Easter Hymn

Death and darkness get you packing,

Nothing now to man is lacking,

All your triumphs now are ended,

And what Adam marred is mended.

Graves are beds now for the weary,

Death a nap, to wake more merry;

Youth now, full of pious duty,

Seeks in Thee for perfect beauty.

The weak, and aged tired, with length

Of days, from Thee look for new strength,

And infants with Thy pangs contest

As pleasant, as if with the breast.

Then, unto Him, who thus hath thrown

Even to contempt Thy kingdom down,

And by His blood did us advance

Unto His own inheritance.

To Him be glory, power, praise,

From this, unto the last of days.

by Henry Vaughan  1622-1695

Note: The Lord is risen!  He is risen indeed!  May the daystar rise daily in our hearts as we advance forward upon the Way of the Cross which the Son of God has shown us. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Why Did You Die?

       Why?  Why?
Why did you die
    On the cross?
You're my boss.

Why'd You die for me?
    I am like a little pea.

       Why? Why?
Why did you die
    On the cross?
You're my boss.

Why did You die on the cross?
        It is so I won't get tossed?

Tell my why you did.
         I am just a kid.

       Why? Why?
Why did You die
     On the cross?
You're my boss.


by Susanna Dunlap, age 11,   3-4-2013
(Susanna's first song)

The Servant King

Lord, You laid aside Your cloak of Glory,
    And wrapped Yourself in a towel of humility,
Placed the basin of Your love at our feet
    Knelt before us on Your knees.

Lord, wash my feet, Lord wash my feet,
Lord wash my feet.  I would be a part of Thee.
      Let me wash your feet, let me wash your feet,
      Let me wash your feet.  I want to be like Thee.

Lord, You laid aside Your throne of Glory,
     And took upon Yourself the form of a servant,
Walked the path of obedience to death,
     Even death upon the Cross.

Lord, wash my feet, Lord, wash my feet,
Lord, wash my feet.  I would be a part of Thee.
     Let me walk with Thee, let me walk with Thee,
     Let me walk with Thee.  I want to be like Thee.

by Nathan Dunlap  12-08-2000
John 3:3-15, Phil. 2:5-11

Note:  May we all draw close to Christ this Holy Week.  May we grow in joy and gratitude as we reflect on Christ's Passion. May we join in His sufferings by taking up our cross daily.  May we choose the Way of the Cross and thereby increase in endurance, patience, hope, and joy, awaiting the day of our homecoming. May we choose to be servants for Christ as we allow our feet to be washed, and as we wash the feet of others.

Lenten Prayer

     Jesus, Oh Son of God, to Thee I sing.
You're my counselor, You're my Prince of Peace.
     Shape this earthen vessel, Oh Mighty King.
Lord, My Lord, it's Thee I long to please.   Amen.

Julie Dunlap  3-19-2013

Solid Rock

Oft upon the rock I tremble,
     Faint of heart and weak of knee.
But the solid "Rock of Ages"
     Never trembles under me.

Author unknown

The Lenten Fast

This is the fast I choose today:
     To loose the bonds of the oppressed,
     To bring Christ's hope to the distressed,
     To bring Christ's cheer
          Till He appears
                In fine array
                That glorious day.

This is the fast I choose this Lent:
     Ho! 'Do not judge, do not react, do not resent.'
     To bring Christ's peace as I repent
     To bring Christ tears
           Till He appears
                 In fine array
                 That glorious day.

This is the fast I choose today:
     To share our bread through open doors.
     To bring Christ's love unto the poor.
     To bring Christ near
          Till He appears
                In fine array
                That glorious day.

Julie Dunlap  2-23-2013