Voices Found for Gardeners

 

Easter week 2023

Bloom. Bud. Fruit.

Christ the vine VF 141

Christ the vine and God the gardener

We your branches bearing fruit.

We can bring forth shoots of promise

When our lives in Christ take root.

Christ, the fruit from Jesse springing,

You fulfilled the prophet’s trust.

And you pray that we, your body,

Will fulfill your trust in us.

Edith Sinclair Downing's text is based on John 15:1-8, a passage appointed for Easter week.  She includes an Advent image, envisioning Christ as the fruit from Jesse springing and finishes with a prayer that we, your body, will fulfill your trust in us.  Alfred Fedak's melody is simple, easily accessible with a keyboard or guitar accompaniment, which would allow young instrumentalists of accompany it.  It is easy to sing for congregational or small group worship.  

Reflection

Flowers can welcome the stranger, comfort the sick,  and bring hope to the downcast. At the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea,  julep cups of flowers are part of the ministry of hospitality and hope. As we gather  blooms, buds and greens I think also of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. When we work together we learn patience and kindness, bringing forth shoots of promise as we all take root in Christ.  Flower guilds and garden clubs can help us bear fruit as part of Christ's body. I give thanks for that fellowship.

"Christ the vine" is published in Voices Found: Women in the Church's Song.  For performance suggestions see The Leader's guide to Voices Found available from Church Publishing, Inc.