Hymns by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

Once a father told his children,
"Go and do your daily chores.
Go and work out in my vineyard;
All that's mine will soon be yours."
One responded, "I won't do it!"
Then he changed his mind and went.
One said, "Yes! Just send me to it!"
But he went back home again.

Once a church was filled with Christians
Who were proud and feeling blessed.
"God has called us and we've answered!
We have truly answered, "Yes!"
On a chilly Sunday morning,
When a homeless man came by,
They said, "Go! It's not yet storming!
God is love — he will supply."

Once a woman, quite the sinner,
Struggled deep in pain and doubt.
As she passed that church in winter,
There she saw that man walk out.
He was homeless, worn and weary,
So she stopped her car and said,
"I'm no saint but you look hungry —
Let's go buy some soup and bread."

God of love, you call your children;
Some say, "No!" and some say, "Yes!"
Lord, forgive us for our judging
Who will be among the blessed.
For your kingdom is surprising;
Some you call will not obey;
Those we find ourselves despising
May be those who seek your way.