As a fire is meant for burning

As a fire is meant for burning. Ruth C. Duck* (1947-2024). Written in 1982 after visiting United Church of Christ Missions in Turkey, which is reflected in the first lines: ‘As a fire is meant for burning/ with a bright and warming flame/ so the church is meant for mission/ giving glory to God’s name’. It was published in her Dancing in the Universe (1992), and has since been included in a number of books, including the Canadian VU and the Scottish CH4. There is a Spanish translation by Georgina Pando-Connolly, ‘Como un fuego brilla y querna’. Although written in Duck’s favourite metre of 8.7.8.7.D, and therefore capable of being sung to many fine tunes, there is one written for these...