Sing Out Love ( https://www.singoutlove.org/) is our new hymnal resource from the Unitarian Universalist Association.

As we explore embracing what isn’t yet but what could be let’s take some time with the text of this month’s hymn. What verse or chorus connects with you today?

We are rooted in fertile ground (fertile ground)

And our roots go deep and our love abounds.

We are building a better day (better day).

As we work and dream, we are on the way.

May compassion be our guide

As we offer up our lives

In the service of justice, peace and love. 

May our faith and hope abide.

We’re creating a world of love (world of love)

Where each living soul always has enough.

We are healing the ones in pain (healing pain).

We are changing lives as we start again.

Composer Background information

Amanda Udis-Kessler (she/her) is a hymnwriter, songwriter, and sacred music composer with over 150 free-use pieces on her website. Amanda also writes progressive liturgy and trains congregations in deepening liturgical inclusiveness; she has three traditionally published books on sociology, religion, and ethics. An antiracism trainer and creativity trainer, Amanda delights in expanding joy and working against suffering. She is the Transitional Pastor at Vista Grande Community Church UCC in Colorado Springs, Colorado. visit https://queersacredmusic.com/

Contextual information

“Rooted in Fertile Ground” was commissioned by a UU congregation in celebration of their acquiring their first building. I used some of their nature-inspired imagery but wrote a worship song broad enough for use in a variety of settings. The song is much enhanced if the echo phrases are included.

From Your Music Director, Ebee Bromley