Each Saturday and Tuesday during Lent, the devotion will consist of visual or musical works of art for you to contemplate.  There might be a brief quote or statement for you to consider as you view/listen to the material; there may be notes from or about the artist or work.  We hope you will find meaning in these pieces during your lenten journey.

On Sunday, March 30, 2014, the youth led the congregation of River Road Church, Baptist, in worship.  The message of welcome was woven throughout the service, from the beautiful painting displayed in the narthex, to the prayers spoken and sermons  proclaimed, to the music played and sung.

Below you will find a painting by Emily Whitty along with the lyrics to the anthem “Welcome,” which was sung by the Youth Choir.  You are invited to reflect on the image and the words below and ponder how you might show hospitality in church, at work, at school, and at home.

Untitled Watercolor
Date: 2014
Artist: Emily Whitty (b. 1999)
Location: River Road Church, Baptist, Richmond, VA

“Welcome”

Let’s walk together for a while and ask where we begin
To build a world where love can grow and hope can enter in.
To be the hands of healing and to plant the seeds of peace,
Singing welcome,

Refrain:
Welcome to this place.
You’re invited to come and know God’s grace.
All are welcome, the love of God to share,
‘Cause all of us are welcome here; all are welcome in this place.

Let’s talk together of a time when we will share a feast,
Where pride and power kneel to serve the lonely and the least,
And joy will set the table as we join our hands to pray,
Singing welcome,

Refrain

Let’s dream together of the day when earth and heaven are one,
A city built of love and light, the new Jerusalem,
Where our mourning turns to dancing, every creature lifts its voice!
Crying welcome!

Refrain

Words: Laurie Zelman and Mark Miller; Music: Mark Miller; Abingdon Press ©2007