Songs, Hymns and Music for Easter 2B (April 15 2012)

Acts 4:32-35  
Unity. The believers share and no-one is needy...
AoVK-105 We give thanks for the goodness of love that is shared (Watts / O'Brien) I like it! Particularly good if you are celebrating communion.
*ATFG561 / Tune In: Part of a fam'ly interconnected / Community (Brown) A song about being welcomed and how to work together as part of a community. "Part of a family interconnected, this is community; Welcoming strangers, visiting neighbours, this gives us dignity". Very singable song about building community. Works well for kids as well. A big favourite at Brunswick Uniting. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
*TiS 473 / NCH314 / W&R615 / Cha655 Community of Christ (Murray) Beautiful words to a traditional Hebrew synagogue melody (LEONI). Easy to sing. Lyrics (downloads a pdf of an excellent service of lamentation - scroll to the end).
*NCH575 / VU697 / PH386 / Cha683 O for a world where everyone respects (Winter) A song with good words sung to a well known hymn tune (AZMON). The words are a prayer for a world of peace and the reign of Christ. It could also be sung to NATIVITY, but much as I love that tune it seems a little too ornamental for these words. Lyrics. 
Tune In: Cover us with love (Loukes) This song may not be easy for congregations to sing, but it is great to listen to. “Be our vision Lord, in a world that’s filled with greed”... Lyrics, sound sample and songbook.
Recorded Music: The sharing song (Jack Johnson) A cute song from the soundtrack to Curious George. It could work well if you sing the first few lines as a chorus with the kids, or you could play the recorded version during the offering (!). Lyrics and video. Good for kids.
HPP447 / CP304 / W&R687 All Things Are Yours (Leech) A good hymn for the congregation to sing during the offering, if that is your habit. Sung to the familiar tune GERMANY. Sheet music and lyrics.
*TiS 419 / AHB 596 / NCH270 / CH592 / UMH544 / VU205 / WoV685 / ELW403 / HPP222 / PH314 / CP635 / CP(E) 185 / W&R327 Like the murmur of the dove's song Excellent words and a simple tune about Christian unity. Each verse ends with "Come holy spirit, come". Lyrics and organ sample.   
NCH291 / PH273 O God the Creator (Haile / Corbett) Unusual, but good tune, and good words of our unity as God's created children. Chorus is "And we're brothers and sisters in God's love". WoV755 / ELW576 / SFFS 2243 / PH435 / W&R552 / ZSS99 We All Are One in Mission (Edwards / Finnish Folk Melody) Good solid words to a well known hymn tune (KUORTANE. Lyrics.
AoV1-130 / NCH444 / SFFS 2223 / HPP495 / G(II)533 / GC735 / GC(II)728 We are one in the Spirit / They’ll know we are Christians by our love A classic 60's song of unity and being an example to others. It's still pretty groovy, I reckon. We often syncopate it a bit at Brunswick. Lyrics and chords here. Good for kids.

Psalm 133
How good it is when kindred live in unity. Images of oil running from the head down the beard and dew on mountains. 
*Singing from the Lectionary Exclusive! Behold how good and Oh how pleasant (Noelle Damico) A beautiful chant that I remember every time I read this Psalm; I have an old photocopy of it and Noelle has given me permission to post it here, complete with my husband's guitarist scribbles. It can be sung as a simple chant, or sung with a responsive bilingual reading of the Psalm (Spanish/English) or really any way you like. You can access the file here. Please let Noelle know if you use this (revdamico_at_gmail.com). Good for kids.
*Emergent Psalter How good it is (Everett) A good 3/4 swung Psalm refrain to a read Psalm. Sheet music (response) here.
*NCH Psalter How pleasant to live in unity (Jeong) A simple Psalm refrain for a chanted or read Psalm. 
*VU856 / CH90 / StJ / R212 / ELW649 / SFFS 2231 / Cha292 / Cha764b O Look and Wonder / Miren que bueno (Pablo Sosa). An energetic refrain, and verses are a paraphrase of the psalm. Lots of fun. Chalice also has it arranged as a Psalm response with reading if you prefer. Sample sheet music of melody here (bilingual) - search for "miren que bueno". Sound sample here.
Cha764a Unite us God unite us in your everlasting love (Anon) Simple sung response, and responsive reading. 
*CH198 / MV001 / GC753 / GC(II)741 / RS 846 Let Us Build a House / All are welcome (Haugen / TWO OAKS) This song has wonderful lyrics of hope for what a Christian community can be like, and a chorus that joyfully says “All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place”. Sheet music sample. Sound sample. Lyrics (scroll down a little).
AoVK-113 Thank you O Lord for this world of ours (Barr) A good kids song in two parts.  Good for kids.
Psalm Project: Sharing the Road (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A cool rock song based on the Psalm with an excellent chorus. Sound sample, lyrics, theology and songbook available here. Good for kids.
Linnea Good In unity God blesses us (Bauman / Good) Simple refrain  
*G(II)525 / GC727 / SP244 / URW335 How Good It Is, what pleasure comes (Duck) Good words celebrating the joy of a faithful community. Sung to a familiar shape note tune. Lyrics and sample sheet music. Midi file of tune.

1 John 1:1-2:2
God is light, walk in the light. Confess sins
*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. We usually sing it more quickly, and with more drive than the link. Lyrics and sound sample.
*AoVK-40 / NCH524 / UMH585 / ELW677 / HPP466 / G(II)358 / GC514 / GC(II)514 This little light of mine The AoVK version has excellent verses that actually make the chorus make sense. Check them out if you have a copy. In the meantime, watch Bruce Springsteen sing it here. It's amazing... Good for kids.
*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. Note that this is really easy on recorder if you have a kid in your congregation who is learning it. Good for kids. Youtube.
*AoV1-053 / AoVK-82 / GA256 Receive The Light of Christ (Marshall) Simple round "Receive the light of Christ, May (it) shine within our hears, May the Christ Light fill us with joy and peace". Good for kids.
Iona (Heaven Shall not Wait) / VU19 Kindle a flame to lighten the dark and take all fear away. A good chant. Sometimes a bit tricky to sing - there's a strangely large jump at the start.
*CH348 / StS001 / LBW196 / ELW843 / CP397 / W&R93 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness (Edwards) Good words of Christ's ministry to all. Can be sung to the familiar tune NETTLETON, or the less familiar and very lovely tune JOEL. Lyrics.
*Iona (One is the Body) / MV103 Ka mana'o 'i 'o (Camacho) Hawai'ian song. Fun to sing and good words. T chorus is not too hard to sing in Hawai'ian if you teach it. Nice with guitar and/or ukelele. Note for BUC: We have two ukelele players in the congregation. Sound sample.
SFFS 2005 Arise Shine for your light has come (Smith) A simple call and response. Good for an intro to worship. This would be great for the whole Christmas season.
Unknown Source The Lord is my light and my salvation (Cleveland) I just think this is really cool. Really long sound sample on youtube.
*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.TiS 643 / UMH206 / StJ / WoV649 / ELW815 / G(II)352 / GC508 / GC(II)513 I want to walk as a child of the light (HOUSTON) Lyrics here.
*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 / Cha442 / SP235 / Srce737 We are marching in the light of God / Siyahamba / Caminando. A very well known South African protest song. Lyrics (multiple translations). Good for kids.
Recorded song: Walk in the light, beautiful light (Aretha Franklin). This song would be great if you have some gospel singers in your congregation! Nice children's / simple choir arrangement available here (2 part) or here (4 part). You can listen to Aretha and some awesome choir singing it here.

John 20:19-31
Jesus gives peace and the Holy Spirit; Thomas.
*NCH249 / GA517 Peace I leave with you my friends (Norbert) Slow, simple and excellent words. A congregation will pick this up the first time through, I think.
*TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune.
*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.
*Iona (Love From Below) / CH434 / CP232 Jesus is risen from the grave (CHILDER) Good, simple rhythm and tune. You can even make up some verses if you like. Good for kids. If you missed the Thomas verse at Easter (or missed singing this song), you could sing it this week instead. Good for kids.
ATOK 343 When disciples were frightened / Jesus come and stand among us (Mann) Lyrics here.
FFS07 Bring peace to us (John Murray) A simple chant with two possible tunes. Both are good. The first is a round. "Bring peace to us, bring peace through us, O God bring peace"
*Iona (LFB) / G(II)407 / GC583 God give us peace that lasts (Bell) Lovely words and a simple hymn tune. Prayer for peace, hope and love. This can also be sung to LOVE UNKNOWN. "God give us peace that lasts, not through the fear of might, but through the force of love, and love of life and right. Where costly wars and weapons lure, Show us our Lord among the poor". Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music (search for "Gifts that Last")
GC(II)722 Jesus give us your peace (Mahler) Gospel song. It kind of merges personal peace with global peace. "Jesus bring us your peace, bring us together, let all the fighting cease…" Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music (search for "Give us your peace")
*AoV1-091 / AoVK-68 / StS016 / G(II)527 / GC(II)720 Peace before us peace behind us (Haas) love this one. Reflective. Careful not too get too schmaltzy because it's long. Less is more. Lyrics, sound sample, and melody line sheet music here (search for "prayer of peace"). Good for kids.
*CH786 May the God of peace go with us (Jamieson) A lovely benediction to a traditional Scottish tune. "May the God of peace go with us as we travel from this place; may the love of Jesus keep us firm in hope and full of grace". It's a little bit tricky.
*GGives2 What does peace look like to you (Dyson) A really nice simple song for kids about peace. Lots of questions about what peace might mean from images of nature, to an end to war. The last verse talks about a "bridge from God to man" which could be changed to "bridge from God to us". Good for kids.
AHB 281 / NCH244 / CH431 / UMH317 / VU170 / LBW514 / ELW820 / HPSS116 / GC423 / GC(II)446 / CP228 O sons and daughters let us sing (O FILII ET FILIAE) Many versions and many verses. AHB has emphasis on Thomas verses, but Gather hymnals have some nice verses about the women finding Christ risen. This tune can be really pretty cool - either as plainchant, hymn or fairly majestic contemporary mass music. Listen to the sample of an altogether different version (with different words); search for GC(II)447 here.
NCH288 / UMH503 / Cha260 Let it breathe on me (Lewis-Butts) Simple song welcoming the Spirit. I get the feeling this could be tacky, but I don't think it needs to be.
*Seeds of Faith Peace Be With You (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A very simple kids song about peace, and sharing peace. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids.
*Tune In Peace In Our Time (Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and action for peace. Lyrics. Sound sample. Songbook.
*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 Good for kids.
*ATOK 412 / Iona (SBL, Common Ground) / CH250 / MV212 / SFFS 2184 Sent by the Lord am I / Sent out in Jesus name / Enviado soy de Dios (Traditional Cuban) / Great rhythm, good words and not too hard to sing (provided you sing it a little slowly the first time!) I prefer the MV translation "Sent out in Jesus' name".

*Recorded music: Doubting Thomas (Nickel Creek) One of the most powerful songs I know about being a postmodern doubting but faithful Christian. Lyrics here
*Recorded music: I believe (Zehnder) A great laid-back song about finding it hard to believe in the midst of difficulty and the good times too. Sounds kind of like Sting, I think. "I believe, help my unbelief". Lyrics. Sound sample.

Songs, Hymns and Music for Easter Sunday (March 31 2013)

Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 65:17-25

1 Corinthians 15:19-26or Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12

*Tune In: God is walking in the garden (Brown) A gentle song perfect for Easter. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook.
*2008Tune 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.
*Tune In: Making things new (Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook. Good for kids.
*Iona / CH430 / SFFS2115 / G(II)308 / GC452 / GC(II)465 / G(3)530 Christ has risen while earth slumbers (Bell / Maule) There are a number of tune setting for this. I prefer HOLY MANNA. Lead sheet. Sound Sample.
*CH348 / StS001 / LBW196 / ELW843 / CP397 / W&R93 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness (Edwards) Good words of Christ's ministry to all. Can be sung to the familiar tune NETTLETON, or the less familiar and very lovely tune JOEL. Lyrics. 
**TiS 383 Joyful the morning when Jesus Christ is risen (Traditional Torres Strait Islander) It's beautiful and joyful and Torres Strait Islander! We should sing this! I can't believe I hadn't noticed this song before!
82Hml-713 Christ is arisen / Christ ist erstanden (German hymn) An ancient Easter Day round.
*TiS 242 / AHB 183 / AoV1-018 / ATN 27 / CH404 / UMH261 / VU352 / HPP163 / PH302 / G(II)481 / GC708 / GC(II)689 / G(3)796 / CP(E) 468 / W&R118 / Lau765 I danced in the morning / Lord of the Dance (Carter / SIMPLE GIFTS). Lyrics and tune sample.You all know this one, right? Good for kids
ATW 452 Halle Halle / Why do you look among the dead (Mann) Storytelling Easter song, with catchy hallelujahs. Lyrics.
*TiS 370 / AHB 290 / NCH367 / CH411 / UMH302 / VU157 / LBW128 / ELW369 / G(II)315 / GC437 / GC(II)439 / G(3)523 / CP206 / W&R288 / Lau273 Christ the Lord is risen today (Wesley) (Llanfair) It's not quite Easter without this hymn, but be aware that the lyrics vary widely between hymnals. TiS is good, although some may not like the Kingly language. If you want fully inclusive language, the NCH has good lyrics. An example of lyrics and tune.
*TiS 382 / AoV2-131 / ATN 15 / NCH238 / CH417 / UMH311 / VU186 / LBW280 / ELW570 / HPP210 / G(II)318 / GC444 / GC(II)456 / G(3)534 / CP237 / CP(E) 153 / W&R311 / Cha230 / 82Hml-204 / Lau278 Now the green blade riseth (NOEL NOUVELET) I love these words and this simple French folk tune. I particularly like this played to guitar, but TiS has an excellent piano arrangement too. Lyrics and tune sample. 
*TiS 392 At the dawning of salvation Good hymn words of Easter theology and Christ’s presence at Creation to a fun standard American folk tune (NETTLETON).
*TiS 380 / AHB 303 / NCH253 / CH419 / UMH308 / VU173 / LBW145 / ELW376 / HPP203 / PH122 / CP210 / CP(E)160 / W&R310 / Cha218 / Srce694 / Lau287 Thine be the glory risen conquering Son (Budry) One of the few older hymns that doesn't require updating; trust the SCM... A great classic hymn! Lyrics and tune.
*2007TiS 367 / AHB 287 / NCH242 / CH412 / UMH306 / VU159 / LBW135 / ELW366 / PH119 / GC446 / GC(II)459 / G(3)525 / CP212 / CP(E)159 / W&R290 / Cha221 / 82Hml-208 / Lau275 The strife is o'er the battle done There are two possible tunes for this hymn. I prefer to sing it to the tune by James Minchin (THE STRIFE IS O’ER), which is found in the Australian Hymn Book, rather than the more traditional minstrellish VULPIUS. The newer tune is pretty groovy (I loved it as a kid!), and has lots and lots of alleluias. The words also vary a lot between hymnals. So, the best would be a combination of the TiS words and the AHB tune 287 (ii).
ATA 160 The Son is up the Word is out / Resurrection shout (Mann) A bit silly, but could be fun on Easter day with lots of kids. Good for kids.
*GC(II)464 / CP230 The Tomb Is Empty (Dunstan) This one is so joyful it gives me goosebumps!! It would be a great start to worship on Easter Day. The verses say "Come and see", "Come and hear", "Come and touch", "Come and meet", "Come and serve". Lyrics and sample sheet music. Sound sample.
*ATW 445 Roll the rock It’s a bit silly, but very joyous, catchy and Good for kids.
*2010AHB 281 / NCH244 / CH431 / UMH317 / VU170 / LBW514 / ELW820 / PH116 / GC423 / GC(II)446 / G(3)532 / CP228 / CP(E)154 / W&R313 / Cha220 / 82Hml-203 / Lau280 O sons and daughters let us sing (O FILII ET FILIAE) Many versions and many verses. AHB has emphasis on Thomas verses, but Gather hymnals have some nice verses about the women finding Christ risen. This tune can be really pretty cool - either as plainchant, hymn or fairly majestic contemporary mass music. Listen to the sample of an altogether different version (with different words); search for GC(II)447 here.  
CH422 / AA015 Christ is alive and the universe must celebrate (Murray) Good celebratory Easter words. The tune will need to be taught in CH and AA will need to be taught. Lyrics. 

*2010TiS 387 / CH416 / UMH318 / VU158 / PH108 / LBW363 / ELW389 / RS601 / CP(E) 140 / W&R312 / 82Hml-182 / Lau272 Christ is alive Let Christians sing (Wren) Excellent words of Christ's saving, and still relevant grace. A couple of tunes are offered in different hymn books. I prefer TRURO. Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
TiS 393 / GA365 / Lau270 Christ is alive with joy we sing (Stotter) Joyful alleluias, and Easter images of Christ as grain of wheat, rising sun, vine and bread. Sung to the familiar tune VULPIUS. 
*Iona (TI1AU) / MV038 Glory to God / Nzamuranza (Mozambique / Matsikenyiri) Simple African call and response song. Great harmonies and particularly good for Easter Day. Thanks to the soon-to-be-wed Noodle Thrower for this suggestion.
FFS55 Relentless lover God in Christ (Barrell/Gibson) Great words! Can also be sung to KINGSFOLD if you don't want to explore a new tune.
Online resource Sing out with joy! (Patterson) A lovely energetic song for a children's choir. Sound sample and available here. Sample sheet music.

Shorter songs  
Alleluias listed here.
*TiS 728 Jesu christo reina reina ya! A fun Latin American song. It's particularly fun if someone is brave enough to yell out a "call" at the start of each verse.  Good for kids.
*2009Iona (Love From Below) / CH434 / CP232 Jesus is risen from the grave (CHILDER) Good, simple rhythm and tune. You can even make up some verses if you like. Good for kids.
Music by heart 43 Dying you destroyed our death (Haskel) A very simple round of Christ's death and resurrection. 
*TiS 720 / AHB 295 / AoVK-85 / AoV2-046 / ATOK 319 / NCH236 / Iona (M&G, T1AU) / CH345 / VU958 / StJ / GA107 / SFFS 2026 / HPP571 / GC(II)261 / RS 396 / SP324 / W&R5 / Cha41 / ZSS76 / URW370 Halle halle hallelujah (Trad Caribbean) Note that GA and CH have verses! Easter Day deserves many Hallelujahs! Sound sample. Good for kids.
SFFS 2078 / GC(II)271 Alleluia / Praise Praise God in the Temple (Glover / Honduras) I would just sing the refrain of this. It would make a great introit or postlude for Easter Day. Sheet music and lyrics (chorus only). I'm not wild about the sound sample, but it gives you some ideas.
*ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 / GC(II)451 / G(3)528 / W&R296 / URW436 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. Good for kids.
*TiS 541 / CH674 / WoV722 / ELW535 / G(II)394 / GC562 / GC(II)529 / G(3)626 / CP082 / SP&P190 / W&R709 / ZSS198 / URW400 Hallelujah we sing your praises / Haleluyah! Pelo Tsa Rona. Joyous and simple song. Sound sample. Sheet music sample. Good for kids.
GA338 People of God O welcome the light (Wood) Quite good simple refrain for the start of an Easter celebration 
*CH797 The Lord is risen from the dead (Halleyi) Simple chant for Easter day.

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Any Holy, holy, holy / Sanctus will work well.
*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! Good for kids.
*TiS 74 / GA070 This is the day the Lord has made (Willcock) Unusual timing in this refrain, but once you've nailed it, it will be stuck in your head for the rest of the week, which is what I like about Psalm refrains.
VU175 This is the day that God has made (Sleeth) Good for kids especially
*MV122 / Online Resource This is the day (Harding) This is a really simple nice jazzy song. Sound sample. Sample sheet music. Good for kids.
PfAS118G This is the day the lord has made (Roberts) A bright and cheerful refrain for the Psalm.
*Taize / MV016 / StJ / ELW528 / GA430 / SFFS 2157 / HPP410 / G(II)398 / GC570 / GC(II)550 / RS710 / CP402 / URW378 Come and Fill our hearts/ Confitemini Domino Can be sun in English as "Come and fill our hearts with your peace, you alone O God are holy. Come and fill our hearts with your peace, Alleluia". Sound samples and sheet music.
*2009NCH387 / HPSS443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 / Lau829 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
*MV187 / ELW682 We give our thanks / Reamo leboga (Traditional Botswana) A great song to sing for the offering. Video of some guys and a keyboard having fun with it. Good for kids.
*TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / G(3)691 / CP531 / W&R438 / PfAS091E / Cha077 / Lau952 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord / On Eagle's Wings (Joncas) This is a big favourite all over the place. It has masculine imagery for God. This doesn't have to be sung slowly and meditatively - it also works very well as a more upbeat song. If it is not familiar to you, a cantor can be used for the verses. It is not inclusive in all sources.
PfAS118D This is the day the lord has made (Patterson) A good 7/8 setting of the Psalm. It will need to be taught, but will be enjoyed.

*Cry Hosanna 14 This, this is the day (Brian Howard) I really like this song. Here are the lyrics, but I can't even share a tune with you. If anyone out there recognises the lyrics, I'd love it if you could share the source.
*TiS 653 / NCH417 / CH526 / UMH383 / GC(II)453 / W&R355 / Cha518 This is a day of new beginnings "This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone." Excellent words of reconciliation from Brian Wren. A good start to the Easter season. There are two possible tunes. I prefer the more simple hymn-like tune by Carlton Young which is in most resources (including TiS). There is an optional final verse that can be used for Communion. Lyrics.
*2009TiS 156 / AHB 91 / AoV1-135 / ATA 123 / CH212 / UMH145 / VU409 / ELW556 / HPP267 / HPSS469 / G(II)546 / GC756 / GC(II)748 / G(3)855 / CP003 / W&R35 / Cha053 / URW186 / 82Hml-008 / Lau671 Morning has broken (Farjeon) This song makes me smile every time. Here's Yusuf Islam (when he was Cat Stevens) in 1976 (love those green boots). 

Songs, Hymns and Music for Good Friday (March 29 2013)

Isaiah 52:13-53:12  
The despised suffering one
*TiS 356 / CH385 / Cha 203 Here hangs a man discarded (Wren). Beautiful and powerful words. Also works very well with TiS 339 (Passion Chorale) if your congregation is scared of new tunes, but SHRUB END is not hard. Lyrics (first verse only)
*TiS 345 / AHB 261 / AoV1-103 / NCH229 / UMH288 / VU144 / LBW81 / ELW353 / HPP185 / PH102 / G(II)302 / GC416 / GC(II)438 / G(3)511 / CP192 / Lau225 Were you there when they crucified my Lord? A classic - well known, beautiful to sing and listen to. Lyrics and sound sample. And a youtube of Paul Robeson.
CH389 Behold the holy Lamb of God! (Malawi hymn) This will take some practice, I think. A song with a Cantor and response; you will need a small group to lead the congregation in the response. MWANA MWERERE
*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.
*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.
*Tune In: See our God with the tear-streaked face / Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
*Worldmaking.net O Christ, Lamb of God (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample. 

Psalm 22 
Crying out to God. A Psalm of suffering.
*Emergent Psalter My god, my god (Everett) A simple refrain, and well-written spoken words for the Psalm itself. Piano music for refrain.
*NCH192 / VU146 / SFFS 2106 / HPP183 / PH312 / Cha199 / 82Hml-715 When Jesus wept (Billings) I like this simple round. Partly because it's by a Sacred Harp composer - William Billings! It's also very restful and beautiful. I quite like this video sound sample. This might be a good song for the musicians to sing during the offering, or in a prayer of confession.
*Tune In: Save us in the time of trial Reflective chant-like chorus and verses. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook available here.
VU745 In the presence of your people (Chambers) Refrain only for Psalm reading. Normally, we sing this as a very upbeat, slightly crazy celebration song, but I like the way the VU has used this as a refrain for this quite sad, but still hopeful Psalm. I think this could work extremely well. Yiddish melodies are very good at being sad and happy at the same time.
*MV073 / LBW320 / ELW632 / GC(II)570 / G(3)668 O God Why Are You Silent? (Haugen) Excellent seeking words expressing grief and fear and the absence of God. Sung to the familiar PASSION CHORALE. Lyrics, sample sheet music. Sheet music sample.
PH168 Lord Why Have You Forsaken Me (Conditor Alme Siderum) Simple and honest lyrics. A paraphrase of the psalm to a modified Gregorian chant tune.
Online resource All the ends of the earth (Harding) A simple Psalm refrain. Sample sheet music, and site for purchase.
*VU744 / G(II)28 / GC29 / GC(II)22 / G(3)033 My God My God O why have you abandoned me? (Haugen) Simple chant and good cantor lines. Chant lead sheet.
*CH537 / AA147 / SP256 We do not hope to ease our minds (Barrell) Excellent words of standing with the crucified Christ against injustice. A number of different tunes are offered. I do not have a copy of Alleluia Aotearoa which has two possible tunes. MARY MORISON is the tune in Church Hymnary 4, and it is very straightforward.
*Online resource Why my God? (Harding) A lovely haunting round with an optional descant part. Sample sheet music. Purchase here.

Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
God’s new covenant, our new confidence, Christ as high priest.
TiS 529 / AHB 598 By your priestly power O risen Lord Formal and beautiful words from James McAuley. This would work well if some of the bread from Thursday remains on the communion table. The responsive chant could also be used on its own “By your priestly power O risen Lord, All we lost and needed is restored. God in our communion be adored”
*Worldmaking.net O Christ, Lamb of God (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
*TiS 259 / Iona (Love From Below) Among us and before us Lord you stand (Bell). Good words. The set tune (GATEHOUSE) will need to be taught. It can also be sung to SURSUM CORDA. Lyrics (search within the site).
*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 (downloads a pdf).
TiS 542 Far beyond our mind's grasp (Feliciano). These beautiful devotional words are sung to a traditional Filipino tune. The tune is not easy, but is very haunting once you get to know it. If it is new to your congregation, it would be good to ask a soloist to sing it.

John 18:1-19:42
The long story of Jesus’ arrest, betrayal and crucifixion
*Songs from the still strange land Empty empty I come empty to the bleeding Lord (Dutney) Thanks to Paul Walton for finding this simple and beautiful chant.
*VU610 / StJ / GC(II)572 God remembers pain (Wren) Pretty full on in the first verse, but these words seem somehow helpful if your congregation has been vulnerable this year. Lyrics and sheet music. Slightly odd sound sample.
TiS 340 / AHB 256 Before the cock crew twice This storytelling song uses words from the 17th century. The tune is a little tricky, but it could work very well if sung by a soloist (even unaccompanied if you have a brave soloist!).
*ATA 135 / VU132 Bitter was the night (Carter) Lyrics based on Peter's denial of Christ. Lyrics and sheet music
*Online resource: I will drink the cup (Harding) A simple 4 part chant; best if you have all 4 parts - the tenor part rocks. Available here.
*Iona (Common Ground, M&G, T1AU) / CH805 / MV151 / StJ / R257 / ELW741 / G(II)416 / GC592 / URW440 Your will be done on earth, O Lord / Mayenziwe 'ntando yakho (South African - Xhosa) This is a really good South African song, simple to sing, beautiful harmonies and would work well for reflection for Good Friday, sung slowly. Maybe it could even be sung in a minor key? Last year the musicians sang it as we moved throughout the space and that worked quite well. Sound sample.
* Taizé  / TiS 730 / AoV1-152 / ATOK 387 / CH775 / UMH488 / WoV740 / ELW616 / HPP214 / PH599 / G(II)293 / GC404 / GC(II)422 / G(3)510 / W&R285 / Cha569 / Srce387 / URW382 / Lau253 Jesus remember me (Berthier) A beautiful chant. Sheet music and sound samples.
Online Resource Jesus went out to a garden (Winfrey-Gillette) Set to a standard hymn tune, this story-telling song asks good questions about the violence of the crucifixion and the God of peace. Available here.
Taizé / GA331 / GC421 / Lau233 All You Who Pass this Way (Taizé) Simple chant and cantored verses. Sound sample, lyrics and sample sheet music.
AoV2-048 See His Hands (Sears) Excellent. Simple. Crucifixion focus, but not morbid.
*FFS08 Broken the body (Murray / Bray). Good words of a broken body of Christ and a broken Church seeking healing, unity and courage.
*Iona (Enemy of Apathy) / GA511 I walked through the lonely streets (Bell) Contemporary reproaches. Very challenging words.
FFS70 What have we done to you? (Murray) Tricky tune. Would be good to have musicians present this the first time.
*FFS79 Who will carry the cross for me? (Bennett) Simple tune, and good questioning words about who will walk the hard road with Christ.
*ATA 171 Dying you destroyed our death (Boucher) Simple chant for Good Friday.
*On the road Mystery of servant love (Langmead) Excellent song, with much feeling about Christ's suffering, death, and servanthood. Sound sample. 
*Iona / VU881 / GA510 When the son of God was dying (Bell) This song has lots of words, which I don't generally like during a more reflective service, but maybe you like that, and these words are quite good. Tune is pretty straightforward.
*AoVNG108 See Him (Duke) Quiet reflective and challenging chant, would work well for a soloist. Also available in the book "Sacred Dance" Sound sample. Lyrics. Also available to purchase from iTunes if you would like to play a recording.
*NCH192 / VU146 / SFFS 2106 / HPP183 / PH312 / Cha199 / 82Hml-715 When Jesus wept (Billings) I like this simple round. Partly because it's by a Sacred Harp composer - William Billings! It's also very restful and beautiful. I quite like this video sound sample. This might be a good song for the musicians to sing during the offering, or in a prayer of confession.
*WoV663 / ELW566 / PH547 When Twilight Comes / Awit Sa Dapit Hapon (Andrade) Beautiful words for Good Friday, and for evening. Uses the theme of the hen gathering her chicks. Unusual Asian tune, which is not too hard for Western ears. Lyrics (downloads a pdf - search in it).
*2008TiS 341 / AHB 257 / NCH222 / CH399 / VU143 / WoV661 / LBW094 / ELW782 / SFFS 2083 / HPP329 / PH076 / CP184 / CP(E) 112 / Srce2-426 / 82Hml-458 My song is love unknown (Crossman) I really love this old and beautiful song. I prefer it sung to LOVE UNKNOWN. Lyrics.

Adoration of the Cross
If this is a tradition in your congregation, here are some songs that could work well.
*Songs from the still strange land Empty empty I come empty to the bleeding Lord (Dutney) Thanks to Paul Walton for finding this simple and beautiful chant.
*GA305 / GC396 / GC(II)400 / RS542 / CP338 Adoramus Te Christe (Haugen) It's really nice. Might be good to some musicians singing this quietly on Good Friday. The Refrain is a canon which could work on its own. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample (maybe a little energetic for my liking).
CH750 Adoramus te Domine Deus (Rizza) A fairly simple chant which would be good for an entire congregation to sing.
*Taizé / URW389 O Christe domine Jesu (Berthier) The very simplest, and best known song for this purpose. Very simple, haunting chant. Cantor verses over the top add more beauty, but are not neccessary. Sheet music and lyrics.
GA329 O my people what have I done? (Lundy) This song is pretty incredible. The tune is very straightforward, but I'm not sure how you would use it. It's really about the veneration of the cross and Christ's suffering. Not a very popular theme, but important and I think this would work well if you choose to focus on that. Sound sample.
Recorded music A Love Supreme (Coltrane) Since I first heard it, I have thought that it would be awesome to play this suite while people reflect on the cross. Or, since it's 30 minutes long, just Part 1 (Acknowledgement) which is almost 8 minutes long, and includes Coltrane chanting the words "A love supreme". You need a congregation that likes this type of music, or at least, is willing to listen to it thoughtfully. Youtube with the entire suite. And just as I was thinking "Man, that seems like something that St. John the Divine in NYC would do" I found this... *sigh... Just look at the service!

Songs, Hymns and Music for Maundy Thursday (March 28 2013)

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14  
The sacrifice and eating of the Passover lamb
*Worldmaking.net O Christ, Lamb of God (Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample. 
*AoV1-196 / GC171 / GC(II)152 / RS 329 Jesus, Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) from Haugen’s Mass of Creation. My favourite “Jesus Lamb of God”, I think.
*GC213 / GC(II)319 / RS 469 / URW414 Jesus Lamb of God from Joncas’ Psallite Mass. Okay, this one is my favourite too, but I think I like it twice the speed of the sample at Hymnprint.net.
TiS 705 / Iona (Common Ground, EoA) / W&R282 / SP320 Behold the Lamb of God he takes away the sin (Bell) A simple Agnus Dei. Best if you can manage to get all four parts involved.
*Sing Alleluia Jesus Lamb of God (Pulkingham) This is one of my absolute favourite Agnus Deis (what's the plural of Agnus Dei?). A little bit of the tune. Good for kids.
GC(II)174 Jesus Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) (Proulx) A simple chant. Cantor and response.
AHB 448 Holy most holy Lamb of God (Niles) Funky Philippino tune. Yeah, something groovy in the AHB!
*Music by Heart 06 Lamb of God (McClellan) A simple, and quite lovely call and response. This would be very easy to sing even if new, provided you have a good song leader. Good for kids.
CH778 Lamb of God you take away (Gustafsson) A very simple Agnus dei. Easy to sing.
Iona / SP228 / URW413 Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world (Bell) A simple overlapping cantor and response. It will need to be taught, but it will not take long for people to pick it up. ST BRIDE
WoV621 Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world (Haugen) A canon. In 3/4. Seems quite nice and simple.
Iona (T1AU) / CH790 O Lamb of God (Bell) Nice; will need to be taught before you use it.
The word became a song Jesus Lamb of God (Mann) Quite simple. Good for communion.
Recorded music Agnus Dei There are very very many classical versions of the Agnus Dei. It might be nice to play a recording while communion is distributed, or while people light candles for their prayers. Some favourites: Agnus Dei set to Samuel Barber's Adagio; I also like Palestrina. And Dunstable.

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 
A vow to the Lord, and lifting the cup of salvation…?
GC109 I Will Walk in the Presence of God (Daigle) A simple lilting refrain. Inclusive verses. This could maybe be used as a chant on its own. Sheet music & lyrics. Sound sample.
PfAS116D I love the Lord who heard my cry (Watts)  This uses just the first line of the old Watts hymn, with inclusive language, as a Psalm refrain. Nice.  
TiS 71 / VU617 / HPSS362 / G(II)97 / GC108 I will walk in the presence of the Lord (Proulx) A beautiful cantored Psalm. The refrain is very simple. Doesn’t make sense without the cantor.
*TiS 741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW407 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / Taize / W&R484 / Srce519 / URW390 O Lord hear my prayer (Berthier) A simple and very well known Taize chant. Works well during intercessions. Good for kids.
*Linnea Good Psalm 116 is particularly beautiful and simple “I love you God; I know you listen. You listened on the day I cried. When I called out to you in anguish, you were my presence and my guide”. Good for kids.
URW311 I love you Lord you hear my cry (Watts) A simple song with two verses, or you could use it as a Psalm refrain with the text read by a leader. It would be pretty amazing if you can sing it in 4 parts, I reckon. The 2nd verse could be quite appropriate on its own during intercessions.
*TiS 709 Chuyo chuyo (Berthier) A Korean hymn, appropriate for an intercession response. Not hard for non-Koreans! means "Lord hear us". 
TiS 137 / AHB 77 / AoV1-123 / NCH28 / CH181 / UMH92 / VU226 / LBW561 / ELW879 / GA427 / HPP259 / HPSS473 / GC572 / GC(II)548 / RS697 / CP429 / CP(E) 253 / W&R40 / Cha56 For the beauty of the earth (Pierpont) "Christ our God to thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise". Sources vary in how inclusive this hymn is, so check. NCH is fully inclusive. The two most common tunes are probably DIX (TiS 314) and LUCERNA LAUDONIAE. I prefer DIX. Lyrics.
TiS 727 / ATE 208 / CH121 / VU745 / AA70 In the presence of your people (Chambers) A good Yiddish tune - lots of fun for kids and adults. Good to get fast and dance around on this one. Maybe not for your typical Maundy Thursday service. Good for kids.
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).


1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and John 13:1-17, 31b-35   
The words of institution;
You might also like to look at the Communion songs page.
*Tune In II (BUC only) I Remember (Brown) A song Dave wrote recently; it would be good for the musicians to sing it while people are moving in to the space for communion "I remember a man who came for his last meal, ate it with a group of friends and it changed the world".
*AoVNG15 Bread of Life (Poirier) A nice gentle song. Would be good for distribution of communion. Particularly good for Maundy Thursday.
*2010CH763 / MV193 God bless to us our bread (Traditional Argentinian) A lovely simple grace for meals and for communion. More Voices has Spanish and French lyrics as well as English. "God bless to us our bread, and give bread to all those who are hungry, and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread". This would be very appropriate for Brunswick this year. Sound sample (Track 1). Good for kids. 
*2009NCH344 / Iona (Enemy of Apathy) / GA385 / G(II)611 The time was early evening (Bell) Great words to a familiar Celtic folk tune. We used to sing this one often on Maundy Thursday; would be good to revisit it. "Oh the food comes from the baker, the drink comes from the vine..."
*TiS 538 / AoV2-093 Feed us now Bread of life (Mann) One of my favourite communion songs. Simple to sing, and beautiful simple theology. “Piece of bread, cup of wine, Lord this food is good”. Lyrics (search for "feed us now"). I love how the liturgy in the link intersperses the words of institution with the singing of the song. I think it's so great that there are so many orders of worship on the Internet!
*TiS 707 / Iona (Common Ground, LFB) Bread is blessed and broken (GRACE IN ESSENCE) Very simple. Good for distribution of communion; not all versions are inclusive. Lyrics.
*2010ELW466 / FFS38 / SFFS 2255 In the singing in the silence (Murray) Lovely words, simple tune in FFS; there are quite a few tunes to this. Lyrics and single-use only downloadable PDF.
*TiS 536 / AHB 453 / VU130 / PH094 / W&R275 / Cha385 An upper room did our Lord prepare (O Waly Waly) I really love this song. Lyrics.
*TiS 357 / ATA 147 When his time was over the palms lay where they fell (Mann) Beautiful and mournful. Lyrics.
*2010Tune In II (BUC only) Harvest our love (Brown). This song is just perfect for every communion service ever. It would be good to sing this again.
*TiS 737 / Iona (Common Ground, HSNW, T1AU) Lord Jesus Christ lover of all (Bell) I don't know why this chant works so well for Maundy Thursday, but it does. Note that some versions (T1AU at least) has a beautiful 4 part harmony arrangement with excellent moving parts in the lower registers.
ATA 135 / VU132 Bitter was the night (Carter) Lyrics based on Peter's denial of Christ. Lyrics (scroll down).
Iona (T1AU) / Cha430 Lo I Am With You to the end of the world (Iona / Bell) Simple repetitive verses, in a nice minor key. Sound sample.
*2010ATW 472 As we take this bread (Dyson) A lovely simple communion chant. Good for kids.
ATOK 397 / Iona (LFB) / CH658 / VU462 / CP610 / Cha391 Before I take the body of my Lord / These I lay down A pre-communion confession. Lovely tune which is easy to sing. Lyrics.
*2008TiS 714 / AoV1-125 /ATE 270 / CH661 / UMH628 / VU466 / WoV709 / ELW472 / GA205 / G(II)588 / GC838 / GC(II)806 / RS928 / CP063 / W&R697 / Cha414 Eat this bread drink this cup (Batastini / Taize) Excellent, particularly if you have a capable cantor. Some resources say "Come to him and never be hungry", but that can easily be changed to "come to me / trust in me".
*ATW 478 / Iona (T1AU) / CH799 / URW420 This is the body of Christ (Bell) A very simple and gentle chant for distribution of communion "This is the body of Christ, broken that we may be whole; This cup, as promised by God, true to God's word, cradles our Lord: food for the good of the soul." Note, I did a sneaky little lyric change there... see if you can find it.
Iona (Enemy of Apathy) He comes in the gathering gloom (Iona)  
CH484 / UMH579 / WoV666 / ELW358 / PH353 / CP442 / CP(E) 133 / W&R55 / SP57 / URW087 Great God Your Love Has Called Us Here (Wren) Good words to a standard hymn tune (MELITA). Gathering, confession, response, communion, and sending out all in one hymn. This is a good all-rounder.

Songs for foot-washing:
G(II)297 In a Spirit of Thankfulness (Guimont) The verses are kind of wordy, but the chorus would be good to use during foot-washing, especially if you have a good cantor or soloist who can sing the verses while others move about. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample.
*TiS 640 / AHB 561 / ATE 310 / NCH498 / UMH432 / VU593 / WoV765 / ELW708 / HPP446 / HPSS367 / G(II)296 / GC409 / GC(II)429 / CP504 Jesu Jesu fill us with your love / Kneels at the feet of his friends (Colvin & people of Ghana) Lyrics.
*On the road Mystery of servant love (Langmead) Excellent song, with much feeling about Christ's suffering, death, and servanthood. Sound sample.
GC(II)431 / G(3)507 Jesus our teacher and our Lord / So you must do (Haugen) A nice song for the musicians to sing during foot-washing; it's not so easy. Lead sheet. Sound sample.
*CH801 / MV170 / StJ / WoV665 / ELW642 / SFFS 2179 / GC408 / GC(II)430 / G(3)500 / CP553 / W&R399 / Cha523 / URW394 Live in charity / Ubi Caritas (Taize) Usually sung in Latin, but can also be sung just as beautifully as "Live in charity and steadfast love, live in charity; God will dwell with you." Sheet music and sound samples for practice. Good for kids. 

End of service:
*Iona (The courage to say no) / CH371 / StS085 Lay down your head Lord Jesus Christ (Bell / Maule) This song would be good for the end of a Maundy Thursday service, particularly if sung simply by a soloist if it is not familiar to your congregation. "What lies ahead we fear to guess… Lay down your head and, by your side, we'll sleep and stay".
Iona (T1AU) / Cha430 Lo I Am With You to the end of the world (Iona / Bell) Simple repetitive verses, in a nice minor key.
*2007Taize / AoV2-088 / ATOK 395 / CH793 / VU950 / ELW348 Stay with me / Bleibet hier (Berthier) A very well known chant, and it's been far too long since we've sung this, IMHO. Sheet music and sound samples.
*Tune In II (BUC only) Silence, we walk the journey saying nothing / Stay Awake (Lees) This new song from Chris Lees would be a more modern way to end the service, and more upbeat. It could also be prety laid back.
Iona / VU33 Watch, watch and pray (Iona) This Advent chant also has lyrics for Maundy Thursday