This is another request from Frenzy Cool in the Phillipines. I’m a big Dan Schutte fan but I didn’t know this gathering and Eucharist song. You can hear a snippet at OCP, where you should buy the sheet music if you like it.
I’ve done a backing for all ten verses based on the sample pages at OCP. I doubt anyone would do all ten verses for a gathering song, but if your priest is slow and your church huge you might need it.
Refrain:
Gather the people! Enter the feast!
All are invited, the greatest and least.
The banquet is ready, now to be shared.
Join in the heavenly feast that God has prepared.1. Around this table we dine as kin,
beloved family of God.
We share the body of Christ, the Lord.
Here we become what we eat.2. Around this table we tell great tales,
the wondrous stories of grace.
We hold the memory of Christ, the Lord.
So we become what we eat.3. Around this table God’s bounty falls
on all who hunger and thirst.
We drink the fullness of Christ, the Lord.
So we become what we eat.4. Around this table God’s mercy flows
to hearts imprisoned by shame.
We know compassion in Christ, the Lord.
Let us we become what we eat.5. Around this table new hope is born,
the flame of faith in our hearts.
We find our courage in Christ, the Lord,
till we become what we eat.6. Around this table God’s healing flows
to all the wounded and worn.
We join the sufferings of Christ, the Lord,
as we become what we eat.7. Around this table God’s peace will reign
in hearts imprisoned by fear.
We live in freedom through Christ, the Lord,
as we become what we eat.8. Around this table our hearts rejoice
in love that’s stronger than death.
We’ll rise in glory with Christ, the Lord.
Then we become what we eat.9. Around this table God’s justice reigns
in hearts that labor for peace.
We breathe the spirit of Christ, the Lord,
till we become what we eat.10. Around this table God’s lowly ones
are clothed in splendor and grace.
We share the banquet of Christ, the Lord.
Here we become what we eat.
© Daniel Schutte 2004.
Thanks! I’m cantoring at my church this weekend, but wasn’t familiar with this song. Your recording was a big help in my learning process!
We sang this as the opening hymn for a friend’s ordination. 40 choir voices plus about 800 in the congregation, trumpets, organ, etc. and a procession of about 40 priests and 3 bishops. Yup, sometimes you need all the verses!! One of the highlights of my music ministry.