.
So, here today, we bear the pain
of inhumanity,
but pledge our lives to live for truth
so justice may increase.


Every blessing,
Rev. Gareth Hill,
Cornwall, England

Subject: RE: New York - A hymn from Cornwall
From: RangerSteve
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 10:35 AM

Thanks, Ian, and Rev. Hill. That's a great song for any occasion.

Subject: RE: New York - A hymn from Cornwall
From: InOBU
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 10:56 AM

Please pass on to Reverand Hill, that I will print this out and share it with my Friends and friends, espcially at the Quaker meeting house this First day (Sunday) Thanks again and cheers, Larry in Downtown New York

Subject: RE: New York - A hymn from Cornwall
From: Cappuccino
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 05:35 PM

Larry - I've just had a message saying that several people over here are staggered to think that Gareth's hymn has reached the very city. Best wishes - Ian

PS. Several of my friends are Friends.

Subject: RE: New York - A hymn from Cornwall
From: GUEST,Genie
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 11:43 PM

Ian, Somehow I missed this until now. It is stunning. Thanks for posting it. Genie

Subject: RE: New York - A hymn from Cornwall
From: InOBU
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 07:33 AM

Hi Ian: If you have a moment, my song about this, is under the post a new song from NYC, I believe, do send Gareth that, and let him know many of us are working and praying for peace. Cheers, Larry

Subject: RE: New York - A hymn from Cornwall
From: Anglo
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:41 PM

I sent this hymn along to my folky friends who happen to be music directors of the Congregational Church of Guilford VT. The choir sang it this morning and it was "a sensation" with lots of members of the congregation wanting a copy of the words. I have been asked to pass on the thanks of the church to Rev. Hill, so IanB, I'd appreciate it if you could do that via your forum.

If Vermont seems remote from the WTC tragedy, perhaps it only shows how closely linked we all are. The Marlboro Men's Morris dance team, founded by Tony Barrand in 1974, has probably had less than a hundred members in its whole existence. One of the keenest members almost from the beginning, Steve Adams, had recently taken a job at the Windows on the World restaurant at the top of WTC 1, and was at work when the first plane hit. Incredibly, another of the current Marlboro Men, Christoffer Carstanjen, was a passenger on the second plane to hit the WTC.

Subject: RE: New York - A hymn from Cornwall
From: Haruo
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 12:09 AM

With Rev. Hill's permission I have now added it to my Six Hymns for the Present Crisis. He has also authorized me to translate it into Esperanto, but so far that remains undone.

Liland
PS: Thanks IanB for getting me in touch with him. I will email him the URL of this thread, too, while I'm thinking of it.