LEADER: You are living stones, cut from Christ, who is our Rock and
Cornerstone.
PEOPLE: We are members of God’s household, built on the foundation
of the apostles and the prophets. Brought together by faith with those who testified before us, we stand on their shoulders.
LEADER: In Christ, the whole building is joined together. Rising upward, you are becoming a holy temple in the Lord, a dwelling place for His Spirit.
PEOPLE: We recognize that we have not come to God alone. We are here through the work of those who came before us. And we do not persevere alone. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, urging us onward, encouraging us to do the will of the Lord.
LEADER: Remember the work of your ancestors, who faithfully taught you the commandments of God. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. And when they ask, “What do these stones mean?” tell them that they might know the hand of the Lord. For unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
PEOPLE: May those who follow in our footsteps be thankful for this legacy, as we thank those who came before us. May they be faithful to preserve it for all who follow them. As they stand upon the stones we set in place, may future generations say, “This our fathers and mothers did for us!”
LEADER: Therefore, work together as one. Build with stones of love and faith; stones of justice and compassion; stones of hope and commitment. Stand firm on the foundation, which is your mutual faith in Christ. Keep your eyes on Him, who is both the Author and Finisher of the faith.
ALL: For we are confident in this: The One who began this good work will carry it on to completion, until the day of His return.
God Be With You Till We Meet Again
In 2000, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure commissioned her to write a song cycle for chorus and symphony. Twice performed at Carnegie Hall, Sing for the Cure made its European premiere at Royal Festival Hall in London in 2010 and was recorded with Dr. Maya Angelou as narrator. In 2013, her song cycle for piano, solo violin, and men’s chorus entitled Tyler’s Suite debuted, benefitting the Tyler Clementi Foundation. Collaborating composers were John Bucchino, Craig Carnelia, John Corigliano, Nolan Gasser, Ann Hampton Callaway, Jake Heggie, Lance Horne, and Stephen Schwartz. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded the grant for the Suite’s recording. Her choral pieces have received both Editor’s Choice and Merit Series awards from top choral music distributors, and have been honored by Creator Magazine’s “Select 20.” Ms. Stewart lives in Austin, Texas.
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