Wednesday 21 January 2009

Benediction

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Further to my last Blog,  the Benediction at the end of Obama's inauguration by Dr Joseph Lowry finished with the words: 
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when  black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around -- when yellow will be mellow -- when the red man can get ahead, man -- and when white will embrace what is right.  Let all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.

Apparently it has caused a bit of stir on YouTube as being racist,  which I think is ridiculous.  I thought it was humorous and inclusive.  

Let Us Stand for the Benediction













I was sent a link to an article in Christianity Today on Benediction: Reclaiming the lost art of Blessing. Worth reading. It appeared in Leadership Journal.net and describes an experience at Village Church


Brian McLaren's Song  With Kindness from songs for a revolution of hope  is available to watch on You Tube 

he writes: 
It's encouraging to know that my song "with kindness" is being used as a benediction song in a growing number of churches and other gatherings. Here's a video from the closing service at IWS in Florida ...
The words and chords are available on restoration village

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