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"We Are the Church": a hymn for the 50th anniversary of my church

Last month I decided at the last minute to write a hymn for the 50th anniversary of my church, which we celebrated on September 18–19. It's the fastest hymn I've ever written, composed in about 2 weeks' time. 

I've never said this before, but now would be an appropriate time to note that any time I write a hymn, I always glean insights and feedback from friends and sometimes family. This hymn is no exception, especially since I wrote it so quickly. Many thanks to all those who helped me this time and every time. Also, the typesetting is by my friend Dan Kreider, who does excellent typesetting at Hymnworks.

I wrote it for tune SINE NOMINE, which many will recall as the tune to "For All the Saints." I even included a slight nod to William Walsham How in the first stanza as I (mostly) used his "est" rhyme scheme. 

Theologically, I use a less common pattern of Father, (Holy) Spirit, Son. This is not ideal, as the order (not hierarchy) of the Triune God in Scripture is always Father, then Son, then Holy Spirit. But there's a theological reason I did so. The Father's work in us is primarily in the past, the Spirit's work is primarily present, and the Son's culminating work is yet to be. Yet knowing that it's not perfectly clear cut, Jesus Christ and his work is interspersed throughout the whole hymn. I've included the main Scripture references I used in each stanza below that stanza. 

May the Lord be glorified.


We Are the Church (PDF)

10.10.10. with alleluias

SINE NOMINE

(c) Dustin Battles

1.

We are the church, the chosen bride for Christ.

You sent your Son, who gives us hope and rest.

We praise you, Father, you are ever blessed.

Alleluia, Alleluia.


Eph 1.3; Ps 62.5; Mt 11.28-29


2.

We are the church—we once were dead in sin,

but in your Son we now are born again.

We praise you, Father! We are pure within.

Alleluia, Alleluia.


Eph 2.1-3; 1Pet 1.22-23


3.

We are the church, the faithful saints who plead—

Spirit, reveal Christ, help us in our need.

We praise you, Spirit, for you intercede. 

Alleluia, Alleluia. 


Rom 8.26-27; John 14.26


4.

We are the church—we strive for unity,

loving Christ’s body in humility. 

We praise you, Spirit! We are family.

Alleluia, Alleluia. 


Eph 4.2-3; Eph 3.15


5.

We are the church, the Christians who will see

death swallowed up in final victory.

We praise you, Jesus, for this mystery.

Alleluia, Alleluia.


1Cor 15.21, 26, 51-56


6.

We are the church—soon we will cry no more.

No pain or sorrow, only joy in store.

Praise Father, Son, and Spirit evermore.

Alleluia, Alleluia.


Rev 21.4; 1Pet 4.13; Tt 2.14





Location: 6840 Fountains Blvd, West Chester Township, OH 45069, USA

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