Genesis 29:15-28
The story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel. What a messy family!
*TiS 683 / WoV735 / ELW603 / W&R416 God! When human bonds are broken. I can’t think what else to suggest should you choose to focus on this soap-opera-esque story. These words pick up an unusual theme, and are very memorable. The tune MEADWAY is quite easy for a congregation to pick up. Lyrics and a different tune.
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
Lots of fairly general praise ideas here.
*AoVK-24 / Iona (T1AU) / CH756 Bless the Lord (Kenyan). A good call and response chant – would make a good processional. Words are: Bless the Lord (my sisters), Bless the Lord (my brothers) Bless the Lord there is no other God. I think our congregation would really enjoy this. The tune is identical to Reamo Leboga. Sound sample of Reamo leboga (scroll to the 3rd album).
*Iona / MV104 Know that God is good (Mungu ni mwema). A simple joyous chant from Africa. It’s been a while since we’ve sung this. Sheet music and melody line sample.
*ATW 457 / Iona (T1AU) / CH751 / MV050 / StS017 / GC(II)260 / URW402 Alleluia (Duncan) A simple Alleluia. Gather version has a descant cantor part. Here are some nice notes on how to teach it to your congregation. Sound sample.
*ATW 460 / Iona (M&G) / CH752 / VU717 / WoV610 Alleluia (South Africa) (Mxadana) Beautiful and peaceful, especially if you can work all the harmonies in.
*ATN 51 / SFFS 2258 / SiS Sing alleluia to the Lord A simple and familiar song to many. It has nice soaring Alleluias and is not too hard. Substitute “Our God” if you like, as some hymnals do.
*MV187 We give our thanks / Reamo leboga (Traditional Botswana) A great song to sing for the offering. Sound sample (scroll to the 3rd album). We usually sing it much more quickly than this sample.
*ATE 216 / Iona (SBL) / CH126 / StJ / ELW555 / PH472 / G(II)365 / GC527 / RS 671 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.
Alternative Psalm: Psalm 128
Happy the home that honours God
G(II)111 / GC125 / GC(II)70 Blest Are Those Who Love You (Haugen) Quite nice Psalm and response.
*NCH429 God bless our homes (Christierson) Excellent words praying for a faithful home that doesn’t ask for a subvervient wife and perfect children or whatever standard nuclear family home images might annoy you!
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-12
Solomon asks God for understanding.
*Iona (Heaven Shall Not Wait) When our Lord walked the earth (Bell / PERSONENT HODIE) Familiar and easy tune, excellent words. Chorus is “God became our neighbour, granting with his favour, Power to speak and heal, grace to know what’s real, wisdom, insight and faith, love and understanding.”
*NCYC09 For my brother I pray peace / Understanding through you Lord (Price) Excellent song for intercessions. Not easy the first time through, but catchy once you know it. Needs quite a good vocal range, and a good keyboardist or (better) a guitarist because it's written in a fairly tricky key.
*CH604 Holy wisdom lamp of learning (Duck) Great words seeking wisdom, judgement, and celebrating a searching faith. Sung to a good joyful and easy hymn tune (IN BABILONE). Could also be sung to BEACH SPRING. Sample music and lyrics.
*MV063 / StJ / GC(II)500 Long before my journey’s start / Wisdom my road (Warner) A song seeking Wisdom. Pretty straightforward, and particularly good if you have communion this Sunday. Sample sheet music available here. Sound sample.
Alternative Psalm for the 1 Kings reading: Psalm 119:129-136
*TiS 666 / AoV2-113 / AoVK-126 / ATOK 409 / NCH526 / Iona (Common Ground, Freedom is Coming) / CH516 / VU646/647 / WoV650 / ELW866 / SFFS 2235 / HPP153 / G(II)357 / GC513 / GC(II)516 We are marching in the light of God / Siyahamba / Caminando
TIS 430 / AHB 337 Your words to me are life and health I really like this old hymn. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it still works, I think. Maybe it’s a sentimental favourite – I think maybe Mum likes it. Lyrics and tune.
AHB 341 A lamp for our feet has been given (CRUGYBAR). Solid words and a great old Welsh tune. I wouldn’t be desperate to sing this one, but if all you have is the AHB, it’s worth it.
*Recorded song: Walk in the light, beautiful light (Aretha Franklin). This song would be great if you have some gospel singers in your congregation! can listen to Aretha and some awesome choir singing it here.
*Recorded music: Heavenly light shine on me (Swan Silvertones). This is a cool song. BUCkets of Love (the occasional BUC gospel choir) can sing it, too, but not as well as the Swan Silvertones. Listen here.
*NCH497 / SFFS 2208 / HPPS354 / G(II)508 / GC707 / GC(II)684 Guide my feet while I run this race An excellent civil rights song. Would work well as a meditative prayer for guidance or as an uplifting call to action at the end of the service. Lyrics and clunky sound sample.
*TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying, listen to me / Sorrowing song. (Mann) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Really picks up the tears in the last verse. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
Romans 8:26-39
*Taize / SP328 Nothing can ever come between us and the love of God A newer Taize chant “Nothing can ever come between us and the love of God, the love of God, revealed to us in Christ Jesus”. It has a long “Oh…..” in it for a cantor part, but I have sung it many times with just a simple Oh and no cantor and it works fine. Sound samples and sheet music for practice.
*Tune In: Spirit of the Father / Alive in me (Anderson) Catchy song about God’s spirit living in us. "Take hold of the hope that I give, trust in me, reach out for the love you can live, eternally”.Lyrics and sound sample here.
*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.
*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
FFS11 Come teach us Spirit of our God (Murray) Excellent words and a good tune.
*Tune In: Father of earth, Mother of sea. A latinesque song about the Spirit being with those who are victims, prisoners and the sick, as well as present in our prayers. Note particularly the phrase “Spirit who prays with us while war goes on… pray with us Lord”. Lyrics and sample here.
*ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / R239 / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 Goodness is stronger than evil (Tutu / Iona) 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. Sound sample.
VU619 / WoV738 / ELW612 / SFFS 2213 / G(II)642 / GC882 / GC(II)854 / RS 958 / CP612 / W&R630 / Cha506 / URW161 Healer of Our Every Ill (Haugen) Good straightforward words of healing and simple tune. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample.
*TiS 419 / AHB 596 / NCH270 / CH592 / UMH544 / VU205 / WoV685 / ELW403 / HPP222 / HPSS314 / CP635 / CP(E) 185 / W&R327 / Cha245 Like the murmur of the dove's song Excellent words and a simple tune. Each verse ends with "Come holy spirit, come" . Lyrics and organ sample here.
*ATOK 383 / AoV2-057 May we see Christ's loving face / Icon of grace. A beautiful chant from Australians Trisha Watts and Monica O’Brien
*Worldmaking.net / SP&P081 / CP086 More Than We Can Ask A great chant for use during intercessions. Very simple and genuine. Sample and lyrics here.
TiS 406 / AHB 377 / VU385 / HPPS325 Spirit divine attend our prayers. Beautiful words, with many images of the Spirit. The set tune (GRAFENBERG) is a little non-intuitive, but beautiful when learned. Could sing to many other tunes, but I’ve tried a few and can’t work out a really good one. If you have a suggestion, I’d love to hear it!
*Worldmaking.net O Tender God have mercy (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A nice chant which would be great for the prayer of confession. Lyrics and very breathy sound sample.
AoV1-139 O God Nothing Can Take Us from your love (Walker) Good refrain. Good verses. Cantor and congregational response.
*TiS 380 / AHB 303 / NCH253 / CH419 / UMH308 / VU173 / LBW145 / ELW376 / HPP203 / HPSS122 / CP210 / CP(E)160 / W&R310 / Cha218 / Srce694 Thine be the glory risen conquering Son (Budry) One of the few older hymns that doesn't require updating. A great classic hymn! Lyrics and tune.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Lots of kingdom imagery including treasure in a field and a mustard seed
*CH343 / GC(II)641 The Reign of God like farmer's field (Dufner) Excellent words, sung to a very familiar traditional American tune. Highly recommended. I'd play it a little quicker than this sample. Sample lyrics and tune. Sound sample.
*Tune In: Kingdom Come (Lees). A song about what the kingdom might be like, with plentiful images from the parables. Sample and lyrics.
*Taize / GC(II)637 The Kingdom of God is Justice and Peace (Taize) A joyful chant. I normally sing it a bit more bouncy than the sample on the Taize site. Sample and lyrics.
VU361 / AA123 Small things count (Murray) Good simple song. Good for kids, although there are a lot of words for non-readers. It would be nice to break this song up and sing it to the kids somehow.
UMH275 The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed I don't have this hymnbook, so don't know what the tune is like, but the words are fine. Lyrics.
Seeds of Faith. The seed song (Bruxvoort-Colligan) Supremely silly and fun for little kids. A good song to sing for the kid’s talk, and get them involved in the actions. and sound sample here.
*StJ116 The Tree Song (Ken Medema) Another great kid’s song about roots growing down to the water, and leaves growing up to the sunshine, and bearing fruit, and all that great stuff. There's a recording of Ken singing it here!
Gospelling to the beat See the little seed A simple little song for kids.
*WoV658 / ELW506 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." The words also fit with the Psalm, so you might want to sing this song if you have access to it. There's a very helpful commentary including the lyrics of the hymn here. (Thanks to Bob Gardiner at crossbeams for this link).
*NCH 528 You are the seed / Sois la semilla. This is a simple song to sing, and the words are very cheering. “You are the seed that will grow and new spout; you’re a star that will shine through the day”. Good for older kids who can read all the words.
*MV 174 Soil of God (Holy Ground) This is probably most appropriate for last week’s reading, but would also fit for this week. The tune is quite siple and the words are good “Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care”.
*Tune In: Tune In (Sims) A simple kids’ song, with actions about listening for God. Sample and lyrics here.
AoVK-132 When we listen we will hear you (Halloran) Good words about hearing God through creation, family and stories.
TiS 531 / VU481 / ELW330 / NCH76 / HPP578 Sent forth by God’s blessing (particularly if you celebrate communion/eucharist this week). Note that not all hymnals are gender inclusive for God on this one. NCH is. “The seed of God’s teaching, our hungry souls reaching, shall blossom in action for all humankind”… Lyrics and electronic tune here.
ATW 447 Thank you Jesus for ordinary miracles (Mann) This is a fun song, and good for older kids. Lyrics.
ATA 181 Faith like a mustard seed (Prewer) A simple round. I would just sing the first verse.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Songs and Hymns for Proper 11A / Ordinary 16A / Pentecost +10 - July 17, 2011
Genesis 28:10-19a
Jacob, alone in an unfamiliar land dreams of a passage to heaven, and receives anew God’s promise to Abraham. Recognises God’s presence and worships. Bethel.
*NCH 2 / ZSS117 Glory Glory Hallelujah! Excellent African-American chorus; includes the verse “We are climbing Jacob’s ladder” and “every rung goes higher higher”. There is a version here similar to NCH.
AoV2-154 / NCH606 / UMH528 / VU497 / HPP471 / CP538 / CP(E) 526 / Cha577 / Srce492 Nearer my God to you / thee (Adams/Mason). I didn’t grow up with this song, so the tune seems kind of sappy and sentimental to me. Having said that, I really like the words in the NCH and it is an excellent fit for this reading “When I am wandering as Jacob did, and in the deepest night, the path is hid, my dreams will bring me, too, nearer my God, to you”. Please note that not all sources have such accessible words. Traditional lyrics.
NCH500 / UMH418 / HPP454 / G(II)497 / GC693 We are climbing Jacob’s ladder. A traditional well-known favourite in some circles; NCH replaces “Soldiers of the cross” with “bearers of the cross”. Note that not all sources are as accessible. Traditional lyrics. Note there are also many recordings of this song (e.g. Pete Seeger, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Paul Robeson, Bruce Springsteen, Jane Siberry) that you may also want to use; it's interesting to see how each of these singers has altered the lyrics.
*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.
TIS 605 I am alone, yet not alone. This hymn has very beautiful words, but is not very well known. The traditional style tune is not hard, but will probably need to be taught as the metre is unusual.
*AoV2-103 / AoVK-115 / G(II)514 / GC712 / GC(II)715 The heavens embrace the earth / On Holy Ground (Donna 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.
*ATW 433 At the dawn of the ages / You were in this place (Mann) An Australian song about seeing God in this ancient land and in our indigenous people. “Do we take after Jacob, blind to what lies at hand, needing dreams to inform us God is here in this land?”. Tune is very smooth and simple. Lyrics.
*AoVK-144 / ATN 87 When the day has begun and the darkness is done (Walkin’ down the road). Great song for kids about God being with us. Lyrics.
*TiS 217 / AHB 148 / NCH43 / CH519 / UMH384 / VU333 / LBW315 / ELW631 / GA463 / HPP48 / HPSS376 / GC622 / GC(II)613 / CP485/6 / CP(E) 516 / W&R358 / Cha517 / Srce457 / URW100 Love divine all loves excelling A beautiful classic song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn, even the AHB! Lyrics and sound sample.
*ATN 84 / NCH490 / CH539 / UMH521 / LBW660 / WoV660 / ELW325 / HPP433 / HPSS363 / CP512 / W&R506 / Cha627 / ZSS69 / URW110 I want Jesus to walk with me An excellent simple song. There are also many good recordings of this song. There are also some great recordings of this, like Eric Bibb's.
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24
God knows us better than we know ourselves. We cannot hide.
*AoV2-031 / ATW 424 / CH97 / GC(II)509 / SP301 O God, you search me and you know me (Farrell). My favourite version of this Psalm. The tune flows effortlessly and it has a nice little hook at the end of each verse. Sample music and lyrics here.
NCH Psalter has a very simple refrain for this Psalm from Jane Marshall, which is worth a look.
TiS 87 / VU862 / HPPS248 You are before me, Lord, you are behind. A beautiful chant setting to this psalm; sung to SURSUM CORDA. The words are directly from the Psalm and are very beautiful. lyrics.
*ATOK 320 / NCH351 / VU645 / StJ / WoV770 / ELW732 / SFFS 2051 / HPP516 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry. A song of God’s presence in all stages of life. Very simple tune to sing. Lyrics, and a nice (slow) sound sample.
*Worldmaking.net God of My Breathing (Bruxvoort-Colligan). Excellent words to a well-known hymn tune. Sample and lyrics.
*ATW 487 Make your home in me A simple beautiful invitation. Written by Melbourne songwriter and teacher, Fay White. “If you fly to the point of the day’s sunrise or westward across the sea, if you travel to the uttermost ends of the earth, there I will be; Make your home in me as I make my home in you. I am everywhere that you can be. Make your home in me”. This is quite different to the Vineyard / Josh Young version you can find all over the internet. I can't find a sample of this one, unfortunately.
*TiS 725 / ATE 275 / TiS 725 / AoV2-167 / ATE 275 / StJ / GA538 / G(II)553 / GC763 / URW391 In our darkness there is no darkness in your sight, the deepest night is clear as the daylight (La tenebre). Also translated as "Our darkness is never darkness". Sample music and lyrics.
*Music by Heart 15 Darkness is not dark (Law) A simple round, with optional cantor part. Good to teach to your congregation without lyric sheets or projections.
*VU384 / SFFS 2052 / HPP229 / HPSS320 The Lone Wild Bird in lofty flight (Haugen / PROSPECT) Familiar tune and excellent words. First 3 verses and tune sample.
*NCH274 / SFFS 2046 / CP390 Womb of Life and source of being (Duck / LADUE CHAPEL) Excellent words. The tune is unlikely to be familiar, and is just a little bit tricky.
AoV2-079 / GA081 How Rich Are The Depths (Willcock) A good Cantor and refrain version of the Psalm.
ATFG511 There are lots of things that I can do / I'm the only one like me (Kirkland) OK. Adults think this is stupid. Little kids like it a lot. So it's a good song if you want to teach something to your sunday school class.
TiS 87 / VU862 / HPPS248 You are before me, Lord, you are behind. A beautiful chant-like setting to this psalm; sung to SURSUM CORDA. The words are directly from the Psalm and are very beautiful. lyrics.
*Worldmaking.net Open unto me light for my darkness (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan). Sample here.
*MV 131 You, Creator God, have searched me. Get out the maracas for this one! This joyous calypso chorus for this Psalm is so refreshing. I think it’s really good fun, and very catchy!
ATW 423 Examine my heart, explore my mind (Mann). This is a bit tricky, but if familiar to your congregation would be great to sing.
Linnea Good: Psalm 139: Where Can I Go? “Where can I hide from your Spirit? Where can I run from your presence? Where can I go, when you are always there?” A simple refrain.
*TiS 611 / AHB 543 / NCH436 / UMH577 / VU686 / LBW415 / ELW705 / HPP456 / HPSS420 / CP577 / CP(E) 448 / W&R569 / Cha464 God of Grace and God of Glory (Fosdick) A song about being courageous and wise. There are many possible tunes and many sets of words to this hymn. NCH has the most inclusive words, but TiS and AHB are okay too. They don’t hold back in verse 3. Chorus is “Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, for the facing of this hour”. Don’t know about everyone else, but I know best the tune AHB 543 (ii).
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19
God's strength, and kindness in righteousness
*ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / R239 / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 Goodness is stronger than evil (Tutu / Iona) 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. Sound sample.
Alternative to the Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 44:6-8
Alternative Psalm: Psalm 86:11-17
NCH Psalter O God you abound in steadfast love (Hunnicutt) A nice joyful refrain for this cantored or read Psalm.
Romans 8:12-25
Live by the Spirit. Lots of stuff…. Hope
*Tune In: Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Brown) A good latin-rhythmed song that seeks Christ’s presence for the prisoners, the blind. Lyrics and sound sample.
*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 410 / AHB 323 / LBW523 / ELW582 / NCH59 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling I like these words, but prefer to sing it to NETTLETON (TiS 392). Lyrics and sound sample.
*TiS 178 / G(II)335 / GC478 / GC(II)487 Praise the God who changes places I like the joy of the tune written by William Rowan (BOE) for this song. Lyrics and sign language here (scroll to the bottom for the lyrics). Sample here, to a different tune.
TiS 415 / CH588 Praise the Spirit in creation Amazing words. Tune is unfamiliar, but good.
*Tune In: The desert will spring to life / Making things new (Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook. “Take hold of the hope that I give, trust in me, reach out for the love you can live, eternally”.
AoV2-040 In Labor All Creation Groans. Excellent words of creation's longing for peace and an end to violence. Lyrics.
URW154 Holy holy holy you are whole and holy (Harling) Very simple tune. Would be a nice Sanctus to use during communion this week if you like, even if you just used the chorus.
*TiS 417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 / HPP237 / HPPS323 / URW203 Loving Spirit, Loving Spirit (Murray). There are about a zillion tunes set for this. I prefer FELICITY (by Colin Gibson TiS 417), but also like RESTORATION. Lyrics are here.
*TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Harling) Fun and good; excellent fun for the pianist! Lyrics.
NCH520 / LBW441 / ELW402 / AA033 / CP557 / W&R475 / 82Hml-698 Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (von Christierson) There are many tunes to these very honest and realistic words. For a more modern alternative, Gibson's tune in AA (ARGYLE STREET) is quite good. Lyrics.
*AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / R127 / ELW715 / GC(II)512 Longing for light we wait in darkness / Christ, be our light (Farrell). One of my favourites, especially if someone can sing or play the descant line in the later verses. Sound and sheet music sample here.
*VU379 / LBW459 / ELW786 / SFFS 2121 O Holy Spirit root of life Good words from Hildegard of Bingen. Simple known tune. You can see the sheet music here (doesn't always work).
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Seed sown which grows up together with the weeds. Separate them at the harvest time.
*GC(II)641 The Reign of God (Dufner) Excellent words, sung to a very familiar traditional American tune. Highly recommended. This song will also fit next week's readings, so if it's new, now would be a good time to introduce it. I'd play it a little quicker than this sample. Sample lyrics and tune. Sound sample.
*Tune In: Kingdom Come “The kingdom is here, it’s not in a jar. Try weeding it out, you won’t get far”. A song about what the kingdom might be like, with plentiful images from the parables. Sample here.
*NCH 608 Christ will come again (Wren) One of few hymns that talks about sifting the weeds from the wheat. The tune is new, and fits the unusual metre of these words. It should be picked up quite quickly by a singing congregation, but would benefit from a quick lesson before the start of the service. “Christ will come again, God’s justice to complete, to reap the fields of time and sift the weeds from wheat. Then let us passionately care for peace and justice here on earth, and evil’s rage restrain with love, till Christ shall come again”.
*WoV658 / ELW506 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." The words also fit with the Psalm, so you might want to sing this song if you have access to it. There's a very helpful commentary including the lyrics of the hymn here. (Thanks to Bob Gardiner at crossbeams for this link).
*NCH 528 You are the seed / Sois la semilla. This is a simple song to sing, and the words are very cheering. “You are the seed that will grow and new spout; you’re a star that will shine through the day”. Good for older kids who can read all the words.
*MV 174 Soil of God (Holy Ground) This is probably most appropriate for last week’s reading, but would also fit for this week. The tune is quite siple and the words are good “Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care”.
*TiS 531 / VU481 / ELW330 / NCH76 / HPP578 Sent forth by God’s blessing (particularly if you celebrate communion/eucharist this week). Note that not all hymnals are gender inclusive for God on this one. NCH is. “The seed of God’s teaching, our hungry souls reaching, shall blossom in action for all humankind”… Lyrics and electronic tune here.
Jacob, alone in an unfamiliar land dreams of a passage to heaven, and receives anew God’s promise to Abraham. Recognises God’s presence and worships. Bethel.
*NCH 2 / ZSS117 Glory Glory Hallelujah! Excellent African-American chorus; includes the verse “We are climbing Jacob’s ladder” and “every rung goes higher higher”. There is a version here similar to NCH.
AoV2-154 / NCH606 / UMH528 / VU497 / HPP471 / CP538 / CP(E) 526 / Cha577 / Srce492 Nearer my God to you / thee (Adams/Mason). I didn’t grow up with this song, so the tune seems kind of sappy and sentimental to me. Having said that, I really like the words in the NCH and it is an excellent fit for this reading “When I am wandering as Jacob did, and in the deepest night, the path is hid, my dreams will bring me, too, nearer my God, to you”. Please note that not all sources have such accessible words. Traditional lyrics.
NCH500 / UMH418 / HPP454 / G(II)497 / GC693 We are climbing Jacob’s ladder. A traditional well-known favourite in some circles; NCH replaces “Soldiers of the cross” with “bearers of the cross”. Note that not all sources are as accessible. Traditional lyrics. Note there are also many recordings of this song (e.g. Pete Seeger, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Paul Robeson, Bruce Springsteen, Jane Siberry) that you may also want to use; it's interesting to see how each of these singers has altered the lyrics.
*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.
TIS 605 I am alone, yet not alone. This hymn has very beautiful words, but is not very well known. The traditional style tune is not hard, but will probably need to be taught as the metre is unusual.
*AoV2-103 / AoVK-115 / G(II)514 / GC712 / GC(II)715 The heavens embrace the earth / On Holy Ground (Donna 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.
*ATW 433 At the dawn of the ages / You were in this place (Mann) An Australian song about seeing God in this ancient land and in our indigenous people. “Do we take after Jacob, blind to what lies at hand, needing dreams to inform us God is here in this land?”. Tune is very smooth and simple. Lyrics.
*AoVK-144 / ATN 87 When the day has begun and the darkness is done (Walkin’ down the road). Great song for kids about God being with us. Lyrics.
*TiS 217 / AHB 148 / NCH43 / CH519 / UMH384 / VU333 / LBW315 / ELW631 / GA463 / HPP48 / HPSS376 / GC622 / GC(II)613 / CP485/6 / CP(E) 516 / W&R358 / Cha517 / Srce457 / URW100 Love divine all loves excelling A beautiful classic song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn, even the AHB! Lyrics and sound sample.
*ATN 84 / NCH490 / CH539 / UMH521 / LBW660 / WoV660 / ELW325 / HPP433 / HPSS363 / CP512 / W&R506 / Cha627 / ZSS69 / URW110 I want Jesus to walk with me An excellent simple song. There are also many good recordings of this song. There are also some great recordings of this, like Eric Bibb's.
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24
God knows us better than we know ourselves. We cannot hide.
*AoV2-031 / ATW 424 / CH97 / GC(II)509 / SP301 O God, you search me and you know me (Farrell). My favourite version of this Psalm. The tune flows effortlessly and it has a nice little hook at the end of each verse. Sample music and lyrics here.
NCH Psalter has a very simple refrain for this Psalm from Jane Marshall, which is worth a look.
TiS 87 / VU862 / HPPS248 You are before me, Lord, you are behind. A beautiful chant setting to this psalm; sung to SURSUM CORDA. The words are directly from the Psalm and are very beautiful. lyrics.
*ATOK 320 / NCH351 / VU645 / StJ / WoV770 / ELW732 / SFFS 2051 / HPP516 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry. A song of God’s presence in all stages of life. Very simple tune to sing. Lyrics, and a nice (slow) sound sample.
*Worldmaking.net God of My Breathing (Bruxvoort-Colligan). Excellent words to a well-known hymn tune. Sample and lyrics.
*ATW 487 Make your home in me A simple beautiful invitation. Written by Melbourne songwriter and teacher, Fay White. “If you fly to the point of the day’s sunrise or westward across the sea, if you travel to the uttermost ends of the earth, there I will be; Make your home in me as I make my home in you. I am everywhere that you can be. Make your home in me”. This is quite different to the Vineyard / Josh Young version you can find all over the internet. I can't find a sample of this one, unfortunately.
*TiS 725 / ATE 275 / TiS 725 / AoV2-167 / ATE 275 / StJ / GA538 / G(II)553 / GC763 / URW391 In our darkness there is no darkness in your sight, the deepest night is clear as the daylight (La tenebre). Also translated as "Our darkness is never darkness". Sample music and lyrics.
*Music by Heart 15 Darkness is not dark (Law) A simple round, with optional cantor part. Good to teach to your congregation without lyric sheets or projections.
*VU384 / SFFS 2052 / HPP229 / HPSS320 The Lone Wild Bird in lofty flight (Haugen / PROSPECT) Familiar tune and excellent words. First 3 verses and tune sample.
*NCH274 / SFFS 2046 / CP390 Womb of Life and source of being (Duck / LADUE CHAPEL) Excellent words. The tune is unlikely to be familiar, and is just a little bit tricky.
AoV2-079 / GA081 How Rich Are The Depths (Willcock) A good Cantor and refrain version of the Psalm.
ATFG511 There are lots of things that I can do / I'm the only one like me (Kirkland) OK. Adults think this is stupid. Little kids like it a lot. So it's a good song if you want to teach something to your sunday school class.
TiS 87 / VU862 / HPPS248 You are before me, Lord, you are behind. A beautiful chant-like setting to this psalm; sung to SURSUM CORDA. The words are directly from the Psalm and are very beautiful. lyrics.
*Worldmaking.net Open unto me light for my darkness (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan). Sample here.
*MV 131 You, Creator God, have searched me. Get out the maracas for this one! This joyous calypso chorus for this Psalm is so refreshing. I think it’s really good fun, and very catchy!
ATW 423 Examine my heart, explore my mind (Mann). This is a bit tricky, but if familiar to your congregation would be great to sing.
Linnea Good: Psalm 139: Where Can I Go? “Where can I hide from your Spirit? Where can I run from your presence? Where can I go, when you are always there?” A simple refrain.
*TiS 611 / AHB 543 / NCH436 / UMH577 / VU686 / LBW415 / ELW705 / HPP456 / HPSS420 / CP577 / CP(E) 448 / W&R569 / Cha464 God of Grace and God of Glory (Fosdick) A song about being courageous and wise. There are many possible tunes and many sets of words to this hymn. NCH has the most inclusive words, but TiS and AHB are okay too. They don’t hold back in verse 3. Chorus is “Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, for the facing of this hour”. Don’t know about everyone else, but I know best the tune AHB 543 (ii).
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19
God's strength, and kindness in righteousness
*ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / R239 / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 Goodness is stronger than evil (Tutu / Iona) 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. Sound sample.
Alternative to the Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 44:6-8
Alternative Psalm: Psalm 86:11-17
NCH Psalter O God you abound in steadfast love (Hunnicutt) A nice joyful refrain for this cantored or read Psalm.
Romans 8:12-25
Live by the Spirit. Lots of stuff…. Hope
*Tune In: Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Brown) A good latin-rhythmed song that seeks Christ’s presence for the prisoners, the blind. Lyrics and sound sample.
*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 410 / AHB 323 / LBW523 / ELW582 / NCH59 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling I like these words, but prefer to sing it to NETTLETON (TiS 392). Lyrics and sound sample.
*TiS 178 / G(II)335 / GC478 / GC(II)487 Praise the God who changes places I like the joy of the tune written by William Rowan (BOE) for this song. Lyrics and sign language here (scroll to the bottom for the lyrics). Sample here, to a different tune.
TiS 415 / CH588 Praise the Spirit in creation Amazing words. Tune is unfamiliar, but good.
*Tune In: The desert will spring to life / Making things new (Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook. “Take hold of the hope that I give, trust in me, reach out for the love you can live, eternally”.
AoV2-040 In Labor All Creation Groans. Excellent words of creation's longing for peace and an end to violence. Lyrics.
URW154 Holy holy holy you are whole and holy (Harling) Very simple tune. Would be a nice Sanctus to use during communion this week if you like, even if you just used the chorus.
*TiS 417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 / HPP237 / HPPS323 / URW203 Loving Spirit, Loving Spirit (Murray). There are about a zillion tunes set for this. I prefer FELICITY (by Colin Gibson TiS 417), but also like RESTORATION. Lyrics are here.
*TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Harling) Fun and good; excellent fun for the pianist! Lyrics.
NCH520 / LBW441 / ELW402 / AA033 / CP557 / W&R475 / 82Hml-698 Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (von Christierson) There are many tunes to these very honest and realistic words. For a more modern alternative, Gibson's tune in AA (ARGYLE STREET) is quite good. Lyrics.
*AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / R127 / ELW715 / GC(II)512 Longing for light we wait in darkness / Christ, be our light (Farrell). One of my favourites, especially if someone can sing or play the descant line in the later verses. Sound and sheet music sample here.
*VU379 / LBW459 / ELW786 / SFFS 2121 O Holy Spirit root of life Good words from Hildegard of Bingen. Simple known tune. You can see the sheet music here (doesn't always work).
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Seed sown which grows up together with the weeds. Separate them at the harvest time.
*GC(II)641 The Reign of God (Dufner) Excellent words, sung to a very familiar traditional American tune. Highly recommended. This song will also fit next week's readings, so if it's new, now would be a good time to introduce it. I'd play it a little quicker than this sample. Sample lyrics and tune. Sound sample.
*Tune In: Kingdom Come “The kingdom is here, it’s not in a jar. Try weeding it out, you won’t get far”. A song about what the kingdom might be like, with plentiful images from the parables. Sample here.
*NCH 608 Christ will come again (Wren) One of few hymns that talks about sifting the weeds from the wheat. The tune is new, and fits the unusual metre of these words. It should be picked up quite quickly by a singing congregation, but would benefit from a quick lesson before the start of the service. “Christ will come again, God’s justice to complete, to reap the fields of time and sift the weeds from wheat. Then let us passionately care for peace and justice here on earth, and evil’s rage restrain with love, till Christ shall come again”.
*WoV658 / ELW506 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." The words also fit with the Psalm, so you might want to sing this song if you have access to it. There's a very helpful commentary including the lyrics of the hymn here. (Thanks to Bob Gardiner at crossbeams for this link).
*NCH 528 You are the seed / Sois la semilla. This is a simple song to sing, and the words are very cheering. “You are the seed that will grow and new spout; you’re a star that will shine through the day”. Good for older kids who can read all the words.
*MV 174 Soil of God (Holy Ground) This is probably most appropriate for last week’s reading, but would also fit for this week. The tune is quite siple and the words are good “Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care”.
*TiS 531 / VU481 / ELW330 / NCH76 / HPP578 Sent forth by God’s blessing (particularly if you celebrate communion/eucharist this week). Note that not all hymnals are gender inclusive for God on this one. NCH is. “The seed of God’s teaching, our hungry souls reaching, shall blossom in action for all humankind”… Lyrics and electronic tune here.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Songs and Hymns for Proper 10A (Pentecost 15A) - July 10th, 2011
Genesis 25:19-34
The story of Jacob and Esau
*TiS 683 / WoV735 / ELW603 God! When human bonds are broken These words pick up an unusual theme, and are very memorable. The tune is quite easy for a congregation to pick up. Lyrics and tune sample. I prefer the set tune in TiS (MEADWAY).
NCH443 / HPP43 How like a gentle spirit deep within Sung to the well known tune SURSUM CORDA. Note verses like the final one “Through all our fretful claims of sex and race the universal love of God shines through, for God is love transcending style and place and all the idle options we pursue”. Hmmm… imagine if Jacob and Esau had learned this when they were growing up! A version of the lyrics by the band "Something like Silas" here. If you try the verses without the "so let my heart rejoice" bit, that's a bit like the NCH version.
Psalm 119:105-112
God’s word guides us. It's good to know and love it.
*NCH Psalter p703 (at the back of NCH) has a very good arrangement of Psalm 119 by Elaine Kirkland. The refrain is “Teach me, O God, the way of your statutes” and can be sung in 4 parts. Note that there are three sections. The section for this week’s reading is on p703.
*Taize / TiS 747 / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) URW393 The Lord is my light, my light and salvation A simple and very popular Taize chant. You can listen to it here.
*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.
ATW 484 Hold the light for me (Holmes) A simple and honest song about Jesus showing the way.
*MV 108 I know your word (Tua Palavra). A simple Brazillian rhythm and a catchy tune. Great for kids, and a good song for adults too. “I know your word, your word is a lamp to my feet O God. I know your word is a lamp, O God, to light my path forever”.
*TiS 398 / AHB 310 / AoV1-118 / NCH289 / CH489 / UMH475 / VU367 / GA375 / LBW508 / ELW804 / HPSS313 / GC465 / GC(II)471 / RS617 / CP645 / CP(E) 175 / W&R330 / Cha582 / Srce100 Come down O Love divine (Down Ampney/Vaughan Williams) Old fashioned, but still inclusive and very well known. Words and tune. Hymnals vary a lot in the lyrics with respect to thees and thys and words like "vesture".
TiS 428 / AHB 340 / CP(E) 460 / 82Hml-628 Help us, O Lord, to learn Great challenging words about being committed to learning the faith. Boring tune though. I would sing it to ST THOMAS (TiS 271 / AHB 198). Older style lyrics.
TIS 430 / AHB 337 Your words to me are life and health I really like this old hymn. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it still works, I think. Maybe it’s a sentimental favourite – I think maybe Mum likes it. Lyrics and tune.
AHB 341 A lamp for our feet has been given (CRUGYBAR). Solid words and a great old Welsh tune. I wouldn’t be desperate to sing this one, but if all you have is the AHB, it’s worth it.
AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / StJ / ELW715 / GC(II)512 Christ, Be Our Light (Farrell). This one is just great. Sound and sheet music sample here (search for Christ be our light).
*VU267 / W&R20 / SP288 Like a mighty river flowing (Perry) Lovely words of the presence of God in nature. Some of them are here.
*StJ / GC(II)505 / W&R444 / URW144 / Srce2-502 / URW144 Rain Down (Cortez) A good simple gospel song. A very easy chorus, and good verses too. Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-13
The cycle of nature, and of our words; hand-clapping trees
*TiS 755 / ATA 196 / CH804 / VU884 / SFFS 2278 / HPP219 / URW449 You shall go out with joy / The trees of the field (Dauerman) This is a good hand clappy foot stomping song. Fun. Can't get enough of this song, really. Chords and lyrics.
Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians Celebrate a new day dawning (Aldredge-Clanton) Great new hymn words, sung to ODE TO JOY. "Clapping trees and laughing rivers join our call to liberty". Lyrics
*URW450 For you shall go out with joy (Saliers) A fun song for group singing; this, and the last line, will need to be taught to four groups in your congregation, who each repeat their simple line over and over. Particularly good for less formal services or to involve all ages; it could be taught during the children's talk, along with a conversation about what it might mean. No projections or pewsheets needed!
*TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written (Patterson) Great tune (JUDAS AND MARY), and excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future. Lyrics (note: a different tune).
*VU870 / CP419 / W&R25 / URW069 Let all creation bless the Lord (Daw) A very majestic hymn (the to tune MIT FREUDEN ZART). A good opening hymn.
*Tune In: The desert will spring to life / Making things new (Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook.
*MV168 May peace be with you / Salamun Kullaheen (Traditional Lebanese) chant in English and Arabic. Response
Alternative Psalm to go with the Isaiah reading: Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
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.
Online Resource Dumiyah (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A lovely quiet chant (with breathing) beckoning silence from the one who stills the waves. Ahhh.... I don't know how you can get hold of this. Send Richard an email?
Romans 8:1-11
Christ set us free; live by the Spirit.
*Tune In: Spirit of the Father / Alive in me Catchy song about God’s spirit living in us. Lyrics and sound sample here.
TiS 630 / AHB 554 The law of Christ alone can make us free Great words by Australian poet James McAuley. A little tweaking needed to make it gender inclusive for God. The tune may be tricky if not familiar, so you may need to introduce the melody to your congregation.
*TiS 410 / AHB 323 / LBW523 / ELW582 / NCH59 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling I like these words, but prefer to sing it to NETTLETON (TiS 392). Lyrics and sound sample here.
*VU379 / LBW459 / ELW786 / SFFS 2121 O Holy Spirit root of life Good words from Hildegard of Bingen. Simple known tune. You can see the sheet music here (doesn't always work).
*TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Harling) Fun and good. Can be sung with the congregation in two halves singing each part, which is not too hard once they have the hang of singing it in unison. Lyrics.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The sower and the seed in the soil. Many of these songs will be suggested again next week, so this is a good time to teach a new song.
*Seeds of Faith: The seed song (Bruxvoort-Colligan) Supremely silly and fun. A good song to sing for little kids; you can get them involved in the actions. Lyrics and sound sample here.
*Tune in: A grain of wheat We don't get to sing this song often enough, IMHO. Lyrics and sound sample here.
WoV658 / ELW506 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." The words also fit with the Psalm, so you might want to sing this song if you have access to it. There's a very helpful commentary including the lyrics of the hymn here. (Thanks to Bob Gardiner at crossbeams for providing this link).
*NCH 528 You are the seed / Sois la semilla This is a simple song to sing, and the words are very cheering. “You are the seed that will grow and new spout; you’re a star that will shine through the day”. Good for older kids who can read all the words.
AoVK-156 A sower, a sower, a sower went sowing This is fun. More of a storytelling song than one for joining in.
*MV 174 Soil of God The tune is quite simple and the words are good “Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care”.
*StS116 The Tree Song (Ken Medema) Another great kid’s song about roots growing down to the water, and leaves growing up to the sunshine, and bearing fruit, and all that great stuff. There's a recording of Ken singing it here!
*TiS 182 / AoV2-010 / VU268 / SFFS 2047 / HPP13 Bring many names This is a beautiful song, but it's very long. Try singing one verse unison, then one women, one men, then all together again, to keep people interested in what they are singing. Lyrics can be found here.
*TiS 531 / VU481 / ELW330 / NCH76 / HPP578 Sent forth by God’s blessing (particularly if you celebrate communion/eucharist this week). Note that not all hymnals are gender inclusive for God on this one. NCH is. “The seed of God’s teaching, our hungry souls reaching, shall blossom in action for all humankind”… Lyrics and electronic tune here.
*VU584 Through the heart of every city (Dunstan) Challenging words about caring for all God's people, particularly in the city. Tune is quite straightforward. Sheet music and all lyrics.
AoV2-004 / NCH181 / GA478 / G(II)468 / GC658 / GC(II)640 / RS772 You are a salt for the earth O People / Bring forth the kingdom (Haugen) Joyful song. "Bring forth the reign of justice, bring forth the reign of peace...". Sheet music. Sound sample.
The story of Jacob and Esau
*TiS 683 / WoV735 / ELW603 God! When human bonds are broken These words pick up an unusual theme, and are very memorable. The tune is quite easy for a congregation to pick up. Lyrics and tune sample. I prefer the set tune in TiS (MEADWAY).
NCH443 / HPP43 How like a gentle spirit deep within Sung to the well known tune SURSUM CORDA. Note verses like the final one “Through all our fretful claims of sex and race the universal love of God shines through, for God is love transcending style and place and all the idle options we pursue”. Hmmm… imagine if Jacob and Esau had learned this when they were growing up! A version of the lyrics by the band "Something like Silas" here. If you try the verses without the "so let my heart rejoice" bit, that's a bit like the NCH version.
Psalm 119:105-112
God’s word guides us. It's good to know and love it.
*NCH Psalter p703 (at the back of NCH) has a very good arrangement of Psalm 119 by Elaine Kirkland. The refrain is “Teach me, O God, the way of your statutes” and can be sung in 4 parts. Note that there are three sections. The section for this week’s reading is on p703.
*Taize / TiS 747 / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) URW393 The Lord is my light, my light and salvation A simple and very popular Taize chant. You can listen to it here.
*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.
ATW 484 Hold the light for me (Holmes) A simple and honest song about Jesus showing the way.
*MV 108 I know your word (Tua Palavra). A simple Brazillian rhythm and a catchy tune. Great for kids, and a good song for adults too. “I know your word, your word is a lamp to my feet O God. I know your word is a lamp, O God, to light my path forever”.
*TiS 398 / AHB 310 / AoV1-118 / NCH289 / CH489 / UMH475 / VU367 / GA375 / LBW508 / ELW804 / HPSS313 / GC465 / GC(II)471 / RS617 / CP645 / CP(E) 175 / W&R330 / Cha582 / Srce100 Come down O Love divine (Down Ampney/Vaughan Williams) Old fashioned, but still inclusive and very well known. Words and tune. Hymnals vary a lot in the lyrics with respect to thees and thys and words like "vesture".
TiS 428 / AHB 340 / CP(E) 460 / 82Hml-628 Help us, O Lord, to learn Great challenging words about being committed to learning the faith. Boring tune though. I would sing it to ST THOMAS (TiS 271 / AHB 198). Older style lyrics.
TIS 430 / AHB 337 Your words to me are life and health I really like this old hymn. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it still works, I think. Maybe it’s a sentimental favourite – I think maybe Mum likes it. Lyrics and tune.
AHB 341 A lamp for our feet has been given (CRUGYBAR). Solid words and a great old Welsh tune. I wouldn’t be desperate to sing this one, but if all you have is the AHB, it’s worth it.
AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / StJ / ELW715 / GC(II)512 Christ, Be Our Light (Farrell). This one is just great. Sound and sheet music sample here (search for Christ be our light).
*VU267 / W&R20 / SP288 Like a mighty river flowing (Perry) Lovely words of the presence of God in nature. Some of them are here.
*StJ / GC(II)505 / W&R444 / URW144 / Srce2-502 / URW144 Rain Down (Cortez) A good simple gospel song. A very easy chorus, and good verses too. Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-13
The cycle of nature, and of our words; hand-clapping trees
*TiS 755 / ATA 196 / CH804 / VU884 / SFFS 2278 / HPP219 / URW449 You shall go out with joy / The trees of the field (Dauerman) This is a good hand clappy foot stomping song. Fun. Can't get enough of this song, really. Chords and lyrics.
Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians Celebrate a new day dawning (Aldredge-Clanton) Great new hymn words, sung to ODE TO JOY. "Clapping trees and laughing rivers join our call to liberty". Lyrics
*URW450 For you shall go out with joy (Saliers) A fun song for group singing; this, and the last line, will need to be taught to four groups in your congregation, who each repeat their simple line over and over. Particularly good for less formal services or to involve all ages; it could be taught during the children's talk, along with a conversation about what it might mean. No projections or pewsheets needed!
*TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written (Patterson) Great tune (JUDAS AND MARY), and excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future. Lyrics (note: a different tune).
*VU870 / CP419 / W&R25 / URW069 Let all creation bless the Lord (Daw) A very majestic hymn (the to tune MIT FREUDEN ZART). A good opening hymn.
*Tune In: The desert will spring to life / Making things new (Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook.
*MV168 May peace be with you / Salamun Kullaheen (Traditional Lebanese) chant in English and Arabic. Response
Alternative Psalm to go with the Isaiah reading: Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
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.
Online Resource Dumiyah (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A lovely quiet chant (with breathing) beckoning silence from the one who stills the waves. Ahhh.... I don't know how you can get hold of this. Send Richard an email?
Romans 8:1-11
Christ set us free; live by the Spirit.
*Tune In: Spirit of the Father / Alive in me Catchy song about God’s spirit living in us. Lyrics and sound sample here.
TiS 630 / AHB 554 The law of Christ alone can make us free Great words by Australian poet James McAuley. A little tweaking needed to make it gender inclusive for God. The tune may be tricky if not familiar, so you may need to introduce the melody to your congregation.
*TiS 410 / AHB 323 / LBW523 / ELW582 / NCH59 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling I like these words, but prefer to sing it to NETTLETON (TiS 392). Lyrics and sound sample here.
*VU379 / LBW459 / ELW786 / SFFS 2121 O Holy Spirit root of life Good words from Hildegard of Bingen. Simple known tune. You can see the sheet music here (doesn't always work).
*TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Harling) Fun and good. Can be sung with the congregation in two halves singing each part, which is not too hard once they have the hang of singing it in unison. Lyrics.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The sower and the seed in the soil. Many of these songs will be suggested again next week, so this is a good time to teach a new song.
*Seeds of Faith: The seed song (Bruxvoort-Colligan) Supremely silly and fun. A good song to sing for little kids; you can get them involved in the actions. Lyrics and sound sample here.
*Tune in: A grain of wheat We don't get to sing this song often enough, IMHO. Lyrics and sound sample here.
WoV658 / ELW506 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." The words also fit with the Psalm, so you might want to sing this song if you have access to it. There's a very helpful commentary including the lyrics of the hymn here. (Thanks to Bob Gardiner at crossbeams for providing this link).
*NCH 528 You are the seed / Sois la semilla This is a simple song to sing, and the words are very cheering. “You are the seed that will grow and new spout; you’re a star that will shine through the day”. Good for older kids who can read all the words.
AoVK-156 A sower, a sower, a sower went sowing This is fun. More of a storytelling song than one for joining in.
*MV 174 Soil of God The tune is quite simple and the words are good “Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by God’s tender care”.
*StS116 The Tree Song (Ken Medema) Another great kid’s song about roots growing down to the water, and leaves growing up to the sunshine, and bearing fruit, and all that great stuff. There's a recording of Ken singing it here!
*TiS 182 / AoV2-010 / VU268 / SFFS 2047 / HPP13 Bring many names This is a beautiful song, but it's very long. Try singing one verse unison, then one women, one men, then all together again, to keep people interested in what they are singing. Lyrics can be found here.
*TiS 531 / VU481 / ELW330 / NCH76 / HPP578 Sent forth by God’s blessing (particularly if you celebrate communion/eucharist this week). Note that not all hymnals are gender inclusive for God on this one. NCH is. “The seed of God’s teaching, our hungry souls reaching, shall blossom in action for all humankind”… Lyrics and electronic tune here.
*VU584 Through the heart of every city (Dunstan) Challenging words about caring for all God's people, particularly in the city. Tune is quite straightforward. Sheet music and all lyrics.
AoV2-004 / NCH181 / GA478 / G(II)468 / GC658 / GC(II)640 / RS772 You are a salt for the earth O People / Bring forth the kingdom (Haugen) Joyful song. "Bring forth the reign of justice, bring forth the reign of peace...". Sheet music. Sound sample.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Songs and hymns for Proper 9A (Pentecost 14A) - July 3rd 2011
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Abraham’s servant finds Rebekah and she becomes Isaac’s wife. The suggestions for the Psalm would also fit well.
*ATOK 320 / NCH351 / VU645 / StJ / WoV770 / ELW732 / SFFS 2051 / HPP516 / W&R680 / Cha075 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry (Wren) A song of God’s presence in all stages of life. Very simple tune to sing. Lyrics, and a nice (slow) 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… Maybe add a verse about Rebekah and Isaac. 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).
*ATW 507 Where you tread (Beavis) Even though this very simple and beautiful song is based on Ruth's commitment to Naomi, it might be a good song to sing if you want to focus on the life-long relationship of Rebekah and Isaac. A congregation would pick this up very quickly.
Psalm 45:10-17 and alternative to Psalm: Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Two passages celebrating romantic love
TiS 654 / NCH362 / UMH643 / VU489 / WoV749 / G(II)628 / GC865 / GC(II)856 / W&R612 / Cha499 When love is found and hope comes home (Wren) Lovely words to the tune O WALY WALY. This is a song celebrating romantic love that isn't specifically for wedding days. Lyrics.
*CH115 / MV089 / Iona (Love from Below) Love is the touch of intangible joy (Robertson / Bell) words of different kinds of love – deep friendship, romantic love (Love is the lilt in a lingering voice), and the love of God. Each verse ends with "God is where love is, for love is of God". Tune is simple enough for a congregation to sing first go, and it has gorgeous chords. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
*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.
*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”).
*VU769 God has blessed you forever and ever (Russian Orthodox) A lovely simple response to this Psalm. Can be sung with a responsive reading as set out in VU.
Recorded Music: Power of Two (Indigo Girls) A song about life lived by two people instead of just one. Okay, so many of my contemporaries had this played at their weddings… myself included… for good reason. Hear and watch a video here.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Zechariah 9:9-12
God comes on a donkey and releases the prisoners
*VU901 / WoV725 / PH601 / URW010 Blessed be the God of Israel (Song of Zechariah) (Daw) This song fits well for this Zechariah reading. It can be sung to KINGSFOLD or FOREST GREEN, so will be very easy to sing.
GC(II)755 O the weary world is trudging / The trumpet in the morning (Cooney) Song of release of prisoners and the trumpet's blast. Kind of weird sound sample. Sung to a sacred harp song (Morning Song).
*URW357 Praise to the One who sets prisoners free (Eslinger) This is written as a refrain for Psalm 146, but I think that refrain alone as a round would be good for the kids' song.
*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. I really like this song at the moment. Free sheet music
*Tune In: Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Brown) A good latin-rhythmed song that seeks Christ’s presence. Lyrics and sound sample.
Alternative Psalm to go with Zechariah reading: Psalm 145:8-14
*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.
*VU267 / W&R20 / SP288 Like a mighty river flowing (Perry) Lovely words of the presence of God in nature. Some of them are here.
MV048 I can feel you near me God (Mayberry) Good kids song of God with us.
Romans 7:15-25a
It’s really hard to do what’s right. Obedience. Discipleship.
*Tune in: We are the dream that's longing / Jesus is waiting. 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: Save us in the time of trial (Whelan) Reflective Taize-style chorus and verses about trying to follow Christ in the face of temptation. Chorus is particularly straightforward and chantlike. Could. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook available here.
*Tune In: Come O God and visit us sick we pray / Your abundant life (Brown) A joyful song "Lead us into your abundant life". This has been sung frequently by the musicians at BUC, but not by the congregation! Lyrics and sound sample.
*Tune In: Kingdom Come (Lees) A song about what the kingdom might be like, and how it might not be all daisies and sunshine. Lots of words and good images. Sound sample and lyrics
*ATFG563 / NCYC'03 / The Red Book How long must we cry out? (Mann) This is a big Brunswick favourite, great for young people in particular. "Teach me to do what is right, walk in the darkness, trust in the light and may love be the path I walk upon".
*NCH497 / SFFS 2208 / HPPS354 / G(II)508 / GC707 / GC(II)684 Guide my feet while I run this race An excellent civil rights song. Would work well as a meditative prayer for guidance or as an uplifting call to action at the end of the service. Lyrics and clunky sound sample.
*Taize / AoV2-109 / CH772 / GA429 / SFFS 2195 / G(II)396 / GC566 / GC(II)546 / SP128 / W&R448 / URW381 In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful / El Senyor (Berthier) A joyful and bouncy Taize song. Works well in English, German and Spanish at least. Good for kids. Sheet music, translations into many other languages, sound samples.
*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.
AoV2-102 / GA509 Who will speak if we don't (Haugen) Excellent challenging words.
*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 / URW060 Will you come and follow me / The Summons (Iona / KELVINGROVE) A classic. Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever! Lyrics and tune sample.
*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.
*MV176 Three things I promise (Wren / Damon) Beautiful words of seeking to live faithfully from Brian Wren. The set tune is unfamiliar, but very beautiful, and if not familiar to your congregation would make a good reflective piece (for the congregation to sing in later weeks). You could also sing it to one of the suggested alternate tunes PROSPECT and WAREHAM if you like.
*StS040 / URW439 We will follow (Som’landela) Groovy African song. Sample for listening here.
*VU575 / SFFS 2153 / HPSS369 / W&R574 / Cha614 I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me (African American traditional) Good simple tune and meaningful words. Easy to sing and play around with. Good for kids, non-readers and for people for whom English is a second language.
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
A bit of angry stuff at the start, but then words of comfort
*TiS 693 / AoV1-031 / GA212 Come as you are that's how I want you (Browne) This song is beautiful, gentle, simple, and very well known. Lyrics here (search for "come as you are"). Slow and mushy sound sample. I'm trying to track down a USA distributor for this song, but no luck yet.
*Tune In: Like the sun upon my skin / God’s Mercy (Anderson) A beautiful ballad about identifying God's mercy in the beauty of creation. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook available here.
*TiS 647 / AoV2-012 / ATN 25 Comfort comfort all my people (Mann) This is one of my all time favourite songs. 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 and mp3.
*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).
*Tune In: Invitation (Whelan) “when we hear the invitation, will we lay our burdens down?” A Cuban beat, and feminine God-imagery. Sound sample and lyrics here. Lyrics and sound sample available here.
*NCH002 Glory, glory, hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down. Easy African-American upbeat gospel song. had a lot of fun last time we sang this at Brunswick.
*Iona / StS050 Come, bring your burdens to God / Woza nomthwalo wakho Simple slow African chant (Sound sample here)
*Iona (Love from Below) We will lay our burdens down A groovy song arranged for part-singing.
*AoVK-125 / ATW 489 Turn our sadness upside down (Leigh Newton) Good for kids, and adults too. Simple tune, but not so simple that it’s boring. Lyrics (search in the page for "sadness").
*TiS 590 / AHB 165 / AoVK-117 / NCH506 / UMH526 / VU663 / LBW439 / ELW742 / HPP408 / PH403 / CP532 / W&R473 / Cha585 / Srce 776 What a Friend we have in Jesus There is a bit of masculine language, but the song has so many other good things about it. I like both tunes. AOVK has different lyrics, written specifically for kids, which I think are worth singing.
*TiS 178 / G(II)335 / GC478 / GC(II)487 Praise the God who changes places I like the joy of the tune written by William Rowan (BOE) for this song. Lyrics and sign language here (scroll to the bottom for the lyrics). Sample here, to a different tune.
Online Resource Come to me (Langmead) A good song of comfort "for activists". Good questions about how much we need to follow, how desperate the need. Sheet music.
Abraham’s servant finds Rebekah and she becomes Isaac’s wife. The suggestions for the Psalm would also fit well.
*ATOK 320 / NCH351 / VU645 / StJ / WoV770 / ELW732 / SFFS 2051 / HPP516 / W&R680 / Cha075 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry (Wren) A song of God’s presence in all stages of life. Very simple tune to sing. Lyrics, and a nice (slow) 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… Maybe add a verse about Rebekah and Isaac. 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).
*ATW 507 Where you tread (Beavis) Even though this very simple and beautiful song is based on Ruth's commitment to Naomi, it might be a good song to sing if you want to focus on the life-long relationship of Rebekah and Isaac. A congregation would pick this up very quickly.
Psalm 45:10-17 and alternative to Psalm: Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Two passages celebrating romantic love
TiS 654 / NCH362 / UMH643 / VU489 / WoV749 / G(II)628 / GC865 / GC(II)856 / W&R612 / Cha499 When love is found and hope comes home (Wren) Lovely words to the tune O WALY WALY. This is a song celebrating romantic love that isn't specifically for wedding days. Lyrics.
*CH115 / MV089 / Iona (Love from Below) Love is the touch of intangible joy (Robertson / Bell) words of different kinds of love – deep friendship, romantic love (Love is the lilt in a lingering voice), and the love of God. Each verse ends with "God is where love is, for love is of God". Tune is simple enough for a congregation to sing first go, and it has gorgeous chords. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
*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.
*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”).
*VU769 God has blessed you forever and ever (Russian Orthodox) A lovely simple response to this Psalm. Can be sung with a responsive reading as set out in VU.
Recorded Music: Power of Two (Indigo Girls) A song about life lived by two people instead of just one. Okay, so many of my contemporaries had this played at their weddings… myself included… for good reason. Hear and watch a video here.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Zechariah 9:9-12
God comes on a donkey and releases the prisoners
*VU901 / WoV725 / PH601 / URW010 Blessed be the God of Israel (Song of Zechariah) (Daw) This song fits well for this Zechariah reading. It can be sung to KINGSFOLD or FOREST GREEN, so will be very easy to sing.
GC(II)755 O the weary world is trudging / The trumpet in the morning (Cooney) Song of release of prisoners and the trumpet's blast. Kind of weird sound sample. Sung to a sacred harp song (Morning Song).
*URW357 Praise to the One who sets prisoners free (Eslinger) This is written as a refrain for Psalm 146, but I think that refrain alone as a round would be good for the kids' song.
*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. I really like this song at the moment. Free sheet music
*Tune In: Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Brown) A good latin-rhythmed song that seeks Christ’s presence. Lyrics and sound sample.
Alternative Psalm to go with Zechariah reading: Psalm 145:8-14
*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.
*VU267 / W&R20 / SP288 Like a mighty river flowing (Perry) Lovely words of the presence of God in nature. Some of them are here.
MV048 I can feel you near me God (Mayberry) Good kids song of God with us.
Romans 7:15-25a
It’s really hard to do what’s right. Obedience. Discipleship.
*Tune in: We are the dream that's longing / Jesus is waiting. 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: Save us in the time of trial (Whelan) Reflective Taize-style chorus and verses about trying to follow Christ in the face of temptation. Chorus is particularly straightforward and chantlike. Could. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook available here.
*Tune In: Come O God and visit us sick we pray / Your abundant life (Brown) A joyful song "Lead us into your abundant life". This has been sung frequently by the musicians at BUC, but not by the congregation! Lyrics and sound sample.
*Tune In: Kingdom Come (Lees) A song about what the kingdom might be like, and how it might not be all daisies and sunshine. Lots of words and good images. Sound sample and lyrics
*ATFG563 / NCYC'03 / The Red Book How long must we cry out? (Mann) This is a big Brunswick favourite, great for young people in particular. "Teach me to do what is right, walk in the darkness, trust in the light and may love be the path I walk upon".
*NCH497 / SFFS 2208 / HPPS354 / G(II)508 / GC707 / GC(II)684 Guide my feet while I run this race An excellent civil rights song. Would work well as a meditative prayer for guidance or as an uplifting call to action at the end of the service. Lyrics and clunky sound sample.
*Taize / AoV2-109 / CH772 / GA429 / SFFS 2195 / G(II)396 / GC566 / GC(II)546 / SP128 / W&R448 / URW381 In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful / El Senyor (Berthier) A joyful and bouncy Taize song. Works well in English, German and Spanish at least. Good for kids. Sheet music, translations into many other languages, sound samples.
*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.
AoV2-102 / GA509 Who will speak if we don't (Haugen) Excellent challenging words.
*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 / URW060 Will you come and follow me / The Summons (Iona / KELVINGROVE) A classic. Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever! Lyrics and tune sample.
*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.
*MV176 Three things I promise (Wren / Damon) Beautiful words of seeking to live faithfully from Brian Wren. The set tune is unfamiliar, but very beautiful, and if not familiar to your congregation would make a good reflective piece (for the congregation to sing in later weeks). You could also sing it to one of the suggested alternate tunes PROSPECT and WAREHAM if you like.
*StS040 / URW439 We will follow (Som’landela) Groovy African song. Sample for listening here.
*VU575 / SFFS 2153 / HPSS369 / W&R574 / Cha614 I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me (African American traditional) Good simple tune and meaningful words. Easy to sing and play around with. Good for kids, non-readers and for people for whom English is a second language.
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
A bit of angry stuff at the start, but then words of comfort
*TiS 693 / AoV1-031 / GA212 Come as you are that's how I want you (Browne) This song is beautiful, gentle, simple, and very well known. Lyrics here (search for "come as you are"). Slow and mushy sound sample. I'm trying to track down a USA distributor for this song, but no luck yet.
*Tune In: Like the sun upon my skin / God’s Mercy (Anderson) A beautiful ballad about identifying God's mercy in the beauty of creation. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook available here.
*TiS 647 / AoV2-012 / ATN 25 Comfort comfort all my people (Mann) This is one of my all time favourite songs. 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 and mp3.
*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).
*Tune In: Invitation (Whelan) “when we hear the invitation, will we lay our burdens down?” A Cuban beat, and feminine God-imagery. Sound sample and lyrics here. Lyrics and sound sample available here.
*NCH002 Glory, glory, hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down. Easy African-American upbeat gospel song. had a lot of fun last time we sang this at Brunswick.
*Iona / StS050 Come, bring your burdens to God / Woza nomthwalo wakho Simple slow African chant (Sound sample here)
*Iona (Love from Below) We will lay our burdens down A groovy song arranged for part-singing.
*AoVK-125 / ATW 489 Turn our sadness upside down (Leigh Newton) Good for kids, and adults too. Simple tune, but not so simple that it’s boring. Lyrics (search in the page for "sadness").
*TiS 590 / AHB 165 / AoVK-117 / NCH506 / UMH526 / VU663 / LBW439 / ELW742 / HPP408 / PH403 / CP532 / W&R473 / Cha585 / Srce 776 What a Friend we have in Jesus There is a bit of masculine language, but the song has so many other good things about it. I like both tunes. AOVK has different lyrics, written specifically for kids, which I think are worth singing.
*TiS 178 / G(II)335 / GC478 / GC(II)487 Praise the God who changes places I like the joy of the tune written by William Rowan (BOE) for this song. Lyrics and sign language here (scroll to the bottom for the lyrics). Sample here, to a different tune.
Online Resource Come to me (Langmead) A good song of comfort "for activists". Good questions about how much we need to follow, how desperate the need. Sheet music.
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