Joel 2:23-32
Abundance after drought; The coming of the Spirit: prophecies, dreams, visions; salvation
Tune in A vision strong (Whelan) Anthemic rock song about being strong in vision and courage, including an optional verse about women's empowerment - "the victims of oppression call to us to sing their song". Lyrics, sound sample and songbook.
Tune In: Come O God and visit us sick we pray / Your abundant life (Brown) A joyful song "Lead us into your abundant life". Lyrics and sound sample.
Tune In: The desert will spring to life / Making things new (Anderson). A catchy pop song. Great for kids, and excellent imagery. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
Tune In: You in all our worries / All will finish well (Brown) “In this world where injustice reigns, you are in the midst of pain”. Excellent words of reassurance in a difficult world. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
Tune In: Alive in me Catchy boppy pop song about God's spirit within us and within the world. Music sample, sound sample and lyrics here.
TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Harling) Fun and good. Lyrics.
Iona (Common Ground) / CH257 Singing we gladly worship the Lord together (Traditional Guatemalan) This song has an energetic chorus with a great rhythm, and sings of us "sowing seeds of peace and love" in a troubled world.
TiS 547 / AHB 455 / AoV1-009 / NCH451 / CH465 / UMH451 / VU643 / WoV776 / ELW793 / HPP353 / HPSS339 / CP505 / CP(E) 386 / W&R502 / Cha595 / Srce70 / URW180 Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart (8th century Irish) Most recent hymnals are fairly inclusive in their language for this. Please note that the High King imagery is quite important in terms of Irish history. This has been changed in some hymnals because it is masculine, but the hymn is based on an ancient story of St. Patrick refusing to follow the High King Logaire, but choosing instead the "High King of Heaven". Probably worth telling this story to your congregation if you choose this song. Lyrics, tune and a little of the story.
NCH495 / HPP443 / HPSS343 / W&R581 Called as partners in Christ's service (Beecher) A good song of commitment - particularly good if you are commisioning people to new roles this week, and good for any other service too. Sung to a standard tune.
MV084 In you there is a refuge (Wehlander / Good) A simple quiet song. "In you there is a silence, in you our minds are clear. When all we hear is discord may your quiet draw us near".
TiS 672 / GA554 Lord of earth and all creation (Thwaites) A call for renewal of creation and all God's created people in Australia. Two possible tunes. The newer tune is very good, but if your congregation can't do a new tune this week, it can also be sung to WESTMINSTER ABBEY which is very well known. Lyrics (split by words of mission and blessing).
CP517 / W&R503 O God your constant care and love (Lanier) Quite good words about God's presence with us through our lives. Sung to a standard hymn tune. Lyrics and tune sample.
NCH263 / UMH539 O Spirit of the living God (Tweedy) Excellent words of hope for a church that needs to turn to God and do things right. The tune in NCH (ST MATTHEW) is not one I'm familiar with, but it's pretty straightforward. UMH uses FOREST GREEN which is much better konwn. Lyrics and sound sample.
NCH286 / ATE 218 / VU375 / WoV684 / ELW396 / HPP239 / W&R326 Spirit spirit of gentleness (Manley) Lovely, gentle song. Very easy to sing, but can get slow and ponderous if you're not careful. Lyrics and kind of odd sound sample.
Psalm 65
Deliverance, hope, God’s power over nature, rain and harvest
MV144 SP&P073 Like a healing stream (Harding) Gentle folksy ballad with a lot of water imagery - healing stream, gentle rain, river strong and mighty sea. Would need to be introduced, but would catch on pretty quickly, I think. Sound sample, sheet music sample, and pdf for purchase.
TiS 119 / AHB 40 / NCH012 / UMH152 / VU231 / HPP39 / PH288 / W&R31 / Cha064 I sing the almighty power of God (Watts) Note that most versions of this are not inclusive, with the exception of NCH and Chalice. I prefer to sing this to ELLACOMBE.
MV163 River running in you and me (Macdonald / Light) Terrific words with lots of river imagery, a song of the spirit, and of challenge when times are hard. If this is not familiar, just get a soloist to sing it while the congregation joins in the last line "River run deep, river run free". The verses are not metrical, so it will take more time to sing them with confidence.
CH227 The earth is yours O God (Saward) A simple hymn paraphrase of the Psalm. To the tune ROSSLEIGH.
TiS 100 / AHB 3 / NCH17 / CH147 / UMH62 / VU217 / LBW527 / ELW835 / GA395 / HPP261 / HPSS455 / GC534 / GC(II)523 / RS 670 / CP(E) / 250 / W&R23 / Cha022 All creatures of our God and King (Francis of Assissi) A good classic sing! Hymnals vary in how inclusive (or not) the lyrics are. Using only Alleluia Alleluia, eliminates the "Oh praise him" which makes it annoying male exclusive. Also "Sing your praises" can be used instead of "Oh praise him". NCH has "To you, O God, all creatures sing" and eliminates all kingly language. ELW has "All creatures worship God most high". Lyrics and sound sample.
Emergent Psalter The fields are clothed with grain (Everett) A good quality sung refrain. The author also suggests using this Psalm as a grace. Nice idea. Sheet music sample (refrain only).
TiS 474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / CP465 / W&R649 / Cha284 / URW054 / SP175 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Haugen) Excellent and very well known. Sample.
TiS 690 / CH259 / StS115 Beauty for brokenness hope for despair (Kendrick) Themes of healing from personal and universal suffering and a rousing chorus. Lyrics.
TiS 647 / AoV2-012 / ATN 25 Comfort, comfort all my people (Mann) Easy to sing, beautiful lyrics. Chorus is “Comfort, comfort all my people, with the comfort of my word. Speak ye tender to my people, all your sins are taken away”. Lyrics, mp3 sample.
Alternate readings: Sirach 35:12-17 or Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22 and Psalm 84:1-7
For Psalm 84, see Proper 16B.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Timothy finishes up and everyone has deserted him, but he's still pretty upbeat because God will rescue him.
TiS 643 / UMH206 / StJ / WoV649 / ELW815 / G(II)352 / GC508 / GC(II)513 / W&R248 I want to walk as a child of the light (Thomerson) An old-style favourite. Lyrics here. Sound sample.
TiS 411 / AHB 328 / NCH266 / UMH537 / VU194 / CP658 / CP(E) 425 / W&R331 Filled with the Spirit's power Excellent inclusive words to a very well known hymn tune.
TiS 586 / AHB 502 / AoV2-128 / NCH99 / CH580 / UMH700 / VU436 / LBW272 / ELW629 / CP024 / CP(E) 10 / W&R521 / Cha636 / Srce2 Abide with me; fast falls the eventide (Lyte) I'm not a big fan of this old hymn, but it is very meaningful to those who are feeling alone, and are seeking God's strength, particularly older people. Most versions are not inclusive, with NCH, AoV and VU providing good, more modern and inclusive versions. Doesn't have to be sung in the evening. Lyrics and sound sample.
Luke 18:9-14
The proud pharisee and the humble and contrite tax collector.
TiS 681 Lord let me see see more and more (Langmead) An excellent song - kind of long with 5 verses, but very simple lyrics on some quite tricky themes. The tune is very natural to sing as well. Free sheet music. Conditions of use and more songs by Ross Langmead.
MV127 I saw the rich ones (Mayberry) This is simple to sing and a great song for kids “But with God the world is turned upside down. The poor are embraced and the lost they are found. Let’s work for a world where all people are free. Where it’s good to feel good about God loving you and me”.
TiS 474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / CP465 / W&R649 / Cha284 / URW054 / SP175 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Haugen) Excellent and very well known. Sample.
W&R383 If My People’s Hearts Are Humbled (Cloniger) This song is a new one to me, but the lyrics are good, and it is sung to either ODE TO JOY or LOVE DIVINE, both very well known tunes, so easy to use even if new. Lyrics.
TiS 728 Jesuchristo Reina reina ya! A fun Latin American song. It's particularly fun if someone is brave enough to yell out a "call" at the start of each verse.
PH390 O Savior in This Quiet Place (Pratt Green) Honest, open words of coming to God in prayer. Traditional, and simple hymn tune.
Liturgy for the Whole Church p174 The tax collector and the pharisee (Bock) A dramatic reading for two people.
A Kyrie would also fit very well with this reading.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Songs and Hymns for Proper 24C / Ordinary 29C / Pentecost +21 (October 17th 2010)
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Promise of a new covenant – God’s law written on Israel’s hearts. All will know God, not just hear about God. God will forgive their sins.
TiS 679 God of Jeremiah grieving (Wren) Last chance for Jeremiah! In the USA this song is available in "New Beginnings" and "Piece Together Praise". The traditional Scottish tune KELVIN GROVE is well known as the tune for "The Summons". Lyrics (with an alternate tune).
ATW 459 I don't believe in a God up in the sky / God Version 1.0 An excellent rock song about how we think about God. Lyrics and mp3.
TiS 658 / AoV1-090 / ATE 296 / CH251 / UMH593 / VU509 / WoV752 / ELW574 / HPP541 / HPSS525 / G(II)492 / GC(II)671 / CP(E) 470 / W&R559 / Cha452 / Srce328 I the Lord of sea and sky / Here I am Lord (Schutte). Song of God searching for us and our response. Very slow sound sample. Lyrics and sample sheet music.
UMH729 / VU682 / WoV762 / LBW161 / ELW627 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 O day of peace that dimly shines (Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER). Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and sound sample (JERUSALEM). Sound sample of CANDLER.
ATA 184 Spring follows winter (love is the law) (Mann) Lovely words to a familiar traditional English (?) melody. There is a Father in the last verse, but is inclusive other than that. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
TiS 560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded (Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but the NCH and WoV are, so if you have those books (BUC people, we have NCH, and I have WoV). Older version of the lyrics.
TiS 90 / AHB 44 / UMH60 / VU867 / PH253 / CP346 / CP(E) 473 / W&R79 / Cha20 I'll praise my Maker while I've breath (Watts) A great classic hymn. Most sources are not inclusive; Voices United is! Lyrics and sound sample.
Psalm 119:97-104
How excellent is the Law!
LBW232 Your word O Lord is gentle dew (Garve) Really lovely words of God's word as gentle dew, flaming sword and wondrous star. Beautiful imagery, and not mushy at all. Sung to a pretty straightforward hymn tune (AF HIMLENS). Lyrics and organ sound sample.
TiS 427 / AHB 333 / CP561 / CP(E) 515 Lord your word abiding (Baker) Some use archaic language. Simple words and melody. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
VU250 / GA415 / G(II)372 / GC546 O God of Matchless Glory (Duck) Good song, simple tune (HASTINGS). Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
TiS 430 / AHB 337 / Cha324 Your words to me are life and health (Martin) I really like this old hymn. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it still works, I think. Sound sample and lyrics.
CP447 / W&R671 Lord we hear your word with gladness (Clarkson) Good words honouring the word and the Word of God, set to a well known hymn tune (NETTLETON). Lyrics and tune sample.
Alternate readings: Genesis 32:22-31 and Psalm 121
For Genesis 23 see Proper 13A.
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
More about the word/law/scripture. Call to evangelism!
TiS 411 / AHB 328 / NCH266 / UMH537 / VU194 / CP658 / CP(E) 425 / W&R331 Filled with the Spirit's power Excellent inclusive words to a very well known hymn tune.
ATOK 348 / Iona (HSNW) / G(II)496 / GC692 / GC(II)697 Come with me / Sing hey for the carpenter (Iona) Excellent. I love this one. Very joyous, and a big favourite in our congregation. Lyrics.
TiS 749 / AoV1-154 / AoVK-131 / ATE 305 / NCH360 / Iona (SBL, Freedom is coming) / CH800 / UMH497 / VU572 / WoV773 / ELW809 / HPP340 / G(II)484 / GC677 / GC(II)674 Send me Jesus / Thuma mina
ATOK 412 / Iona (SBL, Common Ground) / CH250 / MV212 / SFFS 2184 Sent by the Lord am I / Sent out in Jesus name / Enviado soy de Dios (Traditional Cuban) / Great rhythm, good words and not too hard to sing (provided you sing it a little slowly the first time!) I prefer the MV translation "Sent out in Jesus' name".
ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / R276 / ELW798 / GA502 / SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 / W&R350 Will you come and follow me / The Summons (Iona / KELVINGROVE) A classic, but it has been overdone sometimes. Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever!
TiS 427 / AHB 333 / CP561 / CP(E) 515 Lord your word abiding (Baker) Works for this passage too! Some use archaic language. Simple words and melody. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
UMH670 / VU418 / CP(E) 438 / W&R708 Go forth for God go to the world in peace (Peacey)
NCH286 / ATE 218 / VU375 / WoV684 / ELW396 / HPP239 / W&R326 Spirit spirit of gentleness (Manley) Lovely, gentle song. Very easy to sing, but can get slow and ponderous if you're not careful. Lyrics and kind of odd sound sample.
NCH182 / VU104 / SFFS 2103 / HPP147 / CP166 / W&R245 We have come at Christ's own bidding (Daw Jr) Excellent lyrics that bring the images of the transfiguration to the faith of today. Sung to the familiar tune HYFRYDOL (TiS 517). Lyrics (scroll down). Tune sample.
NCH357 / CH680 / G(II)487 / GC680 / GC(II)675 You are called to tell the story (Duck) Excellent words. The simplest tune would be REGENT SQUARE. Different sources use a range of tunes.
Luke 18:1-8
The persistent widow. God grants justice to the powerless.
TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying, listen to me / Sorrowing song. (Mann) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
Linnea Good The way it should be Good kids song. Very easy, but will need to be briefly introduced.
TiS 741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW407 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / Taize / W&R484 / Srce519 O Lord hear my prayer (Berthier) A simple and very well known Taize chant
AoVK-29 Remember we are your people (Barr) Simple three part chant "Remember we are your people, your people O God". This would work really well as a sung refrain during the prayer of confession. Sound sample (search for the song, then click on the music symbol)
WCC website: Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos. This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Free sheet music!
Iona (M&G) / CH267 Blest be God blest be God for ever (Martinez / DANDASOY) Beautiful words to a beautiful, but tricky Philippino melody (unless you have a Philippino congregation, in which case it's just a familiar folk tune). This would be great to ask a small group to sing if you have some good singers in your congregation. Works especially nicely with a guitar.
CH763 / MV193 God bless to us our bread (Traditional Argentinian) A lovely simple grace for meals and for communion. More Voices has Spanish and French lyrics as well as English. "God bless to us our bread, and give bread to all those who are hungry, and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread". This would be very appropriate if you are celebrating communion this week. Sound sample.
AoV2-102 / GA509 Who will speak if we don't (Haugen) Excellent challenging words.
MV028 / StJ / FFS25 / GC(II)507 God of the Bible / Fresh as the morning (Murray) Good words, that seem to be full of sunshine, but also power. I particularly like the tune by Alonso in MV, as the chorus is really very wonderful. I think it's worth learning. I think this song would be a really good "fit" for our congregation. Lyrics, sheet music sample, sound sample.
Promise of a new covenant – God’s law written on Israel’s hearts. All will know God, not just hear about God. God will forgive their sins.
TiS 679 God of Jeremiah grieving (Wren) Last chance for Jeremiah! In the USA this song is available in "New Beginnings" and "Piece Together Praise". The traditional Scottish tune KELVIN GROVE is well known as the tune for "The Summons". Lyrics (with an alternate tune).
ATW 459 I don't believe in a God up in the sky / God Version 1.0 An excellent rock song about how we think about God. Lyrics and mp3.
TiS 658 / AoV1-090 / ATE 296 / CH251 / UMH593 / VU509 / WoV752 / ELW574 / HPP541 / HPSS525 / G(II)492 / GC(II)671 / CP(E) 470 / W&R559 / Cha452 / Srce328 I the Lord of sea and sky / Here I am Lord (Schutte). Song of God searching for us and our response. Very slow sound sample. Lyrics and sample sheet music.
UMH729 / VU682 / WoV762 / LBW161 / ELW627 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 O day of peace that dimly shines (Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER). Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and sound sample (JERUSALEM). Sound sample of CANDLER.
ATA 184 Spring follows winter (love is the law) (Mann) Lovely words to a familiar traditional English (?) melody. There is a Father in the last verse, but is inclusive other than that. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
TiS 560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded (Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but the NCH and WoV are, so if you have those books (BUC people, we have NCH, and I have WoV). Older version of the lyrics.
TiS 90 / AHB 44 / UMH60 / VU867 / PH253 / CP346 / CP(E) 473 / W&R79 / Cha20 I'll praise my Maker while I've breath (Watts) A great classic hymn. Most sources are not inclusive; Voices United is! Lyrics and sound sample.
Psalm 119:97-104
How excellent is the Law!
LBW232 Your word O Lord is gentle dew (Garve) Really lovely words of God's word as gentle dew, flaming sword and wondrous star. Beautiful imagery, and not mushy at all. Sung to a pretty straightforward hymn tune (AF HIMLENS). Lyrics and organ sound sample.
TiS 427 / AHB 333 / CP561 / CP(E) 515 Lord your word abiding (Baker) Some use archaic language. Simple words and melody. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
VU250 / GA415 / G(II)372 / GC546 O God of Matchless Glory (Duck) Good song, simple tune (HASTINGS). Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
TiS 430 / AHB 337 / Cha324 Your words to me are life and health (Martin) I really like this old hymn. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it still works, I think. Sound sample and lyrics.
CP447 / W&R671 Lord we hear your word with gladness (Clarkson) Good words honouring the word and the Word of God, set to a well known hymn tune (NETTLETON). Lyrics and tune sample.
Alternate readings: Genesis 32:22-31 and Psalm 121
For Genesis 23 see Proper 13A.
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
More about the word/law/scripture. Call to evangelism!
TiS 411 / AHB 328 / NCH266 / UMH537 / VU194 / CP658 / CP(E) 425 / W&R331 Filled with the Spirit's power Excellent inclusive words to a very well known hymn tune.
ATOK 348 / Iona (HSNW) / G(II)496 / GC692 / GC(II)697 Come with me / Sing hey for the carpenter (Iona) Excellent. I love this one. Very joyous, and a big favourite in our congregation. Lyrics.
TiS 749 / AoV1-154 / AoVK-131 / ATE 305 / NCH360 / Iona (SBL, Freedom is coming) / CH800 / UMH497 / VU572 / WoV773 / ELW809 / HPP340 / G(II)484 / GC677 / GC(II)674 Send me Jesus / Thuma mina
ATOK 412 / Iona (SBL, Common Ground) / CH250 / MV212 / SFFS 2184 Sent by the Lord am I / Sent out in Jesus name / Enviado soy de Dios (Traditional Cuban) / Great rhythm, good words and not too hard to sing (provided you sing it a little slowly the first time!) I prefer the MV translation "Sent out in Jesus' name".
ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / R276 / ELW798 / GA502 / SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 / W&R350 Will you come and follow me / The Summons (Iona / KELVINGROVE) A classic, but it has been overdone sometimes. Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever!
TiS 427 / AHB 333 / CP561 / CP(E) 515 Lord your word abiding (Baker) Works for this passage too! Some use archaic language. Simple words and melody. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
UMH670 / VU418 / CP(E) 438 / W&R708 Go forth for God go to the world in peace (Peacey)
NCH286 / ATE 218 / VU375 / WoV684 / ELW396 / HPP239 / W&R326 Spirit spirit of gentleness (Manley) Lovely, gentle song. Very easy to sing, but can get slow and ponderous if you're not careful. Lyrics and kind of odd sound sample.
NCH182 / VU104 / SFFS 2103 / HPP147 / CP166 / W&R245 We have come at Christ's own bidding (Daw Jr) Excellent lyrics that bring the images of the transfiguration to the faith of today. Sung to the familiar tune HYFRYDOL (TiS 517). Lyrics (scroll down). Tune sample.
NCH357 / CH680 / G(II)487 / GC680 / GC(II)675 You are called to tell the story (Duck) Excellent words. The simplest tune would be REGENT SQUARE. Different sources use a range of tunes.
Luke 18:1-8
The persistent widow. God grants justice to the powerless.
TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying, listen to me / Sorrowing song. (Mann) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
Linnea Good The way it should be Good kids song. Very easy, but will need to be briefly introduced.
TiS 741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW407 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / Taize / W&R484 / Srce519 O Lord hear my prayer (Berthier) A simple and very well known Taize chant
AoVK-29 Remember we are your people (Barr) Simple three part chant "Remember we are your people, your people O God". This would work really well as a sung refrain during the prayer of confession. Sound sample (search for the song, then click on the music symbol)
WCC website: Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos. This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Free sheet music!
Iona (M&G) / CH267 Blest be God blest be God for ever (Martinez / DANDASOY) Beautiful words to a beautiful, but tricky Philippino melody (unless you have a Philippino congregation, in which case it's just a familiar folk tune). This would be great to ask a small group to sing if you have some good singers in your congregation. Works especially nicely with a guitar.
CH763 / MV193 God bless to us our bread (Traditional Argentinian) A lovely simple grace for meals and for communion. More Voices has Spanish and French lyrics as well as English. "God bless to us our bread, and give bread to all those who are hungry, and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread". This would be very appropriate if you are celebrating communion this week. Sound sample.
AoV2-102 / GA509 Who will speak if we don't (Haugen) Excellent challenging words.
MV028 / StJ / FFS25 / GC(II)507 God of the Bible / Fresh as the morning (Murray) Good words, that seem to be full of sunshine, but also power. I particularly like the tune by Alonso in MV, as the chorus is really very wonderful. I think it's worth learning. I think this song would be a really good "fit" for our congregation. Lyrics, sheet music sample, sound sample.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Songs and Hymns for Proper 23C / Ordinary 28C / Pentecost +20 (October 10th 2010)
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Live where you are, work for justice where you are and with whom you live. Our salvation is tied to the salvation of the oppressed.
Tune in A vision strong (Whelan) A rock song about being strong in vision and courage, including an optional verse about women's empowerment - "the victims of oppression call to us to sing their song". Lyrics, sound sample and songbook.
Tune In: Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Brown) A latinesque song about the Spirit being with those who are victims, prisoners and the sick, as well as present in our prayers. Sample here.
TiS 473 / NCH314 / W&R615 / Cha655 Community of Christ (Murray) Beautiful words to a traditional Hebrew synagogue melody (LEONI). Easy to sing. Lyrics (downloads a pdf of an excellent service of lamentation - scroll to the end).
TiS 665 / AoV2-008 / Iona (Common Ground) / CH360 / VU117 / StJ / SP246 Jesus Christ is waiting (Bell) A good and well known hymn. Lyrics here (scroll down just a little bit).
TiS 468 / NCH309 / PH436 We are your people Spirit of grace (Wren) I really like the lyrics to this one. The tune is a bit funny and the hymn is quite long - needs something to stop people plodding through it; maybe split the singing into male/female or different sides of the congregation. Lyrics.
TiS 629 / AHB 558 / AoV2-136 / ATA 197 / CH544 / VU600 When I needed a neighbor were you there (Carter) A classic folk church song. Well known and fits well with this theme. "And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter"... Lyrics.
ATN 18 / NCH552 From the crush of wealth and power (Gibbons) Good words about stepping out with courage to help those in pain and "bind all their wounds again". Well known tune (BRIDEGROOM). Lyrics (scroll down).
Psalm 66:1-12
Make a joyful noise, God’s brought us through some rough stuff.
AoVK-18 Clap your hands our God is good! (Brown) Good kid's song.
Tune In Peace In Our Time (Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and action for peace. Lyrics. Sound sample. Songbook.
TiS 152 / NCH4 / UMH89 / VU232 / LBW551 / ELW836 / HPP22 / HPSS464 / GC529 / GC(II)520 / CP425 / W&R59 / Cha002 / URW065 Joyful joyful we adore thee Note that this hymn is not always very inclusive. I prefer more modern translations (e.g. TiS, VU, NCH, GC(II) ). Older version lyrics and tune sample.
TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / HPP74 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words. They are so jubilant. In the AHB, Christ is masculine, but I think that's okay. Lyrics and one possible tune.
ATE 216 / Iona (SBL) / CH126 / StJ / WoV795 / ELW555 / PH472 / G(II)365 / GC527 / RS 671 / CP417 / W&R15 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad al Señor (Traditional Brazilian) A good, fun and simple song that is easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish too. Some versions also have multiple verses (e.g. CH). Sheet music sample. Sound sample (click on the play button).
StJ / GC(II)505 / W&R444 / URW144 / Srce2-502 Rain Down (Cortez) A good simple gospel song. A very easy chorus, and good verses too. Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
MV163 River running in you and me (Macdonald / Light) Terrific words with lots of river imagery, a song of the spirit, and of challenge when times are hard. If this is not familiar, just get a soloist to sing it while the congregation joins in the last line "River run deep, river run free". The verses are not metrical, so it will take more time to sing them with confidence.
TiS 110 / AHB 27 / NCH006 / UMH126 / VU216 / LBW542 / HPP14 / PH483 / GC539 / CP310 / CP(E) 569 / W&R56 / Cha006 / URW070 Sing praise to God who reigns above / our highest good (Schutz) Most hymnbooks do not use inclusive language for this hymn, but PH, NCH and VU do).
NCH9 / StJ / ELW791 / SFFS 2001 / CP523 / URW293 We Sing to You O God (Proulx) Good hymny hymn with inclusive lyrics. Nice descant part also.
TiS 720 / AHB 295 / AoVK-85 / AoV2-046 / ATOK 319 / NCH236 / Iona (M&G, T1AU) / CH345 / VU958 / StJ / GA107 / SFFS 2026 / HPP571 / GC(II)261 / RS 396 / SP324 / W&R5 / Cha41 / ZSS76 / URW370 Halle halle hallelujah (Trad Caribbean) I think this passage deserves a hearty Hallelujah and this is one of my favourites. Note that GA and CH have verses!
Alternate readings: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c and Psalm 111
For 2 Kings, see Proper 9C. For Psalm 111, see Proper 15B.
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Persecution is okay; “avoid wrangling over words”, “a worker who has no need to be ashamed”… interesting mix here.
ATOK 322 / Iona (HSNW) Lord where have we left you (Iona) This song, sung to a simple tune, is about leaving Christ behind at Christmas, and then just messing up for the rest of the year (or something like that).
TIS 624 / W&R453 Christ be my leader by night as by day. Excellent words of following Christ in times of struggle to a traditional Scottish melody. Lyrics
Worldmaking.net Christ is Coming Ever Coming (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A good song with the simple refrain "Christ is coming, ever coming, coming again". Sound sample, lyrics and book.
TiS 279 / AHB 212 / SFFS 2091 / HPP158 / GC487 / GC(II)494 / CP632 / W&R159 The King of glory comes the nation rejoices (Jabusch) Fun and energetic song to a traditional Israeli folk melody. A good processional. Lyrics and sign language (bottom of the page).
Luke 17:11-19
Ten lepers healed, just one is thankful.
TiS 638 / NCH175 / CH717 / UMH265 / LBW380 / ELW675 / PH380 / CP291 / CP(E) 346 / W&R638 / Cha503 O Christ the healer we have come Beautiful words and simple to sing. Good to sing during intercessions. I like the tune INVERCARRY best. Lyrics and sound sample (of an alternate tune)
Liturgy for the Whole Church p168 The one who gave thanks: the story of the ten lepers (Bock) A dramatic reading.
TiS 737 / Iona (Common Ground, HSNW, T1AU) Lord Jesus Christ lover of all (Bell) A beautiful and simple chant. Note that some versions (T1AU at least) has a beautiful 4 part harmony arrangement with excellent moving parts in the lower registers.
Medical Mission Sisters Ten unclean and nowhere to go (Winter) Good catchy chorus for kids. Verses could be sung by a leader. Lyrics. Probably in this book.
Live where you are, work for justice where you are and with whom you live. Our salvation is tied to the salvation of the oppressed.
Tune in A vision strong (Whelan) A rock song about being strong in vision and courage, including an optional verse about women's empowerment - "the victims of oppression call to us to sing their song". Lyrics, sound sample and songbook.
Tune In: Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Brown) A latinesque song about the Spirit being with those who are victims, prisoners and the sick, as well as present in our prayers. Sample here.
TiS 473 / NCH314 / W&R615 / Cha655 Community of Christ (Murray) Beautiful words to a traditional Hebrew synagogue melody (LEONI). Easy to sing. Lyrics (downloads a pdf of an excellent service of lamentation - scroll to the end).
TiS 665 / AoV2-008 / Iona (Common Ground) / CH360 / VU117 / StJ / SP246 Jesus Christ is waiting (Bell) A good and well known hymn. Lyrics here (scroll down just a little bit).
TiS 468 / NCH309 / PH436 We are your people Spirit of grace (Wren) I really like the lyrics to this one. The tune is a bit funny and the hymn is quite long - needs something to stop people plodding through it; maybe split the singing into male/female or different sides of the congregation. Lyrics.
TiS 629 / AHB 558 / AoV2-136 / ATA 197 / CH544 / VU600 When I needed a neighbor were you there (Carter) A classic folk church song. Well known and fits well with this theme. "And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter"... Lyrics.
ATN 18 / NCH552 From the crush of wealth and power (Gibbons) Good words about stepping out with courage to help those in pain and "bind all their wounds again". Well known tune (BRIDEGROOM). Lyrics (scroll down).
Psalm 66:1-12
Make a joyful noise, God’s brought us through some rough stuff.
AoVK-18 Clap your hands our God is good! (Brown) Good kid's song.
Tune In Peace In Our Time (Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and action for peace. Lyrics. Sound sample. Songbook.
TiS 152 / NCH4 / UMH89 / VU232 / LBW551 / ELW836 / HPP22 / HPSS464 / GC529 / GC(II)520 / CP425 / W&R59 / Cha002 / URW065 Joyful joyful we adore thee Note that this hymn is not always very inclusive. I prefer more modern translations (e.g. TiS, VU, NCH, GC(II) ). Older version lyrics and tune sample.
TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / HPP74 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words. They are so jubilant. In the AHB, Christ is masculine, but I think that's okay. Lyrics and one possible tune.
ATE 216 / Iona (SBL) / CH126 / StJ / WoV795 / ELW555 / PH472 / G(II)365 / GC527 / RS 671 / CP417 / W&R15 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad al Señor (Traditional Brazilian) A good, fun and simple song that is easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish too. Some versions also have multiple verses (e.g. CH). Sheet music sample. Sound sample (click on the play button).
StJ / GC(II)505 / W&R444 / URW144 / Srce2-502 Rain Down (Cortez) A good simple gospel song. A very easy chorus, and good verses too. Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
MV163 River running in you and me (Macdonald / Light) Terrific words with lots of river imagery, a song of the spirit, and of challenge when times are hard. If this is not familiar, just get a soloist to sing it while the congregation joins in the last line "River run deep, river run free". The verses are not metrical, so it will take more time to sing them with confidence.
TiS 110 / AHB 27 / NCH006 / UMH126 / VU216 / LBW542 / HPP14 / PH483 / GC539 / CP310 / CP(E) 569 / W&R56 / Cha006 / URW070 Sing praise to God who reigns above / our highest good (Schutz) Most hymnbooks do not use inclusive language for this hymn, but PH, NCH and VU do).
NCH9 / StJ / ELW791 / SFFS 2001 / CP523 / URW293 We Sing to You O God (Proulx) Good hymny hymn with inclusive lyrics. Nice descant part also.
TiS 720 / AHB 295 / AoVK-85 / AoV2-046 / ATOK 319 / NCH236 / Iona (M&G, T1AU) / CH345 / VU958 / StJ / GA107 / SFFS 2026 / HPP571 / GC(II)261 / RS 396 / SP324 / W&R5 / Cha41 / ZSS76 / URW370 Halle halle hallelujah (Trad Caribbean) I think this passage deserves a hearty Hallelujah and this is one of my favourites. Note that GA and CH have verses!
Alternate readings: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c and Psalm 111
For 2 Kings, see Proper 9C. For Psalm 111, see Proper 15B.
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Persecution is okay; “avoid wrangling over words”, “a worker who has no need to be ashamed”… interesting mix here.
ATOK 322 / Iona (HSNW) Lord where have we left you (Iona) This song, sung to a simple tune, is about leaving Christ behind at Christmas, and then just messing up for the rest of the year (or something like that).
TIS 624 / W&R453 Christ be my leader by night as by day. Excellent words of following Christ in times of struggle to a traditional Scottish melody. Lyrics
Worldmaking.net Christ is Coming Ever Coming (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A good song with the simple refrain "Christ is coming, ever coming, coming again". Sound sample, lyrics and book.
TiS 279 / AHB 212 / SFFS 2091 / HPP158 / GC487 / GC(II)494 / CP632 / W&R159 The King of glory comes the nation rejoices (Jabusch) Fun and energetic song to a traditional Israeli folk melody. A good processional. Lyrics and sign language (bottom of the page).
Luke 17:11-19
Ten lepers healed, just one is thankful.
TiS 638 / NCH175 / CH717 / UMH265 / LBW380 / ELW675 / PH380 / CP291 / CP(E) 346 / W&R638 / Cha503 O Christ the healer we have come Beautiful words and simple to sing. Good to sing during intercessions. I like the tune INVERCARRY best. Lyrics and sound sample (of an alternate tune)
Liturgy for the Whole Church p168 The one who gave thanks: the story of the ten lepers (Bock) A dramatic reading.
TiS 737 / Iona (Common Ground, HSNW, T1AU) Lord Jesus Christ lover of all (Bell) A beautiful and simple chant. Note that some versions (T1AU at least) has a beautiful 4 part harmony arrangement with excellent moving parts in the lower registers.
Medical Mission Sisters Ten unclean and nowhere to go (Winter) Good catchy chorus for kids. Verses could be sung by a leader. Lyrics. Probably in this book.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Songs and Hymns for Proper 22C / Ordinary 27C / Pentecost +19 (October 3rd 2010)
Lamentations 1:1-6 and Lamentations 3:19-26
General desolation and God’s constancy
See also suggestions for the Psalm.
Tune In / NCYC '07: Forgive us now (Brown). “As we forgive may we be healed, as we reach out….” An excellent ballad seeking forgiveness in a sinful world. Lyrics and sound sample.
Tune In: Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk-like tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook available here.
TiS 617 / NCH413 / UMH517 / WoV736 / ELW626 / HPSS342 / W&R75 / SP164 By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered Wonderful words by Bonhoeffer. A range of tunes. The tunes BONHOEFFER (NCH) and O PERFECT LOVE work well. I'm not a big fan of the tune in TiS (HIGHWOOD). Lyrics. The 5th verse is omitted in some hymnals.
VU267 / W&R20 / SP288 Like a mighty river flowing (Perry) Lovely words about different aspects of creation being "the perfect peace of God". Sung to a familiar hymn tune. Lyrics (click on "English").
TiS 156 / AHB 91 / AoV1-135 / ATA 123 / CH212 / UMH145 / VU409 / ELW556 / HPP267 / HPPS469 / G(II)546 / GC756 / GC(II)748 / CP003 / CP(E) 260 / W&R35 / Cha053 / URW186 Morning has broken (Farjeon) Still good; this makes me smile everytime. I had the good fortune to hear Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) sing this in Melbourne a few months back, along with a couple of thousand other people at our Tennis Centre. Lyrics.
MV027 Creator God you gave us life (Snowdon) This song has beautiful lyrics and a very straightforward intuitive tune. The chorus is "Through hands that paint majestic skies, and voices chanting melody, with words that reach beyond the page, we comprehend your mystery". A good song for the start of worship.
HPP44 / W&R60 / Cha087 / ZSS21 I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord (Fillmore) An old well-known chorus, which is actually OK even though the language is pretty old fashioned.
CP517 / W&R503 O God your constant care and love (Lanier) Quite good words about God's presence with us through our lives. Sung to a standard hymn tune. Lyrics and tune sample.
TiS 162 / AHB 114 Thank you for giving me the morning Good for kids. Needs a key change or two as you go or it will drive everybody crazy.
NCH370 / W&R685 / URW127 What gift can we bring? A good offering song.
Psalm 137
Refugees, those who have lost their homes, recent immigrants.
See also suggestions for Refugee Sunday.
Iona (Psalms of Patience Protest & Praise) URW343 Beside the streams of Babylon (Bell) Paraphrase of the Psalm, to a traditional Scottish tune which is very simple.
CH94 / VU859 / WoV656 / PH246 / RS543 By the Babylonian Rivers (Bash) Good poetic paraphrase of the first four verses of the Psalm. Latvian folk tune (KAS DZIEDAJA) which is haunting and minor. I prefer this version of the Psalm to TiS85 by Milgate, which uses the same tune. Some versions have 4 verses and some have only 3. Sample sheet music and lyrics. Keyboard sound sample.
TiS 708 / ATA 121 / VU858 / StJ / HPP569 / PH245 / CP294 / URW342 By the waters the waters of Babylon (Traditional) That old round. Could be quite effective as a meditation. VU and URW pair this with a responsive reading of the Psalm which would also work well. Sound sample and lyrics.
GC(II)573 By the waters of Babylon (Tate) A different, more contemporary, version. Quite peaceful; good words. Sheet music sample and lyrics. Sound sample.
ATA 117 By the rivers of Babylon (Farian, Reyan, Dowe and McNaughton) This is the Boney M version. Maybe this could work, but probably not. It's not really very mournful. I can't resist though... here's a video. It was originally recorded by The Melodians. An idea from "The Emergent Psalter" is to use the lines "may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight" as a Psalm refrain.
MV016 / StJ / ELW528 / GA430 / SFFS 2157 / HPP410 / G(II)398 / GC570 / GC(II)550 / RS710 / CP402 / URW378 Come and Fill our hearts/ Confitemini Domino (Berthier) A very familiar Taize chant. Sample and sheet music for practice.
TiS 667 / G(II)415 / GC591 How shall I sing to God? (Wren) Great words. The tunes for this are difficult (TiS has WEAVER MILL while Gather hymnals have HOPE), so will need to be taught. Try introducing to to your congregation this week, and maybe sing it together next week. Lyrics. Sound sample (HOPE).
TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying, listen to me / Sorrowing song. (Mann) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
AoV1-114 / HPP376 / G(II)430 / GC608 / GC(II)596 / RS 734 / W&R430 You shall cross the barren desert / Be not afraid (Dufford) Beautiful words. Well known (at least, the chorus). Verses may be tricky. Lyrics here.
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Do not be ashamed; rely on God; “guard the good treasure”.
Praise and Worship (I think) God has not given us a spirit of fear There’s a version of 2 Timothy 1:7 in an old “Praise and Worship” book. I know some very silly dance moves to it!
TiS 690 / CH259 / StS115 / SP237 / Srce54 Beauty for brokenness hope for despair (Kendrick) Themes of healing from personal and universal suffering and a rousing chorus. Lyrics.
MV 162 Christ within us hidden, Christ, in all and each (Leunig) Very simple tune with quite remarkable words based on a prayer by Michael Leunig. Why is this in a Canadian song book and not any Australian song books? Big sigh. “Christ within us hidden. Christ, in all and each. Christ, who comes unbidden. Christ, within our reach."
TiS 422 / CH594 / CP(E) 179 Come Holy Spirit come inflame our souls with love (Forster / DIADEMATA) Excellent words to a well known hymn tune. It is not gender-inclusive for God. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
TiS 710 / CH758 / Iona (Enemy of Apathy) Come Holy Spirit gracious heavenly dove A beautiful and simple chant.
TiS 711 / ATOK 334 / Iona (M&G) / VU383 / SFFS 2124 / G(II)330 Come O Holy Spirit / Wa Wa Wa Emimimo (Nigeria) This song is just fun. And very easy. Please try to sing it in its original language (Yoruba), it sounds a bit inane in English and it’s not hard!! Encourage your congregation to dance a simple side-to-side step to this; they will enjoy it even more. A good song to help us remember that our faith is global, and to think of the church and all people in Africa. There is a sample here (it's very white, and mostly in English, but it's all I could find!)
AoV2-074 / GA399 / G(II)345 / GC491 From the corners of creation / Song at the Centre (Haugen) Good words of praise in creation and a simple folk-like tune. Partial sheet music sample, keyboard sound sample.
TiS 419 / NCH270 / CH592 / UMH544 / VU205 / WoV685 / ELW403 / HPP222 / HPSS314 / CP635 / CP(E) 185 / W&R327 / Cha245 / SP92 Like the murmur of the dove's song (Daw) Excellent words and a simple tune. Each verse ends with "Come holy spirit, come" . Lyrics and organ sample here.
TiS 414 / CH616 / UMH192 / VU582 / HPP134 / PH433 / GC550 / CP(E) 198 / Cha257 There's a Spirit in the Air (Wren) A good song of getting the business of following Christ done. Speaking out, caring for others, being changed. Good, joyful tune too. Sheet music sample. Keyboard sound sample.
Luke 17:5-10
The mustard seed.
God Gives 2: Faith is like a muscle use it and it will grow This is a great song for kids. And grown ups who like to be silly.
TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune.
TiS 474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / CP465 / W&R649 / Cha284 / URW054 / SP175 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Haugen) Excellent. Surely everyone knows how great this song is. Sample here.
MV174 Soil of God you and I (Hannah) Good lyrics of inclusion, unity and growth. Fairly straightforward tune.
NCH 540 We plant a grain of mustard seed A song about how human love is a taste of divine love. Great words to a fairly standard-sounding (but new) hymn tune. It would also work well with MORNING SONG (the tune for “Awake, awake to love and work”).
AoVK-28 / ATOK 376 Faith hope and love (Watts) This is so easy, and so cool. If you have some groovy musicians, this can even be a very funky rock song. Very easy, and great for kids and non-readers.
GGives 2 Don't just think about faith / Do it, do it, do it, do it (Boucher) Groovy kid's song about taking action. Lots of repetition so great for kids and non-readers.
ATA 181 Faith like a mustard seed (Prewer) A simple round. I would just sing the first verse.
WoV658 / ELW506 / URW078 The word of God is source and seed "The Word of God is source and seed; It comes to die and sprout and grow. So make your dark earth welcome warm; Root deep the grain God bent to sow." There's a very helpful commentary including the lyrics of the hymn here.
General desolation and God’s constancy
See also suggestions for the Psalm.
Tune In / NCYC '07: Forgive us now (Brown). “As we forgive may we be healed, as we reach out….” An excellent ballad seeking forgiveness in a sinful world. Lyrics and sound sample.
Tune In: Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk-like tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook available here.
TiS 617 / NCH413 / UMH517 / WoV736 / ELW626 / HPSS342 / W&R75 / SP164 By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered Wonderful words by Bonhoeffer. A range of tunes. The tunes BONHOEFFER (NCH) and O PERFECT LOVE work well. I'm not a big fan of the tune in TiS (HIGHWOOD). Lyrics. The 5th verse is omitted in some hymnals.
VU267 / W&R20 / SP288 Like a mighty river flowing (Perry) Lovely words about different aspects of creation being "the perfect peace of God". Sung to a familiar hymn tune. Lyrics (click on "English").
TiS 156 / AHB 91 / AoV1-135 / ATA 123 / CH212 / UMH145 / VU409 / ELW556 / HPP267 / HPPS469 / G(II)546 / GC756 / GC(II)748 / CP003 / CP(E) 260 / W&R35 / Cha053 / URW186 Morning has broken (Farjeon) Still good; this makes me smile everytime. I had the good fortune to hear Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) sing this in Melbourne a few months back, along with a couple of thousand other people at our Tennis Centre. Lyrics.
MV027 Creator God you gave us life (Snowdon) This song has beautiful lyrics and a very straightforward intuitive tune. The chorus is "Through hands that paint majestic skies, and voices chanting melody, with words that reach beyond the page, we comprehend your mystery". A good song for the start of worship.
HPP44 / W&R60 / Cha087 / ZSS21 I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord (Fillmore) An old well-known chorus, which is actually OK even though the language is pretty old fashioned.
CP517 / W&R503 O God your constant care and love (Lanier) Quite good words about God's presence with us through our lives. Sung to a standard hymn tune. Lyrics and tune sample.
TiS 162 / AHB 114 Thank you for giving me the morning Good for kids. Needs a key change or two as you go or it will drive everybody crazy.
NCH370 / W&R685 / URW127 What gift can we bring? A good offering song.
Psalm 137
Refugees, those who have lost their homes, recent immigrants.
See also suggestions for Refugee Sunday.
Iona (Psalms of Patience Protest & Praise) URW343 Beside the streams of Babylon (Bell) Paraphrase of the Psalm, to a traditional Scottish tune which is very simple.
CH94 / VU859 / WoV656 / PH246 / RS543 By the Babylonian Rivers (Bash) Good poetic paraphrase of the first four verses of the Psalm. Latvian folk tune (KAS DZIEDAJA) which is haunting and minor. I prefer this version of the Psalm to TiS85 by Milgate, which uses the same tune. Some versions have 4 verses and some have only 3. Sample sheet music and lyrics. Keyboard sound sample.
TiS 708 / ATA 121 / VU858 / StJ / HPP569 / PH245 / CP294 / URW342 By the waters the waters of Babylon (Traditional) That old round. Could be quite effective as a meditation. VU and URW pair this with a responsive reading of the Psalm which would also work well. Sound sample and lyrics.
GC(II)573 By the waters of Babylon (Tate) A different, more contemporary, version. Quite peaceful; good words. Sheet music sample and lyrics. Sound sample.
ATA 117 By the rivers of Babylon (Farian, Reyan, Dowe and McNaughton) This is the Boney M version. Maybe this could work, but probably not. It's not really very mournful. I can't resist though... here's a video. It was originally recorded by The Melodians. An idea from "The Emergent Psalter" is to use the lines "may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight" as a Psalm refrain.
MV016 / StJ / ELW528 / GA430 / SFFS 2157 / HPP410 / G(II)398 / GC570 / GC(II)550 / RS710 / CP402 / URW378 Come and Fill our hearts/ Confitemini Domino (Berthier) A very familiar Taize chant. Sample and sheet music for practice.
TiS 667 / G(II)415 / GC591 How shall I sing to God? (Wren) Great words. The tunes for this are difficult (TiS has WEAVER MILL while Gather hymnals have HOPE), so will need to be taught. Try introducing to to your congregation this week, and maybe sing it together next week. Lyrics. Sound sample (HOPE).
TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying, listen to me / Sorrowing song. (Mann) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
AoV1-114 / HPP376 / G(II)430 / GC608 / GC(II)596 / RS 734 / W&R430 You shall cross the barren desert / Be not afraid (Dufford) Beautiful words. Well known (at least, the chorus). Verses may be tricky. Lyrics here.
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Do not be ashamed; rely on God; “guard the good treasure”.
Praise and Worship (I think) God has not given us a spirit of fear There’s a version of 2 Timothy 1:7 in an old “Praise and Worship” book. I know some very silly dance moves to it!
TiS 690 / CH259 / StS115 / SP237 / Srce54 Beauty for brokenness hope for despair (Kendrick) Themes of healing from personal and universal suffering and a rousing chorus. Lyrics.
MV 162 Christ within us hidden, Christ, in all and each (Leunig) Very simple tune with quite remarkable words based on a prayer by Michael Leunig. Why is this in a Canadian song book and not any Australian song books? Big sigh. “Christ within us hidden. Christ, in all and each. Christ, who comes unbidden. Christ, within our reach."
TiS 422 / CH594 / CP(E) 179 Come Holy Spirit come inflame our souls with love (Forster / DIADEMATA) Excellent words to a well known hymn tune. It is not gender-inclusive for God. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
TiS 710 / CH758 / Iona (Enemy of Apathy) Come Holy Spirit gracious heavenly dove A beautiful and simple chant.
TiS 711 / ATOK 334 / Iona (M&G) / VU383 / SFFS 2124 / G(II)330 Come O Holy Spirit / Wa Wa Wa Emimimo (Nigeria) This song is just fun. And very easy. Please try to sing it in its original language (Yoruba), it sounds a bit inane in English and it’s not hard!! Encourage your congregation to dance a simple side-to-side step to this; they will enjoy it even more. A good song to help us remember that our faith is global, and to think of the church and all people in Africa. There is a sample here (it's very white, and mostly in English, but it's all I could find!)
AoV2-074 / GA399 / G(II)345 / GC491 From the corners of creation / Song at the Centre (Haugen) Good words of praise in creation and a simple folk-like tune. Partial sheet music sample, keyboard sound sample.
TiS 419 / NCH270 / CH592 / UMH544 / VU205 / WoV685 / ELW403 / HPP222 / HPSS314 / CP635 / CP(E) 185 / W&R327 / Cha245 / SP92 Like the murmur of the dove's song (Daw) Excellent words and a simple tune. Each verse ends with "Come holy spirit, come" . Lyrics and organ sample here.
TiS 414 / CH616 / UMH192 / VU582 / HPP134 / PH433 / GC550 / CP(E) 198 / Cha257 There's a Spirit in the Air (Wren) A good song of getting the business of following Christ done. Speaking out, caring for others, being changed. Good, joyful tune too. Sheet music sample. Keyboard sound sample.
Luke 17:5-10
The mustard seed.
God Gives 2: Faith is like a muscle use it and it will grow This is a great song for kids. And grown ups who like to be silly.
TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune.
TiS 474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / CP465 / W&R649 / Cha284 / URW054 / SP175 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Haugen) Excellent. Surely everyone knows how great this song is. Sample here.
MV174 Soil of God you and I (Hannah) Good lyrics of inclusion, unity and growth. Fairly straightforward tune.
NCH 540 We plant a grain of mustard seed A song about how human love is a taste of divine love. Great words to a fairly standard-sounding (but new) hymn tune. It would also work well with MORNING SONG (the tune for “Awake, awake to love and work”).
AoVK-28 / ATOK 376 Faith hope and love (Watts) This is so easy, and so cool. If you have some groovy musicians, this can even be a very funky rock song. Very easy, and great for kids and non-readers.
GGives 2 Don't just think about faith / Do it, do it, do it, do it (Boucher) Groovy kid's song about taking action. Lots of repetition so great for kids and non-readers.
ATA 181 Faith like a mustard seed (Prewer) A simple round. I would just sing the first verse.
WoV658 / ELW506 / URW078 The word of God is source and seed "The Word of God is source and seed; It comes to die and sprout and grow. So make your dark earth welcome warm; Root deep the grain God bent to sow." There's a very helpful commentary including the lyrics of the hymn here.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Social Justice Sunday (September 26th)
A first ever - a guest post from my friend Noodle Thrower. She often throws noodles my way in the form of suggestions (once she threw them in my kitchen!!). This time I asked her to write a guest post. Thanks Noodle Thrower!! For more Social Justice Sunday Worship Resources, see the National Council of Churches Website.
Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
TiS 179 / NCH273 / VU312 / StJ / GA379 / URW073 Praise with joy the world's Creator (Bell) Fantastic hymn from John Bell the second line of the first verse 'God of justice love and peace' introduces the social justice theme perfectly. Good for an Opening Hymn. Lyrics (scroll down or search).
TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / UMH143 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / CP531 / W&R438 / Cha077 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord Lovely setting of Psalm 91 very singable for a congregation although it does start on C. Lyrics and a very quirky sound sample.
TiS 49 / Iona (Common Ground) / URW286 Whoever lives besides the Lord Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
Iona (One is the body) Come and Let us Worship God Good funky song with strong bass part for choirs or congregations that can do four part harmony before/after reading
Iona (We walk his way) / CH780 Listen to the word which God has spoken (Canadian) Beautiful eerie prayer of illumation before the bible readings or in response to them. Good to get a congregation to know over a number of weeks
Hope is our song (NZ Hymnbook Trust) Leftover People in Leftover Places (Murray / Gibson) "scavenging crumbs from society's plenty"
AA 130 Teach Us O Loving Heart of Christ Another strong set of words and music from Shirley Murray and Jillian Bray good for prayers of confession choir
ATFG540 / NCH499 / CH726 / UMH356 / VU581 / R205 / ELW639 / HPP342 / PH400 / G(II)474 / GC666 / GC(II)650 / W&R415 / Cha536 / URW174 / URW175 / URW176 In all our living / When We Are Living / Pues Si Vivimos (Mexican traditional) ATFG translates "We are in the Lord" to "We belong to God". Whatever situation we are in we belong to God.
ATFG563 How long? (Mann). Picks up the justice theme - 'how long must we cry out till justice rolls down like a river?' - as well as the call to action
AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / R127 / ELW715 / GA404 / GC(II)512 / SP13 / URW114 Longing for light we wait in darkness (Christ be our light) (Farrell) Longing for light, peace, food, shelter, no justice theme is not touched here and held together with a strong Christological chorus and response in action in the final verse.
ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / R276 / ELW798 / GA502 / SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 / W&R350 Will you come and follow me / The Summons Iona strikes again with the summons to act with selflessness, healing and justice
Iona (Iona Abbey Music Book / Love & Anger) Poor folk won't always be forgotten John Bell and Graham Maule link justice making with praise and rejoicing in this solemn but uplifting tune.
Iona (Common Ground, Heaven Shall Not Wait) / CH362 Heaven shall not wait (Bell / Maule) John Bell links the impatience of the kingdom with the confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. Watch the intros with the rest on the first beat and entry on the second.
Iona (Many & Great) Jesus Christ Your Living Word (Hungary) beautiful chorale style from Hungary well worth getting the congregation to know and sing frequently - all elements, trust in Christ, accountability, food for all, service. Good for graces as well.
MV085 / StJ / R278 / ELW814 / HPP319 / GC(II)692 / SP130 / URW441 Take O Take Me As I Am (Bell / Maule) Good for responses to sermon or offering or thanksgivings
TiS 677 / Iona (LFB,Common Ground) / CH724 / StJ / GA469 / G(II)452 / GC640 / RS 760 / SP136 Christ's is the world in which we move / A touching place John Bell picks up the concept of Christ seeking and saving the lost in Luke's gospel could be used all year round during the Year of Luke.
TiS 618 / AHB 568 / UMH441 / PH405 / CP171 / W&R686 / Cha659 What does the Lord require for praise and offering (Bayly) Good minor key based on Micah 6:8. Great for reinforcing the justice theme
TiS 160 / AHB 104 Father all loving and ruling in majesty Strong accompianment - picks up the judgement theme in the gospel - trinitarian - and a challenge to the powers of this world.
Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
TiS 179 / NCH273 / VU312 / StJ / GA379 / URW073 Praise with joy the world's Creator (Bell) Fantastic hymn from John Bell the second line of the first verse 'God of justice love and peace' introduces the social justice theme perfectly. Good for an Opening Hymn. Lyrics (scroll down or search).
TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / UMH143 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / CP531 / W&R438 / Cha077 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord Lovely setting of Psalm 91 very singable for a congregation although it does start on C. Lyrics and a very quirky sound sample.
TiS 49 / Iona (Common Ground) / URW286 Whoever lives besides the Lord Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
Iona (One is the body) Come and Let us Worship God Good funky song with strong bass part for choirs or congregations that can do four part harmony before/after reading
Iona (We walk his way) / CH780 Listen to the word which God has spoken (Canadian) Beautiful eerie prayer of illumation before the bible readings or in response to them. Good to get a congregation to know over a number of weeks
Hope is our song (NZ Hymnbook Trust) Leftover People in Leftover Places (Murray / Gibson) "scavenging crumbs from society's plenty"
AA 130 Teach Us O Loving Heart of Christ Another strong set of words and music from Shirley Murray and Jillian Bray good for prayers of confession choir
ATFG540 / NCH499 / CH726 / UMH356 / VU581 / R205 / ELW639 / HPP342 / PH400 / G(II)474 / GC666 / GC(II)650 / W&R415 / Cha536 / URW174 / URW175 / URW176 In all our living / When We Are Living / Pues Si Vivimos (Mexican traditional) ATFG translates "We are in the Lord" to "We belong to God". Whatever situation we are in we belong to God.
ATFG563 How long? (Mann). Picks up the justice theme - 'how long must we cry out till justice rolls down like a river?' - as well as the call to action
AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / R127 / ELW715 / GA404 / GC(II)512 / SP13 / URW114 Longing for light we wait in darkness (Christ be our light) (Farrell) Longing for light, peace, food, shelter, no justice theme is not touched here and held together with a strong Christological chorus and response in action in the final verse.
ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / R276 / ELW798 / GA502 / SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 / W&R350 Will you come and follow me / The Summons Iona strikes again with the summons to act with selflessness, healing and justice
Iona (Iona Abbey Music Book / Love & Anger) Poor folk won't always be forgotten John Bell and Graham Maule link justice making with praise and rejoicing in this solemn but uplifting tune.
Iona (Common Ground, Heaven Shall Not Wait) / CH362 Heaven shall not wait (Bell / Maule) John Bell links the impatience of the kingdom with the confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. Watch the intros with the rest on the first beat and entry on the second.
Iona (Many & Great) Jesus Christ Your Living Word (Hungary) beautiful chorale style from Hungary well worth getting the congregation to know and sing frequently - all elements, trust in Christ, accountability, food for all, service. Good for graces as well.
MV085 / StJ / R278 / ELW814 / HPP319 / GC(II)692 / SP130 / URW441 Take O Take Me As I Am (Bell / Maule) Good for responses to sermon or offering or thanksgivings
TiS 677 / Iona (LFB,Common Ground) / CH724 / StJ / GA469 / G(II)452 / GC640 / RS 760 / SP136 Christ's is the world in which we move / A touching place John Bell picks up the concept of Christ seeking and saving the lost in Luke's gospel could be used all year round during the Year of Luke.
TiS 618 / AHB 568 / UMH441 / PH405 / CP171 / W&R686 / Cha659 What does the Lord require for praise and offering (Bayly) Good minor key based on Micah 6:8. Great for reinforcing the justice theme
TiS 160 / AHB 104 Father all loving and ruling in majesty Strong accompianment - picks up the judgement theme in the gospel - trinitarian - and a challenge to the powers of this world.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Songs and Hymns for Proper 21C / Ordinary 26C / Pentecost +18 (September 26th 2010)
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
Jeremiah buys a field. Faith in the future.
TiS 687 God gives us a future (Smith) Great words to a very easy hymn tune. Careful not to let it get the tune get too pompous; the words are not! "God gives us a future, daring us to go into dreams and dangers on a path unknown. We will face tomorrow in the Spirit's power, we will let God change us for new life starts now!". Lyrics here (scroll down). Notice how the hymn has been split into to two parts to include the blessing and words of mission.
TiS 747 / Taize / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) / URW393 The Lord is my light my light and salvation (Berthier) A very well known and simple Taize chant. Versions vary between "In him I trust" and "In God I trust"...
NCH461 Let us hope when hope seems hopeless (Beebe) A lilting tune and good words of hope in the face of difficulty. A song of a maturing faith. Sound sample (long introduction).
TiS 613 / AHB546 / ATOK 405 / NCH211 / CH166 / LBW469 / ELW765 / SFFS 2197 / HPP265 / GC578/ GC(II)560 / CP506 / CP(E)507 / W&R469 / URW179 Lord of all hopefulness Lord of all joy (Struther) Beautiful words, which I prefer this sung to the well known Irish tune SLANE. Would be a good choice for the final song. Lyrics. Tune sample.
TiS 679 God of Jeremiah grieving (Wren) If you are going to focus on Jeremiah for the next few weeks, this would be a good hymn to learn. In the USA it's available in "New Beginnings" and "Piece Together Praise". The traditional Scottish tune KELVIN GROVE is well known as the tune for "The Summons". Lyrics (with an alternate tune).
TiS 560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded (Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but the NCH and WoV are, so if you have those books (BUC people, we have NCH, and I have WoV). Older version of the lyrics.
NCH433 / CH727 / UMH707 / VU703 / HPP474 / W&R515 / Cha638 In the bulb there is a flower (Sleeth) A simple song of hope symbolised in nature. Particularly good for those churches in colder Southern Hemisphere areas just coming into Spring. Lyrics.
UMH129 / VU636 / PH286 Give to the winds thy fears (Gerhardt) I quite like the modern translations of this old song (from 1656, originally translated by Wesley!). The tune (HANTS) is not familiar to me, but should be learned fairly quickly with some instruction. Older style lyrics.
Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
More suggestions for this passage under "Social Justice Sunday" post (see left).
TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / UMH143 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / CP531 / W&R438 / Cha077 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord This is a beautiful and quite well known paraphrase of the Psalm. It has masculine imagery, but we can cope; some subtle changes will make it less grating. Lyrics and a very quirky sound sample. I think someone was trying to use every sound possible on their new keyboard.
MV096 And when you call for me (Bauman / Good) This simple chant "And when you call for me I have already answered... I am already there" might work nicely during the prayers of intercession. Tune is not immediately easy, so teach your congregation first.
AoV2-054 / Iona (There is one among us, Love from Below) / CH755 / MV077 / SFFS 2057 / G(II)438 / GC618 / RS 736 / URW409 Be still and know that I am God (Chant) Beautiful. I'd much rather sing this than the more well known version. Works as a round or in unison.
W&R633 Healer of My Soul keep me at even' (Talbot) A quiet meditative song. It might be best sung as a reflection if unfamiliar to your congregation. Video and lyrics.
MV214 May God's sheltering wings (Snowdon) A nice simple blessing and benediction, which may be sung about a feminine or a masculine God. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
MV062 / SP&P076 There is room for all / Chacun a sa place (Harding) A simple one-verse song; will need to be taught, but it won't take long to teach it. More communal than many other versions of this Psalm. Sound sample and sample sheet music.
TiS 49 / Iona (Common Ground) / URW286 Whoever lives besides the Lord Masculine God, but easy to sing and generally quite good words to an easy Scottish tune.
Amos 6:1a, 4-7 and Psalm 146 (alternate readings)
For Psalm 146, see this post.
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Don't desire riches, seek greater, holy things. If you have riches, be generous and share them for good
TiS 547 / AHB 455 / AoV1-009 / NCH451 / CH465 / UMH451 / VU643 / WoV776 / ELW793 / HPP353 / HPSS339 / CP505 / CP(E) 386 / W&R502 / Cha595 / Srce70 / URW180 Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart (8th century Irish) Most recent hymnals are fairly inclusive in their language for this. Please note that the High King imagery is quite important in terms of Irish history. This has been changed in some hymnals because it is masculine, but the hymn is based on an ancient story of St. Patrick refusing to follow the High King Logaire, but choosing instead the "High King of Heaven". Probably worth telling this story to your congregation if you choose this song. Lyrics, tune and a little of the story.
TiS 560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded (Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but the NCH and WoV are, so if you have those books (BUC people, we have NCH, and I have WoV). Older version of the lyrics.
TiS 594 / AHB 511 / CH517 / VU674 / CP503 / CP(E) 423 Fight the good fight with all thy might (Monsell) I left this song behind for a long time and I'd like to claim it back. The words are pretty old fashioned, but the idea is a good one. It's hard to hang on to faith and faithful practice. I like it best sung to DUKE STREET. Lyrics and sound samples.
TiS 571 / AHB 480 / CH529 / UMH438 / VU416 / CP467 / CP(E) 430 / W&R718 Forth in thy name O Lord I go A nice old minstrelly tune, and timeless words about committing all our works to God. I'm listing a lot of old hymns this week...! Lyrics.
AoV2-055 / G(II)513 / GC711 / GC(II)716 May we find richness / Harvest of Justice “Gather with patience for those who have nothing. Leave them your riches, and you will receive.” Sample sheet music, lyrics and a plodding tune sample here.
NCH562 / AA127 / Cha381 Take my gifts and let me love you (Murray) Good words about giving God ourselves, our goods, our money. Can be sung either to the set tune by Colin Gibson (TALAVERA TERRACE) which is quite straightforward, or the more well known tune HOLY MANNA. A good offering song. Lyrics.
NCH590 / CH621 Spirit of Jesus, if I love my neighbour. Challenging words of offering help from a position of privilege and seeking to be set free from the entrapment of possessions “If I am hugging safety or possessions, uncurl my spirit as your love prevails, to join my neighbours, work for liberation, and find my freedom at the mark of nails”. Could also be sung to the tune PERFECT LOVE if your congregation woudl have trouble with the newer tune.
Luke 16:19-31
The rich man with Lazarus at his gate.
More suggestions for this passage under "Social Justice Sunday" post (see left).
MV 145 / CP418 / SP&P123 Draw the circle wide (Light) A great song about welcoming all people. “Let the dreams we dream be larger than we’ve ever dreamed before; let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door”.
Traditional Dives and Lazarus (Traditional) Probably not a congregational song unless they're a bunch of folkies. Video of Maddy Prior singing it (and a great guitarist!). Lyrics.
TiS 416 Great God your Spirit like the wind (Gaunt) Excellent words asking for God to shake us out of our complacency and give us compassion. I really wish it was set to a different tune - it is set to JERUSALEM and this seems to suck all the power out of the lyrics for me. It works with MAGNIFICAT (TiS173) which is fairly straightforward so I would try that.
TiS 674 / Iona (Common Ground, Heaven Shall Not Wait) / CH253 Inspired by love and anger Powerful lyrics, simple English folk tune. Lyrics (search for "inspired").
SP&P137 The world is hungry for justice / Sweet Justice (Gilio / Ressman) This song is new to me (as is the book), and the words are very suitable for this reading, so it's nice to list it. It's a ballad and the verses would be best sung by the musicians at first, with the congregation joining in on the chorus until they get to know it.
TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying, listen to me / Sorrowing song. (Mann) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
Iona (Love From Below) I sit ouside the rich world's gate / The Beggar (Iona)
TiS 629 / AHB 558 / AoV2-136 / ATA 197 / CH544 / VU600 When I needed a neighbor were you there? (Carter) A classic folk church song. Well known and fits well with this theme. "And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter"... Lyrics.
Oh, and one more thing. It's AFL Grand Final weekend. You might want to sing Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life. Video.
Jeremiah buys a field. Faith in the future.
TiS 687 God gives us a future (Smith) Great words to a very easy hymn tune. Careful not to let it get the tune get too pompous; the words are not! "God gives us a future, daring us to go into dreams and dangers on a path unknown. We will face tomorrow in the Spirit's power, we will let God change us for new life starts now!". Lyrics here (scroll down). Notice how the hymn has been split into to two parts to include the blessing and words of mission.
TiS 747 / Taize / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) / URW393 The Lord is my light my light and salvation (Berthier) A very well known and simple Taize chant. Versions vary between "In him I trust" and "In God I trust"...
NCH461 Let us hope when hope seems hopeless (Beebe) A lilting tune and good words of hope in the face of difficulty. A song of a maturing faith. Sound sample (long introduction).
TiS 613 / AHB546 / ATOK 405 / NCH211 / CH166 / LBW469 / ELW765 / SFFS 2197 / HPP265 / GC578/ GC(II)560 / CP506 / CP(E)507 / W&R469 / URW179 Lord of all hopefulness Lord of all joy (Struther) Beautiful words, which I prefer this sung to the well known Irish tune SLANE. Would be a good choice for the final song. Lyrics. Tune sample.
TiS 679 God of Jeremiah grieving (Wren) If you are going to focus on Jeremiah for the next few weeks, this would be a good hymn to learn. In the USA it's available in "New Beginnings" and "Piece Together Praise". The traditional Scottish tune KELVIN GROVE is well known as the tune for "The Summons". Lyrics (with an alternate tune).
TiS 560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded (Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but the NCH and WoV are, so if you have those books (BUC people, we have NCH, and I have WoV). Older version of the lyrics.
NCH433 / CH727 / UMH707 / VU703 / HPP474 / W&R515 / Cha638 In the bulb there is a flower (Sleeth) A simple song of hope symbolised in nature. Particularly good for those churches in colder Southern Hemisphere areas just coming into Spring. Lyrics.
UMH129 / VU636 / PH286 Give to the winds thy fears (Gerhardt) I quite like the modern translations of this old song (from 1656, originally translated by Wesley!). The tune (HANTS) is not familiar to me, but should be learned fairly quickly with some instruction. Older style lyrics.
Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
More suggestions for this passage under "Social Justice Sunday" post (see left).
TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / UMH143 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / CP531 / W&R438 / Cha077 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord This is a beautiful and quite well known paraphrase of the Psalm. It has masculine imagery, but we can cope; some subtle changes will make it less grating. Lyrics and a very quirky sound sample. I think someone was trying to use every sound possible on their new keyboard.
MV096 And when you call for me (Bauman / Good) This simple chant "And when you call for me I have already answered... I am already there" might work nicely during the prayers of intercession. Tune is not immediately easy, so teach your congregation first.
AoV2-054 / Iona (There is one among us, Love from Below) / CH755 / MV077 / SFFS 2057 / G(II)438 / GC618 / RS 736 / URW409 Be still and know that I am God (Chant) Beautiful. I'd much rather sing this than the more well known version. Works as a round or in unison.
W&R633 Healer of My Soul keep me at even' (Talbot) A quiet meditative song. It might be best sung as a reflection if unfamiliar to your congregation. Video and lyrics.
MV214 May God's sheltering wings (Snowdon) A nice simple blessing and benediction, which may be sung about a feminine or a masculine God. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
MV062 / SP&P076 There is room for all / Chacun a sa place (Harding) A simple one-verse song; will need to be taught, but it won't take long to teach it. More communal than many other versions of this Psalm. Sound sample and sample sheet music.
TiS 49 / Iona (Common Ground) / URW286 Whoever lives besides the Lord Masculine God, but easy to sing and generally quite good words to an easy Scottish tune.
Amos 6:1a, 4-7 and Psalm 146 (alternate readings)
For Psalm 146, see this post.
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Don't desire riches, seek greater, holy things. If you have riches, be generous and share them for good
TiS 547 / AHB 455 / AoV1-009 / NCH451 / CH465 / UMH451 / VU643 / WoV776 / ELW793 / HPP353 / HPSS339 / CP505 / CP(E) 386 / W&R502 / Cha595 / Srce70 / URW180 Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart (8th century Irish) Most recent hymnals are fairly inclusive in their language for this. Please note that the High King imagery is quite important in terms of Irish history. This has been changed in some hymnals because it is masculine, but the hymn is based on an ancient story of St. Patrick refusing to follow the High King Logaire, but choosing instead the "High King of Heaven". Probably worth telling this story to your congregation if you choose this song. Lyrics, tune and a little of the story.
TiS 560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded (Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but the NCH and WoV are, so if you have those books (BUC people, we have NCH, and I have WoV). Older version of the lyrics.
TiS 594 / AHB 511 / CH517 / VU674 / CP503 / CP(E) 423 Fight the good fight with all thy might (Monsell) I left this song behind for a long time and I'd like to claim it back. The words are pretty old fashioned, but the idea is a good one. It's hard to hang on to faith and faithful practice. I like it best sung to DUKE STREET. Lyrics and sound samples.
TiS 571 / AHB 480 / CH529 / UMH438 / VU416 / CP467 / CP(E) 430 / W&R718 Forth in thy name O Lord I go A nice old minstrelly tune, and timeless words about committing all our works to God. I'm listing a lot of old hymns this week...! Lyrics.
AoV2-055 / G(II)513 / GC711 / GC(II)716 May we find richness / Harvest of Justice “Gather with patience for those who have nothing. Leave them your riches, and you will receive.” Sample sheet music, lyrics and a plodding tune sample here.
NCH562 / AA127 / Cha381 Take my gifts and let me love you (Murray) Good words about giving God ourselves, our goods, our money. Can be sung either to the set tune by Colin Gibson (TALAVERA TERRACE) which is quite straightforward, or the more well known tune HOLY MANNA. A good offering song. Lyrics.
NCH590 / CH621 Spirit of Jesus, if I love my neighbour. Challenging words of offering help from a position of privilege and seeking to be set free from the entrapment of possessions “If I am hugging safety or possessions, uncurl my spirit as your love prevails, to join my neighbours, work for liberation, and find my freedom at the mark of nails”. Could also be sung to the tune PERFECT LOVE if your congregation woudl have trouble with the newer tune.
Luke 16:19-31
The rich man with Lazarus at his gate.
More suggestions for this passage under "Social Justice Sunday" post (see left).
MV 145 / CP418 / SP&P123 Draw the circle wide (Light) A great song about welcoming all people. “Let the dreams we dream be larger than we’ve ever dreamed before; let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door”.
Traditional Dives and Lazarus (Traditional) Probably not a congregational song unless they're a bunch of folkies. Video of Maddy Prior singing it (and a great guitarist!). Lyrics.
TiS 416 Great God your Spirit like the wind (Gaunt) Excellent words asking for God to shake us out of our complacency and give us compassion. I really wish it was set to a different tune - it is set to JERUSALEM and this seems to suck all the power out of the lyrics for me. It works with MAGNIFICAT (TiS173) which is fairly straightforward so I would try that.
TiS 674 / Iona (Common Ground, Heaven Shall Not Wait) / CH253 Inspired by love and anger Powerful lyrics, simple English folk tune. Lyrics (search for "inspired").
SP&P137 The world is hungry for justice / Sweet Justice (Gilio / Ressman) This song is new to me (as is the book), and the words are very suitable for this reading, so it's nice to list it. It's a ballad and the verses would be best sung by the musicians at first, with the congregation joining in on the chorus until they get to know it.
TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying, listen to me / Sorrowing song. (Mann) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
Iona (Love From Below) I sit ouside the rich world's gate / The Beggar (Iona)
TiS 629 / AHB 558 / AoV2-136 / ATA 197 / CH544 / VU600 When I needed a neighbor were you there? (Carter) A classic folk church song. Well known and fits well with this theme. "And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter"... Lyrics.
Oh, and one more thing. It's AFL Grand Final weekend. You might want to sing Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life. Video.
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