The Ode

A goodly thing it is to meet
In friendship’s circle bright,
Where nothing stains the pleasure sweet
Nor dims the radiant light.
No unkind word our lips shall pass,
No envy sour the mind,
But each shall seek the common weal,
The good of all mankind.

The Grace

We thank Thee, Father, for Thy care
Food, friends and kindliness we share;
May we forever mindful be
Of "Home and Country" and of Thee.

Mary Stewart Collect

Keep us, oh Lord, from pettiness;
Let us be large in thought, in word, and deed.
Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking.
May we put away all pretence and meet each other face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous.
Let us take time for all things; let us grow calm, serene, gentle.
Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straightforward and unafraid.
Grant that we may realize that it is the little things that create differences, that in the big things of life we are at one.
And may we strive to touch and know the great human heart, common to us all.
And, oh Lord God, let us forget not to be kind!