Background Notes

Written as a gathering hymn, this hymn text names the qualities of worship that are essential in creating communities of welcome, inclusivity, unqualified acceptance, and support. We also describe the hope we have for how such a community will experience their time together: as companions through peace and conflict who seek collectively to discern God’s holy wisdom. Though the imagery of standing physically shoulder-to-shoulder as a worshiping community without fear of COVID transmission has not been possible for many people since March of 2020, the need for belongingness and support to reimagine such communities has never been greater during this difficult time where illness and division have separated us from each other.