It's a special day here at CWS -- we have the first copyrighted hymn to appear here, with permission, and it's a favorite of mine. Written in 1980 for use in the Metropolitan Community Church, this is an original text and tune that I've always thought should be used across a broader spectrum of churches.We are the Church Alive,
Christ's presence on this earth
We give God's Spirit body in
The act of our new birth.
As yielded open channels
For God's descending dove,
We shout and sing, With joy we bring
God's all-inclusive love.
We are the Church Alive,
Our faith has set us free;
No more enslaved by guilt and shame,
We live our liberty!
We follow Christ's example
And freedom now proclaim,
Destroying myths of doubt and fear
In Jesus' mighty name.
We are the Church Alive,
The body must be healed;
Where strife has bruised and battered us,
God's wholeness is revealed.
Our mission is an urgent one;
In strength and health let's stand,
So that our witness to God's light
Will shine through every land.
We are the Church Alive,
All praise to God on high!
Creator, Savior, Comforter!
We laud and magnify
Your name, almighty God of love;
Pray give us life, that we
May be your church, the Church Alive,
For all eternity.
Jack Hoggatt and David Pelletier, 1980
Tune: CHURCH ALIVE (6.6.8.6.8.6.8.6.)
Jack Hoggatt, 1980
Copyright © 1980 Jack Hoggatt and David Pelletier
Used by permission.
It has been widely used in MCC churches since its debut, but I believe it became even more significant and meaningful later in the 1980s and 90s as so many people died in the AIDS epidemic (not yet known in 1980). It was an awe-filled experience to sing "We are the Church Alive/The body must be healed..." with hundreds of other voices on a Sunday morning -- a hymn, a prayer, and a cry of defiance all in one. Thanks to Jack for letting me present it here, to at least a few people who haven't heard it.
