When I was typing out the words to this hymn last night, I had no idea that this was going to be today’s hymn of the day in church this morning–I simply thought the words were apropos to the last Sunday of worship in St. John Wheaton’s old Sanctuary. So, when I saw the hymn number in the bulletin this morning, I realized that it’s just one of those funny moments where I’m pleasantly surprised by God’s timing!

“Built on the Rock the Church shall stand
Even when steeples are falling.
Crumbled have spires in ev’ry land;
Bells still are chiming and calling,
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the souls distressed,
Longing for rest everlasting.

Surely in temples made with hands
God, the Most High, is not dwelling;
High above earth His temple stands,
All earthly temples excelling.
Yet He who dwells in heav’n above
Chooses to live with us in love,
Making our bodies His temple.

We are God’s house of living stones,
Built for His own habitation.
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation.
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell
With all His grace and His favor.

Here stands the font before our eyes,
Telling how God has received us.
The altar recalls Christ’s sacrifice
And what His Supper here gives us.
Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim
Christ yesterday, today, the same.
And evermore, our Redeemer.

Grant, then, O God, Your will be done,
That, when the church bells are ringing,
Many in saving faith may come
Where Christ His message is bringing:
‘I know My own; My own know Me.
You, not the world, My face shall see.
My peace I leave with you. Amen.'” Lutheran Service Book #645