Looking back but moving forward

1 Looking back but moving forward,
Lord, our times are in your hand.
You're the God who never changes,
God of every age and land.
You're our End as our Beginning;
You were there when time began
and through all the years of history
you've been working out your plan.

2 Looking back but moving forward,
you have blessed us year by year.
Thank you, Lord, for those whose vision
built our church and served you here;
and successive generations
bearing witness to your Name:
yesterday, today, for ever
Jesus still remains the same!

3 Looking back but moving forward,
times have changed and much is new:
smart phones, lasers, transplants, space flight -
things our forebears never knew.
Yet you're Alpha and Omega,
God of then and God of now.
As we serve the present age, Lord,
by your Spirit show us how.

4 Looking back but moving forward,
as we celebrate today,
giving thanks for all that's past, we
pledge ourselves to walk your way.
Holy Spirit, lead us onward;
keep us faithful to your call.
May this ever spur our mission:
Jesus Christ is Lord of all!

© Brian Hoare, admin. The Jubilate Group
Metre / Suggested tune: 8 7 8 7 D / GRACIOUS STREET (Brian Hoare)