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Life in Greencastle - Within These Walls

This past Sunday, I sat down after the first reading from Scripture. I had just lifted up Jesus’ own proclamation: He had come to speak good news to the poor, to bring help and healing to those down and out. Then, the choir rose to proclaim their own word for us through song.

It was exactly what I wanted to say. Many of you felt the power of this anthem and heard the truth of those sung words. But, I know not all of us had the occasion. For those of you who were not able to join us, I pass on to you the lyrics. It will hardly do justice to what happened this past Sunday. In fact, I encourage you to track down a copy of the service on tape and to give it a listen. But, for now … this will do. Let these words serve as a seed and a creed, a reminder of all God desires and a projector of all that we hope to be. And let us always be gathered in to be sent out.

Wes

Within These Walls
words and music by Pepper Choplin
For the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Dover Shores Baptist Church, Orlando, Florida
1991 Purifoy Publishing

Within these walls, we assemble.
Within these walls, we gather in Your name.
As we join our hearts in a holy union, we come to find communion in Your holiness again.

Within these walls, let there be harmony;
a common bond; a Spirit from above.
And as Your children let us love each other as sisters and as brothers united by Your love.

We are the branches, You are the Vine.
We are the vessels and You are the Wine.
We are the body, You are the Head.
For every hunger, You are the Bread.

Within these walls, we assemble.
Within these walls, we gather in Your name.
As we join our hearts in a holy union, we come to find communion in Your holiness again.

Within these walls, let there be refuge,
a place of rest when doubts and trials form.
And let us lift each other as we gather to find Your peace no matter how terrible the storm.

We are the branches, You are the Vine.
We are the vessels and You are the Wine.
We are the body, You are the Head.
For every hunger, You are the Bread.

Within these walls, give us Your vision.
Within these walls, let us understand
that beyond these walls, there are hurting people who have never felt your healing hand.

Beyond these walls, send us forward.
Beyond these walls, let Your will be done.
We are Your people; You will leave us never, and we shall work together until Your kingdom comes.

Your kingdom come!

Within these walls, let us listen.
Within these walls, let us pray … Let us pray.

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