Commissioned by Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth (UUMFE) for Virtual Choir, Earth Day 2022.
Permission to print unlimited copies plus license for live and virtual performance, $20.

Please consider making a donation to UUMFE.org to download the Virtual Choir video directed by John Olin. https://www.dropbox.com/s/fiajcd7l54neonq/11%20Closing%20Hymn%20All%20of%20Us.mov?dl=0.

Beloved Community Commissioned for the 75th Anniversary of First UU San Antonio TX. Copyright 2020 Dana Clark

Verse 1: They were justice-loving people who had open hearts and minds, and they longed to make a better world for all of humankind. When they searched the world for wisdom, they found many seeds of truth, and when they knew what they believed they knew what they must do.

First Chorus: They left us a legacy, Serving humanity. Just look around and see, We're not alone Beloved Community, Rich in diversity, Our chosen family, Calling us home.

Verse 2: With compassion, they were focused on the issues of the day. And when a change was needed they joined hands and led the way. They could see what must be done for they weren't blinded by a creed. They chose to meet each problem not with dogma but with deeds.

Second Chorus: Now we claim this legacy, Serving humanity, Just look around and see, We're not alone. Beloved Community, Rich in diversity, Our chosen family, Calling us home.

Verse 3: When we face future challenges the past will be our guide, Trusting that together we'll be working side by side. Growing in the spirit led by love instead of fear, Building this tradition we will pass down through the years.

Third Chorus: We'll leave them a legacy, Serving humanity, They'll look around and see, They're not alone. Beloved Community, Rich in diversity, Their chosen family, Calling them home.

Leap of Faith (Faith in yourself. Faith in the future.)
Copyright 1997 Dana Clark

VERSE: It doesn't really matter what a careful life you've planned When the rug's pulled out from under you and you've got no place to stand It's time to reinvent yourself when you face that dead end You take a few steps backward Get a running start and then...

CHORUS: You take a leap of faith in the face of doubt And wouldn't you give your right arm to know how it all turns out Sooner or later you face an open door And life gives you the kind of kick you just can't ignore You take a leap of faith

VERSE: You open up, you take some chances. You get a few hard knocks And once you find out you'll survive, you step outside your box Sometimes you feel certain that you've really got the key Other times you wish that you could ask for a guarantee

CHORUS

VERSE: So next time you hit that brick wall and you stand there alone Listen to that old familiar feeling in your bones You've been handed one more chance to start your life anew That's something you've been through before. You know what to do

CHORUS

Themes: Stewardship, Generosity, Community, Interdependence

LYRICS:

What I'm Giving For Copyright Dana Clark 2025

VERSE: I fear for my family. I'm afraid for my friends. I'm scared this is how my plans come to an end. In these troubled times I search for what is true.
Then something reminds me I can count on you.

CHORUS: You mean the world to me. With you I'm safe and I'm free. Here I know who I am. I'm a part of the plan, I'm a piece of the dream. Whatever I have given I've been given so much more. When I look around me I can see what I'm giving for.

VERSE:
You're the framework for my future. You're the archive of my past. The friendships I've made here I will cherish to the last. Each of us unique yet gathered here as one. We join hands and hearts to share the work that must be done.

CHORUS

VERSE: I don't need to run away. I won't need to hide. You are the allies who'll stand by my side. We'll grow stronger still as deeper grows our trust. Guided by our values we'll do what we must.

CHORUS

CHORUS: You mean the world to me. With you I'm safe and I'm free. Here I know who I am. I'm a part of the plan, I'm a piece of the dream. Whatever I have given I've been given so much more. When I look around me I can see what I'm giving for. When I look around me I can see what I'm giving for.