Christ Taught Us of a Farmer

Representative Text

Christ taught us of a farmer who went out sowing seeds.
A few had trouble growing among the rocks and weeds.
But others grew till harvest in soil that was so good.
O God, you sow the gospel: The seed is your own word.

You sowed your word of love here so many years ago.*
Your message found a welcome; your word began to grow.
By grace, this church was built here by saints who followed you.
The seed took root and flourished: we hear and follow, too.

We thank you for each member who lives in loving ways,
For those who seek to serve you without expecting praise.
For hearts and songs uplifted, for work and sacrifice.
The seed you planted grows here: we grow in Jesus Christ.

In times of joy we praise you, in struggling times we search,
And always we are learning to be your faithful church.
Your Spirit gives us vision, and hearts and lives made new.
Your harvest is for sharing: sent out, we work for you.

*Original wording was “You sowed your word of love here one hundred years ago.”



Source: Songs of Grace: new hymns for God and neighbor #20

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has been a pastor in rural, small town, suburban, and city churches; she has also served as a hospice chaplain, a hospital chaplain, and a school bus aide helping children with special needs. She and her husband Bruce are pastors of the First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, NY. Carolyn is a gifted hymn writer who has written over 400 hymns. These hymns have been sung by congregations throughout the United States and around the world — from the Washington National Cathedral to St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland to St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa to small town churches and small household congregations; they have also been sung at national church and international ecumenical meetin… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Christ taught us of a farmer who went out sowing seeds
Title: Christ Taught Us of a Farmer
Original Language: English
Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2000)
Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2000
Copyright: Copyright © 2000 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved

Tune

AURELIA

Composed by Samuel S. Wesley (PHH 206), AURELIA (meaning "golden") was published as a setting for “Jerusalem the Golden” in Selection of Psalms and Hymns, which was compiled by Charles Kemble and Wesley in 1864. Though opinions vary concerning the tune's merits (Henry J. Gauntlett once condemned…

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Text

Songs of Grace #20

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