Voices Found: The heavenly dance , VF 109, Opening hymn, Song of Praise, Easter V, Ascension, Pentecost

                                                                                  

Voices Found # 109, verses 1 and 4

People of God, gather together, 

come, let us sing on this glorious day.

Shouting abroad, praise to the Maker,

come and with body and soul let us pray.

Refrain:

Come let us join in the heavenly dance,

praising in joyful celebration.

Women and men, harmony blending, 

come, swell the chorus of loving accord.  

Raising again thanks never ending, 

come to the God who is Wisdom and Word.

Refrain:

Come let us join in the heavenly dance,

praising in joyful celebration.

Words: Patricia B. Clark (1938-2009)

Music: Earth and All Stars, David Johnson (1922-1987)

Set to the lively tune, Earth and All Stars, "People of God," is a rousing opening hymn for any Eucharist, especially for Eastertide, Ascension, and Pentecost.  Patricia Clark's text echoes the words of 1 Peter  addressing "the People of God, a royal priesthood," appointed for Easter V, year A. The familiar tune is easy to sing and lends itself to inclusion of instrumentalists. Some congregations or youth groups might improvise dance movements.

1 Peter 2:9-10

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,^* in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

¹⁰ Once you were not a people,
   but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
   but now you have received mercy.

For background and performance suggestions please see The Leader's Guide to Voices Found