Only One Place to Be page 2

Sister M now invites the congregation to turn in the hymnal that is in the pew in front of them and to follow along as we
all strive to be “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” As Brother D begins to play the piano and Sister M, the violin, a quiet reverence
is felt in the sanctuary. Many pick up the hymnal and start to follow along as they play. As they start into the second verse,
many quietly fold the hymnal and return it to the seat back. Then they kneel in prayer while the music plays. Many who
wrestle with that close walk with God are crying while in prayer.

NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE

Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee.

Refrain:
Nearer, my God, to thee,
nearer to thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
darkness be over me, my rest a stone.
yet in my dreams I'd be nearer, my God to thee. Refrain

There let the way appear, steps unto heav'n;
all that thou sendest me, in mercy given;
angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to thee. Refrain

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with thy praise,
out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;
so by my woes to be nearer, my God, to thee. Refrain

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I'll fly,
still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee. Refrain

There in my Father's home, safe and at rest,
there in my Savior's love, perfectly blest;
age after age to be, nearer my God to thee. Refrain

Narrative
Sometimes we all feel like we are walking on a beach alone.
Sometimes we all feel like we are walking a country path alone.
Sometimes we all feel like we are walking a rocky mountain trail alone.

Even though we toil in our thoughts and feel discouraged when we have harsh
words thrown at us, even though we have fingers pointed and accusations
rumored about us….

We all have a path we must walk, a rocky trail to climb.

We all can listen as cross words are spoken and harmful gossip is spread.

There is but only one place we need to be.

Please turn in the hymnal that is in the pew in front of you and follow along
as we all strive to be “Nearer, My God, to Thee.”