Called as Partners in Christ’s Service- 453

Called as partners in Christ’s service, called to ministries of grace,

we respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace.

May we learn the art of sharing, side by side and friend with friend,

equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.

Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring, Christ’s clear call to work and worth,

let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.

Men and women, richer, poorer, all God’s people, young and old,

blending human skills together gracious gifts from God unfold.

Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission, in a small or global sense,

help us bear each other’s burdens, breaking down each wall or fence.

Words of comfort, words of vision, words of challenge, said with care,

bring new power and strength for action, makes us colleagues, free and fair.

So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human life

that surround each person’s sorrow with a calm that conquers strife.

Make us partners in our living, our compassion to increase,

messengers of faith, thus giving hope and confidence and peace.