Responsive Reading for Spring.

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Adapted by Larry Hallock from

H.R. Niebuhr's Christ and Culture (Intro)

J.S. Bach, St. Matthew Passion (Leader)

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 (Congregation)

When I presented this, as just one of several contributions by different individuals for an inter-faith service

(of gay religious groups), the Jewish representative objected to the reference to Jesus as savior. This was

annoying, given that we were each to represent our own faiths. Oh well. Years later, I too, have a problem

with it, but that’s a different story. I still love the Congregation’s lines. —LH

An adaptation from three sources

As the summer sun rejuvenates what winter's deeds destroyed, the Great Transformer of Life offers unspeakable grace to transform the soul.

(Leader)

Though I turned away from thee,

yet have I again returned;

(Congregation)

The winter is past,

the rain is over and gone.

for thy Son has reconciled us

through his...mortal pain.

The flowers are springing up and the

time of the singing of birds has come.

I do not deny my offense,

but thy mercy and thy grace

are much greater than

the sin I find forever present in me.

The leaves are coming out

and the grape vines are in blossom.

How delicious they smell!

EVERYONE: OUR GOD TRANSFORMS THE EARTH.

OUR GOD TRANSFORMS OUR HEARTS.