Prolific Presbyterian hymn writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has penned a new hymn dedicated to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). The new hymn ― to the “O Waly Waly” tune ― is entitled “You Give Us Hope This Easter Day.”

“We hope the hymn will be a useful resource in inspiring churches’ support of this special offering that makes such a difference in so many people’s lives,” said Gillette, who with her husband, Bruce, serves as co-pastor of Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Del.

The OGHS, traditionally received on Easter, is the primary means of support for the Presbyterian Hunger Program, the Self-Development of People program and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Gillette gives permission for free use of the hymn to any church that supports the special offering ― one of four in the PC(USA), along with the Pentecost Offering, the Peacemaking Offering and the Christmas Joy Offering.

“You Give Us Hope This Easter Day” is the final hymn in a collection of new Lenten hymns Gillette wrote to benefit The Presbyterian Outlook. This hymn is the final one that she wrote for a collection of new Lenten hymns for The Presbyterian Outlook.  

The full text of Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn:

You Give Us Hope This Easter Day

A Prayer of Dedication for One Great Hour of Sharing

 Tune: O WALY WALY LM (“Though I May Speak”) 

You give us hope this Easter Day:
O God, in Christ, you make us new!
As we’ve been blessed, O Lord, we pray,
May these our gifts bless others, too. 

When people flee from drought or storm,
When children cry, in need of bread--
May these our gifts keep victims warm
And see that hungry ones are fed. 

When workers suffer, long-oppressed,
When neighbors seek to organize,
When those abused weep in distress--
May these our gifts change people’s lives. 

When churches seek to tend the earth,
When gardens grow on urban lands--
May these our gifts provide new birth,
Clear-flowing waters, helping hands. 

O gracious God, you give us life!
This gift is one we’re called to share.
May we now serve the risen Christ
Through these our gifts of love and care. 

Biblical Reference: John 20:1–18; Luke 24:1–12
Tune: English folk melody. (“Though I May Speak”)
Text: Copyright © 2013 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Email: bcgillette@comcast.net Web site: www.carolynshymns.com