New hymn is made available to those supporting Church World Service.

A new hymn for Sunday services remembering the hurricane survivors has been released by the National Council of Churches, for use by those supporting Church World Service relief efforts. The Church of the Brethren supports CWS through its Emergency Disaster Fund grants.

“God of Creation”
(Herzliebster Jesu 11.11.11.5 “Ah, Holy Jesus”)

God of creation, We have seen the horror.
Great devastation, overwhelming sorrow!
Hear now your people, homes and loved ones taken,
Feeling forsaken.

Christ of compassion, you who calmed the rough sea,
Hurricane crashing, we prayed for your mercy!
Comfort your people! Hold them close, now giving
Hope for their living.

Give to your children food to end their hunger,
Clean water’s blessing, news of those they long for!
And by your Spirit, use our gifts and labors
To help our neighbors.

Biblical references: Genesis 1; Psalm 13; Matthew 8:23-27, 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37. Tune: Johann Cruger, 1640. Text: Copyright 2005 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette gives permission for the hymn’s free use by churches that support the relief efforts of Church World Service. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette and Bruce Gillette are pastors at Limestone Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, Del. Carolyn is the author of “Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today’s Worship” (Geneva Press, 2000).