Song suggestions for coming Sundays...

Coming up...Lectionary Index
If you are planning further ahead, you can find suggestions for other Sundays here.

Scripture Index
If you are not using the Lectionary, here is an index to suggestions for specific readings.

Service Music
5 comments

Sanctus / Holy Holy & Communion Settings

At the top of the page are just Sanctus versions (Holy Holies). I've separated those into ones that use the traditional words including power and might and Lord and "Blessed is He" (or sometimes "Blessed is the one", and then after that is a list of settings of the Sanctus that use some different words and explore other ideas, which are generally more inclusive.  
After these, I list some full settings for Communion - you may also like to explore them even if you are only looking for a new Sanctus. 
 
Traditional words  
  • Iona / ATOK 380 / SFFS 2256 / TiS 764 Holy holy holy Lord (Iona community, Scotland) Holies and Hosannas in an excellent two part call and response. The two parts overlap a little bit, so will need to be familiar, or introduced carefully if not familiar to your congregation; this is our usual Sanctus at Brunswick.  Good for kids. Sheet music samples. 
  • Online Resource Holy holy Lord God of Power and Might (Justin Brooks, USA) A very satisfyingly mushy contemporary Sanctus. We use this at BUC for quieter services. It is fairly straightforward to learn, but needs to be done twice so that even newcomers to the congregation can join in. Sound sample and sheet music for purchase. 
  • Online Resource Holy holy Lord God of Power and Might (Bethany Brooks, USA) An uplifting  contemporary Sanctus. I would sing this twice - once through with a cantor, and then once through with the congregation. Sound sample and sheet music for purchase.  
  • GWA072 Most holy most holy Lord God of Power and Might / Quduson qudoson qudusoni Rabulqa wi yu llahusaba'ot (Yusuf Khill, Palestine) This would be good to sing, particularly while the war continues in Palestine. If you choose to use it, it will need to be taught, and there is also a Kyrie (GWA051) and an Agnus Dei (GWA073) from the same mass, which you may also want to use. 
  • TLUS025 / Online Resource Holy holy Lord God Almighty (Jason D Locke, Canada) This is a very good, and joyful Sanctus. Note that it is from a whole Communion setting, which you can also access through the link. Sheet music. 
  • TiS 761 / GA124 Holy holy holy Lord God of power and might (Colin Smith, Australia) This is the Holy Holy we used to sing each week for Communion at Brunswick.
  • A&M418 / GtG552 / G(3)367 / WoV616a Holy Holy Holy Lord (Marcia Pruner, USA) A lovely Holy Holy, sung to the lilting American folk melody "Land of Rest". Sheet music sample. Lyrics. Sound recording. New words to old tunes.
  • Music by Heart 40 Holy holy holy Lord / Mercer Sanctus (Marilyn Haskel, USA) A simple tune (JEFFERSON, from Southern Harmony) for standard Sanctus words.
  • Walk as one Holy holy holy / The whole earth is filled (Andrew Ferguson, Australia) A very groovy new Holy Holy. Worth a look! Book available to purchase here.   
  • TiS 763 / ATFG559 Holy holy holy Lord God of power (Bernadette Farrell, England) A nice quiet variation.  
  • FFS33 Holy Holy Holy (Cecily Sheehy, New Zealand) Simple tune and inclusive words that retain a beautiful formality, solemnity and grace; this also has a matching Eucharistic Acclamation, Great Amen and Agnus Dei.
  • Online Resource Holy holy Lord God of Power and God of Might (Phil Majorins, USA) This is really lovely. It will need to be taught, but would be caught more easily if you use the whole mass, as the same melodic forms are used throughout. Sound sample. If you purchase the album it comes with a PDF of the sheet music. You can contact the composers directly for string quartet parts and choral parts!
  • Online Resource Holy holy Lord God of Power and Might (Karl Digerness, USA) A quiet   contemporary Sanctus; I think it would most suit and evening service (especially if you can arrange it like the recording). Sing this twice - once through with a cantor, and then once through with the congregation. Sound sample and sheet music for purchase. 
  • Online Resource Holy holy Lord God of Power and Might (Patrick Schlabs, USA) A catchy bluegrassy arrangement of a contemporary Sanctus. Sing this twice - once through with a cantor, and then once through with the congregation. Sound sample and sheet music for purchase. 
  • Online Resource / AoV1-173 Holy Holy Holy Lord (Liat Chung Ham, Australia) Simple chant. "Holy holy holy Lord; praise and honour are yours, for you alone are worthy to receive the glory and praise.". Sound recording, sheet music samples, purchasing options.  
  • Iona Holy Holy Holy Lord (John Bell / Graham Maule, Scotland) St. Bride; this call and response version of the Sanctus is very energetic. It will need to be taught more than once, but I think it's pretty cool. Lyrics.   
  • Online Resource Holy holy holy Lord God of power and might (David MacGregor, Australia) A joyful Sanctus, with a full communion setting. Easy to sing! Sheet music for free download. Lead sheet. 
  • Online Resource / AoV1-196 / GA097 / GtG565 / GC(II)288 / GC166 / G(II)144 / G(3)198 / Lau490 / WoV619a Holy Holy Holy Lord, God of power (Marty Haugen, USA) One of my favourite Holy Holies; from the Mass of Creation. Full score of mass for preview and purchase available here.
  • Online Resource Holy holy holy Lord God of Hosts (Mass of Restoration) (Josh Blakesley / Grae McCullough, USA) A contemporary Sanctus. I really like this and think it would be loved, but will need to be taught. Sheet music samples and purchasing options for the whole mass. Sound sample.
  • GtG556 Holy holy holy Lord (Leon Roberts, USA) A simple flowing and inclusive Holy holy. Peaceful. Sheet music sample. 
  • Iona (WWHW) Holy holy holy Lord God of Hosts (Iona community, Scotland) Columbia setting. An energetic, and slightly repetitive Sanctus. Would be fun, but would need to be taught first. Sound sample.
  • TiS 722 / Taizé Holy holy holy Lord / Sanctus Dominus II (Taizé) A good opportunity to use a cantor and invite the congregation to chant the ostinato. This would be a simple way of bringing some of the "wonder" to your congregation if you have a capable cantor (it's not that hard really!). 
  • STB128 Holy Holy Holy God / Kudus, kudus, kuduslah Tuhan (Sukamto, Indonesia) Holy holy A Sanctus from Indonesia, based on a traditional melody. It works best in Bahasa. 
  • WoV617a / GtG562 / G(3)364 / Lau576 / VT137 Holy Holy Holy Lord (Johann Neumann, Germany set to tune by Franz Schubert, Germany) Peaceful and gentle. From Schubert's Deutsche Messe.   
  • Online Resource / GtG592 Holy Holy Holy Lord God of power (Paul Vasile, USA) Energetic and a bit jazzy. Lyrics. Sheet music sample, and link for purchase.
  • Online Resource / GC(II)192 Holy Holy Holy Lord (Beneath the Tree of Life) (Marty Haugen, USA) A good Holy holy. Sheet music and sound sample (entire mass). 
  • AoV2-081 Holy Holy Holy Lord of power and might (John Bell / Graham Maule, Scotland) This is also good, but I can't remember what I liked about them.
  • GC(II)182 / G(3)375 Holy holy holy Lord God of power and might (Steven Janco, USA) A nice joyful (or majestic) Sanctus depending on how you do it. From the Mass of the Angels and Saints, which is altogether lovely. Sound sample. Sheet music sample.  

Mostly traditional words, but with some variations to make the language more inclusive  

  • GtG593 Holy holy holy holy (David Poole, USA) Energetic, groovy, and with a KEY CHANGE! Will need to be taught, but would be fun. A bit bluesy. 
  • NCH790 Holy holy holy God of love and majesty (Alice Jordan, USA) A little bit tricky, but good; I like the adapted lyrics that extend it to the whole universe speaking of God's glory.  
  • NCH794   Holy holy holy God of all power and might (Johann Sebastian Bach, adapted by Ronald Nelson) Adaptation of plainsong. Nice. Will need to be taught. 
  • NCH792 Holy holy holy God ruler almighty (Martie McMane) Sanctus Simple, lilting and folksy. Would be good for kids. 
  • NCH789 Holy holy holy God of love and majesty  (Ronald Nelson, USA) Quite nice Sanctus. I like how it climbs up!
Lyrics that explore additional ideas or use contemporary language   
  • **TLUS016 Holy holy holy sing holy! (Bruce Harding, Canada) A joyful Sanctus, which is part of a set of responses, with excellent inclusive and contemporary language. I think this would be a worthy alternative to the ones we usually use at BUC.   
  • 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. It's not quite a Sanctus, but it's very powerful and I think would be a nice alternative from time to time. The English translations vary a lot. I really like the one in VT. Sound sample (Spanish only). Sheet music sample of the VT version.  
  • GWA071 Holy holy holy Lord God of Power and Might (Suzanne Butler, Scotland) Not simple, but it ends with some quite different words, and may be a good balm for your congregation. "Hear our pain and our praise in the high place, Hosanna".  
  • Online Resource Holy holy God of circling years (Mary Louise Bringle, USA) Not a standard Sanctus, but could be used as one, and with different lines for all parts of the church year, could become a congregational favourite. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource Holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts (Red Mountain Music, USA) A more chilled out contemporary Sanctus. I would sing this twice - once through with a cantor, and then once through with the congregation. Sheet music (downloads a whole book - the Sanctus is song 46). Sound sample. 
  • GtG559 / 596 You are holy you are whole (Per Harling, Sweden) An adaptation of a well known 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! Original lyrics in English. Good for kids.  
  • Worldmaking.net Holy Holy Holy One (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) A more energetic Holy holy. Sound sample and lyrics.
  • Online Resource Holy holy holy the heaven and earth are holy / Casa del Sol Communion Responses (John Phillip Newell / David Poole, USA) A set of responses with significantly altered words, in a folk style. This uses a cantor and a two-part congregation plus guitar and drum. Sound and score samples, and purchase options.
Full sets of Communion Responses (these include Holy Holies!!) 

Modernised & fully inclusive words
  • FFS33 Holy Holy Holy (Cecily Sheehy) Simple tune and inclusive words that retain a beautiful formality, solemnity and grace, with a matching Eucharistic Acclamation, Great Amen and Agnus Dei.
  • Online Resource / GtG551-555 / G(3)367 Land of Rest Setting (Richard Proulx) A lovely set of responses, including a Kyrie, Sanctus, Eucharistic Acclamation, Great Amen, and Agnus Dei, arranged to the lilting American folk melody "Land of Rest". Very simple! Sound sample, sheet music samples, and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource Casa del Sol Communion Responses (John Phillip Newell / David Poole) A set of responses with significantly altered words, in a folk style. This uses a cantor and a two-part congregation plus guitar and drum. Sound and score samples, and purchase options.
  • MV203-205 Kingsfold Communion Set (William Kervin) A set of communion responses with altered and inclusive language (Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Great Amen) to a simple and well known English tune (Kingsfold) which is really similar to another English tune (Star of the County Down). 
  • TLUS013-15 Gagnon Communion Set (David-Roger Gagnon, Canada) This set of responses is bilingual French / Spanish. It's very joyful and I like it a lot. It doesn't really work if you try translating into English. 
  • TLUS016-18 Harding Communion Set (Bruce Harding, Canada) A joyful set of responses, with excellent inclusive and contemporary language. I think this would work nicely for our congregation at Brunswick. 
  • TLUS019-21 Waites Communion Set (Lisa Waites, Canada) A very nice, more standard setting of communion. 
More traditional words
  • Online Resource Trinitytide Mass (Phil Majorins) This is really lovely. It will need to be taught, but would be caught more easily if you use the whole mass, as the same melodic forms are used throughout. Sound samples of all sections. If you purchase the album it comes with a PDF of the sheet music. You can contact the composers directly for string quartet parts and choral parts!
  • Online Resource Communion Responses (David MacGregor) A joyful set of responses - easy to sing; they are not all related, so you could choose to use one or two of them only if you like. Sheet music for free download. Lead sheet.
  • Online Resource Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley / Grae McCullough) A contemporary mass setting. I really like this and think it would be quite straightforward. Sheet music samples and purchasing options. Sound sample (of the Sanctus).
  • G(3)194-202 / GtG565-568 Mass of Creation (Marty Haugen) (Communion response) The responses from this mass are beautiful and majestic at moments. It requires strong leadership as each section has a different (albeit related) melody; note that the Sanctus is listed above because it's in many resources and is just excellent! You could easily use just the Sanctus, Acclamation and Amen Full sound sample (youtube). Score.
  • GC233-240 / GtG562-564 Deustche Messe (Franz Schubert, arr. Richard Proulx) Easy to sing. A quiet and restful set of responses. A slow version on youtube. 

Updated in 2024 in Toronto, Canada, in between conferences, while resting a sprained knee. :-(

2 comments

Songs, Hymns & Music for Easter 2A (12 April 2026)

Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Peter testifies!
You may like to repeat something from Easter Day....
  • Online Resource / Tune In God is walking in the garden (Dave Brown, Australia) A gentle song perfect for Easter. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
  • Online Resource / Tune In Making things new (Sheree Anderson, Australia / Canada) A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / Tune In  In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown, Australia) A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
  • Online Resource O Holy Spirit power of the weak (David Bjorlin, USA / Lim Swee Hong, Canada) A beautiful, meditative four part song. It would be great to teach the parts to your congregation, and would work well whether you sing only one verse, or all four verses. If four parts is too challenging, you could also get your congregation to sing only the melody line in two parts in canon (i.e. a round, but ending at the same time); or in unison would also work, but would be less fun. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.  New words to old tunes/span>.
  • Online Resource / TiS 665 / AoV2-008 / Iona (Common Ground) / CH360 / A&M563 / VU117 / StJ / SP246 / Lau889 / StF251 Jesus Christ is waiting (John Bell, Scotland) A good hymn that is quite simple to sing. Lyrics (scroll down just a little bit). Sheet music sample, sound sample, purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • Iona (Love From Below) / CH434 / CP232 Jesus is risen from the grave (John Bell / Graham Maule, Scotland) Good, simple rhythm and tune. You can even make up some verses if you like. Sheet music sample. Good for kids.
  • TiS 185 Alleluia We praise you God Creator Lord (John McIntyre, Australia) A chanted Alleluia based on Pachelbel's canon, coupled with some nice affirmations of faith from a 2nd part of the congregation, or cantor. This is quite lovely. Sound sample, and lyrics in the comments. 
  • 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, England) You all know this one, right? Lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • 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 (Unknown, Caribbean) A good Alleluia would work well for this passage, and I think this one is particularly excellent – simple, great for kids, good rhythm. Good for kids. Sound sample. Video teaching all the parts. Sheet music (with verses!?).
  • TiS 370 / AHB 290 / NCH367 / CH411 / UMH302 / VU157 / LBW128 / ELW369 / GtG245 / G(II)315 / GC437 / GC(II)439 / G(3)523 / CP206 / W&R288 / Lau273 / StF298 / MP076 Christ the Lord is risen today (Charles Wesley, England) It's not quite Easter for me 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. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 382 / AoV2-131 / ATN 15 / NCH238 / CH417 / UMH311 / VU186 / LBW280 / ELW570 / GA364 / A&M212 / HPP210 / GtG247 / G(II)318 / GC444 / GC(II)456 / G(3)534 / CP237 / CP(E) 153 / W&R311 / Cha230 / 82Hml-204 / Lau278 / StF306 Now the green blade rises (John McLeod Crum, England) 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. New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 392 At the dawning of salvation (Jock Curle, Unknown location) Good hymn words of Easter theology and Christ’s presence at Creation to a fun standard American folk tune (NETTLETON). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • 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 / MP689 Thine be the glory risen conquering Son (Edmund Budry, Switzerland) One of the few older hymns that doesn't require updating, and beautiful harmonies... A great classic hymn! Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 753 / ATFG558 / ELW525 / 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. 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. Good for kids.  
Psalm 16
Refuge in God who shows us life
  • TLUS078 Trust these words (Lisa Waites, Canada) This is a simple song of reassurance which would work well after the words of reassurance in any service. You may want to consider using it for the entire season of Easter. It's very joyful, and you could change the first word of each line each week, if you like. Lyrics (scroll down). 
  • MV123 Day after day night after night (Lynn Bauman / Linnea Good) A lovely simple chant or Psalm refrain. Good for kids.
  • TiS 547 / AHB 455 / AoV1-009 / NCH451 / CH465 / A&M595 / UMH451 / VU642 / WoV776 / ELW793 / HPP353 / GtG450 / PH339 / CP505 / CP(E) 386 / W&R502 / Cha595 / Srce70 / URW180 / 82Hml-488 / Lau970 / StF545 / MP051  Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart (8th century Irish, translated Eleanor Hull) Most recent hymnals are fairly inclusive for this. Note that the High King phrase has been changed in some hymnals because it is masculine, but the hymn is based on an ancient story of St. Patrick refusing to follow the High King Logaire, and choosing instead the "High King of Heaven". Lyrics and tune. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • UMH438 / VU416 / A&M476 / CP467 / CP(E) 430 / W&R718 / StF550 / Lau861 / MP159 Forth in thy name O Lord I go (Charles Wesley) Timeless words about committing all our works to God. I like this hymn best played lightly and joyfully with a simple drum beat as a kind of minstrel tune, rather than a hymn. The old fashioned words seem to make a lot more sense to me that way. Some hymnals (including TiS) have sensitively modernised the words. Older lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 613 / AHB 546 / ATOK 405 / CH166 / LBW469 / ELW765 / A&M713 / SFFS2197 / HPP265 / GtG683 / GC578 / GC(II)560 / G(3)663 / CP506 / CP(E) 507 / W&R469 / URW179 / 82Hml-482 / Lau969 / StF526 / MP882 Lord of all hopefulness Lord of all joy (Jan Struther) Most sources have it set to the excellent straightforward Irish tune (SLANE), and beautiful words. Would be a good choice for the final song. Others (like GtG) use COURTNEY, which I find a bit lame, but it's easy too. Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • PfAS016D My heart is glad and my spirit rejoices (William Beckstrand) I really like the words and tune to this Psalm refrain. It will need to be sung through a couple of times before reading the Psalm. 
  • Online Resource / CH656 / VU477 / PH507 / CP060 / A&M448 / GtG515 / CP(E) 305 / W&R706 / Cha420 / SP217 / URW120 I come with joy a child of God (Brian Wren) A good and jubilant communion hymn. Lyrics & sheet music. 
  • Online Resource / AoVK-12 God is our shelter truly a friend indeed (Chris O'Hara) Groovy little round / more like a call and response really. Sheet music sample, sound sample, purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • StJ / G(II)22 / GC23 / GC(II)18 / G(3)029 / Lau40b Keep Me Safe O God (John Foley) Simple cantor and response "Keep me safe O God. You are my hope, you are my hope, O God". Lyrics and sample sheet music. Sound sample.   
  • G(II)23 / GC24 / GC(II)19 / G(3)030 / URW235 You Will Show Me the Path of Life (Marty Haugen) Simple cantor and response "You will show me the path of life, you my hope and my shelter, in your presence is endless joy and your sight is my hope forever". Lyrics and sample sheet music. Sound sample.
  • VU737 / VU738 /  PfAS016D / PfAS016C Protect me God: I trust in you (Michael Saward / Christian Strover) Simple psalm refrain that could be used with a sung or spoken verse. Lyrics
1 Peter 1:3-9
Salvation our inheritance
  • TLUS078 Trust these words (Lisa Waites, Canada) This is a simple song of reassurance which would work well after the words of reassurance in any service. You may want to consider using it for the entire season of Easter. It's very joyful, and you could change the first word of each line each week, if you like. Lyrics (scroll down). 
  • MV157 I am a child of God (Bruce Harding, Canada) A simple song with powerful words. Good for kids and adults alike. Very easy to learn. Sheet music. Good for kids, if you sing only the first verse.
  • TiS 465 / AHB 399 / ATA 115 / NCH279 / A&M271 / Iona (SBL) / CH116 / GA381 / Lau313 Our God in heaven / Father in heaven / Loving Creator grant to your children (Elena Maquiso, Philippines / Daniel T Niles, Sri Lanka) I really like this hymn, especially the Philippino folk melody to which it's set. Newer versions of the hymn from the Christian Conference of Asia have altered the lyrics to "Our God in heaven / Creator God" in the first verse. Other versions, such as CH4 have "Loving Creator / Parent and God". Old school lyrics.
  • Online Resource God of all being ever creating (Susan Wickham, Australia) Excellent new words celebrating resurrection to the tune HALAD (TiS 465 - Our God in Heaven); see the comments below this post! New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 163 / AHB 112 / NCH556 / UMH150 / LBW463 / ELW771 / GtG024  / PH268 / W&R644 / Cha651 / URW084 / 82Hml-580 God who stretched the spangled heavens (Catherine Cameron, Canada) Good words of creation of nature and cities and creative possibilities for the future. AHB has a Father and old language, but it works okay; TiS and other sources are better. There are many possible tunes. I like it best to HOLY MANNA as in the link. Lyrics and sound sample. Lyrics & sheet music. New words to old tunes
  • TiS 180 / UMH105 / W&R58 / Cha013 God of many names (Brian Wren, USA) If this is new it will need to be taught to your congregation as the tune is not intuitive, but it is worth knowing. The chorus is particularly appealing to kids. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / TiS 417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 / HPP237 / GtG293 / PH323 / CP657 / W&R135 / Cha244 / URW203 / StB220 Loving Spirit, Loving Spirit (Shirley Murray, New Zealand)  There are about a zillion tunes set for this. I prefer FELICITY (by Colin Gibson TiS 417), but also like RESTORATION and OMNI DIE. Lyrics & sheet music. New words to old tunes (if you choose).
  • TiS 164 / AHB 105 / CH358 The great love of God (Daniel Thambyrajah Niles, Sri Lanka) A simple creed song from the Christian Conference of Asia. The tune is really beautiful. Lyrics and story.
  • Taizé / MV075 / StS079 / SFFS 2118 / GtG284 / GC(II)479 / G(3)547 / SP99 / URW395 / VT058 Holy Spirit Come to Us / Veni sancte spiritus tui amoris (Jacques Berthier, France) Best if you have a cantor, but works well if you don't, too. Sheet music, translations, sound samples.
  • NCH005 / StB023 / VU243 / VT115 Praise to God praise to God for the greenness (Nobuaki Hanaoka, Japan / USA) Earth's beauty; sung to a simple and quite familiar Japanese tune (SAKURA). Translations vary. A good hymn for kids who can read. Good for kids. Lyrics (downloads a PDF). Lyric video (instrumental). 
John 20:19-31 
Jesus gives peace and the Holy Spirit; Doubting Thomas.
The theme of Christ giving peace will be repeated next week, so you may like to choose a song that you can use again next week.
  • TLUS133 El amor de Cristo / Christ can move the world (Gerardo Oberman, Argentina) This is a really fun and joyful song about Christ and love moving the world to a place of peace, joy, and unity. The chorus is just "pa pa ra pa pa...". Unfortunately, the English version is pretty terrible, so just sing it in Spanish and explain what the words mean. Sound sample. Sheet music sample (the Spanish lyrics in TLUS are better, with less repetition and more joy).     
  • TLUS078 Trust these words (Lisa Waites, Canada) This is a simple song of reassurance which would work well after the words of reassurance in any service. And yes, I have suggested it for three of the readings for this Sunday. You may want to consider using it for the entire season of Easter. It's very joyful, and you could change the first word of each line each week, if you like. Lyrics (scroll down). 
  • VF062 / VT055 O fiery spirit come burn in us (Hildegard von Bingen, Germany / Jody Caldwell, USA / Kimberly Williams, USA) A plainchant call-and-response of the O Antiphons. I think this would work well in contemporary congregations as well as more high church settings. Sound sample (more formal). 
  • 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.  
  • 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. Can also be sung to O WALY WALY. Lyrics (scroll down). 
  • 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. 
  • Online Resource / 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 (scroll down). Sound sample.
  • 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. Sound sample, lyrics, sheet music, and sheet music for purchase.
  • 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 / ELW386 / 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.
13 comments
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)