Page 11 For the Rich Beauty; Centennial Hymn; Mission Song
Hymn Texts
For the Rich Beauty
For the rich beauty of this place,
home to our youthful days,
we come to share our joyful thanks,
and bring to God our praise.
The hills, the sea, the sand, the sun,
the contours of this land,
are deeply etched into our lives,
just as our Lord had planned.
The people too, who touched our lives,
with faith and love profound,
we on this day would celebrate,
we stand on holy ground.
We wrestled here with life itself,
seeking our goals to set,
learning of faith, and hope, and love,
truths that the world needs yet.
Thanks be to God for all that's past,
this place, its people too,
now may such faith and hope, and love,
be seen in all we do.
Words: © Norman E. Brookes
CCLI ID 5952038
Tune: Lloyd MHB A.T.29.
NOTE: This was written for a Bible Class reunion
at Sumner in Christchurch some thirty years on.
Centennial Hymn
Lord, we celebrate the history
that has brought us to this place,
that has brought us to this place,
and we celebrate the mystery
of God’s deep abiding grace.
Here your presence was discovered
by new pilgrims in this land,
yours the vision that inspired them
as they for the future planned.
In their planning for the future,
God and people mattered most,
preaching, prayer, and joyful singing,
spread good news from coast to coast.
Then with congregations growing
buildings too were soon required,
worship, praise, their central focus;
let God’s people be inspired!
Bricks and mortar, nave and chancel,
spire and organ, soaring sound,
these were built as marks of witness
built as signs of faith profound.
So today our pilgrim parents
yet speak through this heritage,
we will treasure still their witness
pass faith on from age to age.
We the heirs of their rich labours,
we the stewards of this place,
we give thanks for all the memories
precious moments, acts of grace.
So as now we face the future
with its challenge, all unknown,
grant to us a renewed vision,
faith and hope in Christ alone.
Words: © Norman E. Brookes
CCLI ID 5952409
Tune: Rustington. C H H Parry.
Mission Song
(reflects the MCNZ Mission Statement)Come pursue a mission journey,
hand in hand, and heart with heart,
God’s transforming love will guide us,
as the Scriptures play their part.
Aotearoa is our context,
land of people, mountain, plain,
here we journey on Christ’s mission,
here our hope is: God will reign.
Holy Spirit, come empower us
to serve God in this our land,
seeking justice for its people,
for the Treaty let us stand.
It was signed in solemn service,
as a covenantal vow,
God was present in its signing,
God is present in it now.
Partnership can be a touchstone,
listening, learning, be the way,
to now carry out Christ’s mission,
to be signs of God’s new day.
Partnership for men and women,
partnership with Maori too,
let this be the mark of justice,
sign of hope in all we do.
Prayer and worship, love and sharing,
mark communities of faith,
here we also learn true justice,
cross the deep divides of race.
Fellowship can keep us open,
bonds of love can help us be
filled with energy for mission,
filled with Christ who sets all free.
Words: © Norman E. Brookes
CCLI ID 5953264
Tune: There’s a light WOV 207 MHB 256