It is said that into every hymnal a little cheesy, catchy, happy song must fall.
This one’s ours, folks.
And as far as cheesy, catchy, happy songs go, well, this one covers all the bases and then some. Because in the middle of some rather average invitations – “open your ears to the song” and “open your hearts, everyone” comes the zinger: “don’t be afraid of some change.”
Very sneaky, Louise Ruspini (our composer). I like it a lot. Sure, I suspect Ruspini is thinking about inner change, and that’s important, of course. But I know I’m not the only minister who’s used this one on a day when some change in the system is introduced. Because change is going to come whether you welcome it or not, so you might as well welcome it, right?
Enter, rejoice, and come in.
Enter, rejoice, and come in.
Today will be a joyful day;
enter, rejoice, and come in.Open your ears to the song…
Open your hearts ev’ryone…
Don’t be afraid of some change…
Enter, rejoice, and come in…
Anyway, if you don’t know the tune, there are a bunch of videos on YouTube. Or ask a random Unitarian Universalist, who will groan, sing it to you, and then share their parody lyrics. Mine – co-written with Randy Becker – are below:
Exit, go out, go away
Exit, go out, go away
Go enjoy the rest of your day
Exit, go out, go away.
—
I was going to share a cheerful pic of ceramic frogs, but I thought it wouldn’t be a bad time to share our message of welcome – thanks to Ellen Rocket and the UUA for these signs of resistance.
2 responses to “STLT#361, Enter, Rejoice, and Come In”
Theorem: Every hymn, even the cheesiest one, has a perfect setting, where all the hymn’s strengths and faults meld into situational perfection.
Case in point: A candidate week concludes with a unanimous and absolutely unreserved call in the congregational vote. Everyone senses a spirit-led confluence of ministries, and potential for mutual and shared growth between congregation and minister. The Candidate is telephoned, accepts the call, and returns to joyful pandemonium in the church to affirm their acceptance in person. As they approach the door, the minister hears the congregation burst into song….*
What other hymn could be more perfect—every single word of it?
*Yes, this is autobiographical. (Chair of the search committee, not the minister.)
I would like this to be sung at my funeral as they roll the casket (or carry the ashes) into the church!