Acts 5:27-32
The apostles get in trouble for teaching about Jesus, who gives forgiveness
- Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (Unknown, Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song.
Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my
sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries
you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Scottish sound sample. Lead sheet.
- Online Resource / AoV2-102 / GA509 Who will speak if we don't (Marty Haugen, USA) Excellent challenging words - the verses are tricky, so just get the congregation to join in on the chorus. Good for teenagers. Sheet music sample (choral), sound sample, and purchasing options.
- Online Resource / Tune In Our God who weeps
(Kate Scull, Australia) Very simple folk-like tune and challenging and hopeful
lyrics. A beautiful song and easy to sing. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- A&M834 / G(3)959 / SP323 / Lau221 / Taizé God is forgiveness / Bóg jest miłością (Taizé Community, France)
"God is forgiveness, love and do not fear". A simple Taize chant which seems to suit this reading quite well. Sheet music, lyrics in many languages, sound samples.
- Online Resource Jesus faithful ancient tree
(Hannah Brown, USA / Benjamin Brody, USA) Excellent words with many images of
Jesus as a tree, root, branch and trunk. The tune is simple and readily
singable. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. Sound sample.
- Tune In / Online Resource O Spirit God / In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown, Australia) Puts our forgiveness in a global context. A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- A&M762 / CH348 / CP397 / ELW843 / G(3)625 / StS001 / LBW196 / W&R93 / SP304 / URW090 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
(Rusty Edwards, USA) 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.
Lyric and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
Psalm 118:14-29
God’s steadfast love, This is the day that the Lord has made, The stone that the builders rejected…
Any Holy, holy, holy / Sanctus will work well.
- TiS 74 / GA070 This is the day the Lord has made (Christopher 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. Sound sample.
- VU175 This is the day that God has made (Natalie Sleeth) Good for kids.
- MV122 / Online Resource This is the day (Bruce Harding) This is a really simple nice jazzy song. Sound sample and sheet music. Good for kids.
- PfAS118D This is the day the lord has made
(Joy Patterson) A good 7/8 setting of the Psalm. It will need to be taught, but will be enjoyed. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
- Cry Hosanna 14 This, this is the day (Brian Howard) I really like this song. PDF of sheet music. Thanks Shaun Cloonan for this link.
- FFS27 God of unexplored tomorrows
(Beverly Jones, New Zealand) The tune will need to be taught, but is quite lovely
(CROMWELL). Imagery of "God of rock and flowing river", "strong
foundation" "cleansing, quenching water". Lyrics (search in the page).
- G(II)102 / GC114 / GC(II)65 / G(3)081 This is the day the Lord has made (Let Us Rejoice)
(Marty Haugen) Joyful and sort of minstrelly. Verses should be sung by a
cantor. The same tune can be used for Alleluias for this Psalm when it
is not Palm Sunday.
Sound sample. Sample sheet music.
- TiS
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 (Eleanor Farjeon) This song makes me smile every time. Here's Yusuf Islam (when he was Cat Stevens) in 1976 (love those green boots).
- Taizé / MV016 / StJ / ELW528 / GA430 / SFFS 2157 / HPP410 / G(II)398 / GC570 / GC(II)550 / RS710 / CP402 / URW378 Come and Fill our hearts/ Confitemini Domino
(Jacques Berthier) Can be sung 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.
- Linnea Good / MV008 And on this path (Linnea 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!
- NCH387 / PH443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 / Lau829 O Christ the great foundation
(Timothy Tingfang Lew) Excellent words of salvation and justice, sung to the tune of "The church's one foundation" (AURELIA). New words to old tunes Lyrics.
- MV187 / ELW682 We give our thanks / Re a mo leboga (Traditional Botswana) A great song to sing for the offering. Older style version. More upbeat version. Amazing video with a newer version. Good for kids.
- TiS
48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 /
GtG043 / 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
(Michael 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. Lyrics.
- TiS 653 / NCH417 / CH526 / UMH383 / GC(II)453 / W&R355 / Cha518 This is a day of new beginnings (Brian Wren) "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. 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.
- PH484 Sing to God Dance to God / Sing with Hearts
(Jonathan Malicsi, Philippines) Sung to a traditional Kalinga melody, this song is a good one
for celebrating music and dance in worship. It is quite simple, even if
unfamiliar to Western ears. Clunky sound sample.
- Iona (We walk his way) / G(3)517 / StF775 We walk his way / Ewe Thina (South African) A joyful, simple African song. Sound sample.
- Taizé / TiS 747 / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) / GtG842 / PfAS027A / URW393 The Lord is my light, my light and salvation
(Jacques Berthier) A simple and very popular Taizé 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.
- Iona (WWHW) / MV223 We will go with God / Sizohamba naye (Traditional Swaziland) A simple Zulu song from Swaziland. Good for the end of the service. Video with pronunciation and parts.
Note that MV has a different set of English words; neither are a direct translation. Sound sample of a more traditional version. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / GWA080 / MV045 / SP&P051 Hamba nathi
(Zulu / Xhosa) There are a lot of translations of this South African song. I like
"Come with me for the journey is long", even though the original
language simply means "Go with us our Saviour"! Sound sample. Sheet music. Here's how it was sung for the soundtrack of Invictus; you wouldn't do all these variations with a congregation though! Good for kids.
Alternative Psalm: Psalm 150
Praise the Lord with lots of musical instruments
- TiS 715 / Srce2-112 Everything that has breath
(Traditional Czech) A lovely simple round, set to the tune of "Ah poor
bird". "Everything that has breath, praise the Lord of Hosts forever,
praise the Lord". Would be a really nice relaxing start to
worship. Good for kids. New words to old tunes
- TiS 179 / NCH273 / VU312 / StJ / GA739 / URW073 Praise with Joy the World's Creator (John Bell / Graham Maule) One
of my favourite hymns - strongly Trinitarian lyrics and excellent
imagery; note that newer books (e.g. URW) have slightly different
lyrics. Older lyrics (scroll down or search).New words to old tunes.
- VU242 / LBW557 / ELW881 / GtG037 / PH554 / GC567 / GC(II)551 / G(3)635 / CP403 / W&R22 / Cha717 Let All Things Now Living
(Katherine Kennicott Davis) Lovely lyrics to the well known and quite
jolly Welsh folk tune ASH GROVE. Not all sources are inclusive. Lyrics (older version). New words to old tunes.
- NCH022 / VU221 Sing praise to God who has shaped and sustains all creation
(Joachim Neander; Translated: Madeleine Forell Marshall) A new translation of the classic hymn
"Praise to the Lord the Almighty…". I quite like this. Sung to LOBE
DEN HERREN. Lyric video. New words to old tunes.
- CH152 / HPP5 / GtG033 / PH481 / StF084 Praise the Lord His Glories Show / Praise the Lord God's Glories Show (Henry Francis Lyte) Quite nice traditional hymn with lots of Alleluias. Not all versions are inclusive (GtG & NCH are). Inclusive lyrics.
- Online Resource / AoVK-50 / ATW 430 / NCYC'99 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts) Excellent and energetic. Sound sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
- TiS
242 / AHB 183 / AoV1-018 / ATN 27 / CH404 / UMH261 / VU352 / A&M667 / HPP163 /
GtG157 / PH302 / G(II)481 / GC708 / GC(II)689 / G(3)796 / CP(E) 468 / W&R118 / Lau765 / StF247 I danced in the morning / Lord of the Dance (Sydney Carter). Lyrics.
“I danced to the fishermen, to James and John….”. You all know this one, right? Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody.
- CH169 / VU245 / SFFS 2020 / HPP26 / CP309 / URW371b Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet (Natalie Sleeth) Fun. Good for kids. Good if you have extra instruments at your worship service; be careful not to let it get clunky. Lyric video.
- URW371 Tell God's wonders
(Henry Francis Lyle) A simple refrain to a responsive reading of this Psalm.
- TiS
720 / AHB 295 / AoVK-85 / AoV2-046 / ATOK 319 / NCH236 / Iona (Many
& Great, There is one among us) / CH345 / VU958 / StJ / A&M836 / SFFS 2026 /
HPP571 / GtG591 / GC(II)261 / G(3)329 / W&R005
/ Cha041 / ZSS76 / SP324 / PfAS150G / URW370 / Lau178 Halle halle hallelujah (Traditional
Caribbean) A good Alleluia would work well for this passage, and I
think this one is particularly excellent – simple, great for kids, good
rhythm. PfAS uses it as a Psalm refrain which would work well for any translation of the Psalm. Good for kids. Sound sample (with a super jazzy piano AND VERSES!). And a more standard arrangement.
- TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics New words to old tunes.
- TiS 188 Where wide sky rolls down and touches red sand (Elizabeth Smith) Great Australian imagery sung to a familiar hymn tune. Lyrics (page 17) New words to old tunes.
- PfAS150D Alabad a nuestro Dios (Osdy Soriano) Lovely song from Mexico - best if sung energetically. Can be sung in Spanish or English. Lyric video (in Spanish).
- StB040 / GtG617 / PfAS150C Blest be God praised forever / Rab ki hove saaa hameshaa
(Unknown, Pakistan) A setting of the Psalm from Pakistan. It is partly call and
response, but not completely, so will need to be taught, unless you
have the congregation only join in the repetitive parts. Great to get
kids involved with finger cymbals or a simple drum beat. PfAS doesn't
give a tempo, but StB indicates crotchet (quarter note) = 140. Sheet music sample.
Revelation 1:4-8
John's vision of Christ coming on the clouds.
- TiS 728 Jesuchristo Reina reina ya! A fun Latin American song. It's particularly fun if someone is brave enough to yell out a "call" at the start of each verse. Sound sample.
- URW093 Christ is the Truth the Way
(Ruth Duck) Excellent words of the leadership of Christ, sung to the
majestic tune DIADEMATA. This is just excellent for this Sunday! Lyrics. New words to old tunes
- CH289 / GC(II)341 Lift up your heads eternal gates(George Weissel
/ John Bell) I like how this reworking of the old standard turns the violent
battle kingly God image on its head and points to Christ instead.
"God's catchless and majestic strength in all it's height, depth,
breadth, and length, now is revealed its power to prove, by Christ
protesting "God is love!". The tune is a
lovely old medieval-style tune, which should not be difficult. The
chorus has been written in 4 parts which would be great if you can get
some singers to sing the parts, or teach your congregation the chorus
before the service starts. The parts for the chorus are very simple.
Sound sample. Lyrics and lead sheet.
- ATOK 318 / Iona (SBL) / CH762 / MV036 / WoV788 / SFFS 2033 / GtG585 / SP&P078 / URW403 / StF753 Glory to God / Gloria a dios (Peru) Good fun. Great for kids - call and response. SFFS has a good Trinitarian formula for it. Video (I normally do it more quickly, but I like his recording). Good for kids.
- TiS 278 / AHB 213 O what a gift what a wonderful gift / Canticle of the Gift
(Pat Uhl Howard) When I was a kid, I thought this song rocked. Like, I really
thought it was as good as rock music, and cowboys. My mum must have been
good on that reed organ at our church. Anyway, I still think it's pretty
cool. Not sure how much congregations get into it these days. Youtube.
- TiS 367 / AHB 287 / NCH242 / CH412 / UMH306 / VU159 / LBW135 / ELW366 / A&M217 / GtG236 / PH119 / GC446 / GC(II)459 / G(3)525 / CP212 / CP(E)159 / W&R290 / Cha221 / 82Hml-208 / Lau275 / MP670 The strife is o'er the battle done
(Latin, translated Francis Pott) 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 (Oldy-but-a-goody). 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). Yeah, this was my other church rock favourite of 1979. 1960s sound sample!
- TiS
380 / AHB 303 / NCH253 / CH419 / UMH308 / VU173 / LBW145 / ELW376 /
A&M218 / HPP203 / GtG238 / PH122 / CP210 / CP(E)160 / W&R310 / Cha218 / Srce694 / Lau287 / StF313 / MP689Thine be the glory risen conquering Son (Edmond Budry) One of the few older hymns that doesn't require updating, and beautiful harmonies... A great classic hymn! Lyrics and history.
- Iona (M&G) / CH359 / MV033 / ZSS54 / StJ / GtG127 / ELW253 / GA293 / SFFS
2085 / G(II)276 / GC370 / GC(II)364 / G(3)429 / CP368 / W&R402 He came down that we may have love / Jesus came bringing us hope
(Traditional Cameroon) The translation in "More Voices" (Jesus came
bringing...) seems particularly appropriate for Advent and it could
easily work as an Advent Candle lighting song. Just sing hope, love,
peace or joy, depending on the week. Would be more exciting and
energetic with some African drums, rather than a quiet reflective candle
lighting song. Lyrics and sound samples. Good for kids.
- TiS
773 / ATW 431 / NCH756 / CH760 / UMH072 / VU37 / WoV640 / GtG583 / GA291
/ G(II)199 / GC(II)253 / G(3)426 / W&R240 / Cha034 / URW380 / StF752 Glory to God / Gloria Gloria (Taize) The refrain is excellent - joyous, simple, a round. Everything. The verses are not great. Sheet music and sound samples. Good for kids.
- TiS
217 / AHB 148 / NCH43 / CH519 / UMH384 / VU333 / A&M721 / LBW315 / ELW631 /
A&M721 / GA463 / HPP48 / GtG366 / PH376 / GC622 / GC(II)613 / G(3)641 / CP485/6 / CP(E) 516 /
W&R358 / Cha517 / Srce457 / URW100 / 82Hml-657 / Lau801 / StF503 / MP449 Love divine all loves excelling
(Charles Wesley) Can't possibly sing this song too often! A beautiful classic
song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn. Lyrics and sheet music.You may also like to give Rend Collective Experiment's version a listen (hard to sing, but nice for listening). Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS 279 / AHB 212 / SFFS 2091 / HPP158 / GC487 / GC(II)494 / CP632 / Lau107 The King of glory comes the nation rejoices (Willard Jabusch) Fun and energetic song to a traditional Israeli folk melody. A good processional. Lyrics and chords. Oh, and of course, Stephen Colbert's dance moves. Good for kids.
- CH452 / AA57 Great ring of light
(Colin Gibson) Beautiful words of Christ's sacrifice and the image of a clear
beam of love and light. The tune is also simple and beautiful, albeit
unfamiliar. Sheet music and lyrics.
- MV106 I am the dream and you the dreamer
(Curtis Tufts) A beautiful and simple song, based on images from Rilke's "The
Book of Hours". I like it as a reminder that God still comes to us in
dreams. It's nice because sometimes it seems like the "I" is the singer
of the song, and sometimes the "I" is God. Sound sample.
- TiS
224 / AHB 159 / TOSB004 / NCH304 / CH457 / UMH154/5 / VU334 /
LBW328 / LBW329 / ELW634 / A&M223 / HPP215 / PH142/3 / GtG263 /
GC485 / GC(II)490 / G(3)570 / CP321/2 / CP(E)163 / W&R100/106 /
Cha091 / Cha092 / Srce9 / 82Hml-450 / StF342 / Lau323 / MP013 All hail the power of Jesus' name (Edward Perronet) Maybe this would work. I love the tune DIADEM, but maybe the words are
too obscure for people who haven't grown up in the church... Might need
some words of introduction? I think if you're going to use this reading, then you may as well sing something like this one. Sound sample (YouTube). Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
-
TiS 228 / AHB 163 / NCH301 / CH459 / UMH327 / VU211 / FrS003 /
LBW170 / ELW855 / A&M227 / HPP58 / PH151 / GtG268 / GC486 /
GC(II)489 / G(3)574 / CP378 / CP(E) 166 / W&R317 / Cha234 / Srce110
/ 82Hml-494 / StF347 / Lau321 / LUYH223 / MP109 Crown him with many crowns (Matthew Bridges) "Ineffably sublime". Again, quite poetic older words - might need some introduction. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / MV091 Cradle me in your arms (Bruce Harding) A simple assuring chant in times of suffering. Sound samples and free sheet music.
- NCH104 We hail you God's anointed
(James Montgomery) Joyous song of Christ enthroned and bringing justice
and love. An updated version of "Hail to the Lord's Anointed". Lyric video (with lots of Jesus paintings). Oldy but a goody.
John 20:19-31
Jesus gives peace and the Holy Spirit; Thomas.- Online Resource I am the man Thomas (Ralph Stanley) This old bluegrass song could be good to sing if your community would get into it. Lyrics and chords. My current favourite.
- GWA130 / StF381 Holy Spirit breath of heaven
(Geraldine Latty, England) A simple and beautiful song asking the
spirit to breathe us to a quiet stillness, so that we can find our place
with God. Sound sample (instrumental).
- Online Resource / ACS939 Touch that soothes and heals the hurting / See my hands and feet
(Mary Louise Bringle) Excellent new lyrics that think about the actions
that Christ's hands and feet took, and how they might inspire us. Can
be sung to the new set tune, which is very satisfying and not too
difficult. Can also be sung to BEACH SPRING. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. Sound sample. New words to old tunes (if you choose).
- Online Resource Ask the complicated questions (David
Bjorlin / Southern Harmony) Excellent words about the value of
questioning, doubting and seeking. Set to the shape note tune
RESTORATION. There is also a more contemporary setting. Sample lyrics, sheet music and purchasing options.
-
TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone (Elizabeth Smith) Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune. Lyrics.
-
NCH249 Peace I leave with you my friends (Ray Repp) Slow, simple and excellent words. A congregation will pick this up the first time through, I think. Lyric video.
- GA517 Peace I leave with you my friends (Gregory Norbert) This one is less familiar to me, but I also like it. Sound sample.
- Online Resource / Resounding Voices Beyond the hopes and dreams of all creation (Robert
Easton / Ghislaine Reece-Trapp) Realistic words about the wonder of
Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection, and how we find it so
hard to believe. Set to a new, and very singable hymn tune. Free book download here.
- TiS
749 / AoV1-154 / AoVK-131 / ATE 305 / NCH360 / Iona (SBL, Freedom is
coming) / CH800 / UMH497 / VU572 / WoV773 / ELW809 / GA493 / A&M481 / HPP340 / GtG746 / G(II)484
/ GC677 / GC(II)674 / G(3)776 / W&R713 / Cha447 / SP234 / StF782 Send me Jesus / Thuma mina (South African) You all know this one, right? If you don't - it's great - simple, repetitive, and meaningful. Good for kids. Sheet music sample and lyrics. Youtube.
-
Tune in / Online Resource We are the dream that's longing / Jesus is waiting
(Dave Brown) An honest catchy rock song about our hesitation to follow and Jesus not
only waiting, but continuing to work and change the world. A good
sending-out song. Downloadable songbook and sound samples.
- GGives2 What does peace look like to you
(Jane 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.
- ATOK 412 / Iona (SBL, Common Ground) / CH250 / MV212 / A&M482 / GtG747 / SFFS 2184 / Lau855 / StF239 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". Good for kids. Lyrics.
-
Iona (Love From Below) / CH434 / CP232 Jesus is risen from the grave
(Graham Maule) 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. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- NCH288 / UMH503 / Cha260 Let it breathe on me
(Magnolia Lewis-Butts) Simple song welcoming the Spirit. This song makes me
think of sweet Southern ladies in floral dresses singing in the breeze. I
have no idea why (and this was before I learned the author's first name was Magnolia). Sound sample.
-
MV168 May peace be with you / Salamun Kullaheen (Traditional Lebanese) Simple chant in English and Arabic. Lyrics.
-
ATOK 343 When disciples were frightened / Jesus come and stand among us (Robin Mann) Invite the congregation to join in the chorus if they are not familiar with this song. Sound sample. Lyrics.
- FFS61 The grace of God has appeared (Cecily Sheehy) A simple
short song. Would be great if you can have SATB singers on the parts,
but will also work with just the melody. "The grace of God has appeared,
bringing salvation to all".
- 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"
- Online Resource Through the walls of fear and doubt / Break through these walls (Chris Shelton / Sally Ann Morris) Excellent words asking Jesus to come
and break through the walls that exist in our world today. It is
probably more of a song that you would ask your musicians to sing, and
invite the congregation to join in as they listen. Lyrics, sheet music sample, instrumental sound sample, and purchasing options.
- Online Resource An open hand a willing heart (Adam
Tice) Excellent thoughtful words about our call, together as a church,
to follow. There are three possible tunes. I like this one by Sally Ann
Morris best. Sheet music, lyrics and purchasing options (GIA has multiple versions of this song).
- Iona (LFB) / G(II)407 / GC583 God give us peace that lasts
(John Bell) Lovely words and a simple hymn tune. Prayer for peace, hope and
love. This can also be sung to LOVE UNKNOWN. New words to old tunes "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
- GC(II)722 / G(3)826 Jesus give us your peace
(Michael 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…" Good for kids and teenagers. Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
- CH786 May the God of peace go with us
(Ian 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 wee bit tricky. Sound sample.
- NCH271 / UMH538 / VU196 / PH131 / CP249 / W&R333 / Cha236 Wind who makes all winds that blow (Thomas Troeger) Excellent words. Familiar tune (ABERYSTWYTH). Lyrics and sheet music sample. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 363 / AHB 281 / NCH244 / CH431 / UMH317 / VU170 / LBW514 / ELW820 / A&M213 / GtG235 / 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 (Jean Tisserand) 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 and varies in
many hymnals: plainchant, hymn or fairly majestic contemporary mass
music. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy but a goody.
- SP&P034 Come and fill all my life (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A gentle and very simple song. Would be good for a meditation. Lyrics.
- Online Resource O Spirit send doubt (David
Bjorlin / Sally Ann Morris) A contemporary and thoughtful melody and
lyrics that celebrate how faith grows through doubt and questions. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
-
Seeds of Faith Peace Be With You (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A very simple kids song about peace, and sharing peace. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids.
-
Tune In / Online Resource Peace In Our Time (Dave Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and action for peace. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
- MV139 True faith needs no defence (Daniel Damon) Simple, slightly celtic tune, and lovely words. Highly recommended. Lyrics (scroll down).
- VU396 / Cha283 / MP380 Jesus stand among us in your risen power (William Pennefather) A song seeking reassurance and confidence, sung to a
traditional hymn tune. Thanks to Kathleen Stear for this suggestion. Old school lyrics.
- VU185 You tell me that the Lord is risen (Rob Johns) A good hymn to a familiar hymn tune (NOEL) that tells the story of Thomas. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- 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". Sound sample.
-
Recorded music: Have Mercy
(Sandra McCracken) This lovely chant might be good to play during a
time of reflection, perhaps while people are lighting candles or
contemplating the sermon.... Sound sample, lyrics, and purchase options.
- Online Resource Listen to the words of the risen Christ
(Joel Payne) This is a more contemporary worship song, which some
congregations may like. Thanks to the anonymous contributor who added
this in a comment. Youtube.
- Online Resource O Jesus you loved Thomas (Petereo)
These words, to the familiar tune ANGELS STORY (O Jesus I have
promised) have been offered by a reader. See comments below this post! New words to old tunes.
What will you be singing? Join the conversation and add a comment below - especially if it is something I have not thought of.
This is primarily a list compiled for ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, but will also be suitable for other days that remember those who have died in past conflicts. You may also wish to use resources on the page for International Day of Peace.
- GWA136 Hope for the world's despair
(Ally Barrett, England) A beautiful mournful song reflecting on healing needed after war, and the need for peace to grow. Sung to the tune LOVE UNKNOWN. Sound sample (a bit pompous, but it has a very moving animation). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- FFS05 Be their names remembered
(Shirley Murray) Simple chant, good for singing in response to a
list of names of those who have died (e.g. catastrophe, ANZAC day). "Be
their names remembered in the heart of God"
- VU526 Weep for the dead (Brian Wren) This song would be very appropriate for Peace Day, but also for Memorial Day / ANZAC day / Services of Remembrance. Sheet music and lyrics.
- Online Resource / GWA135 / HiOS061 Honour the dead
(Shirley Murray, New Zealand) This hymn has a tune that is familiar enough (by Colin Gibson)
for the congregation to join in as it is sung. There are 6 verses, so
perhaps invite them to join in as they get the hang of the tune. Lyrics. Sound sample (with a brass band!).
- Online Resource God who remembers (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) Based on Psalm 136, this simple chant could also
be good to use during the prayers of the people, or while people are
placing poppies somewhere, lighting candles, or reading the names of
those who have died. Lyrics and sound sample. Sheet music.
- StF131 By a monument of marble or a simple wooden cross (Marjorie Dobson) Memorial Day Thoughtful words that are appropirate for ANZAC day and other services of remembrance. I would use BLAENWERN for these words, though it is not the set tune. Lyrics.
- TiS 680 / VU527 / StF698 God as with silent hearts we bring to mind (Fred Kaan) Good words, with multiple tunes. The set tune in TiS (LAVENDON) is not easy, and the one in VU simple but a bit dull. It can also be sung to SURSUM CORDA (TiS 87) which is much more well known. Lyrics.
Congregation Songs that may be useful for a public memorial service where attendees may not be regular church attenders:
- TiS
10 / AHB 16 / AoV1-144 / NCH479 / Iona (Common Ground) / CH14/16 /
UMH136 / VU747/8 / StS099 / LBW451 / ELW778 / GA473 / HPP55 / GtG801 / PH170 /
CP519 / CP(E) 594 / W&R86 / Cha078 / Srce662 / Lau806 The Lord's my Shepherd I'll not want / God is my shepherd
(Scottish Psalter) I think this is more than a sentimental favourite
and will be meaningful for those remembering fathers, grandfathers,
uncles, aunts and mothers who died. Lyrics are quite masculine in most sources. Lyrics.
- TiS 650 / ATA 191 / CH694 / A&M604 / NCH539 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 /
SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / GtG727 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / G(3)751 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 /
W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 / Lau924 Brother, sister, let me serve you / Won't you let me be your servant? (Richard Gillard) I think you all know this one. Lyrics. NCH has a nice turn on the lyrics with "Won't you let me be your servant?" as the first line.
- TiS
621 / UMH435 / VU677 / LBW416 / ELW748 / GtG756 / PH289 /
GC(II)717 / G(3)825 / CP593 / W&R626 / Cha680 / 82Hml-607 O God of Every Nation
(William Watkins Reid) Powerful words seeking God's redemption of the world. Can be
sung to LLANGLOFFAN or PASSION CHORALE, both very familiar hymn tunes. Lyrics and sheet music. Go look at the lyrics just to bring a smile to your face. So much hope!
Recorded
music or music that could be played by your musicians (pretty much all
Australian anti-war folk songs) for reflection. With thanks to Shawn
Whelan who plays most of these every ANZAC Day.
- I was only 19 (John Schumann) Written about
the Vietnam War, and its after effects on those who returned, this
poignant song manages to be both anti-war and pro-veteran and is known
by many. Lyrics. Chords. Youtube.
- Mothers Daughters Wives (Judy Small) One of those rare songs that presents the women's perspective on war. Lyrics & chords. Youtube.
- And the band played Waltzing Matilda (Eric
Bogle) A massive tear-jerker that realistically protrays the experience
of the returned soldier. Particularly appropriate this year for the
100th anniversary of Gallipoli. Youtube. Lyrics & chords.
- The Green Fields of France (Eric
Bogle) Another mournful anti-war song that questions what it was like
for those who died in the first world war. Particularly appropriate this
year for the
100th anniversary of Gallipoli. Youtube. Lyrics & chords.
- In Memoriam (Vic MacDonald) A New Zealand song reflecting on the decimation of and remembrance in many country towns for generations. Lyrics and mp3s.
