A short closing or sending-out song appropriate for all forms of inclusive worship.

In this cosmic story’s thread
Humans play a tiny part

At each day’s ending and at death
We all can test our living,

As we welcome Spirit’s presence
We find Spirit comes with fire

As we gaze upon the Cross
We discern a tortured man

As the veil of mystery’s lifted,
When the sacred curtains part,

As the sunlight turns to shadow,
And life loosens its firm hold;

As life approaches ending
What times should we recall?

All things exist in flowing change,
All things are ever moving,

As a tree that reaches up
To embrace the rays of light

Are we followers of Jesus
Or disciples of Saint Paul?

All who claim to follow Jesus
To prophetic roles are called.

All things are bound together now;
Without that basic binding force

All cultures chose to name a God
To fight for them in times of war,

Acid speech breeds violent acts
As does use of hurtful names.

This hymn is appropriate for Earth Day and other environmental worship services. Recording and video by Ken Janzen.

In Bill’s belief, attempting to control the actions of God through the manipulation of prayers is best replaced by increasing awareness of God’s processes within the evolution of the Cosmos and of ourselves.

It’s no secret that the United Methodist Church is fracturing, primarily over LGBTQ issues. Thousands of UMC churches have already disaffiliated from the denomination.