Challenge and Courage

In September 2016 participants gathered at the Universal Design for Worship seminar at Calvin College. Singer-songwriter Ken Medema participated through musical leadership and storytelling.

"Challenge and Courage" lyrics:

So Stephanie sits beside me
at the table all day long.
And I ask her, “What’s your biggest takeaway?”
She says, “After all I heard
I wrote down just two words:
Challenge and Courage—I am taking home today.”

Challenge to the ones who give the care
to have the courage to dream and dare,
to take the steps that help us open our eyes.
And challenge the ones who need the care
to come to us and let us bear
you upon eagle’s wings to find the sky.

And in this sweet communion,
gathered ’round these tables,
I have sensed the passion and purpose to live the call.
To call on Love Divine,
to create this new design,
to make the church a place for one and all.

Challenge to the ones who give the care
to have the courage to dream and dare,
to take the steps that help us open our eyes.
Challenge to those who need the care
to come to our church and let us bear
you upon eagle’s wings to find the sky.

Now it’s time for us to part.
There’s hope blossoming in every heart—
hope that we’ll create a better day.
Thus thanks to Stephanie and everyone.
And now that this sweet day is done,
we look forward to learning along the way.

(There will be)
Challenge to those who give the care
to have the courage to dream and dare,
to take the steps and help us open up our eyes.
Challenge those who need the care
to come to our church and let us bear
you upon eagle’s wings,
teach you the song to sing,
make life a sweeter thing,
give you bells to ring,
bear you upon eagle’s wings,
to find the sky.

© Ken Medema