“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is the ELCA’s annual day of service, and in 2023 we celebrated the 10th anniversary! Join New Life Lutheran Church of Bolingbrook, Ill., and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Shoreview, Minn., as they participate in service projects and reflect on what “God’s work. Our hands.” means to them.
This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life — flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
A hymn titled “God’s Work, Our Hands,” written by Wayne Wold, was selected as the winning entry in the ELCA’s “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday hymn contest in 2019. More than 120 entries were submitted to be considered as a hymn for the ELCA’s annual dedicated day of service. The selected hymn represents the official tagline of the ELCA and expresses how the people of this church live in service for the life of the world. We offer our thanks to all who submitted original compositions — the large number of entries gives witness to the enthusiasm that “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday has inspired throughout this church and in our communities. The selected hymn includes music to a familiar tune as well as music to an original composition. The hymn is available as a year-round worship resource.
Wold is a professor and chair of the music department at Hood College in Frederick, Md., where he also serves as concert manager and college organist. He is also the director of music ministry at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ellicott City, Md.
Download the entire hymn collection here: "God's work. Our hands." Hymns - Zip File