Exodus 33:12-23
Moses seeks assurance of God’s presence. God revealed, but only just!
- Tune In / Online Resource Like the sun upon my skin / God’s Mercy (Sheree Anderson / David Brown) A beautiful ballad about identifying God's mercy in the beauty of creation. Lyrics, sound sample and free downloadable songbook.
- Online Resource / NCH70 / UMH660 / VU389 / WoV719 / ELW526 / A&M445 / HPP486 /
GtG409 / PH461 / GC741 / GC(II)737 / G(3)843 / CP(E) 301 / W&R1 / Cha280 / STB049 / StF025 God is here as we your people
(Fred Pratt Green) Great lyrics, but not inclusive in all sources and set
to a range of tunes. I like it sung to the familiar tune ABBOT'S LEIGH. Lyrics and sheet music sample. New words to old tunes.
- Tune In / Online Resource Tune in
(Natalie Sims) A simple kid’s song. “Tune in, tune in, there’s a message
coming in.” Encourages kids to look and listen for signs of God’s love. Lyrics, sound sample and free downloadable songbook.
- TiS
132 / AHB 65 / NCH277 / CH651 / UMH64 / VU315 / LBW165 / ELW413 /
A&M276 / HPP243 / GtG001 / PH138 / G(II)332 / GC475 / GC(II)483 / CP001 / CP(E) 202 /
W&R136 / Cha004 / Srce243 / 82Hml-362 / Lau468 / StF011 / MP237 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty (Reginald Heber)
Old other-worldly language, but a surprisingly inclusive (in most
hymnals) classic, and a great rousing hymn tune. Different resources
have slightly altered lyrics. A surprisingly non-inclusive sample can be
found here. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS
143 / AHB 80 / 82Hml-423 / A&M676 / CH132 / Cha066 / CP(E) 474 / ELW834 / GC507 / GtG012 / HPP37 / Lau725 / LBW526 / LUYH579 / MP327 / NCH001 / PH263 / StF055 / Srce296 / UMH103 / VT098 / VU264 / W&R48 / ZSS4 Immortal invisible God only wise (Walter Chalmers-Smith, Scotland) An oldy-but-a-goody. "In light inaccessible hid from our eyes".
Words are mostly inclusive for God's gender, but for the
last verse which our congregation often sings "Great Father of
glory, pure Mother of light" which I find very beautiful and expands my
image of God. VT uses "Great God of all glory, Great God of all light"
which is OK. Lyrics, tune sample. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- VU304 / URW088 / CP412 O God beyond all face and form (Herbert O'Driscoll) Good lyrics to a very familiar tune (ST PETERSBERG). Note that verse 3 uses the phrase "our race" which means the human race, but it sort of reads a bit odd, so you might want to just skip that one. Lyrics (downloads a PDF). New words to old tunes.
Psalm 99 God of justice, God is holy, worship
at the mountain.
This Psalm has lots of concepts in it, so I've only
chosen a couple of particularly pertinent songs; you may wish to include a Sanctus.
- TiS 753 / ATFG558 / ELW525 / GtG596 / SP&P082 / StS034 / VT061 You are holy you are whole (Per Harling, Sweden) A fun and joyous latin-rhythmed song; can also be sung with two parts at the same time. Lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids. As an alternative, you could sing: GtG596 You are holy you are whole (Per Harling, Sweden)
An adaptation of the above song - the last few lines have been
changed to say "Sing Hosanna in the highest, sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna
to our God"; makes it much more like a Sanctus. Sound sample (chilled out Hosanna version). Good for kids.
- TiS 58 Be exalted O God, above the heavens! Let your glory over all the earth be found (Jane Marshall) An excellent refrain to the Psalm for this week. The cantor line is not
totally inclusive so will need some attention.
- TiS
723 / AoV2-092 / ATOK 381 / Cha111 / CH769 / ELW473 / G(II)395 / GC563 /
GtG594 / Iona (M&G, Common Ground) / Lau723 / StF779 / StJ / SFFS
2007 / W&R737 / UMH65 / VT136 / VU944, VU951 / ZSS48b Holy holy holy / Santo santo santo (Unknown, Argentina) Better in Spanish. A nice quiet devotional song. If you are
singing in Spanish, and would prefer not to sing the masculine "Santo eres Senor" some
versions have "Santo eres Dios" or "Santo eres tu", which makes it more
of a personal approach to God. Good for kids. Sheet music samples.
- ELW762 / GtG594 / LuYH596 / SFFS 2019 / VT102 / VU944 Holy holy holy / Santo santo santo (Guillermo Cuéllar, El Salvador) This is a very joyful and powerful song about God being powerful, but also walking with the people. The English translations vary a lot. I really like the one in VT. Sound sample (Spanish only). Sheet music sample of the VT version.
- Online Resource / Emergent Psalter O mighty God lover of justice (Isaac Everett) A catchy refrain, that got stuck in my head for days after I ran
through it. Can be sung with the Psalm read over instrumentation. eBook available for purchase. Good for kids.
- Online Resource This is the moment here is the place (Hannah
Brown / Benjamin Brody) A good song of welcome which talks about the
mystery of worship; sung to a lovely new tune in 6/8. There are enough
verses for the congregation to pick it up the first time. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
- Cha751 To God all people give thanks
(Jack Fox) Joyful Latin-rhythmed sung response and responsively read Psalm. I
think it would be fun to do a responsive Psalm with a sung response.
- Iona (Love From Below) / CP424 Sing praise to God on mountain tops
(John Bell / Graham Maule) A song of praise to God for the beauty of
creation to a traditional English tune (THE VICAR OF BRAY). Instrumental lyric video. Lyrics (on page 24 of this very interesting church newsletter). New words to old tunes.
- MV 60 / Cha026 / STB112 God, we give you heartfelt praise / Chú goán kámsia oló Lí
(Timothy Tan) A lively round from Taiwan. “God we give you heartfelt praise, mercy
and love you show us daily, blessed always be your name”. While based on
Taiwanese harmonic modes, it is not too hard for Western singers to
pick up. Would work well to receive the offering. Sheet music sample. Good for kids.
- TiS
132 / AHB 65 / NCH277 / CH651 / UMH64 / VU315 / LBW165 / ELW413 /
A&M276 / HPP243 / GtG001 / PH138 / G(II)332 / GC475 / GC(II)483 / CP001 / CP(E) 202 /
W&R136 / Cha004 / Srce243 / 82Hml-362 / Lau468 / StF011 / MP237 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty (Walter Chalmers Smith) Old other-worldly language, but a surprisingly inclusive (in most
hymnals) classic, and a great rousing hymn tune. Different resources
have slightly altered lyrics. A surprisingly non-inclusive sample can be
found here. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 45:1-7
I have called you, and I'm a bit scary sometimes
- NCH604 / MV167 Hush hush somebody's calling my name
(Unknown, African-American) I really like this song. I'm not sure
how it would work as a congregational song, though, since I've never
been in a congregation that has sung it. I know some musicians who would
love to sing it though - especially that deep "Hush" bit. Youtube version from a Ry Cooder album.
- Online Resource / MV161 I have called you by your name
(Daniel Damon, USA) This is a great song for confirmations, ordinations,
commissionings, but also ordinary Sundays. Easy, natural tune and good
words about having courage to follow where God leads. Lyrics and sheet music.
- AoV1-114 / HPP376 / G(II)430 / GC608 / GC(II)596 / G(3)683 / W&R430 / Lau964 You shall cross the barren desert / Be not afraid
(Bob Dufford, USA) Beautiful words based on Isaiah 43, but would also work well
for this passage. Well known (at least, the chorus). Verses may be
tricky. Lyrics.
Psalm for the Isaiah reading Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)
Sing a new song!
- Recorded Music New Song (Audrey Assad) A lovely song about needing to find a new song to sing, and still praising God as well. Catchy. Youtube.
- GWA205 Sing to God from every city (Doug Gay) These are really wonderful words of praise - good for an opening hymn. They pick up themes of the diversity of all God's people around the world, God's faithfulness even in difficult times, and our hope for the New Jerusalem. Set to the familiar tune BLAENWERN, this would be immediately singable. New words to old tunes.
- BUC Song Project Sing, Sing with me (Julia Potter) A fun song for kids about being part of God's family. Good for kids.
- Tune In / Online Resource We will sing a new song to the world (Dave Brown) An energetic song about the gospel. Lyrics, sound sample and free downloadable songbook.
- PfAS096C Let the heavens rejoice
(Tim TenClay) A joyous Psalm refrain. Would work well on its own as an
acclamation or call to worship as well.
- Online Resource / PfAS096G Sing to the Lord no threadbare song
(Carl P Daw) Just lovely words and a joyful 6/8 tune. "Sing to the Lord no
threadbare song, no time-worn, toothless hymn!". I really quite like
this one. Lyrics and sheet music.
- NCH009 / StJ / ELW791 / SFFS 2001 / CP523 We Sing to You O God
(Gracia Grindal) Good hymny hymn with inclusive lyrics of praise. A good
opening hymn. Nice descant part also; can also be sung to DARWALL'S 148th as it is set in URW29 where it is New words to old tunes. Lyrics.
- PfAS096F Sing to the Lord a new song (Scott Soper) Good simple and inclusive words to the familiar tune ES IST EIN ROS ENTRSPRUNGEN. Fairly plain, but good. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 54 O praise the Lord all you nations (Christopher Willcock) Cantored version of the Psalm.
- TiS 704 / AoV2-090 / CH824 / NCH760 / Iona (M&G) / VU431 / WoV786 / ELW846 / SFFS 2067 / GtG598 / G(II)369 / GC536 / W&R741 / Cha030 / ZSS56 / URW398 / StF770 / LUYH921 / TFBF279 / VT090 Amen We Praise Your Name O God / Siakudumisa / Masithi Amen (Stephen Cuthbert Molefe, South Africa) An energetic Amen, best for a small group until the congregation learns it. Note, the GIA hymnals have an English version, which is not so great. Sound sample.
- TiS 166 / AHB 102 / GA398 / StB035 Sing a new song sing a new song (James McAuley) Excellent inclusive words from an Australian poet. The last verse annoys me a bit, but the rest is excellent. Lyrics.
- MV 180 Sing, Sing Out! Sing a new song (Jim Hannah)
An excellent two-part round. It’s worth teaching it to your
congregation so they can sing it with confidence and break into two
parts. Alternately, you could have a small group sing it in canon with
the rest of the congregation. Lyrics.
- Taizé / GC(II)533 Sing to God with joyful hearts / Singt dem Herrn (Jacques Berthier)
A joyful round. Works well in English and German, and probably other
languages too. Sound samples, sheet music and lyrics.
- CH207 Grant now your blessing upon this offering
(Rolando Tinio) Simple short song from the Philippines for receipt of the offering that alludes to this Psalm. Sung to a familiar
tune (HALAD, also used for "Our God in Heaven grant to your children"). Sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / ATE 216 / CH126 / CP417 / ELW555 / G(II)365 / GC527 / Iona (SBL) / PH472 / RS 671 / W&R15 / StF042 / StJ / VT113 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad
al Señor (Unknown, Brazil) A good, fun and simple song that is also
easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish; note that not all versions
are inclusive. Public domain sheet music. Sound sample. Note how it is a call and response song in that sound sample! Youtube (keep an eye out for the innovative book-based güiro, and is she shaking a bag of pretzels?).
Good for kids.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
- AoV1-130 / SFFS 2223 / HPP495 / GtG300 / G(II)533 / GC735 / GC(II)728 / G(3)835 / W&R595 / Cha494 We are one in the Spirit / They’ll know we are Christians by our love (Peter Scholtes, USA)
A
classic 60's song of unity and being an example to others. It's still
pretty groovy, I reckon. Older version are really masculine. We often
syncopate it a bit at Brunswick. Note that the 3-6 Sunday School class
learned this song this term, so would be good to use.
Lyrics and pretty silly sound sample. Good for kids.
- AoVK-40 / NCH524 / UMH585 / ELW677 / A&M808 / HPP466 / G(II)358 / GC514 / GC(II)514 / G(3)591 This little light of mine (Unknown, USA) The AoVK version has excellent verses that actually make the
chorus make sense, but will need to be practiced. Check them out if you have a copy. In the meantime,
watch Bruce Springsteen sing it here. It's amazing... History. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Matthew 22:15-22
Whose image is on the coin? Whose image is on you?
- TiS 686 / ATE 292 Lord Jesus we belong to you / Because we bear your name (Robin Mann, Australia) A straightforward and practical song asking God to help us to
follow Christ well, with a refrain of "because we bear your name". Lyrics and sound recording.
- TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Patricia Lewis, Australia / Alister Spence, Australia)
"Called to create a new world for the Lord". Excellent images of
rainforest birds praising God. This is one of my very favourite songs. It is not
difficult if you have a good musician at the helm. If it is new to your
congregation, they will be able to join in on the verses by the time
you get to the 3rd one. The change in tone with the verse really lifts
this song. Lyrics and sound sample.
- Online Resource / ATOK 383 / AoV2-057 May we see Christ's loving face / Icon of grace (Trisha Watts and Monica O’Brien, Australia) A
beautiful chant. This
would be excellent this week, as it picks up both the
theme of bearing Christ’s likeness, and the idea that we cannot see
God’s face except in the face of Christ; it also works extremely well
with a simple slow drum beat (DUM ta-ka DUM ta-ka). Sound sample, sheet music samples and purchasing options. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / NCH585 / CH254 / Cha681 / AA106 / GtG759 / PH385 O God we bear the imprint of your face (Shirley Erena Murray, Aotearoa / New Zealand) Excellent
words about the human family, and a plea for
an end to racism and divisions. I'm not wild about the tune in the NCH
(ROSEBERRY); others are better. Lyrics and sheet music.
- Iona (LFB) / CP424 Sing praise to God on mountain tops
(John Bell, Scotland) A song of praise to God for the beauty of creation to a traditional
English tune (THE VICAR OF BRAY). Words are simple and good for older
kids who can read. Note particularly in the final verse “God’s image in
each child of earth shall never pale or perish. So treat with love each
human soul and thus God’s goodness cherish”. Instrumental lyric video. Lyrics (on page 24 of this very interesting church newsletter). New words to old tunes.
- SP&P118 Imago Dei
(Jill Kirsten Warner, USA) This energetic song has a simple groovy chorus about being
made in God's image, and good verses about what that might mean. Sound recording. Good for kids.
- Online Resource Baited, the question rose (Carl P Daw, USA) Excellent
words set to the standard hymn tune DIADEMATA. Thanks to Jennie Gordon for this suggestion. Lyrics and sheet music.
- Online Resource Imago Dei
(Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, USA) A simple chorus with simple verses. Very catchy! Lyrics, sound sample, lyric video, and purchasing options.
Do you have some suggestions you would like to add? Please share them in a comment below!
Exodus 32:1-14
The Golden Calf. Who brought the Israelites out of Egypt? A cow? Moses? God?
- TLUS101 The people of God / O povo de Deus
(Pedro Casaldaliga, Brazil) This excellent song speaks of God's people stumbling through the desert, crying out "in between faith and doubting" and God's provision of manna.
"We, too, are your people O God, on this daring journey". Really worth
learning. Sound samples in Portuguese and in English. Lyrics and chords.
- Taizé / CP402 / ELW528 / GA430 / G(II)398 / GC570 / GC(II)550 / HPP410 / Lau701 / MV016 / RS710 / StJ / SFFS 2157 / URW378 / VT052 Come and Fill our hearts/ Confitemini Domino
(Jacques Berthier, France) A gentle chant. 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
- Online Resource / Tune In / NCYC'07 Forgive us now (Dave Brown, Australia) I
think I’ve been suggesting this one a lot lately, but it also fits well
with this reading “Forgive us now, O mother love for all the idols we
have built, For all the time we’ve worshipped there in company of dark
despair. Forgive us mother of all hope”. Lyrics, sound sample and free songbook.
- GWA152 The mind of God is forever changing
(John Bell, Scotland) At the very end of this passage, we hear that God
relents, and does not bring disaster on Israel. God is constant about
somethings, but other things change. This is a little challenging to
sing, but the words are just terrific. Maybe get a soloist to sing it at
first. Lyrics (in an order of service).
- TiS
560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 /
A&M584 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 / 82Hml-665 / Lau959 / StF455 / MP016 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded
(Joachim Neander, Germany) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not
inclusive, but the translation by Fred Pratt Green in UMH, NCH and WoV are; these are also available online, so use them! A really interesting article about the various translations. Thanks to Mary Ellen for this suggestion. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
See above and...
- NCH Psalter Psalm 106 (David Hurd, USA) “Remember
me O God, when you show favour to your people”. A like the NCH Psalter a
lot because its Psalms are inclusive and the refrains, like this one,
are simple.
- Iona (Sent By the Lord) / MV066 Senzenina? / What have we done?
(Unknown, South Africa) A good song for confession. If you have some
part-singers in your congregation, this would be particularly good.
It's good to let people ask this question. It is also on the soundtrack
for "The Power of One" so you could also play the recorded music if
appropriate. Free sheet music (loads a pdf).
- PfAS106A It is good to give thanks to you Lord (John Bell, Scotland) An excellent paraphrase of this Psalm, sung to a simple, slightly mournful tune. Sheet music sample.
- MV187 / ELW682 We give our thanks / Re a mo leboga (Unknown, Botswana) A great song to sing for the offering. Older style version. More upbeat version. Amazing video with a newer version. Good for kids.
- MV007 Gather us in ground us in you (David Hann, Canada) A simple chant which would be great for an invitation to worship. Lyric video.
- UMH729 / VU682 / LBW161 / WoV762 / ELW711 / GtG373 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 / 82Hml-597 / Lau900 O day of peace that dimly shines
(Carl P Daw, USA) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really
nice (CANDLER) or O WALY WALY which is used in URW. Other sources use
JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- AA150 Whakatau mai te Atua Mona Rona Riini Hoki Tawa (Mona Rona Riini, Hoki Tawa, Kitty Temara, New Zealand / Aotearoa) I don't have this book, or know this Maori song, which is a song of welcoming God among us, but if you've got the book, have a look and tell me if it's good!
- AoVK-75 / VU249 / SLW010 / HPP397 / W&R650 / MP577 Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say rejoice (Unknown)
This is a fun Sunday School-type song, that also works as a round. I
used to love this, and I'll admit that I still think it's fun; we used
to stand up and sit down a lot in this for fun. Note that the tune
varies between sources. Cute kids singing. Good for kids.Oldy-but-a-goody. Thanks Adrian, for this suggestion.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 25:1-9
- TiS 647 / AoV2-012 / ATN 25 Comfort, comfort all my people
(Robin 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”. Note that most sources only list 2
verses, but there are two additional (more challenging) verses you may
wish to consider using written for the Christmas Bowl in 1988. Lyrics (including additional verses) and sound sample.
- Online Resource / Resounding Voices / TLUS056 / VT044 We long to know her the maker of heaven (Jacque
Jones, USA) Rich feminine imagery of God as creator, wisdom and bringer of
justice. Sung to a tune that may be familiar (STAR OF THE EAST). Free book download here. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / TiS474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / A&M363 / CH623 / Cha284 / CP465 / HPP553 / GtG401 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / G(3)848 / Lau475 / LUYH842 / SFFS 2236 / SP175 / URW054 / VT010 / W&R649 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Marty
Haugen). Excellent words, very well known. “Nourish us well and teach
us to fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true”. VT has
updated the lyrics - less darkness and blindness! Sheet music samples, sound sample, purchasing options.
- AoV2-020 / ATAR665 Come to the feast of Heaven and Earth / Table of Plenty (Dan Schutte, USA)
“God will provide for all that you need, here at the table of plenty”. I
love this song. It’s very straightforward and has excellent words. Lyrics & sound sample.
- TiS 545 / Iona (LFB) / CH676 / VU482 Shout for joy! The Lord has let us feast (John Bell, Scotland) A very joyous communion song. Lyrics.
- ATAR608 On the mountaintop / Waiting for the day of the Lord (John Ylvisaker, USA) Good words, based on this passage, sung to a traditional and fun Hebrew tune. Good for kids.
Alternative Psalm for the Isaiah reading: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd
- Online Resource You are my shepherd (Bernadette
Farrell) Gosh, this is lovely. A peaceful refrain with an optional
cantor line. Thanks to the Anonymous reader who suggested this by
commenting. Sound sample and sheet music for purchase.
- Online Resource / 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 / StF480 / MP660 The Lord's my Shepherd I'll not want / God is my shepherd
(Scottish Psalter) It's not inclusive, but I think it's more than a sentimental favourite.
NCH, VU and Chalice all have an inclusive language version. Traditional lyrics and sound sample. Sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
-
MV126 Are you a shepherd?
(Ruth Duck) Good and joyous. Lots of images of God: shepherd, teacher,
mother, father. We sung this once last year, and it would be good to do
it again. A catchy chorus, but it does need to be taught. Lyric video. Good for kids.
- ELW438 / HPP52 / GtG803 / PH172 / Cha080 / PfAS023A / 82Hml-664 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need / My Shepherd You Supply My Need
(Isaac Watts) I quite like this version of the 23rd Psalm, although hymnals
vary widely in how inclusive their lyrics are; I prefer the Chalice
version. The tune (RESIGNATION) is from Southern Harmony. Chalice also
has a nice responsive reading (Cha081) that fits with this version. Old style lyrics and a different more hipster tune. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Cha734 (I) / URW244 My shepherd you supply my need and holy is your name (Isaac Watts) Responsive psalm with sung refrain to the tune of the first line of BROTHER JAMES' AIR. Oldy-but-a-goody.
-
Online Resource / Tune In Like the sun upon my skin / God’s Mercy (Sheree Anderson) A beautiful ballad about identifying God's mercy in the beauty of creation. Free downloadable songbook, sound samples and lyrics.
-
NCYC'07 Lead me on (Paul Gioia) A pretty cool gospel rock song. Sound sample.
-
Online Resource / Tune In / ATAR596 He comes with his arms open wide / The God that I know (Sheree Anderson) A ballad drawing on God’s strength and comfort; not easy if unfamiliar. Free downloadable songbook, sound samples and lyrics.
- PfAS023I My shepherd is the Lord / El Señor es mi pastor (Ricardo Villarreal) I like this tune, and the paraphrase is good. It's
particularly good for Spanish-speaking (or bilingual) congregations;
it's fine in English too. Could also use the verses with a cantor. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
- CH716 / VU374 / FFS10 / SFFS 2128 / W&R477 / Cha575 Come and find the quiet centre
(Shirley Murray) A good song for the beginning of worship. We usually sing it to BEACH SPRING (TiS 493). Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes.
-
Online Resource / AoV1-033 / WoV690 / ELW780 / SFFS 2058 / GtG473 / G(II)29 / GC31 / GC(II)23 / G(3)035 / PfAS023H / Lau951 Shepherd Me O God (Marty Haugen)
A nice reworking of the 23rd Psalm. The verses are a little challenging, so I would use the chant on its
own: “Shepherd me O God beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death
into life”. Lyric video. Sound sample and paid download options. Or you could use Cha734(ii) / PfAS023G which use only the chorus, as a Psalm refrain.
-
ACS954 / CH355 / VU210 / HPP81 / GtG274 / GC(II)525 / G(3)628 / CP630 / W&R99 / URW098 You Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd
(Sylvia Dunstan, Canada) Beautiful words. Can be sung to many tunes. I like it to
PICARDY or WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Lyrics and sound samples. New words to old tunes.
-
Online Resource Surely Goodness and Mercy (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan)
A gentle psalm refrain with a read psalm. Breathy sound sample, lyrics; sheet music available for purchase.
-
W&R655 / URW202 / VT008 Come Away from Rush and Hurry (Marva Dawn) Excellent words of resting in a sacred space to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING (TiS 493). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
-
TiS 011 / AHB 98 / UMH137 / GA025 / G(3)034 My shepherd is the Lord
(Joseph Gelineau) Of the two listed here, I prefer Response 1. A
good alternative if you would like to use a cantored Psalm. Sound sample.
- Out of print Breathe in the morning air (Helen
Wiltshire)
Lovely words for a soloist to sing at the start of a morning service to
welcome the congregation. Sung to LOVE UNKNOWN, or could be sung to
DARWALL'S 148th. This was in a book published by Pilgrim Uniting
Church. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
-
G(II)458 / GC654 / GC(II)628 / G(3)725 With a Shepherd's Care (James Chepponis)
Very nice words with feminine and masculine images for God. Would be
very straightforward to sing. Sound sample of a fairly formal version.
- URW444 Go in peace walk in love
(Trilby Jordan) A lovely blessing song that can be sung as a
round. Sound sample (go to the very end of the video - 1:01:27).
-
Taizé / GtG814 / CP563 / PfAS062D In God alone my soul can find rest and peace / Mon âme se repose (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful healing chant from Taizé. Words and music and sound samples for learning the parts Good for kids.
- Online Resource / Resounding Voices Our shepherd comes in loving care (Jane Aldridge-Clanton) Feminine imagery for Psalm 23, set to the familiar tune BROTHER JAMES' AIR. It's really nice. New words to old tunes. Free book download here.
-
FFS39 It all depends on where I'm going
(Colin Gibson) Good words of God's constant presence through all of life's
travels, sung to a simple Celtic-style tune (TE HORO). Lyrics.
- Online Resource / Resounding Voices / TLUS056 / VT044 We long to know her the maker of heaven (Jacque
Jones, USA) Rich feminine imagery of God as creator, wisdom and bringer of
justice. Sung to a tune that may be familiar (STAR OF THE EAST). Free book download here. New words to old tunes.
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Recorded Music 23rd Psalm (Bobby McFerrin) A beautiful feminine rendering of the Psalm. From the album Medicine Man. Listen to it here on Youtube. If
you'd like to sing it, it's also in the Unitarian Universalist book "Singing the Journey" and "Music for Liturgy" from St. Gregory of Nyssa.
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Online Resource All of my days (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan)
A gentle song with the chorus "All of my days, God's mercy follows".
Would be simple to have the congregation join in on the chorus. Breathy sound sample, lyrics; sheet music available for purchase.
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Online Resource Surely Goodness and Mercy (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan)
A gentle psalm refrain with a read psalm. Breathy sound sample, lyrics; sheet music available for purchase.
- Online Resource I am the Good Shepherd I'll watch when you're weary
(Leigh Newton) Not immediately easy for a congregation to sing, but it would be wonderful for them to listen to. Lyrics and Youtube.
- Online Resource The Lord's my Shepherd I'll not want
(Stuart Townend) A lovely contemporary setting of this Psalm; it's pretty schmaltzy, and quite nice. Lyric video. Lyrics, sound sample, free chords, sheet music and sound files to purchase. Thanks to Pat Farra and K Murray for this suggestion.
Philippians 4:1-9 Rejoice, be gentle, God's near, don't worry, bring your worries to God and peace will come.
- Online Resource / GWA188 O God of strength and everlasting kindness (Lucy
Hannah, England) A song that does not shy away from asking God's
strength in the midst of anxiety, chaos, and paranoia, and being assured
of God's grace and strength. In GWA it is set to a new tune by Judy
Gresham and Joel Payne, which is quite singable and very beautiful. Can
also be sung to O PERFECT LOVE, which I prefer. New words to old tunes. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and purchasing options. Lyric video (new tune).
- GWA180 / Iona When the wheel of fate is turning and the mills of God grind slow / The Truth Shall Set Us Free (John Bell, Scotland) A powerful, yet somehow gentle song encouraging us to be patient in faith. Lyrics and sound sample.
- UMH729 / VU682 / LBW161 / WoV762 / ELW711 / GtG373 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 / 82Hml-597 O day of peace that dimly shines
(Carl Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really
nice (CANDLER) or O WALY WALY which is used in URW. Other sources use
JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and JERUSALEM sheet music. New words to old tunes.
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STB289 / Sing with the World Now I know by God's own grace / Ey lou nis
(Cambodia) A call and response benediction. Would be simple to sing,
in English, and if you have members who speak Khmer, could be good to
learn!
“Now I know by God’s own grace all of you are the children of
God. So with hope go out in peace, bring good news to all people on
earth." Sound sample.
- Here in this place May we love goodness and give praise (Helen Wiltshire) Lovely words for the end of the service. Sung to the tune OMBERSLEY, but will also work with TALLIS CAROL. Lyrics here. New words to old tunes.
- Unknown source Alleluia, the great storm is over
(Bob Franke) lift up your wings and fly! I especially love the image of the infant
sleeping while the mother sang until the bridegroom returned. The chorus
is really catchy and very easy to sing. If not familiar, you can use a
cantor or soloist for the verses and invite the congregation to join in
the chorus. We tend to sing this more like a gospel anthem. Lyrics. Video with poor image but good sound.
- Taizé / TiS
739 / AoV2-041 / ATOK 404 / VU290 / GA269 / SFFS 2054 / GtG820 / G(II)451 /
GC639 / GC(II)626 / G(3)733 / CP568 / W&R421 / URW388 / Lau947 / LUYH444/ VF088 Nothing Can Trouble / Nada te turbe (Theresa
of Avila, Spain / Taizé Community, France) Excellent and quite well known Taizé chant. Spanish
lyrics are not too hard for non-Spanish speakers. Sheet music, sound samples, lyrics and translations. Good for kids.
- Recorded music If this thing should spill (Born in the Flood) A plea for peace to dwell in us and overflow. Sounds kind of like U2. Lyrics. Slideshow (with sound sample and lyrics).
- Online Resource / Walk as One I can do all things (Maratja
Dhamarraṉdji) This song is based on Philippians 4:13, which never
appears in the Lectionary, so I am listing it here anyway. It is very
simple, catchy, and can be sung in English, Djambarrpuyŋu or Kriol. Good for kids. Book (PDF) available for purchase.
- Online Resource / 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…". I would just use the chorus! Good for kids and teenagers. Lyrics and sheet music for purchase (choral version).
- Online Resource / Taizé / AoV2-109 / A&M334 / CH772 / GA429 / GtG654 / G(II)396 /
GC566 / GC(II)546 / G(3)639 / Lau944 / LUYH357 / MP865 / SFFS 2195 / SP128 / StF776 / URW381 / VT118 / W&R448 In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful / El Senyor
(Jacques Berthier, France) A joyful and bouncy short song. Works well in
English, German and Spanish (and probably other languages too). Good for kids. Sheet music, translations into many other languages, sound samples.
- AoVK-75 / VU249 / SLW010 / HPP397 / W&R650 / MP577 Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say rejoice (Unknown)
This is a fun Sunday School-type song, that also works as a round. I
used to love this, and I'll admit that I still think it's fun; we used
to stand up and sit down a lot in this for fun. Note that the tune
varies between sources. Cute kids singing. Good for kids.Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (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. Sound sample, including a litany of the saints, sheet music sample, purchasing options.
- ATW 485 Praying in the morning (Treagus) Good song for kids about praying all the time. Good for kids.
- AoV1-106 /
UMH376 / WoV774 / ELW753 / GtG752 / G(II)528 / GC730 / GC(II)724 / G(3)822 /
CP562 / Cha297 / URW443 / 82Hml-712 / Lau904 Dona Nobis Pacem (American folk song) This is very well known, and would fit well with this reading. Sound sample, lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Taizé / TiS 713 / Cha296 Dona nobis pacem domine / cordium (Jacques Berthier)
A more solemn chant. Youtube.
- Taizé / CH276 / VU22 / GtG090 / ELW262 / GA283 / A&M053 / G(II)256 / GC332 /
GC(II)340 / G(3)406 / CP094 / W&R166 / PfAS037B / SP28 / URW396 / Lau088 Wait for the Lord (Jacques Berthier, France) "Wait for the Lord whose day is near, wait for the lord,
keep watch, take heart". A lovely simple Taizé chant. Some older
versions are not inclusive. Sheet music, translations and sound samples.
Matthew 22:1-14
Who will come to the wedding banquet? God invites everyone!
- Tune In / Online Resource / NCYC'09 / ATAR598 God has laid a feasting table / Invitation
(Shawn Whelan) Feminine imagery of God gathering her guests to a feasting
table. Lyrics, sound sample and free songbook.
- ATA 138 I cannot come to the banquet / The wedding banquet (Medical Mission Sisters) This
song lists all the excuses (I have
married a wife! I have bought me a cow!). A new, more inclusive version is published in the book "Songlines". Older style lyrics.
- MV 145 / CP418 / SP&P123 Draw the circle wide (Gordon Light) A great song about welcoming all people. Chorus is “Draw
the circle wide, draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no-one
stands alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide”. Lyric video.
- ATW 475 / NCYC'01 / SP&P008 Come to the banquet there’s a place for you (Faye White) An
excellent song by a Melbourne songwriter. "Though
you maybe have no money, though you maybe feel unworthy, in your
strength and in your weakness you are welcome, come." Lyrics.
- Online Resource Come all you vagabonds (Stuart Townend) This song provides a welcome to all, including some who would not normally be welcome, or be easy to welcome. I'm not really sure how it would work as a congregational song, but I really like it. Sound sample (youtube), lyrics, chords.
- Online Resource A king planned a party (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette) A fun story telling song, set to the familiar tune ASH GROVE. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 259 / Iona (LFB) Among us and before us Lord you stand
(John Bell, Graham Maule, Scotland) Good if you are celebrating communion this week. The tune is simple and
the words provide a fully inclusive welcome “Who dare say No, when such
is your request that each around your table should be guest?”. Sheet music sample.
- Online Resource At the table all are equal (David
Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody)
A beautiful song of welcome, with a stirring and heartfelt chorus. This
could be sung before communion, and would work during distribution too.
Sound sample. Sheet music and lyrics preview and purchasing options.
- TiS474 / AoV1-012
/ ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / A&M363 / GtG401 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / G(3)848 /
CP465 / W&R649 / Cha284 / SP175 / URW054 / Lau475 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Marty Haugen).
Excellent words, very well known. “Nourish us well and teach us to
fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true”. Lyrics and lead sheet.
- Online Resource / AoV1-071 / GA530 / GC(II)742 / G(3)837 / Lau462 Gather Your People (Bob Hurd, USA) Excellent eucharistic theology, cool gospel vibe. Sound samples, purchasing options.
- AoV2-020 / ATAR665 Come to the feast of Heaven and Earth / Table of Plenty (Dan Schutte)
“God will provide for all that you need, here at the table of plenty”. I
love this song. It’s very straightforward and has excellent words. Lyrics & sound sample.
- Online Resource God is like a foolish farmer
(David Bjorlin) Many images of God as farmer, lover, ruler and
shepherd, all of them "foolish", but all of them more loving and caring
than our usual image of these types of people. Sung to the familiar tune
RESTORATION. Lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
Got some other ideas? Please share them in a comment below!
