We Are the Singers

"We are God's people, hopeful and joyful"

Music by Ron Klusmeier
Words by Shirley Erena Murray
Tune Name: VILLAGE

Lyrics as Poetry

We are God’s people,
hopeful and joyful,
One open circle
round Jesus Christ!

•

We are the singers who celebrate Jesus,
we are the cast of a play to unfold,
we have a part at the heart of the Gospel,
action that speaks as the Story is told,

We are God’s people,
hopeful and joyful,
One open circle
round Jesus Christ!

•

This is the wonder, that we should be chosen!
We, like the earthenware vessels we are,
clay in the mold to enfold the great treasure:
light of more power than planet or star,

We are God’s people,
hopeful and joyful,
One open circle
round Jesus Christ!

•

We are the travellers set out on a voyage,
ship that will sail with whoever will board,
we who can dream a regime of acceptance,
seeking a country of loving accord,

We are God’s people,
hopeful and joyful,
One open circle
round Jesus Christ!

•

We have a life that is greening and growing,
centered on Jesus, the root and the vine,
we are a place for each race and each rainbow,
household of faith with a pledge of new wine,

We are God’s people,
hopeful and joyful,
One open circle
round Jesus Christ!

Words by
Shirley Erena MurrayCopyright © 1996 by Hope Publishing Company
Carol Stream, Illinois • USA

Comments About Song

Comment by
SHIRLEY ERENA MURRAY
from her book
“Faith Makes the Song” (#42):

“With a requirement to include six Biblical images (clay pot, light, ship, kingdom, vine, household), this text was written for the 1996 Montreat Conference and was commissioned by the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.”

Faith Makes the Song
is published by:Hope Publishing Company
Carol Stream, IL USA


Audio Sample for
"We Are the Singers"

In 2011, a random group of choir singers from various Vancouver Island churches and led by Lonnie Moddle gathered on a Sunday afternoon to record an informal "Happy 80th Birthday" CD
for Shirley Murray.

One 'rehearsal'. Two mics.
One take. Zero overdubs.
100% inspired energy —
just the way Shirley loved
hearing her words sung!

Scripture References

  • Jeremiah 18:6
  • Matthew 5:14
  • Matthew 9:17
  • Matthew 13:44
  • John 15:5
  • Galations 6:10
  • 2 Timothy 2:20
  • 1 Peter 2:9

Season, Theme
or Subject

  • Acceptance
  • Advent∶ Year 'B'∶ Advent 1
  • Challenge
  • Christian∶ journey
  • Commitment, Dedication
  • Community
  • Faith
  • Hope
  • Inclusiveness
  • Jesus∶ vine
  • Journey
  • Joy
  • Lent
  • Light
  • Music, Song

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Choral Anthem Arrangements

  • Choral Anthem: SATB Full Score
  • Choral Anthem: SATB Choral Parts

Melody Line Versions (includes transposing instruments)

  • Melody Line: 'C' Instrument or Vocal
  • Melody Line: 'C' Instrument 8va
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  • Melody Line: Alto Clef Instrument
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  • Melody Line: ‘F’ Instrument (high)
  • Melody Line: ‘F’ Instrument (low)

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Hymn-style Vocal Harmonizations (accompany with any piano versions)

  • Hymn-style: SATB voices

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  • Guitar: Transposed capo chords
  • Easy Guitar: Basic chords