I am still basking in the joy of Sunday’s Installation Service for our new pastor, Beau Underwood! I know I can’t choose just one element of the service as my most favorite. (I know that’s not correct English; please humor me!) But if I had to say, it would be singing the hymn “For Everyone Born a Place at the Table.” It’s been circling around in my head for days!!! (I believe we call that an earworm!)

The tune is catchy and made me swing side-to-side. And the words! The words are amazing as they name so many instances of including people and situations that society chooses to exclude: people who need and deserve clean water, bread, and shelter; those who are neglected, children, and the aged; those needing welcome because of their gender or color; and for all a mindset of mercy. We all deserve a place at the table and the right to be free.

And then there’s the magnificent chorus:

and God will delight when we are creators

of justice and joy, compassion and peace:

yes, God will delight when we are creators

of justice, justice and joy!

I love it that Beau and Casey and Jesse brought us this hymn. And I look forward to its becoming part of our regular hymn canon.

Friends, God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace. Let that begin now with each and every one of us.

~Sue Shadburne Call