"Into These Hills"
Into these hills and valleys long ago
Came pioneers of faith with vision clear
Of farms and towns and neighbors living so
That village, home, and church might flourish here.
God grant us vision now to us, we pray,
To make their dreams our own in this new day.
Today we pray for ministries of caring;
For teaching children gracious words of truth;
For helping all to know the joys of sharing
Time, talents, all; for work with age and youth;
For worship binding all the church in one;
For deeds and smiles that help God's will be done.
Move us with confidence toward that tomorrow
For which we dare to hope through Christ the Lord,
When peace and joy shall conquer human sorry
And plow-shares vanquish gun and bomb and sword.
So make us one humanity, and then teach us to
Sing grand and sure "Amen!"
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the rebuilding of its sanctuary, Anderson First United Methodist commissioned a hymn with original music in memory of Ted and Vera Miller. The text was written by Jane Parker-Huber and the music was composed by Jane Marshall.
Jane Parker-Huber explains the thoughts behind writing "Into These Hills." "'Into these hills and valleys long ago' recalls our pioneer heritage of faith. Many of my hymns express the sense of being part of a church that spans time and space, unlimited by a particular geography or moment in time."
Miss Marshall was the Professor of Music at Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University. She was recognized nationally for her many compositions and was in constant demand as a clinician and resource person in the areas of music and worship.
