Those of you who know me know that in a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away First Parish Church sent me off to Bangor Theological Seminary. I then served churches in Waldo County before serving a church for 23 years in Upstate New York. My wife, Bonnie and I then retired back to Brunswick. I have not been around First Parish Church lately because I have failed at retirement. I am doing interim ministry.

Those of you who really, really, really know me know that in a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, before I met Bonnie Scott and moved to Brunswick, I was a writer— a playwright and lyricist— for professional theater and theatrically related work. I am a member of A.S.C.A.P. and the Dramatist Guild.

The lyricist in me did not go away once I was ordained. And so in 1997 I took Morning Has Broken and adapted it for the Season of Epiphany. The lyric is below. The tune is BUNESSAN (5.5.5.4.D).

Morning has broken; Christ is the morning.

God’s Word now spoken, lighting our ways.

In Christ is being, new light and dawning, 

Wisdom and meaning all of our days.

Christ in a manger; Angels are singing;

Shepherds are fearful. Why be afraid?

Light to the people, Light to the nations.

God ever caring; covenant made.

In the beginning Christ is the sunrise.

Even when Eden’s sounds were frist heard.

Salvation winning, lighting the darkness.

Christ resurrected— one with the Word.

Christ is the sunlight. God with us always.

Alpha - Omega, granting new sight.

God Who is steadfast; God Who is gracious;

God Who is faithful Banishing night.