The immigrant experience in worship
Hymn writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette writes a new hymn on the immigrant experience:
Engaging the immigrant experience in worship;
Pastor produces a hymn to biblical refugees
From the National Council of Churches website
Wilmington, Del., July 21, 2010 -- Hymn writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette of Wilmington, Del., has produced a new text dealing with immigration, now on the webpage of the National Council of Churches for free use by congregations.“Abraham Journeyed to a New Country” is set to the familiar Gaelic tune of “Morning Has Broken.” Examples of biblical immigrants like Abraham and Sarah, Ruth, and Jesus are featured in the five-stanza text, among the resources offered by the NCC/CWS Immigration Task Force.
In her introduction to the hymn, Gillette writes: "Jesus himself was a refugee in Egypt when his parents had to flee from Herod for his safety. Jesus taught that one of the greatest commandments is to love our neighbors; these neighbors include foreigners (Luke 10:25-37 with references to Leviticus 19:18, 33-34).
"He also taught that all people will be judged on their compassion for those in need and their welcome of strangers (Matthew 25:31-46).
Here is the sheet music
