Volume 5 issue 9

Washington Gladden, a  prolific Congregationalist pastor during the early 20th century, became well-known for his stands on    social issues.

His hymn “O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee,” partially quoted (right column),     appeals to Christ for his companionship, guidance, inner peace and hope. It’s an ideal hymn for beginning a new year.

Oh Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

O Master, let me walk with thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret; help me bear,
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
Before the taunting Pharisee;
Help me to bear the sting of spite,
The hate of men who hide Thy light.

The sore distrust of souls sincere
Who cannot read Thy judgments clear,
The dullness of the multitude,
Who dimly guess that Thou art good.

Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

 

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broadening way,
In peace that only thou canst give,
With thee, O Master, let me live.

From the   Editor’s

Desk

What a joy it is to start this new year with all of you.  Throughout 2009 you have in many ways shown your love for me and this newsletter by many many words of praise and thanks.  I do appreciate it.    Special thanks to those  who have helped finance the newsletter.  Your gifts sure helped make this newsletter continue to happen as we try to adhere to our budget.

We start out this new calendar year well into our 120^th anniversary year celebrations.  This can be an exciting year for all of us.  Not many things endure for 120 years.  Our God does and by His grace so does our church. 

May this be the year  we       rededicate our lives for        service to God.

 

Karen D. Barnaby