The Church It Is a Changin

Written for Ellen Gurnon's installation to First Presbyterian in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. 
Sung to the tune, "The Times They Are a Changin," by Bob Dylan

For Ellen Gurnon

February 11, 2018

Come, listen dear Ellen,

heed the words that I sing.

cause being a preacher

is no easy thing.

The people are hungry

for the good news you bring

in this world of sorrows prevailin.

There’s sickness still lurking, death still has its sting,

and the church it is a changin.

Remember, my friend,

you’ll have to be strong

to stand up to those

who say some don’t belong.

For God welcomes all and the table is long.

The battle for justice still wagin.

And our sisters and brothers

keep crying, “how long?”

for a church that is a changin.

Don’t worry, sis,

it’s okay to be scared.

When it comes to this life

we are never prepared.

The church that once was is no longer there,

yet God’s future is surely amazin.

But one thing that’s sure 

is God’s unfailing care

in a church that is a changin.

Come listen, dear Ellen,

it’s not all up to you.

For God calls you and God calls us all too.

It’s good to know, God’s making everything new,

and through love, the world rearranging.

It’s love that’s the answer, it’s love that is true,

in the church, God is a changin.

In the church, God is a changin.