A Note From Dr. Whatley – “Come, Labor On,”

This week’s recessional hymn is “Come, Labor On,” with words by Jane Borthwick and a stirring tune by Thomas Tertius Noble.

Noble composed the melody “Ora Labora” in 1918 while serving at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, in New York City. Its name comes from the Benedictine ideal ora et labora — “pray and work.”

Borthwick’s text reminds us that our daily work is part of our Christian vocation. We are called not simply to believe, but to labor faithfully in God’s kingdom. To use our time, our abilities, and the work entrusted to us in the service of God and our neighbor.

As we sing it at the close of worship this Sunday, the hymn sends us back into the world with a purpose: our worship continues in the work we are called to do.