1 Church of God, elect and glorious,
holy nation, chosen race,
called as God's own special people,
royal priests and heirs of grace:
know the purpose of your calling,
show to all his mighty deeds;
tell of love that knows no limits,
grace that meets all human needs.

2 God has called you out of darkness
into his most marvelous light,
brought his truth to life within you,
turned your blindness into sight.
Let your light so shine around you
that God's name is glorified,
and all find fresh hope and purpose
in Christ Jesus crucified.

3 Once you were an alien people,
strangers to God's heart of love,
but he brought you home in mercy,
citizens of heaven above.
Let his love flow out to others,
let them feel the Father's care,
that they too may know his welcome
and his countless blessings share.

4 Church of God, elect and holy,
be the people he intends,
strong in faith and swift to answer
each command your Master sends;
royal priests, fulfill your calling
through your sacrifice and prayer,
give your lives in joyful service,
sing his praise, his love declare.

Scripture References:
all st. = 1 Pet. 2:9-12

Written by James E. Seddon (PHH 15), this text is based on the well-known passage in 1 Peter 2:9-12 where Peter calls the church "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God" (v. 9). Each stanza of the text begins with one or more of these memorable phrases and then, following Peter's pattern, explains why the church should be such a holy people. Because it is the recipient of God's mercy, the church must be consecrated to holy living as a testimony of praise to God and as a convincing witness to the unsaved.

The text was first published in Hymns for Today's Church (1982).

Liturgical Use:
Regular Sunday worship; special occasions in the life of the church: anniversaries, dedications, ordinations; with confessional preaching on the doctrine of election; baptism; profession of faith; missions services.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Cyril V. Taylor (PHH 286) composed MEAD HOUSE as a setting for Christopher Wordsworth's "Alleluia, Alleluia!" (387). Named for a house in Redhill, Surrey, England, where Taylor often stayed as a boy, the tune was one of twenty tunes by Taylor published in the BBC Hymn Book (1951).

MEAD HOUSE is a rounded bar form (AABA) with an opening melodic motive tl1at permeates the entire tune and leads to an impressive climax. This is a glorious tune for unison singing, though some may want to sing the harmony on certain stanzas. Try using brass instruments as accompaniment.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook