Hymns in preparation for Conference

The 2021 Methodist Conference will pick up again the report on relationships and marriage, God in Love Unites Us. As we prepare for this important conversation to continue, which hymns might help us with our thinking and praying?

Elizabeth Hall, a member of StF’s lectionary suggestions team, notes that “the report recognises the wide spread of opinions about the issues covered. What matters, as for John Wesley, is that we recognise that in spite of being different people with different views, we worship one Lord.”

In that spirit, you may wish to re-visit the worship resources published on Singing the Faith Plus. Hymns, prayers and reflections are laid out under three headings: God has made us to be in relationships and to be sexual; God guides us in all our relating; Next steps for the Methodist Church.

The resources are designed to use in worship or opening and closing devotions when the themes of God In Love Unites Us are being discussed or are the focus of a service. They complement the Report and the Guide. 

To these resources, adds the following songs/hymns that may be helpful as we prepare prayerfully for the Conference during the weeks running up to it.

Brother, sister, let me serve you (StF 611)
One human family God has made (StF 687)
Summoned by the God who made us rich in our diversity (StF 689)

Fred Pratt Green’s hymn “How rich is God’s creation”, published by Stainer & Bell in the UK and Hope Publishing in the US and elsewhere.

Nat King Cole singing G.A.Aberle’s “Nature Boy” (videos widely available on YouTube etc.), which concludes:

“The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return.”