Tune: Bard of Armagh (Streets of Laredo)
I dream of a church that joins in with God’s vision
Of a people who live without counting the cost;
She trusts in the Spirit of Christ Jesus’ mission
Lifts up the oppressed with Good News for the lost.
I dream of a church that joins in with God’s laughter
Rejoices in justice, and shares all freely:
Turns over the tables of monied disasters
An abundance of mirth in a new Jubilee.
I dream of a church that joins in with God’s prancing
In a swirling star-skirt spun from bright cosmic sky:
Like the prophets of old who lead people by dancing,
Unafraid of the Pharaohs enthroned up on high.
I dream of a church that joins in with God’s caring
As she rises to love the unloved refugee:
This church that shines light on corruption then daring
To forgive and embrace in God’s comm-unity.
Dear God, would you make us a people like Jesus,
With his trust in your [kin-dom] of unfailing grace:
A travelling band of peculiar people
On your journey t’wards joy and true life in this place.
Copyright free: Kevin Snyman
Kevin serves as Programme Officer for Global Justice and Partnerships in the United Reformed Church in Great Britain.
Photo: ‘Dancing in Nepal,’ by Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson
