With Humble Grace

This hymn was written as a memorial for a church member, and it was first sung at his service. The author writes:

I was asked by Karen G. Bryant, former pastor of the Church of All Nations [Boston], to compose a Hymn of Remembrance for the Memorial Service for Charlie Harris, who had been a long-time member of that church. I did not know Charlie, but she described him to me:

"Charlie: humble, quiet, behind the scenes person from this family of 17 children. He died at age 76 of cancer. All his life he served quietly at Church of All Nations. He would just show up on Wednesdays when we needed help unloading the food for the homeless meal program. He'd lug and help, then go ... no praise or acclaim wanted.

He came every Monday before the AA meeting, not only to open the church, but he always brought food for the attendees, made coffee, and always brought a bouquet of flowers for the coffee/food table. He was a quiet gentle servant spending his little money and all his time making sure the less fortunate had encouragement, food, help, support."

It occurred to me that our churches are filled with Charlie Harrises, quiet unassuming people who work behind the scenes, not expecting any reward, save the satisfaction of fulfilling Jesus' assessment, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

With Humble Grace (PDF format)

F. Richard Garland's photo, biography, contact information and links to additional songs and choral music are available on the Discipleship Ministries website.