Today in the Mission Yearbook - Presbyterian hymn writer the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette pens new lyrics following Hurricane Fiona’s impact

‘O God of All Creation’ can be freely used in worship services and in support of relief efforts

December 28, 2022

The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette will lead music and has written an original hymn for the Aug. 1 session of the PEC Conference. (Contributed photo)

Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has written a new hymn, “O God of All Creation,” after Hurricane Fiona brought devastation to Puerto Rico and other islands in the Caribbean before turning toward the Maritime provinces in Canada.

“This new hymn was written after severe storms caused massive flooding and damage in Pakistan, Alaska, Puerto Rico and other places,” Gillette wrote. “It is written in a general way so that it can be used in the future after other hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones, which are unfortunately becoming more severe due to climate change.”

The new hymn is set to Samuel Sebastian Wesley’s “AURELIA,” the tune for “The Church’s One Foundation.” Winfrey Gillette grants permission for churches to use the lyrics in worship and in support of relief efforts.

O God of All Creation
O God of all creation, as ocean waters warm,
we grieve the devastation that comes with violent storms.
We pray for people struggling — who need your help and grace
on every flooded island and in each flooded place.
We pray for all your children, so dearly loved by you,
who know such great destruction as winds and rains crash through.

We pray for all those hurting, who grieve for what is gone —
for neighbors, friends and siblings who struggle to go on.
We pray, O Lord, for churches that help to build anew.
We pray for rescue workers and all the good they do.
We pray for those with vision who serve as they restore —
who make homes more efficient and stronger than before.
O Christ who calmed the waters and stilled the stormy seas,
You teach us: “Love your neighbors!”  and “Humbly care for these!”
Now lead us by your Spirit to gladly lend a hand —
on every struggling island and in each hurting land.

Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Melody Medley, Data Specialist, Customer Service, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Eliane Menezes, Mission co-worker serving in Guatemala, World Mission, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray

Gracious and loving God, thank you for the opportunities we have to learn though trial and error, and especially for your grace to catch us when we fall. Thank you, O God, for opportunities to minister to each other and to our neighbors, and for the lessons we all can learn from them. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.