Hymns by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
O God, you've led us by your grace
To meet you in this wondrous place.
You've brought us here beside these springs
To share the joy your mercy brings.
Here generations long have found
A welcome rest, a holy ground.
And through your love they've come to know
Your blessings that like waters flow.
Within the walls of this hotel
Both young and old have served you well.
They've come to work and volunteer;
Perhaps they've welcomed angels here.
How many saints have climbed these stairs
And shared the meals and offered prayers?
How many here have come to see
Your love and hospitality?
From flowing springs to hills above
We hear the whispers of your love.
As we've been welcomed here, O Lord,
Now send us out to serve your world.
This hymn was written for the Centennial of the Massanetta Springs Historic Hotel in 2010 at the request of Pat Valentine, chair of the Centennial Committee. The reference to Isaiah 49:10b ("For he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them") comes from its use in The Springs Flow On: A History of the Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA by Fred A. Holbrook. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us of the importance of the ministry of hospitality: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the author of Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor (Discipleship Resources/Upper Room Books, 2009) (several of the hymns in this book were written while Carolyn attended the Massanetta Springs Bible Conferences) and Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today's Worship (Geneva Press, 2000). Carolyn and her husband Bruce are the co-pastors of Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. A complete list of her hymns can be found at www.carolynshymns.com.