Genesis 12:1-4a
Abram and Sarah’s travels and the promise of the future.
*Iona (LFB) / G(II)503 / GC701 / RS818 God It Was who said to Abraham (Bell) Easy Celtic style tune. Good story words.Familiar tune, words of Abraham, Sarah and others in salvation history. "God it was who said to Abraham "Pack your bags and travel on!". Note that God is masculine; John Bell may have addressed that in more recent editions of Love From Below. Lyrics and sheet music. Slow sound sample.
*ATA 200 / CH530 / VU639 / CP(E) 548 / URW109 One more step along the world I go (Carter) A good fun kid's song from Sydney Carter which many of their parents will remember. "And it's from the old I travel to the new, keep me travelling along with you". Lyrics and a really slow and clunky sound sample.
*AoV1-137 / ATOK 403 / GA306 / G(II)286 God Of Abraham lead us (Farrell) This one is great. Just don't try to sing all 17 verses! Choose what you like… I love this energetic call and response with the response "Lead us to your kingdom". You can sing with a cantor and response, or you could split your congregation in the middle doing half and half, or you could just have people singing all the way through. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
*NCYC ’95 / ATFG586 We will love / We will walk with you at the edges. This is a good little rock number “We will walk with you at the edges, we will die with you at the cross roads, we will risk with you taking chances, we will love”.
NCYC07 Labyrinth (Chalson / Winton) A beautiful song about walking with God through all times. "To the heart of all that's sacred and to the margins we will walk the path with you". Excellent words. Not easy for a congregation, but if you have good musicians, they can sing it as a prayer for the congregation.
*VU634 / CP468 To Abraham and Sarah (Fetter) Excellent words of being a pilgrim people. Sung to the familiar tune THORNBURY. Lyrics (about half way through the article)
*NCH20 God of Abraham and Sarah (Gertmenian) Salvation history in one song with a focus on justice, healing, courage. I suggested this for Transfiguration as well, so it might be good to sing it again. Fits well with all themes for this week. Could also be sung to NETTLETON if you want something familiar.
*VU255 / CP348 The living God be praised (ben Judah) A new translation of "The God of Abraham praise". Excellent words, and of course, a familiar tune (LEONI).
*TiS 547 / AHB 455 / AoV1-009 / NCH451 / CH465 / UMH451 / VU643 / WoV776 / ELW793 / HPP353 / PH339 / CP505 / CP(E) 386 / W&R502 / Cha595 / Srce70 / URW180 / 82Hml-488 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.
*Tune In: Cover us with love. (Loukes) Challenging lyrics to listen, and see where God is leading us. Sound sample, sheet music sample and songbook
*Tune in: May you go well into paths still unknown (Brown) Mostly easy tune, and strong words. Would work well as a benediction. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook.
*AoVNG125 / MV146 / GC(II)637 / Taize The Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the holy spirit (Taize) "Come, Lord and open in us the gates of your kingdom". A nice joyful Taize chant. Sheet music and sound samples of parts for practice.
*TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Lewis/Spence) "Called to create a new world for the Lord". Excellent Australian imagery. This is one of my very favourite songs. It is not difficult if you have a good musician at the helm. If it is new to your congregation, they will be able to join in on the verses by the time you get to the 3rd one. The change in tone with the verse really lifts this song. Lyrics (search for "Made in").
*TiS 569 / AHB 478 / NCH18/19 / CH167 / UMH127 / VU651 / LBW343 ELW618 / HPP432 / HPSS281 / CP565 / CP(E) 455 / W&R501 / Cha622 / 82Hml690 Guide me O thou great Jehovah / Redeemer (Williams) A rousing hymn of God’s presence and strength and making it to the other side. Sound sample and lyrics.
W&R584 / Cha454 Come Celebrate the Call of God (Wren) Good words to a lilting intuitive tune. This song is written to recognise a commissioning or the gift of a particular person's call, but it can also be sung with "our" instead of "her" to make it a song for a whole congregation to recognise their own call. Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
Psalm 121
*Linnea Good I lift up my eyes. A paraphrase. Would be good for musicians to present It during the offering, or as the Psalm for people to listen. Has some jumps that could be tricky for the congregation. A flute, recorder or violin might be a nice addition to this clear melody.
*TiS 548 / VU629 / HPSS340 / CP(E) 415 / W&R418 Eternal light shine in my heart I really love this beautiful inclusive and ancient prayer. It is not familiar, but would be beautiful sung by a soloist until your congregation grows to know it.
*Ps Project God Is Holding Your Life (Bruxvoort-Colligan) Lovely words, and a simple, repetitive chorus. Sound sample, lyrics and story.
*AoVK-12 God is our shelter truly a friend indeed (O'Hara) Groovy little round / more like a call and response really. Good for kids.
*Online resource I lift my eyes (Harding) A three part canon. It would be good to teach one, two, or all three parts to your congregation, and then sing it together. Take time to do this well, and it will stick with thim. Sample sheet music, and available to purchase.
Emergent Psalter When I look around (Brown) Another great refrain from this book. Sheet music (refrain only).
*The Beatles Help (Lennon) Isaac Everett suggested using the chorus of John Lennon's "Help" as a Psalm refrain. I think that would work really well, especially if it's a bit laid back.
TiS 77 / URW314 Lifting my eyes up to the hills (Bell) While the version published in TiS has a masculine God, the version in URW is more inclusive - and possibly more recent Iona publications may also be inclusive. I don't think this is fantastic, but it's simple.
*?Simple Song (Bernstein) This song from Leonard Bernstein's mass is really lovely. God is totally male, but it's beautiful, so I'm listing it anyway. Here's a version of it on Youtube. It's not quite as I sing it in the car, but trust me, it's not worth going through all the versions on Youtube. You could also play a recording of it. I think it would work really well with a simple female vocalist too, but all the versions I can find are a bit too operatic for me to think of them as "simple".
*TiS 626 / AHB 557 / CH500 / GA423 Lord of creation to you be all praise! (Winslow) A wonderful traditional and quite inclusive hymn to the familiar tune SLANE. Lyrics.
Cha760 My help comes From God the maker of earth and sky (Marshall) Sung response, and responsively read passage.
*TiS 47 / AHB 46 / AoV1-175 / NCH25 / CH161 / UMH117 / VU806 / LBW504 / ELW806 / HPP1 / HPSS210 / GC614 / GC(II)588 / CP528 / CP(E) 537 / W&R84 O God our help in ages past A good solid very well known hymn! The surprising thing about this one is that the language is inclusive for God in most sources. Not all sources are inclusive for humanity, so check.
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
The promise to Abraham came through his faith. Belief even in the face of impossibility.
The songs listed above will also fit well.
*AoVK-28 / ATOK 376 Faith, Hope and Love (Trisha Watts). We haven't sung this for a while. It's great for kids and the musicians always seem to find a new way to interpret it.
*TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune.
*GC(II)651 Size Bambelela (Never Give Up). An excellent African chant. Would be fun to get a few singers together to sing the parts to this. Free sheet music. Sound sample.
John 3:1-17
Nicodemus and the famous John 3:16
*GtB God is love and love is giving (Langmead) A simple kids' song about God's love. A round. We sang this a few weeks ago, and it would be good to do it again before we forget it completely.
TiS 721 / Iona (LFB) / URW431 He became poor that we may be rich (Iona) A simple chant. Timing is a little bit tricky, so you will need to take a little time to teach it initially.
*Iona (M&G) / CH359 / StJ / TF37 / ELW253 / SFFS 2085 / G(II)276 / GC370 / GC(II)364 / CP368 / W&R402 He came down that we may have love A simple chorus from Cameroon. Great for adults and kids alike. Verses are for love, peace and joy.
*Tune In: In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook available here.
*TiS 242 / AHB 183 / AoV1-018 / ATN 27 / CH404 / UMH261 / VU352 / HPP163 / HPSS302 / G(II)481 / GC708 / GC(II)689 / CP(E) 468 / W&R118 I danced in the morning (Carter / SIMPLE GIFTS)
ATOK 316 From the air and from the light (Mann)
*Taize / CP530 By night we hasten in darkness (Berthier) One of my favourite Taize chants. Sheet music, lyrics, translations and sound samples.
*NCH297 / CH736 / VU706 / StJ / AA45 / HPSS528 / W&R518 / Cha649 Give thanks for life the measure of our days (Murray) This song is also good for funerals and is sung to the familiar tune SINE NOMINE. "Give thanks for life, the measure of our days, mortal we pass through beauty that decays, yet sing to God our hope, our love, our praise: Alleluia, Alleluia!". Lyrics (scroll down).
* Worldmaking.net Holy Holy Holy One (Bruxvoort-Colligan) An energetic rocky song about God's love. Sound sample, lyrics etc.
*TiS 494 / W&R678 / Cha375 In water we grow (Wren) Great words, especially if you have a baptism this week. Tune is quite straightforward. Lyrics here (loads a pdf).
ATW 451 Jesus Saviour of the world (Schubert) Simple chant-like song.
*Taize / MV100 Lord God you love us, source of compassion (Berthier) A very simple refrain, which would work well as a response during prayers of confession or of intercession. Sound sample, sheet music and translations.
TiS 174 / UMH194 / CP(E)259 / 82Hml-585 Morning glory starlit sky (Vanstone / KENOSIS) Quite formal words, but very very beautiful song of God's boundless love "Drained is love in making full, bound in setting others free, poor in making many rich, weak in giving power to be". The tune is not difficult, but will need to be taught to a congregation if not familiar. The lyrics could also be read as a poem, and challenges the image of Christ as monarch, but also affirms God's reign. Lyrics.
Alternate reading: Matthew 17:1-9
See the post for Transfiguration Sunday
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Songs and Hymns for Lent 1A (March 13 2011)
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Adam and Eve give in to temptation to eat the apple
*Tune In: God is walking in the garden (Brown) A gentle song that starts in the Garden of Eden and ends with Easter. "We heard you walking, We hid because we're afraid". A great song for the start of Lent. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook.
*Tune In Save us in the time of trial (Whelan) A song with a reflective almost-Taize-like chorus. We have sung this a cuople of different ways, it's quite flexible. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook available.
NCH568 / PH283 God marked a line and told the sea (Troeger) Sung to the familiar hymn tune KEDRON, this hymn is a song about limits and how to define freedom. "God set one limit in the glade where tempting, fruited branches swayed". Would be great to initiate a discussion.
CH171 / SP253 Take up the song and sing the praise of God (Whitney) Simple, upbeat tune, and great words about creation, our choice and responsibility. Nice time signature.
PH266 / W&R36 Thank You God for Water Soil and Air (Wren) Good words asking God's forgiveness for the way we have damaged the planet we have been entrusted with, and a plea to help us renew the face of the earth by caring for creation. A prayer of confession. Can't tell you much about the tune, because I don't have these hymnals and can't find it on the internet anywhere. Lyrics.
*TiS 668 / AoVK-34 / ATFG587 / NCH569 / CH243 / VU307 / R254 / ELW739 / AA143 / W&R38 / Cha693 / URW189 Touch the earth lightly (Murray) Sings of the redemption of creation and our complicity in its destruction. Sources vary in their set tunes. TiS has a good tune (TENDERNESS) with a nice minor key change to the relative minor for the second verse. Youtube video with all lyrics.
*VU248 / StJ / WoV799 / ELW861 / CP307 When long before time / The Singer and the song (Davison) Good creation (and damage to creation) song. Nice imagery of God the Singer, and Song Incarnate. I think my big-bang believing 7 year old son would really like these words, if he has the patience for them. Easy tune to sing (BUC people, I have this).
CH244 / FFS75 Where are the voices for the earth? Very very nice. Haunting tune. While the harmonies are complex, I don't think this is hard to sing.
Psalm 32
Forgiveness
Kyrie Eleisons will work well - here is a list, updated regularly
*Emergent Psalter Show me which way to go (Everett) A lovely refrain with the Psalm read over instrumental backing. Sheet music (refrain only).
TiS 754 / HPP457 / Cha554 You are my hiding-place (Ledner) Very mushy, but somehow very satisfying and soothing. Sound sample and lyrics.
*Tune In / NCYC '07: Forgive us now (Brown). “As we forgive may we be healed, as we reach out….” An excellent ballad. Lyrics and sound sample.
*Tune In: Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
Cha739 Be glad in God and rejoice (Smith) Responsive psalm with joyous sung refrain.
*MV095 How deep the peace (Bauman / Good) Simple song. Would work particularly well as words of assurance after the prayers of confession.
G(II)42 / GC44 I Turn to You in time of trouble (Cooney) A quite nice inclusive cantor and response. Lyrics and sheet music. Midi keyboard sound file.
*ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 / W&R296 Goodness is stronger than evil Words from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. "Victory is ours, victory is ours, through him who loves us". Some congregations change the last line to "Compassion is ours, compassion is ours...". It depends on the context in which you sing it, I suppose. I taught this to my son when he was scared about something too big for him to comprehend. We all need this song sometimes.
Romans 5:12-19
Complex; free grace through Christ seems to be the main message.
*TiS 129 / AHB 56 / AoV1-029 / ATA 131 / NCH547 / CH555 / UMH378 / VU266 / LBW448 / ELW779 / GA437 / HPP334 / PH280 / G(II)434 / GC612 / GC(II)586 / CP352 / CP(E) 375 / W&R422 / Cha546 / ZSS202 / Srce25 Amazing grace how sweet the sound (NEW BRITAIN/Newton) I once was lost... I think you all know this one. Nice youtube of some Sacred Harp singing, and a story.
*Tune In: A grain of wheat (Sheree Anderson) Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it won't form roots and grow. A boppy song with deeply meaningful lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook.
TiS 211 / AHB 139 / NCH546 / CH490 / UMH479 / VU669 / HPP380 / PH303 / CP533 / CP(E) 96 / W&R439 / Cha542 / Srce383 / 82Hml-699 Jesus lover of my soul (Wesley) A classic with much beauty. I prefer singing it to ABERYSTWYTH. Not all versions are great; VU has good lyrics. Old school lyrics.
*Tune in: We are the dream that's longing / Jesus is waiting (Brown) An honest catchy rock song about our hesitation to follow and Jesus not only waiting, but continuing to work and change the world. A good sending-out song. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook available here.
*Tune In: In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook available here.
Matthew 4:1-11
Christ’s temptations in the wilderness: satisfy hunger for food and power. Do not put God to the test, Man does not live by bread alone
*CH338 / VU115 / StS036 / SFFS 2105 Jesus tempted in the desert (Stuempfle) Excellent story-telling hymn, sung to the familiar tune EBENEZER. Sheet music sample including lyrics. Tune sample.
*Tune In Save us in the time of trial (Whelan) A song with a reflective almost-Taize-like chorus. We have sung this a couple of different ways, it's quite flexible. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook available.
*MV118 Me alone (Jamaican traditional) A very simple repetitive call-and-response song. Could work well as a reflective song. Since this is from the Caribbean Conference of Churches, it could be good to sing this song and continue to pray for the people of Haiti, who must certainly be feeling alone and in the wilderness. Could work as a prayer response too.
*ATW 498 / Iona (T1AU) / MV 196 / SP&P182 / URW438 We will take what you offer. An excellent simple short song that works well either as an upbeat chorus or as a reflective chant. "We will take what you offer. We will live by your word. We will love one another. And be fed by you Lord". Sound sample.
*?SP&P097 The spirit led Jesus to the wilderness (Scheffler) A good catchy verse and chorus song for kids. The story of Jesus going into the wilderness. You might need to have a conversation about what it means to be tempted by the devil with the kids before singing this. We don't often talk about "The Devil".
*MV065 When we are tested and wrestle alone (Duck) Excellent words paralleling our struggles with those of Christ in the wilderness. The set tune WHEN WE ARE TESTED is not difficult, but it can also be sung to SLANE (TiS 547) if you need a familiar tune. First verse is "When we are tested and wrestle alone, famished for bread when the world offers stone, nourish us God, by your word and your way, food that sustains us by night and by day".
*Taize In God alone my soul can find rest and peace. A beautiful healing chant from Taize. Words and music and sound samples for learning the parts are here.
*Tune In: You in all our worries / All will finish well “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 available here.
Online resource:Jesus in the Desert (Damon) A simple hymn-like song. Sheet music.
*Online resource: Out in the Wilderness (Beech) A groovy song that I think kids will like. Sheet music.
Cha455 You Have Called Me (Edwards) A simple song, about being called from silence or the wilderness to serve. "Here I am, send me, here I am"
*Iona (Heaven Shall not Wait) / VU19 Kindle a flame to lighten the dark and take all fear away. A good chant, useful as a response for intercessions. Sometimes a bit tricky to sing - there's a strangely large jump at the start.
TiS 252 When he was baptized in Jordan (Braley) Old fashioned words, but appropriate for this Sunday. Doesn’t mince words.
Worldmaking.net Open unto me light for my darkness (Bruxvoort-Colligan) Good for a more contemplative service. Sample
Worldmaking.net O Christ, Lamb of God (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
*TiS 745 / AoV1-048 / ATN 34 / SiS96 / CH641 / UMH405 / VU356 / WoV783 / GA456 / HPP370 / PH333 / GC615 / GC(II)600 / CP458 / W&R349 / Cha354 / Srce593 / 82Hml-711 Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Lafferty) A classic. Versions vary widely in the inclusiveness of their versions. A tip: GA, WoV and VU have all made this gender inclusive for God by simply replacing "his righteousness" with "God's righteousness". Easy, really. And, "We do not live by bread alone". Words from St. Theresa of Avila.
Adam and Eve give in to temptation to eat the apple
*Tune In: God is walking in the garden (Brown) A gentle song that starts in the Garden of Eden and ends with Easter. "We heard you walking, We hid because we're afraid". A great song for the start of Lent. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook.
*Tune In Save us in the time of trial (Whelan) A song with a reflective almost-Taize-like chorus. We have sung this a cuople of different ways, it's quite flexible. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook available.
NCH568 / PH283 God marked a line and told the sea (Troeger) Sung to the familiar hymn tune KEDRON, this hymn is a song about limits and how to define freedom. "God set one limit in the glade where tempting, fruited branches swayed". Would be great to initiate a discussion.
CH171 / SP253 Take up the song and sing the praise of God (Whitney) Simple, upbeat tune, and great words about creation, our choice and responsibility. Nice time signature.
PH266 / W&R36 Thank You God for Water Soil and Air (Wren) Good words asking God's forgiveness for the way we have damaged the planet we have been entrusted with, and a plea to help us renew the face of the earth by caring for creation. A prayer of confession. Can't tell you much about the tune, because I don't have these hymnals and can't find it on the internet anywhere. Lyrics.
*TiS 668 / AoVK-34 / ATFG587 / NCH569 / CH243 / VU307 / R254 / ELW739 / AA143 / W&R38 / Cha693 / URW189 Touch the earth lightly (Murray) Sings of the redemption of creation and our complicity in its destruction. Sources vary in their set tunes. TiS has a good tune (TENDERNESS) with a nice minor key change to the relative minor for the second verse. Youtube video with all lyrics.
*VU248 / StJ / WoV799 / ELW861 / CP307 When long before time / The Singer and the song (Davison) Good creation (and damage to creation) song. Nice imagery of God the Singer, and Song Incarnate. I think my big-bang believing 7 year old son would really like these words, if he has the patience for them. Easy tune to sing (BUC people, I have this).
CH244 / FFS75 Where are the voices for the earth? Very very nice. Haunting tune. While the harmonies are complex, I don't think this is hard to sing.
Psalm 32
Forgiveness
Kyrie Eleisons will work well - here is a list, updated regularly
*Emergent Psalter Show me which way to go (Everett) A lovely refrain with the Psalm read over instrumental backing. Sheet music (refrain only).
TiS 754 / HPP457 / Cha554 You are my hiding-place (Ledner) Very mushy, but somehow very satisfying and soothing. Sound sample and lyrics.
*Tune In / NCYC '07: Forgive us now (Brown). “As we forgive may we be healed, as we reach out….” An excellent ballad. Lyrics and sound sample.
*Tune In: Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
Cha739 Be glad in God and rejoice (Smith) Responsive psalm with joyous sung refrain.
*MV095 How deep the peace (Bauman / Good) Simple song. Would work particularly well as words of assurance after the prayers of confession.
G(II)42 / GC44 I Turn to You in time of trouble (Cooney) A quite nice inclusive cantor and response. Lyrics and sheet music. Midi keyboard sound file.
*ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 / W&R296 Goodness is stronger than evil Words from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. "Victory is ours, victory is ours, through him who loves us". Some congregations change the last line to "Compassion is ours, compassion is ours...". It depends on the context in which you sing it, I suppose. I taught this to my son when he was scared about something too big for him to comprehend. We all need this song sometimes.
Romans 5:12-19
Complex; free grace through Christ seems to be the main message.
*TiS 129 / AHB 56 / AoV1-029 / ATA 131 / NCH547 / CH555 / UMH378 / VU266 / LBW448 / ELW779 / GA437 / HPP334 / PH280 / G(II)434 / GC612 / GC(II)586 / CP352 / CP(E) 375 / W&R422 / Cha546 / ZSS202 / Srce25 Amazing grace how sweet the sound (NEW BRITAIN/Newton) I once was lost... I think you all know this one. Nice youtube of some Sacred Harp singing, and a story.
*Tune In: A grain of wheat (Sheree Anderson) Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it won't form roots and grow. A boppy song with deeply meaningful lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook.
TiS 211 / AHB 139 / NCH546 / CH490 / UMH479 / VU669 / HPP380 / PH303 / CP533 / CP(E) 96 / W&R439 / Cha542 / Srce383 / 82Hml-699 Jesus lover of my soul (Wesley) A classic with much beauty. I prefer singing it to ABERYSTWYTH. Not all versions are great; VU has good lyrics. Old school lyrics.
*Tune in: We are the dream that's longing / Jesus is waiting (Brown) An honest catchy rock song about our hesitation to follow and Jesus not only waiting, but continuing to work and change the world. A good sending-out song. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook available here.
*Tune In: In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook available here.
Matthew 4:1-11
Christ’s temptations in the wilderness: satisfy hunger for food and power. Do not put God to the test, Man does not live by bread alone
*CH338 / VU115 / StS036 / SFFS 2105 Jesus tempted in the desert (Stuempfle) Excellent story-telling hymn, sung to the familiar tune EBENEZER. Sheet music sample including lyrics. Tune sample.
*Tune In Save us in the time of trial (Whelan) A song with a reflective almost-Taize-like chorus. We have sung this a couple of different ways, it's quite flexible. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook available.
*MV118 Me alone (Jamaican traditional) A very simple repetitive call-and-response song. Could work well as a reflective song. Since this is from the Caribbean Conference of Churches, it could be good to sing this song and continue to pray for the people of Haiti, who must certainly be feeling alone and in the wilderness. Could work as a prayer response too.
*ATW 498 / Iona (T1AU) / MV 196 / SP&P182 / URW438 We will take what you offer. An excellent simple short song that works well either as an upbeat chorus or as a reflective chant. "We will take what you offer. We will live by your word. We will love one another. And be fed by you Lord". Sound sample.
*?SP&P097 The spirit led Jesus to the wilderness (Scheffler) A good catchy verse and chorus song for kids. The story of Jesus going into the wilderness. You might need to have a conversation about what it means to be tempted by the devil with the kids before singing this. We don't often talk about "The Devil".
*MV065 When we are tested and wrestle alone (Duck) Excellent words paralleling our struggles with those of Christ in the wilderness. The set tune WHEN WE ARE TESTED is not difficult, but it can also be sung to SLANE (TiS 547) if you need a familiar tune. First verse is "When we are tested and wrestle alone, famished for bread when the world offers stone, nourish us God, by your word and your way, food that sustains us by night and by day".
*Taize In God alone my soul can find rest and peace. A beautiful healing chant from Taize. Words and music and sound samples for learning the parts are here.
*Tune In: You in all our worries / All will finish well “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 available here.
Online resource:Jesus in the Desert (Damon) A simple hymn-like song. Sheet music.
*Online resource: Out in the Wilderness (Beech) A groovy song that I think kids will like. Sheet music.
Cha455 You Have Called Me (Edwards) A simple song, about being called from silence or the wilderness to serve. "Here I am, send me, here I am"
*Iona (Heaven Shall not Wait) / VU19 Kindle a flame to lighten the dark and take all fear away. A good chant, useful as a response for intercessions. Sometimes a bit tricky to sing - there's a strangely large jump at the start.
TiS 252 When he was baptized in Jordan (Braley) Old fashioned words, but appropriate for this Sunday. Doesn’t mince words.
Worldmaking.net Open unto me light for my darkness (Bruxvoort-Colligan) Good for a more contemplative service. Sample
Worldmaking.net O Christ, Lamb of God (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
*TiS 745 / AoV1-048 / ATN 34 / SiS96 / CH641 / UMH405 / VU356 / WoV783 / GA456 / HPP370 / PH333 / GC615 / GC(II)600 / CP458 / W&R349 / Cha354 / Srce593 / 82Hml-711 Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Lafferty) A classic. Versions vary widely in the inclusiveness of their versions. A tip: GA, WoV and VU have all made this gender inclusive for God by simply replacing "his righteousness" with "God's righteousness". Easy, really. And, "We do not live by bread alone". Words from St. Theresa of Avila.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Songs and Hymns for Transfiguration A (March 6th 2011)
Exodus 24:12-18
Moses goes up the mountain to meet with God. God as fire. See also suggestions for the Gospel reading.
*ATN 77 / G(II)542 / GC749 O Welcome All You Noble Saints of Old / In Christ There Is a Table Set for All (Stamps) A song about God with us. Gather hymnals use "In Christ there is a table set for all" which is much more inclusive than the old "God and man at table are sat down". Good for celebration of communion, but is fine without it, too. Lyrics (scroll down). Clunky sound sample.
NCH20 God of Abraham and Sarah (Gertmenian) A great newish but very singable hymn tune with words that pick up the history of our faith. Excellent words; Moses gets a mention which is why I've listed it. Could also be sung to NETTLETON if you want something familiar.
Psalm 2
Serve God or God gets mad, but happy are those who take refuge in God. This is my son. A traditional evening Psalm.
*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.
Emergent Psalter The rulers of the earth (Everett) A simple refrain to this Psalm, which can be read while a nice minor vamp is played. Sample sheet music.
NCH Psalter Happy are all who take refuge (Jennings) Another simple refrain with a different emphasis.
*TiS 47 / AHB 46 / AoV1-175 / NCH25 / CH161 / UMH117 / VU806 / LBW504 / ELW806 / HPP1 / HPSS210 / GC614 / GC(II)588 / CP528 / CP(E) 537 / W&R84 O God our help in ages past A good solid very well known hymn! The surprising thing about this one is that the language is inclusive for God in most sources. Not all sources are inclusive for humanity, so check.
AoV1-056 / CH217 / GA541 / G(II)551 / GC761 / GC(II)750 / URW201 God of Day and God of Darkness (Haugen) Sung to the familiar folk tune BEACH SPRING. This is easy to sing, and an old favourite of mine. I often think this is only good for an evening service, but the image of darkness and night doesn't have to be taken literally. And the call to rest at the end of the last verse would be good for those who take the celebration of Sabbath as a call to rest. Lyrics.
*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 (T1AU) / CH222 / StJ Night has fallen / Dzuwa lapita (Malawian evening hymn) Another evening hymn; this one is quite specific for evening.
Alternate Psalm: Psalm 99
God of justice, God is holy, worship at the mountain. This Psalm has lots of concepts in it, so I've only chosen a couple of particularly pertinent songs.
*Emergent Psalter O mighty God lover of justice (Everett) A catchy refrain, that got stuck in my head for days after I ran through it. Can be sung with the Psalm read over instrumentation. Sample sheet music.
TiS 58 Be exalted O God, above the heavens! Let your glory over all the earth be found. An excellent refrain to the Psalm for this week. The cantor line is not totally inclusive - just a small word substitution will do it.
Cha751 To God all people give thanks (Fox) Joyful latin-rhythmed sung response and responsively read Psalm. I think it would be fun to do a responsive Psalm with a sung response.
Iona (Love From Below) / CP424 Sing praise to God on mountain tops (Bell/Maule) A song of praise to God for the beauty of creation to a traditional English tune (THE VICAR OF BRAY).
*MV 60 God, we give you heartfelt praise. A lively round from Taiwan. “God we give you heartfelt praise, mercy and love you show us daily, blessed always be your name”. While based on Taiwanese harmonic modes, it is not too hard for Western singers to pick up.
*TiS 723 / AoV2-092 / ATOK 381 / Iona (M&G, Common Ground) / CH769 / UMH65 / VU944, VU951 / StJ / R176 / ELW473 / SFFS 2007 / G(II)395 / GC563 / W&R737 / Cha111 / ZSS48 Holy holy holy / Santo santo santo (Argentinian folk song) Better in Spanish. A nice quiet devotional song.
2 Peter 1:16-21
We saw it happen, so believe us. Prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit.
See also suggestions for the Gospel reading.
*Tune In Peace In Our Time (Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and action for peace. Lyrics. Sound sample. Songbook.
AHB 341 A lamp for our feet has been given (Hay) I reckon this one is pretty good, especially for those congregations who only have the AHB.
TiS 613 / AHB546 / ATOK 405 / NCH211 / CH166 / LBW469 / ELW765 / SFFS 2197 / HPP265 / GC578/ GC(II)560 / CP506 / CP(E)507 / W&R469 / URW179 / 82HmL-482 Lord of all hopefulness Lord of all joy (Struther) Beautiful words, which I prefer to sing to the well known Irish tune SLANE. Would be a good choice for the final song. Not all hymnals are inclusive. Lyrics. Tune sample.
Matthew 17:1-9
The transfiguration
*ATFG 555 / NCYC03 Open your eyes / See Yourself (Mann) “see yourself in the one who’s shining on the hill”. Puts the transfiguration in the context of a whole lot of other New Testament stories. Excellent newer song.
*TiS 474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Haugen) Excellent. Surely everyone knows how great this song is.
*GC(II)770 / Cha182 Transform Us as you transfigured (Dunstan / PICARDY) Good words to the familiar and quite meditative hymn tune PICARDY (TiS 497). Lyrics and a nice sound sample here (search for transform).
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.
ATFG 541 What is this scene? good story telling song. Not too difficult for the congregation to sing on a first attempt, but it will need a brief “teaching time” for the melody. You could also ask the musicians to present as part of the offering. The words are great.
*Bruce Harding Seeing Jesus A simple chant, needs at least 2 of the parts. Sample PDF, and available for purchase here.
NCH183 Jesus take us to the mountain (Vajda) A very positive transfiguration hymn that asks good questions and provides some good challenges and clearly looks onward to Good Friday. Lyrics.
TiS 234 / AHB 390 / GC778 / GC(II)771 / CP167 / CP(E)248 / VU103 / LBW89 / ELW315 How good Lord to be here / Tis Good Lord to Be Here (Robinson / SWABIA) Good solid words and a good solid tune (I like CARSLISLE best). I like the ending “But since you bid us leave the mount, come with us to the plain”.
*NCYC07 You shine (Crawford) A good song, with an excellent chorus "You shine over us, you shine through us, so let your light shine on around the world". Definitely for the more youthful congregation. It would also work to play the CD from NCYC07 if you don't have a band of musicians.
*AoV2-103 / AoVK-115 / G(II)514 / GC712 / GC(II)715 Holy Ground (Brenda Pena) I love the energy and passion in this song and the vision of the heavens embracing the earth. I especially like the “Do you believe in freedom? Yes we do Lord! Do you believe in justice? Justice for all!” call in the middle. Bilingual English/Spanish song. Sample here.
ATW 447 Thank you Jesus for ordinary miracles (Mann) Fun and a bit silly. Lyrics.
Srce87 / Srce293 Can I ascend? / I'm Coming Up The Mountain (Redman) A bit "me me me" for my liking, but the youth in some congregations would probably like it, and I maybe shouldn't find these songs as embarrassing as I do. Lyrics and chords.
*CH355 / VU210 / SFFS 2102 / HPP81 / GC(II)525 / RS699 / CP630 / W&R99 / URW098 You Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd (Dunstan) Beautiful words. Can be sung to many tunes. I like it to WESTMINSTER ABBEY or PICARDY. Hymnals vary with what they have for verse 2. I like this version (scroll down).
*Recorded Song: Transfiguration (Sufjan Stevens) I love this song. The lyrics are here. Here’s a video of him performing it live here on youtube, which is a bit more eclectic than the studio recording. He looks very nice in those wings, don't you think? Note: if playing recorded songs in worship, it's a really good idea to provide lyrics to the congregation either in a hand out or using projection.
Liturgy for the Whole Church (p69) The transfiguration (Bock) A narrated skit. If you have this book, or access to it, this would be good to do.
Moses goes up the mountain to meet with God. God as fire. See also suggestions for the Gospel reading.
*ATN 77 / G(II)542 / GC749 O Welcome All You Noble Saints of Old / In Christ There Is a Table Set for All (Stamps) A song about God with us. Gather hymnals use "In Christ there is a table set for all" which is much more inclusive than the old "God and man at table are sat down". Good for celebration of communion, but is fine without it, too. Lyrics (scroll down). Clunky sound sample.
NCH20 God of Abraham and Sarah (Gertmenian) A great newish but very singable hymn tune with words that pick up the history of our faith. Excellent words; Moses gets a mention which is why I've listed it. Could also be sung to NETTLETON if you want something familiar.
Psalm 2
Serve God or God gets mad, but happy are those who take refuge in God. This is my son. A traditional evening Psalm.
*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.
Emergent Psalter The rulers of the earth (Everett) A simple refrain to this Psalm, which can be read while a nice minor vamp is played. Sample sheet music.
NCH Psalter Happy are all who take refuge (Jennings) Another simple refrain with a different emphasis.
*TiS 47 / AHB 46 / AoV1-175 / NCH25 / CH161 / UMH117 / VU806 / LBW504 / ELW806 / HPP1 / HPSS210 / GC614 / GC(II)588 / CP528 / CP(E) 537 / W&R84 O God our help in ages past A good solid very well known hymn! The surprising thing about this one is that the language is inclusive for God in most sources. Not all sources are inclusive for humanity, so check.
AoV1-056 / CH217 / GA541 / G(II)551 / GC761 / GC(II)750 / URW201 God of Day and God of Darkness (Haugen) Sung to the familiar folk tune BEACH SPRING. This is easy to sing, and an old favourite of mine. I often think this is only good for an evening service, but the image of darkness and night doesn't have to be taken literally. And the call to rest at the end of the last verse would be good for those who take the celebration of Sabbath as a call to rest. Lyrics.
*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 (T1AU) / CH222 / StJ Night has fallen / Dzuwa lapita (Malawian evening hymn) Another evening hymn; this one is quite specific for evening.
Alternate Psalm: Psalm 99
God of justice, God is holy, worship at the mountain. This Psalm has lots of concepts in it, so I've only chosen a couple of particularly pertinent songs.
*Emergent Psalter O mighty God lover of justice (Everett) A catchy refrain, that got stuck in my head for days after I ran through it. Can be sung with the Psalm read over instrumentation. Sample sheet music.
TiS 58 Be exalted O God, above the heavens! Let your glory over all the earth be found. An excellent refrain to the Psalm for this week. The cantor line is not totally inclusive - just a small word substitution will do it.
Cha751 To God all people give thanks (Fox) Joyful latin-rhythmed sung response and responsively read Psalm. I think it would be fun to do a responsive Psalm with a sung response.
Iona (Love From Below) / CP424 Sing praise to God on mountain tops (Bell/Maule) A song of praise to God for the beauty of creation to a traditional English tune (THE VICAR OF BRAY).
*MV 60 God, we give you heartfelt praise. A lively round from Taiwan. “God we give you heartfelt praise, mercy and love you show us daily, blessed always be your name”. While based on Taiwanese harmonic modes, it is not too hard for Western singers to pick up.
*TiS 723 / AoV2-092 / ATOK 381 / Iona (M&G, Common Ground) / CH769 / UMH65 / VU944, VU951 / StJ / R176 / ELW473 / SFFS 2007 / G(II)395 / GC563 / W&R737 / Cha111 / ZSS48 Holy holy holy / Santo santo santo (Argentinian folk song) Better in Spanish. A nice quiet devotional song.
2 Peter 1:16-21
We saw it happen, so believe us. Prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit.
See also suggestions for the Gospel reading.
*Tune In Peace In Our Time (Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and action for peace. Lyrics. Sound sample. Songbook.
AHB 341 A lamp for our feet has been given (Hay) I reckon this one is pretty good, especially for those congregations who only have the AHB.
TiS 613 / AHB546 / ATOK 405 / NCH211 / CH166 / LBW469 / ELW765 / SFFS 2197 / HPP265 / GC578/ GC(II)560 / CP506 / CP(E)507 / W&R469 / URW179 / 82HmL-482 Lord of all hopefulness Lord of all joy (Struther) Beautiful words, which I prefer to sing to the well known Irish tune SLANE. Would be a good choice for the final song. Not all hymnals are inclusive. Lyrics. Tune sample.
Matthew 17:1-9
The transfiguration
*ATFG 555 / NCYC03 Open your eyes / See Yourself (Mann) “see yourself in the one who’s shining on the hill”. Puts the transfiguration in the context of a whole lot of other New Testament stories. Excellent newer song.
*TiS 474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Haugen) Excellent. Surely everyone knows how great this song is.
*GC(II)770 / Cha182 Transform Us as you transfigured (Dunstan / PICARDY) Good words to the familiar and quite meditative hymn tune PICARDY (TiS 497). Lyrics and a nice sound sample here (search for transform).
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.
ATFG 541 What is this scene? good story telling song. Not too difficult for the congregation to sing on a first attempt, but it will need a brief “teaching time” for the melody. You could also ask the musicians to present as part of the offering. The words are great.
*Bruce Harding Seeing Jesus A simple chant, needs at least 2 of the parts. Sample PDF, and available for purchase here.
NCH183 Jesus take us to the mountain (Vajda) A very positive transfiguration hymn that asks good questions and provides some good challenges and clearly looks onward to Good Friday. Lyrics.
TiS 234 / AHB 390 / GC778 / GC(II)771 / CP167 / CP(E)248 / VU103 / LBW89 / ELW315 How good Lord to be here / Tis Good Lord to Be Here (Robinson / SWABIA) Good solid words and a good solid tune (I like CARSLISLE best). I like the ending “But since you bid us leave the mount, come with us to the plain”.
*NCYC07 You shine (Crawford) A good song, with an excellent chorus "You shine over us, you shine through us, so let your light shine on around the world". Definitely for the more youthful congregation. It would also work to play the CD from NCYC07 if you don't have a band of musicians.
*AoV2-103 / AoVK-115 / G(II)514 / GC712 / GC(II)715 Holy Ground (Brenda Pena) I love the energy and passion in this song and the vision of the heavens embracing the earth. I especially like the “Do you believe in freedom? Yes we do Lord! Do you believe in justice? Justice for all!” call in the middle. Bilingual English/Spanish song. Sample here.
ATW 447 Thank you Jesus for ordinary miracles (Mann) Fun and a bit silly. Lyrics.
Srce87 / Srce293 Can I ascend? / I'm Coming Up The Mountain (Redman) A bit "me me me" for my liking, but the youth in some congregations would probably like it, and I maybe shouldn't find these songs as embarrassing as I do. Lyrics and chords.
*CH355 / VU210 / SFFS 2102 / HPP81 / GC(II)525 / RS699 / CP630 / W&R99 / URW098 You Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd (Dunstan) Beautiful words. Can be sung to many tunes. I like it to WESTMINSTER ABBEY or PICARDY. Hymnals vary with what they have for verse 2. I like this version (scroll down).
*Recorded Song: Transfiguration (Sufjan Stevens) I love this song. The lyrics are here. Here’s a video of him performing it live here on youtube, which is a bit more eclectic than the studio recording. He looks very nice in those wings, don't you think? Note: if playing recorded songs in worship, it's a really good idea to provide lyrics to the congregation either in a hand out or using projection.
Liturgy for the Whole Church (p69) The transfiguration (Bock) A narrated skit. If you have this book, or access to it, this would be good to do.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Songs and Hymns for Epiphany 8A (February 27th 2011)
Isaiah 49:8-16a
Cosmic praise; God being faithful in times of difficulty
*ATW 422 / NCYC'99 And you sun and moon and stars (Canticle of Daniel) (Stewart) This is a big favourite in our congregation. It has wonderful energy and excellent lyrics.
*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. More inclusive versions use "Alleluia Alleluia" or "Sing your praises" instead of the masculine "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.
*TiS 152 / NCH4 / UMH89 / VU232 / LBW551 / ELW836 / HPP22 / HPSS464 / GC529 / GC(II)520 / CP425 / W&R59 / Cha002 Joyful joyful we adore thee Note that this hymn is not always very inclusive. I prefer more modern translations. Older version lyrics and tune sample.
VU888 / LBW558 / ELW731 / HPSS458 / RS681 / CP358 / W&R642 Earth and All Stars Fun words of cosmic praise. An easy hymn-like tune. I really like the "boiling test tubes" bit, although this verse is not in all hymnals. Note that not all hymnals are inclusive. Inclusive lyrics and organ midi sample.
*TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 Let all creation dance I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics (downloads pdf).
AoV1-019 / CH151 / GA397 / G(II)340 / GC493 / GC(II)498 / W&R39 / URW097 All You Works of God (Haugen) Joyful call, response and chorus. This will take a little work to get your congregation into the rhythm of how this song works, but I really think it would be worth it. Sheet music and lyrics. Tacky sound sample.
*HPSS274 O God of Earth and Space (LEONI) Terrific words by Jane Parker Huber to a well known Jewish hymn tune. "Wherever freedom reigns, where sin is overthrown, Where justice fused with mercy rules, there you are known. Give us the courage clear, to make the earth a home, For all to live in harmony, in Christ’s shalom." Highly recommended. lyrics.
*TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / CP589 Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies (Haugen). Another big favourite. Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample.
TiS 72 / AHB 42 / NCH27 / CH146 / UMH101 / HPP36 / HPSS229 / CP344 / CP(E) 431 / Cha49 / 82Hml-380 From all that dwell below the skies (Watts) A very old hymn, known by many, which is entirely inclusive in its language for God, save for one Lord which you can replace with God if you like. Lyrics and tune samples.
*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. Sheet music
*ATW 435 / NCYC'99 Like the woman of old / Wellsprings A favourite song in our congregation about going to the "Wellsprings of life"and finding Jesus there. Picks up themes of tiredness, broken hearts and weariness, but makes the point that it's worth the effort. It's not specifically related to this reading, but would probably work quite well.
*TiS 184 / Iona (HSNW) When trouble strikes and fear takes root (Iona) Good English folk melody. May be a little tricky if unfamiliar, but it is used for other hymns. Sound sample (from www.smallchurchmusic.com - a great resource for small congregations lacking musicians)
*TiS 262 When pain and terror strike by chance (Wren) Excellent words to a very familiar folk tune. (KINGSFOLD)
*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 Can you see God? (Lees). A good song of imagining God in various situations. Good for older kids “Can you see God in a world that’s unfair?” Sound sample, sheet music sample and songbook.
*Tune In: Cover us with love. (Loukes) A challenging song about seeing the world’s problems and seeking the courage to change it. Sound sample, sheet music sample and songbook.
*Tune In: Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Brown) A good latin-rhythmed song that seeks Christ’s presence. Lyrics and a sample on this website.
*AoVK-47 / HPP51 / W&R80 He's Got the Whole World in His Hand / God's Got the whole world in safe hands (Traditional) It’s hard to make this inclusive. I’ve seen “God’s got the whole world in safe hands”, which is a little clumsy. AoVK has "The whole world is in God's hands" which works really well. Good for kids.
AoV1-089 / GA472 I will never forget you my people (Landry) Simple, reflective song. Very easy.
Psalm 131
Curiously short Psalm about God providing calmness and quiet. Some authors suggest it means a child that has just been breastfed, not a weaned child, which is how the NRSV translates it (which makes the Psalm very curious indeed).
TiS 82 In you, Lord, I have found my peace, I have found my peace. (Willcock) Excellent cantored Psalm with a very simple chant-like refrain that could easily be used on its own or with the Psalm being read if you have no cantor. The paraphrase of the psalm is very straightforward.
Linnea Good You have calmed and quieted my soul. A fairly straightforward simple chant. I personally prefer TiS 82, but they are both good.
*CH716 / VU374 / FFS10 / SFFS 2128 / W&R477 / Cha575 / In every corner sing Come and find the quiet centre of the crowded life we lead (Murray) Beautiful, timely and peaceful words to a familiar hymn tune. A good song for the beginning of worship. I would prefer to sing this to one of the more traditional melodies offered (Tune 1 in FFS) or BEACH SPRING (TiS 493).
*Tune in The God that I Know (Anderson) A beautiful ballad with female and male images of a loving, embracing God. “He comes with his arms open wide, a sheltering place I can hide”. If this is not familiar to your congregation it would be a good song for a soloist. Sound sample, sheet music sample and songbook.
*AoV2-054 / Iona (There is one among us, Love from Below) / CH755 / MV077 / SFFS 2057 / G(II)438 / GC618 / RS 736 / SP&P111 / 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.
ATOK 311 / CH754 / GA401 Be still and know that I am God and there is none beside me (Iona) A good alternative. I like the 2nd verse especially "I am the one who calls you my friends, and there is none beside me". CH doesn't have the 2nd verse.
FFS04 Be still my heart (John Murray) A good opening to worship. With two possible simple tunes. "Be still my heart, my mind, my busy world that I may hear God's word".
Cha763a Drop thy still dews of quietness till all our strivings cease (Whittier) Simple sung response, and responsive reading
CH89 For you the pride from my heart is banished (Bell) A challenging version of this Psalm, to the folk tune The Isle Of Mull. Lyrics.
*AoV1-085 Like A Child Rests in its mother's arms (Walker) A very beautiful and simple refrain; works well on its own.
AoV2-049 My Soul Is At Rest (Watts) This is just completely beautiful. It is also on Trisha's album "Invokation".
*Taize / CP563 In God alone my soul can find rest and peace / Mon Ame Se Repose (Berthier) A very beautiful chant from Taize. Sample music, and sound files to learn all the parts here.
GA519 My soul is longing for your peace (Deiss) This is quite nice. Cantor and refrain.
Cha763b O Tender mother listen to your child (Markham) Simple sung response, and responsive reading
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Do not judge, leave it to God.
*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 453 / AHB 335 / NCH 316 / HPP253 / 83HML-629 We limit not the truth of God (Rawson / ELLACOMBE). Again, the lyrics in the New Century Hymnal are good. The main change is the refrain, which becomes “O God, grant yet more light and truth to break forth from your Word” for each verse. The first verse is very challenging.
*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"). I love verse three “Don’t query our position! Don’t criticise our wealth! Don’t mention those exploited by politics and stealth!”. It’s easy for us to be judgemental on these things. Also fits with the Gospel reading.
MV147 God help us to treasure (Oldham) I like this, but I can't remember why because I lent my book to someone...
*HPP28 / PH285 / W&R24 God You Spin the Whirling Planets (Jane Parker Huber / AUSTRIAN HYMN) Good words to a very familiar tune (TiS 772). Really good for the final hymn or response to the sermon. Lyrics.
Matthew 6:24-34
You cannot serve God and money. Live in the moment. Do not worry.
*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"). I love verse three “Don’t query our position! Don’t criticise our wealth! Don’t mention those exploited by politics and stealth!”. It’s easy for us to be judgemental on these things. Also fits with the Gospel reading.
*TiS 613 / AHB546 / ATOK 405 / NCH211 / CH166 / LBW469 / ELW765 / SFFS 2197 / HPP265 / GC578/ GC(II)560 / CP506 / CP(E)507 / W&R469 / URW179 / 82HmL-482 Lord of all hopefulness Lord of all joy (Struther) Beautiful words, which I prefer to sing to the well known Irish tune SLANE. Would be a good choice for the final song. Lyrics. Tune sample.
*Taize / TiS 739 / AoV2-041 / ATOK 404 / VU290 / GA269 / SFFS 2054 / G(II)451 / GC639 / GC(II)626 / CP568 / W&R421 / URW388 Nothing Can Trouble / Nada te turbe (Berthier) Excellent and quite well known Taize chant. Spanish lyrics are not too hard for non-Spanish speakers. Sheet music, sound samples, lyrics and translations.
*ATOK 414 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH501 / GA485 / G(II)480 / GC673 / GC(II)655 Take this moment, sign and space (Bell) A fairly well known favourite. Simple melody and beautiful words. Lyrics (includes a very skinny picture of Jesus).
NCH341 Great Spirit God the things which are yours (Dakota hymn) Good solid lyrics of God's provision. Would work well with a strong drum beat. Native American hymn. An alternate translation to "Many and Great".
*TiS 745 / AoV1-048 / ATN 34 / SiS96 / CH641 / UMH405 / VU356 / WoV783 / GA456 / HPP370 / PH333 / GC615 / GC(II)600 / CP458 / W&R349 / Cha354 / Srce593 / 82Hml-711 Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Lafferty) A classic. Versions vary widely in the inclusiveness of their versions. A tip: GA, WoV and VU have all made this gender inclusive for God by simply replacing "his righteousness" with "God's righteousness". Easy, really. And, "We do not live by bread alone". Words from St. Theresa of Avila.
*CH276 / VU22 / ELW262 / GA283 / G(II)256 / GC332 / GC(II)340 / CP094 / W&R166 / URW396 Wait for the Lord (Berthier) Very well known Taize chant. Sound samples and sheet music.
MV126 Are you a shepherd? (Duck) Good and joyous. Shepherd, teacher, parent images.
*TiS 182 / AoV2-010 / NCH11 / CH134 / VU268 / SFFS 2047 / HPP13 / CP395 Bring many names beautiful and good (Wren) This is a beautiful song, but it's very long (especially if sung too slowly). Try singing one verse unison, then one women, one men, then all together again, to keep people interested in what they are singing. Lyrics.
Recorded Music Living in this moment (Martine Locke) This song would work really well if you’re able to find a copy, or if you bought a cassette way back in 1993 (like I did) and didn’t lose it (like I did). I wish I could find it because I still remember it and listening to her sing in some shearing shed in South Australia....
Recorded Music Don't worry be happy (Bobby McFerrin) I’m serious. I’m sure this is the first song most of us think of when this reading comes up – there must be a creative way of using this. One reader told me that she used it in her congregation as people came in... I like it!
Cosmic praise; God being faithful in times of difficulty
*ATW 422 / NCYC'99 And you sun and moon and stars (Canticle of Daniel) (Stewart) This is a big favourite in our congregation. It has wonderful energy and excellent lyrics.
*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. More inclusive versions use "Alleluia Alleluia" or "Sing your praises" instead of the masculine "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.
*TiS 152 / NCH4 / UMH89 / VU232 / LBW551 / ELW836 / HPP22 / HPSS464 / GC529 / GC(II)520 / CP425 / W&R59 / Cha002 Joyful joyful we adore thee Note that this hymn is not always very inclusive. I prefer more modern translations. Older version lyrics and tune sample.
VU888 / LBW558 / ELW731 / HPSS458 / RS681 / CP358 / W&R642 Earth and All Stars Fun words of cosmic praise. An easy hymn-like tune. I really like the "boiling test tubes" bit, although this verse is not in all hymnals. Note that not all hymnals are inclusive. Inclusive lyrics and organ midi sample.
*TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 Let all creation dance I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics (downloads pdf).
AoV1-019 / CH151 / GA397 / G(II)340 / GC493 / GC(II)498 / W&R39 / URW097 All You Works of God (Haugen) Joyful call, response and chorus. This will take a little work to get your congregation into the rhythm of how this song works, but I really think it would be worth it. Sheet music and lyrics. Tacky sound sample.
*HPSS274 O God of Earth and Space (LEONI) Terrific words by Jane Parker Huber to a well known Jewish hymn tune. "Wherever freedom reigns, where sin is overthrown, Where justice fused with mercy rules, there you are known. Give us the courage clear, to make the earth a home, For all to live in harmony, in Christ’s shalom." Highly recommended. lyrics.
*TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / CP589 Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies (Haugen). Another big favourite. Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample.
TiS 72 / AHB 42 / NCH27 / CH146 / UMH101 / HPP36 / HPSS229 / CP344 / CP(E) 431 / Cha49 / 82Hml-380 From all that dwell below the skies (Watts) A very old hymn, known by many, which is entirely inclusive in its language for God, save for one Lord which you can replace with God if you like. Lyrics and tune samples.
*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. Sheet music
*ATW 435 / NCYC'99 Like the woman of old / Wellsprings A favourite song in our congregation about going to the "Wellsprings of life"and finding Jesus there. Picks up themes of tiredness, broken hearts and weariness, but makes the point that it's worth the effort. It's not specifically related to this reading, but would probably work quite well.
*TiS 184 / Iona (HSNW) When trouble strikes and fear takes root (Iona) Good English folk melody. May be a little tricky if unfamiliar, but it is used for other hymns. Sound sample (from www.smallchurchmusic.com - a great resource for small congregations lacking musicians)
*TiS 262 When pain and terror strike by chance (Wren) Excellent words to a very familiar folk tune. (KINGSFOLD)
*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 Can you see God? (Lees). A good song of imagining God in various situations. Good for older kids “Can you see God in a world that’s unfair?” Sound sample, sheet music sample and songbook.
*Tune In: Cover us with love. (Loukes) A challenging song about seeing the world’s problems and seeking the courage to change it. Sound sample, sheet music sample and songbook.
*Tune In: Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Brown) A good latin-rhythmed song that seeks Christ’s presence. Lyrics and a sample on this website.
*AoVK-47 / HPP51 / W&R80 He's Got the Whole World in His Hand / God's Got the whole world in safe hands (Traditional) It’s hard to make this inclusive. I’ve seen “God’s got the whole world in safe hands”, which is a little clumsy. AoVK has "The whole world is in God's hands" which works really well. Good for kids.
AoV1-089 / GA472 I will never forget you my people (Landry) Simple, reflective song. Very easy.
Psalm 131
Curiously short Psalm about God providing calmness and quiet. Some authors suggest it means a child that has just been breastfed, not a weaned child, which is how the NRSV translates it (which makes the Psalm very curious indeed).
TiS 82 In you, Lord, I have found my peace, I have found my peace. (Willcock) Excellent cantored Psalm with a very simple chant-like refrain that could easily be used on its own or with the Psalm being read if you have no cantor. The paraphrase of the psalm is very straightforward.
Linnea Good You have calmed and quieted my soul. A fairly straightforward simple chant. I personally prefer TiS 82, but they are both good.
*CH716 / VU374 / FFS10 / SFFS 2128 / W&R477 / Cha575 / In every corner sing Come and find the quiet centre of the crowded life we lead (Murray) Beautiful, timely and peaceful words to a familiar hymn tune. A good song for the beginning of worship. I would prefer to sing this to one of the more traditional melodies offered (Tune 1 in FFS) or BEACH SPRING (TiS 493).
*Tune in The God that I Know (Anderson) A beautiful ballad with female and male images of a loving, embracing God. “He comes with his arms open wide, a sheltering place I can hide”. If this is not familiar to your congregation it would be a good song for a soloist. Sound sample, sheet music sample and songbook.
*AoV2-054 / Iona (There is one among us, Love from Below) / CH755 / MV077 / SFFS 2057 / G(II)438 / GC618 / RS 736 / SP&P111 / 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.
ATOK 311 / CH754 / GA401 Be still and know that I am God and there is none beside me (Iona) A good alternative. I like the 2nd verse especially "I am the one who calls you my friends, and there is none beside me". CH doesn't have the 2nd verse.
FFS04 Be still my heart (John Murray) A good opening to worship. With two possible simple tunes. "Be still my heart, my mind, my busy world that I may hear God's word".
Cha763a Drop thy still dews of quietness till all our strivings cease (Whittier) Simple sung response, and responsive reading
CH89 For you the pride from my heart is banished (Bell) A challenging version of this Psalm, to the folk tune The Isle Of Mull. Lyrics.
*AoV1-085 Like A Child Rests in its mother's arms (Walker) A very beautiful and simple refrain; works well on its own.
AoV2-049 My Soul Is At Rest (Watts) This is just completely beautiful. It is also on Trisha's album "Invokation".
*Taize / CP563 In God alone my soul can find rest and peace / Mon Ame Se Repose (Berthier) A very beautiful chant from Taize. Sample music, and sound files to learn all the parts here.
GA519 My soul is longing for your peace (Deiss) This is quite nice. Cantor and refrain.
Cha763b O Tender mother listen to your child (Markham) Simple sung response, and responsive reading
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Do not judge, leave it to God.
*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 453 / AHB 335 / NCH 316 / HPP253 / 83HML-629 We limit not the truth of God (Rawson / ELLACOMBE). Again, the lyrics in the New Century Hymnal are good. The main change is the refrain, which becomes “O God, grant yet more light and truth to break forth from your Word” for each verse. The first verse is very challenging.
*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"). I love verse three “Don’t query our position! Don’t criticise our wealth! Don’t mention those exploited by politics and stealth!”. It’s easy for us to be judgemental on these things. Also fits with the Gospel reading.
MV147 God help us to treasure (Oldham) I like this, but I can't remember why because I lent my book to someone...
*HPP28 / PH285 / W&R24 God You Spin the Whirling Planets (Jane Parker Huber / AUSTRIAN HYMN) Good words to a very familiar tune (TiS 772). Really good for the final hymn or response to the sermon. Lyrics.
Matthew 6:24-34
You cannot serve God and money. Live in the moment. Do not worry.
*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"). I love verse three “Don’t query our position! Don’t criticise our wealth! Don’t mention those exploited by politics and stealth!”. It’s easy for us to be judgemental on these things. Also fits with the Gospel reading.
*TiS 613 / AHB546 / ATOK 405 / NCH211 / CH166 / LBW469 / ELW765 / SFFS 2197 / HPP265 / GC578/ GC(II)560 / CP506 / CP(E)507 / W&R469 / URW179 / 82HmL-482 Lord of all hopefulness Lord of all joy (Struther) Beautiful words, which I prefer to sing to the well known Irish tune SLANE. Would be a good choice for the final song. Lyrics. Tune sample.
*Taize / TiS 739 / AoV2-041 / ATOK 404 / VU290 / GA269 / SFFS 2054 / G(II)451 / GC639 / GC(II)626 / CP568 / W&R421 / URW388 Nothing Can Trouble / Nada te turbe (Berthier) Excellent and quite well known Taize chant. Spanish lyrics are not too hard for non-Spanish speakers. Sheet music, sound samples, lyrics and translations.
*ATOK 414 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH501 / GA485 / G(II)480 / GC673 / GC(II)655 Take this moment, sign and space (Bell) A fairly well known favourite. Simple melody and beautiful words. Lyrics (includes a very skinny picture of Jesus).
NCH341 Great Spirit God the things which are yours (Dakota hymn) Good solid lyrics of God's provision. Would work well with a strong drum beat. Native American hymn. An alternate translation to "Many and Great".
*TiS 745 / AoV1-048 / ATN 34 / SiS96 / CH641 / UMH405 / VU356 / WoV783 / GA456 / HPP370 / PH333 / GC615 / GC(II)600 / CP458 / W&R349 / Cha354 / Srce593 / 82Hml-711 Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Lafferty) A classic. Versions vary widely in the inclusiveness of their versions. A tip: GA, WoV and VU have all made this gender inclusive for God by simply replacing "his righteousness" with "God's righteousness". Easy, really. And, "We do not live by bread alone". Words from St. Theresa of Avila.
*CH276 / VU22 / ELW262 / GA283 / G(II)256 / GC332 / GC(II)340 / CP094 / W&R166 / URW396 Wait for the Lord (Berthier) Very well known Taize chant. Sound samples and sheet music.
MV126 Are you a shepherd? (Duck) Good and joyous. Shepherd, teacher, parent images.
*TiS 182 / AoV2-010 / NCH11 / CH134 / VU268 / SFFS 2047 / HPP13 / CP395 Bring many names beautiful and good (Wren) This is a beautiful song, but it's very long (especially if sung too slowly). Try singing one verse unison, then one women, one men, then all together again, to keep people interested in what they are singing. Lyrics.
Recorded Music Living in this moment (Martine Locke) This song would work really well if you’re able to find a copy, or if you bought a cassette way back in 1993 (like I did) and didn’t lose it (like I did). I wish I could find it because I still remember it and listening to her sing in some shearing shed in South Australia....
Recorded Music Don't worry be happy (Bobby McFerrin) I’m serious. I’m sure this is the first song most of us think of when this reading comes up – there must be a creative way of using this. One reader told me that she used it in her congregation as people came in... I like it!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Songs for Ordinations and Commissionings
This is a work in progress. Growing slowly...
W&R584 / Cha454 Come Celebrate the Call of God (Wren) Good words to a lilting intuitive tune. This song is written to recognise a commissioning or the gift of a particular person's call. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
NCH355 / UMH648 / VU514 / PH523 / W&R149 / Cha450 God the Spirit guide and guardian (Daw) Suitable for Ordination or Commissioning. Excellent, inclusive Trinitarian lyrics of God's guidance and blessing on leaders in the church community. Set to a variety of well known hymn tunes including HYFRYDOL (my favourite!). Lyrics and funny sound sample.
NCH356 God who summons through all ages (Downing) An ordination song. Includes men and women - a very personalised hymn for ministry and for an individual.
NCH357 / CH680 / G(II)487 / GC680 / GC(II)675 You are called to tell the story (Duck / ROSEMARY / REGENT SQUARE) This ordination-specific song can be sung to a range of tunes. It is a song from the congregation to the ordinand.
CH677 / AA069 / CP299 / SP159 In the name of Christ we gather (Murray) Quite formal words for an ordination of a Minister of the Word. Lyrics and tune sample.
MV161 I have called you by your name (Damon) Commitment, confirmation, ordination, commissionings, but also ordinary Sundays. Easy, natural tune and good words about having courage to follow where God leads.
ATFG589 / NCYC'99 / VU298 When you Walk From here (Good) A simple benediction, that would be appropriate for a commissioning.
General Commissioning type songs:
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
*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. Good for any sort of commissioning! Very slow sound sample. Lyrics and sample sheet music.
Commissioning of Sunday School Teachers:
NCH359 O God who teaches us to live (Hunter) A song for the commissioning of Sunday School and School Teachers! W&R584 / Cha454 Come Celebrate the Call of God (Wren) Good words to a lilting intuitive tune. This song is written to recognise a commissioning or the gift of a particular person's call. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
NCH355 / UMH648 / VU514 / PH523 / W&R149 / Cha450 God the Spirit guide and guardian (Daw) Suitable for Ordination or Commissioning. Excellent, inclusive Trinitarian lyrics of God's guidance and blessing on leaders in the church community. Set to a variety of well known hymn tunes including HYFRYDOL (my favourite!). Lyrics and funny sound sample.
NCH356 God who summons through all ages (Downing) An ordination song. Includes men and women - a very personalised hymn for ministry and for an individual.
NCH357 / CH680 / G(II)487 / GC680 / GC(II)675 You are called to tell the story (Duck / ROSEMARY / REGENT SQUARE) This ordination-specific song can be sung to a range of tunes. It is a song from the congregation to the ordinand.
CH677 / AA069 / CP299 / SP159 In the name of Christ we gather (Murray) Quite formal words for an ordination of a Minister of the Word. Lyrics and tune sample.
MV161 I have called you by your name (Damon) Commitment, confirmation, ordination, commissionings, but also ordinary Sundays. Easy, natural tune and good words about having courage to follow where God leads.
ATFG589 / NCYC'99 / VU298 When you Walk From here (Good) A simple benediction, that would be appropriate for a commissioning.
General Commissioning type songs:
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
*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. Good for any sort of commissioning! Very slow sound sample. Lyrics and sample sheet music.
Commissioning of Sunday School Teachers:
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Songs and Hymns for Epiphany 7A (February 20th 2011)
Note to BUC liturgists: from now on, songs we have sung in the last 5 years have a * to make them easy to find. New songs that I think would be particularly good for our congregation have a *. Musicians could pick anything.
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
How to live a holy life: honesty, compassion, justice, love for neighbours
*TiS 657 / CH263 / VU700 / AA50 / CP(E) 447 / Cha656 God of freedom God of justice (Murray / Guthrie Foote) Powerful lyrics. Can be sung to either TREDEGAR (new, but not too hard) or PICARDY (very familiar). Lyrics and midi.
*Tune In: Community (Brown) A song about being welcomed and how to work together as part of a community. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook
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.
*AoV1-050 Act Justly (O'Brien/Watts) Simple chant-like chorus, and strong verses. I love this one. We sang this recently at Brunswick and it would be good to sing it again.
*ATOK 390 Put on love every day, never hide your love away (Walker) A groovy song for kids!
*TiS 607 / AoV2-126 / ATN 95 / CH528 / VU684 / StJ / SFFS 2171 / HPP406 / G(II)524 / GC726 / GC(II)721 / CP(E)519/ W&R587 / Srce 462 Make me a channel of your peace (Temple) Youtube video of Sinead O'Connor singing it and lyrics and MIDI file.
AoV2-055 / G(II)513 / GC711 / GC(II)716 May we find richness / Harvest of Justice (Haas) Easy to sing and excellent words. “Gather with patience for those who have nothing. Leave them your riches, and you will receive.” Sheet music and lyrics. Slow sound sample.
*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.
Hope is our song Love is your way (Murray / Harling) Great tune and good lyrics for a prayer of confession about losing our way and being accountable to each other. Easy energetic tune.
Psalm 119:33-40
Give us life in God's way; teach us your ways; keep us on the path
*Iona (WWHW) / MV223 We will go with God / Sizohamba naye (Traditional Swaziland) A simple song from Swaziland. Good for the end of the service. Video with pronunciation and parts. It would be good to sing this at Brunswick again, it was introduced a couple of weeks ago. Note that MV has a different translation.
Iona (We walk his way) We walk his way / Ewe Thina A joyful, simple African song. I'm guessing it's from South Africa. Sound sample.
*MV45 You are holy you show us the way / Hamba nathi (Zulu) This is the song we sang during the (usually silent) procession at the start of our worship service for Advent in 2009. There are a lot of other translations and variations of this song. I like this version best, (Come walk with us, the journey is long) but the sound sample is a bit funny. There's only so much you can do with an electronic keyboard.
*Linnea Good / MV008 And on this path (Good) An energetic gospel style song. Here's a youtube video. We sing it much slower than this and as a gospel style song with big chords and a groovy bass part. I thought I'd never say that we sing something slower than anyone!
*URW143 The Grace of God is like a road (Hudson) Really beautiful words sung to a very familiar Celtic hymn tune (THE GIFT OF LOVE, which very similar to O WALY WALY). Highly recommended. I would even print these words for the congregation to take home with them and meditate with during the week. A good song to sing after the sermon. Lyrics.
*ATN 84 / NCH490 / CH539 / UMH521 / WoV660 / LBW660 / ELW325 / HPP433 / PH363 / CP512 / W&R506 / Cha627 / ZSS69 / URW110 I want Jesus to Walk with me (African-American) I don't usually suggest Jesus songs for the Hebrew Scriptures, but this is such a beautiful song, and so meditative, I couldn't not suggest it. I especially like Eric Bibb's version. You could just play this, if you like.
NCYC07 Labyrinth (Chalson / Winton) A beautiful song about walking with God through all times. "To the heart of all that's sacred and to the margins we will walk the path with you". Excellent words. Not easy for a congregation, but if you have good musicians, they can sing it as a prayer for the congregation.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
Christ the foundation; we God's temple; Foolishness of God;
*NCH387 / HPSS443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 O christ the great foundation (Lew) Excellent words of salvation and justice from Timothy Tingfang Lew, sung to the tune of "The church's one foundation" (AURELIA). Lyrics can be viewed here (search for "Foundation")
W&R543 Come Build a Church (Medema) Excellent words ("Come build a church of human frailty, come build a church of flesh and blood"). Not great for the congregation, but excellent for a choir or musicians. Lyrics. Sound sample and sheet music.
*Online resource Make me your temple (Harding) A lovely simple Taize style chant, or prayer response. Highly recommended. Available here. Sheet music sample. Ignore the sound sample.
TiS 457 / AHB 385 / NCH386 / CH739 / UMH545 / VU331 / LBW369 / ELW654 / GA484 / HPP484 / PH442 / GC661 / CP525 / CP(E) 585 / W&R544 / Cha272 / Srce646 / 82Hml-525 The Church's one foundation (Stone) I know that some people will want to sing this song. If you must (I just don't like it much), please have a look at the lyrics in NCH and VU. They are much more inclusive and accessible - while still poetic! There is also a version in SP&P, using a Puerto Rican tune. The updated lyrics in SP&P also work for the traditional tune (AURELIA).
Matthew 5:38-48
More crazy Jesus foolishness - love your enemies, give to everyone who begs from you.
*Tune In: Kingdom Come (Lees) A song about how things are not what we expect in God’s kingdom. Lots of words and good images including "when forced to carry one mile, go two" Sound sample and 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.
*TiS 650 / AoV2-169 / ATA 191 / CH694 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 / SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 / W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 Brother, sister, let me serve you (Gillard) I think you all know this one. Lyrics.
ATW 499 / The tide has turned songbook It was me when you came that extra mile (Hannah) Simple tune and good simple words. Good for older kids.
MV094 Love knocks and waits (Damon) Lovely words and a simple lilting melody. Groovy bossa nova mp3 sample here. I reckon I would play it faster for our congregation.
*TiS 607 / AoV2-126 / ATN 95 / CH528 / VU684 / StJ / SFFS 2171 / HPP406 / G(II)524 / GC726 / GC(II)721 / CP(E)519/ W&R587 / Srce 462 Make me a channel of your peace (Temple) Youtube video of Sinead O'Connor singing it and lyrics and MIDI file.
ATFG543 All the world suffers injustice (Ninnes) I like this one, but don't have the book, so I can't tell you why.
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.
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
How to live a holy life: honesty, compassion, justice, love for neighbours
*TiS 657 / CH263 / VU700 / AA50 / CP(E) 447 / Cha656 God of freedom God of justice (Murray / Guthrie Foote) Powerful lyrics. Can be sung to either TREDEGAR (new, but not too hard) or PICARDY (very familiar). Lyrics and midi.
*Tune In: Community (Brown) A song about being welcomed and how to work together as part of a community. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook
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.
*AoV1-050 Act Justly (O'Brien/Watts) Simple chant-like chorus, and strong verses. I love this one. We sang this recently at Brunswick and it would be good to sing it again.
*ATOK 390 Put on love every day, never hide your love away (Walker) A groovy song for kids!
*TiS 607 / AoV2-126 / ATN 95 / CH528 / VU684 / StJ / SFFS 2171 / HPP406 / G(II)524 / GC726 / GC(II)721 / CP(E)519/ W&R587 / Srce 462 Make me a channel of your peace (Temple) Youtube video of Sinead O'Connor singing it and lyrics and MIDI file.
AoV2-055 / G(II)513 / GC711 / GC(II)716 May we find richness / Harvest of Justice (Haas) Easy to sing and excellent words. “Gather with patience for those who have nothing. Leave them your riches, and you will receive.” Sheet music and lyrics. Slow sound sample.
*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.
Hope is our song Love is your way (Murray / Harling) Great tune and good lyrics for a prayer of confession about losing our way and being accountable to each other. Easy energetic tune.
Psalm 119:33-40
Give us life in God's way; teach us your ways; keep us on the path
*Iona (WWHW) / MV223 We will go with God / Sizohamba naye (Traditional Swaziland) A simple song from Swaziland. Good for the end of the service. Video with pronunciation and parts. It would be good to sing this at Brunswick again, it was introduced a couple of weeks ago. Note that MV has a different translation.
Iona (We walk his way) We walk his way / Ewe Thina A joyful, simple African song. I'm guessing it's from South Africa. Sound sample.
*MV45 You are holy you show us the way / Hamba nathi (Zulu) This is the song we sang during the (usually silent) procession at the start of our worship service for Advent in 2009. There are a lot of other translations and variations of this song. I like this version best, (Come walk with us, the journey is long) but the sound sample is a bit funny. There's only so much you can do with an electronic keyboard.
*Linnea Good / MV008 And on this path (Good) An energetic gospel style song. Here's a youtube video. We sing it much slower than this and as a gospel style song with big chords and a groovy bass part. I thought I'd never say that we sing something slower than anyone!
*URW143 The Grace of God is like a road (Hudson) Really beautiful words sung to a very familiar Celtic hymn tune (THE GIFT OF LOVE, which very similar to O WALY WALY). Highly recommended. I would even print these words for the congregation to take home with them and meditate with during the week. A good song to sing after the sermon. Lyrics.
*ATN 84 / NCH490 / CH539 / UMH521 / WoV660 / LBW660 / ELW325 / HPP433 / PH363 / CP512 / W&R506 / Cha627 / ZSS69 / URW110 I want Jesus to Walk with me (African-American) I don't usually suggest Jesus songs for the Hebrew Scriptures, but this is such a beautiful song, and so meditative, I couldn't not suggest it. I especially like Eric Bibb's version. You could just play this, if you like.
NCYC07 Labyrinth (Chalson / Winton) A beautiful song about walking with God through all times. "To the heart of all that's sacred and to the margins we will walk the path with you". Excellent words. Not easy for a congregation, but if you have good musicians, they can sing it as a prayer for the congregation.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
Christ the foundation; we God's temple; Foolishness of God;
*NCH387 / HPSS443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 O christ the great foundation (Lew) Excellent words of salvation and justice from Timothy Tingfang Lew, sung to the tune of "The church's one foundation" (AURELIA). Lyrics can be viewed here (search for "Foundation")
W&R543 Come Build a Church (Medema) Excellent words ("Come build a church of human frailty, come build a church of flesh and blood"). Not great for the congregation, but excellent for a choir or musicians. Lyrics. Sound sample and sheet music.
*Online resource Make me your temple (Harding) A lovely simple Taize style chant, or prayer response. Highly recommended. Available here. Sheet music sample. Ignore the sound sample.
TiS 457 / AHB 385 / NCH386 / CH739 / UMH545 / VU331 / LBW369 / ELW654 / GA484 / HPP484 / PH442 / GC661 / CP525 / CP(E) 585 / W&R544 / Cha272 / Srce646 / 82Hml-525 The Church's one foundation (Stone) I know that some people will want to sing this song. If you must (I just don't like it much), please have a look at the lyrics in NCH and VU. They are much more inclusive and accessible - while still poetic! There is also a version in SP&P, using a Puerto Rican tune. The updated lyrics in SP&P also work for the traditional tune (AURELIA).
Matthew 5:38-48
More crazy Jesus foolishness - love your enemies, give to everyone who begs from you.
*Tune In: Kingdom Come (Lees) A song about how things are not what we expect in God’s kingdom. Lots of words and good images including "when forced to carry one mile, go two" Sound sample and 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.
*TiS 650 / AoV2-169 / ATA 191 / CH694 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 / SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 / W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 Brother, sister, let me serve you (Gillard) I think you all know this one. Lyrics.
ATW 499 / The tide has turned songbook It was me when you came that extra mile (Hannah) Simple tune and good simple words. Good for older kids.
MV094 Love knocks and waits (Damon) Lovely words and a simple lilting melody. Groovy bossa nova mp3 sample here. I reckon I would play it faster for our congregation.
*TiS 607 / AoV2-126 / ATN 95 / CH528 / VU684 / StJ / SFFS 2171 / HPP406 / G(II)524 / GC726 / GC(II)721 / CP(E)519/ W&R587 / Srce 462 Make me a channel of your peace (Temple) Youtube video of Sinead O'Connor singing it and lyrics and MIDI file.
ATFG543 All the world suffers injustice (Ninnes) I like this one, but don't have the book, so I can't tell you why.
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.
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