Project: Hope for a Tree Cut Down

Song: Taken

Description

"When Church of the Beloved was a nameless group of new friends who were getting together every thursday night to share food, stories, fears, and dreams of being church with one another, we read a book together called 'Life of the Beloved' by Henri Nouwen. 'St. Henri' became something of a patron saint to us. Before we had even discovered the book I had scribbled the name 'Church of the Beloved' in a journal, but after reading this incredible little book we all agreed that this was to be our name, for this is who we are - 'Church' - called out of our isolation and into community. And we are 'Beloved' - deeply loved by God from all eternity. Tara got to work right away writing four songs for the core chapters of the book: Taken, Blessed, Broken, and Given. This song, Taken, has been especially important to our community and has already been sung at a baptism, a wedding and a funeral. It's amazing how it was so perfect at each of these passages."

- Ryan Marsh

Lyrics

Taken

Long before anyone saw us we were seen by you.

Long before anyone heard us we were listened to.

Long before anyone spoke to us we were spoken to

by the voice of eternal Love, an everlasting Love.

Love that existed from all eternity.

Love that existed from all eternity.

Love that existed from all eternity

and will last through all eternity.

I am the chosen child of God,

precious in God's eyes.

I am the chosen child of God,

precious in God's eyes.

Called the Beloved from all eternity.

Called the Beloved from all eternity.

Called the Beloved from all eternity

and held safe in an everlasting embrace.