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
Sung to the tune, "The Times They Are a Changin," by Bob Dylan
For Ellen Gurnon
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.
