Hymns by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

Do Not Turn Away the Children
BEACH SPRING (8.7.8.7 D) ("God Whose Giving Knows No Ending")

Do not turn away the children; let them come to me instead.
For to them belongs the kingdom. Make them welcome!" Christ, you said.
As we hear your words of blessing that you spoke when they drew near,
Can we hear your love addressing needs of children we see here?

Do not turn your back on children who know violence, pain and war.
Give them justice, food and welcome, make their homes and lives secure.
Don't neglect the world of children who have AIDS and HIV,
For to them belongs the kingdom. give them health care that they need.

Do not tell the nation's children, "schools are what we can't afford!"
Give them all good education; teach them well, both rich and poor.
Do not hurry past the children longing for your love this day;
For to them belongs the kingdom; give them time, don't turn away.

Do not miss the faith of children who have questions deep inside,
For to them belongs the kingdom wonder with them, be their guide.
Jesus, as we hear your blessing for those ones you welcomed in,
May our deeds reflect your caring as we welcome them again!

Biblical References: Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 9:33-37; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17
Tune: The Sacred Harp, 1844; attributed to Benjamin Franklin White ("God Whose Giving Knows No Ending")
Text: Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Copied from Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (Upper Room Books, 2009).
Email: bcgillette@comcast.net     New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/

Hymn Use Permission: Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (Upper Room Books, 2009) includes a permission note for those who own this book to use this hymn (along with the 76 other new hymns in the book) in their local church's worship services. People who do not own Songs of Grace are asked to contact Carolyn (bcgillette@comcast.net) for permission to use the hymn and to get a copy of the hymn formatted for worship bulletin use.

 
Children and Family Resources

See excerpts from the books online at the Amazon links.

Books on Mark and Year B

Books on Luke and Year C