Hymn of Welcome

This hymn was commissioned by the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church as part of a sermon series on hospitality in the church.

words: Gary Hicks, copyright 2010, Gary L. Hicks

tune: Beach Spring, from The Sacred Harp, 1844.

1. In a world so stark and broken, all alone we suffered loss

But we found a place of welcome in the circle of the cross

We have found a risen Savior, and an ever-faithful Friend

We have found a place for healing, and the will to start again.

2. You are weary from your journey, come inside and rest awhile

We will listen to your story, walk with you this lonely mile

Hospitality was given when our souls were sick and sore

So we offer you our welcome, and the Savior offers more.

3. As the widow fed Elijah from her meager store of food

And her cupboard was replenished, day by day, with all things good

So we give, in faith and purpose, knowing all will be supplied

Every need met with abundance, every hunger satisfied.

4. Father Abraham once welcomed certain angels, unaware

That among those humble trav’lers was the Lord, all hidden there

So as we all share together, in the name of Christ the Son

God is present here among us, and His Spirit makes us one.

5. What a banquet now is offered, we’re invited all to come

What a welcome is extended from the Lamb upon the throne

To the homeless and the stranger, to the poor and lame and blind

Other doors may never open, but a welcome here we find.

6. We are loved and we are welcomed, what a joy is ours to share

And the Spirit’s power is moving now, among us everywhere

So we serve the Lord together, and we love each other too

‘Til the day of final welcome, when our Lord makes all things new.