Song suggestions for coming Sundays...

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

Service Music
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Season of Creation 1A - Forest Sunday

Note for 2026: Since the earlier form of Season of Creation is less widely used now, and few people looked at these pages last year, I am only fixing broken links on these pages this year. 
 
Genesis 2:4b-22
  • Online Resource / Tune In / ATAR612 God is walking in the garden (Dave Brown) A gentle song that starts in the Garden of Eden and ends with Easter. "We heard you walking, We hid because we're afraid". A great song for the start of Lent. Recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
  • STB269 God of the galaxies spinning in space (Shirley Murray) Excellent words about our beautiful creation, and our call to care for it. Chorus is "Let us care for your garden and honour the earth". It has 5 verses, so get the congregation to join in as they learn it. Lyrics & sheet music.
  • Recorded Music / ACS925 / TLUS109 Beautiful Things (Lisa Gungor, Michael Gungor, USA) A sweet song. "You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of the dust".... Not so much a congregational song, although it's not difficult, unless everyone knows it well. It's not hard to play, so if you have good musicians, they may like to give it a go. It could also work to just sing the chorus as a chant.  Youtube with lyrics. Guitar instructions. 
  • CH171 / A&M568 /  SP253 Take up the song and sing the praise of God (Rae Whitney) Simple, upbeat tune, and great words about creation, our choice and responsibility. Nice time signature. Choral recording for download.
  • Online Resource / Tune In / ATAR663 Save us in the time of trial (Shawn Whelan) A song with a reflective almost-Taize-like chorus. We have sung this a couple of different ways, it's quite flexible. I will suggest this quite a bit during Lent, so this might be a good time to teach it. Lyrics, sound sample and free downloadable songbook.
  • Online Resource / TiS 668 / AoVK-34 / AA143 / A&M553 / ATFG587 / Cha693 / CH243 / ELW739 / GtG713 / G(3)805 / NCH569 / StF729  / URW189 / VT145 / VU307 / W&R38 Touch the earth lightly (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Sings of the redemption of creation and our complicity in its destruction. Sources vary in their set tunes! My favourite is TENDERNESS (in TiS), which changes to the relative minor for the sombre second verse; I think this is quite powerful. It can also be sung to BUNESSAN, if you need a familiar tune. Lyrics, sheet music. Lyric video. New words to old tunes (if you want).
  • MV150 Spirit God be our breath (Bruce Harding) A lovely gentle song, with a nice descant part. Comforting. 
  • Online Resource / CH244 Where are the voices for the earth? (Shirley Murray) Very very nice. Haunting tune. While the harmonies are complex, I don't think this is hard to sing. Sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • NCH568 / PH283 God marked a line and told the sea (Thomas Troeger) Sung to the familiar hymn tune KEDRON, this hymn is a song about limits and how to define freedom. "God set one limit in the glade where tempting, fruited branches swayed". Would be great to initiate a discussion. Lyrics.
  • VU295 The earth and all who breathe (Ruth Duck) Good words about creation and the tower of Babel, and the need for us to step up and care for the earth. Set to a standard tune (ICH HALTE TREULICH STILL). New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / NCH559 / PH266 / W&R36 Thank You God for Water Soil and Air (Brian Wren) Good words asking God's forgiveness for the way we have damaged the planet we have been entrusted with, and a plea to help us renew the face of the earth by caring for creation. A prayer of confession. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • Here in this place Dawn heralds this day's journey (Helen Wiltshire) Beautiful words of creation dawning, trees reaching, clouds moving, wind dancing. Sung to CRUGER, and will also work with PASSION CHORALE. Highly recommended. Lyrics (downloads a pdf). 
  • VU248 / StJ / WoV799 / ELW861 / CP307 When long before time / The Singer and the song (Peter Davison) Easy tune. Nice imagery of God the Singer and Song Incarnate. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource People of the earth come tremble (Hannah Brown) Excellent words about the complex glory of creation, the damage we have done, our responsibility to care for it, and the joy we find in its beauty. Can be sung to the known tune PLEADING SAVIOUR or to a new tune by Benjamin Brody. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • Protest and Praise / Online Resource Two trees rose from the garden ground (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody) A reflection on trees which starts with the choice of the tree of good and tree of evil, leads to the tree on which Jesus dies, and ends with the restoration of Eden. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. 
  • Online Resource Jesus faithful ancient tree (Hannah Brown / Benjamin Brody) 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.
  • TiS 159 / AHB 94 / CH226 / VU300 / R252 / ELW734 / CP261 / CP(E) 271 / StF122 / Lau733 God whose farm is all creation (John Arlott) Simple words of caring for the crops and harvest as well as well as all creation. Lyrics, and links to sheet music and recordings.
Psalm 139:13-16
God knows us better than we know ourselves. We cannot hide.
I have listed songs that take up the theme of the whole Psalm - the Psalm will continue next Sunday, so you may wish to choose a version that you would like to sing again next week.
  • Online Resource / AoV2-031 / ATW 424 / CH97 / A&M747 / GtG029 / GC(II)509 / SP301 / StF728 / Lau779 / VT199 O God, you search me and you know me (Bernadette Farrell, England) My favourite version of Psalm 139, which fits this reading too. The tune flows effortlessly and it has a nice little hook at the end of each verse. Sound sample and music for purchase. Lyrics.
  • TiS 87 / CH096 / VU862 / GtG028 / PH248 / PfAS139D You are before me, Lord, you are behind (Ian Pitt-Watson) Excellent words, set either to the chant-like tune SURSUM CORDA or the Scottish tune HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL. The words are directly from the Psalm and are very beautiful. Sound sample. New words to old tunes.
  • CH145 God made me as I am (Bernadette Farrell) A lovely little song.  "God made me as I am, part of creation's plan. No-one else can ever be the part of God's plan that's me". Good for kids. Youtube with gestures (maybe American sign language?).
  • PfAS139C Lord you have searched me and you know (Hal Hopson) A very simple refrain for a responsive reading or chanted reading of this Psalm. 
  • NCH Psalter 139 (Jane Marshall) is a very simple refrain for this Psalm which is worth a look.
  • ATOK 320 / NCH351 / VU645 / StJ / WoV770 / ELW740 / SFFS 2051 / GtG488 / HPP516 / W&R680 / Cha075 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry (John Ylvisaker) A song of God’s presence in all stages of life. Very simple tune to sing. This always makes me think of Center Church on-the-Green in New Haven, CT. Lyrics, and a nice (slow) sound sample. 
  • SP&P084 You know my words before they’re said / All My Days (Laurie Zelman) A good contemporary version of this Psalm. It would be good sung by a soloist at first. Video.
  • Worldmaking.net God of My Breathing (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan). Excellent words to a well-known hymn tune. Sample and lyrics.  New words to old tunes.
  • ATW 487 Make your home in me (Fay White) A simple beautiful invitation by Melbourne songwriter and teacher. “If you fly to the point of the day’s sunrise or westward across the sea, if you travel to the uttermost ends of the earth, there I will be; Make your home in me as I make my home in you. I am everywhere that you can be. Make your home in me”. This is quite different to the Vineyard / Josh Young version you can find all over the internet. Sound sample.
  • Taizé / TiS 725 / ATE 275 / AoV2-167 / ATE 275 / StJ / GA538 / GtG678 / G(II)553 / GC763 / URW391 Our darkness is never darkness in your sight / La tenebre A beautiful chant. The English language version varies. I prefer the version in the Taizé book (Our darkness is never darkness in your sight, the deepest night is clear as the daylight). Sample music and lyrics.
  • ACS948 / Cha014 / CH118 / CP390 / GtG003 / NCH274 / SFFS 2046 / VT112 Womb of Life and source of being (Ruth Duck, USA) Feminine trinitarian imagery. An easier tune, listed in some hymnals is IN BABILONE. Others have LADUE CHAPEL which is a little less intuitive; I will suggest this again next week, so think about repeating it! Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • STB008 Come Lord Jesus Christ / Esho hae Probhu (Bart Shaha, Bangladesh) A good chant to sing in times of darkness. It has words in English and Bengali. The tune will need to be taught. Sheet music sample.
  • URW349 Search me O God (Jane Marshall) A good and simple Psalm refrain. Great if you can add some additional parts
  • Music by Heart 15 Darkness is not dark (Eric Law) A simple round, with optional cantor part. Good to teach to your congregation without lyric sheets or projections. Would be appreciated by kids, as it is simple. Good for kids.
  • StF109 In the darkness of the still night (Margaret Rizza) Good words connecting God's creative love with our own lives and concerns. The tune is gentle, but not simple. I suggest encouraging the congregation to join in on the line "Creator God you are there" during the verses for the first time it is used (but let them know that the tune is a little bit different in the middle of the verse, compared to the end of the verse). Lyrics. 
  • URW416 Listen to the song of the wind (Thomas Turner) This is quite lovely, and you could choose whichever verses are most appropriate for any service. Lyrics. Good for kids.
  • VU623 Dear weaver of our lives' design (Nancy Dorian) Beautiful imagery of God as the Weaver. Sung to the familiar tune REPTON. New words to old tunes. Lyrics.
  • VU384 / SFFS 2052 / HPP229 / PH320 The Lone Wild Bird in lofty flight (Marty Haugen) Familiar tune and excellent words. First 3 verses and tune sample. New words to old tunes.
  • AoV2-079 / GA081 How Rich Are The Depths (Christopher Willcock) A good Cantor and refrain version of the Psalm.
  • Worldmaking.net Open unto me light for my darkness (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan). This is really lovely and meditative. Sample here.
  • MV131 You, Creator God, have searched me (George Mulrain) Get out the maracas for this one! This joyous calypso chorus for this Psalm is so refreshing. I think it’s really good fun, and very catchy! Good fun for kids.  Good for kids.
  • ATW 423 Examine my heart, explore my mind (Robin Mann) This is a bit tricky, but if familiar to your congregation would be great to sing. Lyrics (pdf).
Acts 17:22-28
Universal longing for God
  • Online Resource / Worldmaking.net God of My Breathing (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan). Excellent words to a well-known hymn tune (BUNESSAN). Sample and lyrics.  New words to old tunes..
  • AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / GA404 / A&M042 / ELW715 / GtG314 / GC(II)512 / G(3)590 / SP13 / URW114 / Lau883 / StF706 Longing for light we wait in darkness / Christ, be our light (Bernadette Farrell) One of my favourites, especially if someone can sing or play the descant line in the later verses. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids.
  • UMH088 / VU321 / CP329 Maker in whom we live (Charles Wesley) Good inclusive lyrics to DIADEMATA. The first verse picks up a lot on Acts 17:28.  Lyrics.  Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Online Resource / Tune In: Longing for you (Elaine Loukes). A simple chant of longing for God. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
  • Online Resource / TiS 182 / AoV2-010 / CH134 / CP395 / GtG760 / HPP13 / NCH011  / SFFS 2047 / VF106 / VT134 / VU268 Bring many names beautiful and good (Brian Wren, USA) This is a beautiful song with a wide variety of images for God that provoke reflection. Because it has so many images, it's also very long (especially if sung too slowly). Try singing one verse unison, then one women, one men (or different sides of the church, or different ages), then all together again, to give people a chance to list and reflect on what they are singing. Lyrics and sheet music. 
  • Here in this place As we live and have our being (Helen Wiltshire) Lovely words to one of my favourite scripture verses, focused on God in all our life and action. Suggested tune is FELICITY. Lyrics.
  • SP&P89 / Worldmaking.net Ground and Source of all that is (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) This song is very beautiful and easy to sing. Lyrics and sound sample. 
  • StF033 O Lord we are always in your presence (Philip Jakob) A lovely chant, best if you can sing it in parts. Slightly mushy tune. "O Lord we are always in your presence, in you we live and move and have our being. You hold us in the palm of your hand. And you lead us to your glory". Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / TiS 387 / CH416 / UMH318 / VU158 / LBW363 / ELW389 / A&M199 / GtG246 / PH108 / CP(E) 140 / W&R312 / 82Hml-182 / Lau272 / StF297 Christ is alive Let Christians sing (Brian Wren) Excellent words of Christ's saving, and still relevant grace. A couple of tunes are offered in different hymn books. I prefer TRURO. Lyrics and sheet music New words to old tunes.  
  • 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. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / TiS 180 / UMH105 / W&R58 / Cha013 God of many names (Brian Wren) 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.
  • Iona (One is the Body) / ATAR601 / MV103 Ka mana'o 'i 'o (Joe Kanoelehua Camacho) Hawai'ian song. Fun to sing and good words. The chorus is not too hard to sing in Hawai'ian if you teach it. Nice with guitar and/or ukelele. Note for BUC: We have two ukelele players in the congregation. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / NCH398 / MV044 / W&R599 / URW072 Shadow and Substance (Daniel Damon) Good clear words of being Christ's community in all our diversity. A simple tune. Lyrics and Sheet music.
  • Online Resource In this one holy one (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A simple chorus, designed for community singing, with verses that pick up the theme of oneness with the universe and earth. Sound sample, lyrics, and purchasing options.
John 3:1-16
Nicodemus
  • GtB God is love and love is giving (Ross Langmead) A simple kids' song about God's love. A round. We love this!  Good for kids.
  • NCH297 / CH736 / VU706 / StJ / AA45 / HPSS528 / W&R518 / Cha649 / URW131 Give thanks for life the measure of our days (Shirley Murray) This song is also good for funerals and is sung to the familiar tune SINE NOMINE. "Give thanks for life, the measure of our days, mortal we pass through beauty that decays, yet sing to God our hope, our love, our praise: Alleluia, Alleluia!". Lyrics (scroll down).New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 721 / Iona (LFB) / URW431 / StF344 / Lau124 He became poor that we may be rich (John Bell) A simple chant. Timing is a little bit tricky, so you will need to take a little time to teach it initially. This has gorgeous parts if you have some singers. Sound sample.
  • Iona (M&G) / ATAR609 / CH359 / MV033 / GtG137 / ZSS54 / StJ / 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) A lovely simple song - you can make up words and have a lot of fun with this if you also use some drums. For Brunswick this year, this will be a nice reminder of Advent, when we sang this every week. Lyrics. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / Tune In In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Sound samples and free downloadable song book
  • 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 (Sidney Carter) Lyrics and sheet music. You all know this one, right? Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody..
  • Taizé / CP530 By night we hasten in darkness / De noche (Jacques Berthier, France) One of my favourite Taizé chants. Sheet music, lyrics, translations and sound samples. 
  • Online Resource / Worldmaking Holy Holy Holy One (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) A more energetic Holy holy. Sound sample and lyrics.
  • Online Resource / TiS 494 / W&R678 / Cha375 In water we grow (Brian Wren, USA) Great words, especially if you have a baptism this week. Tune is quite straightforward. Lyrics and sheet music. 
  • ATW 451 Jesus Saviour of the world (Schubert) Simple chant-like song.
  • Taizé / MV100 / Lau782 Lord God you love us, source of compassion / Toi, tu nous aimes (Jacques Berthier, France) A very simple refrain, which would work well as a response during prayers of confession or of intercession. Sound sample, sheet music and translations. 
  • TiS 174 / UMH194 / A&M544 / CP(E)259 / 82Hml-585 / StF012 Morning glory starlit sky (William Vanstone) Quite formal words, but very very beautiful song of God's boundless love "Drained is love in making full, bound in setting others free, poor in making many rich, weak in giving power to be". Not all sources are inclusive. The tune is not difficult, but will need to be taught to a congregation if not familiar. The lyrics could also be read as a poem, and challenges the image of Christ as monarch, but also affirms God's reign. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / AoV1-003 / HPP258 / GA394 / G(II)342 / GC497 / GC(II)495 / G(3)576 / Lau693 / StF803 / MP648 The heavens are telling the glory of God / Canticle of the Sun (Marty Haugen, USA) Energetic waltz of cosmic praise with great lyrics "Come dance in the forest, come play in the field, and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord". Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • NCH271 / UMH538 / VU196 / PH131 / CP249 / W&R333 Wind who makes all winds that blowv(Thomas Troeger) Excellent words. Familiar tune (ABERYSTWYTH). New words to old tunes.
  • Various Sources Blowin' in the wind (Bob Dylan) Thanks to Ed in LA for this suggestion. "The wind blows where it will". This could be a good song to add to this reading.
Alternate reading: Matthew 17:1-9 
See the post for Transfiguration Sunday

 Extra forest-y songs
  • TiS 755 / ATA 196 / CH804 / VU884 / SFFS 2278 / A&M484 / HPP219 / GTG080 / CP662 / W&R710 / SP82 / Srcs830 / URW449 / Lau878 / STF487 / MP796  You shall go out with joy / The trees of the field (Stuart Dauerman) This is a good hand clappy foot stomping song. Fun. Videos, including one with a circle dance. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Linnea Good Strong as living Trees (Linnea Good) A lovely haunting chant. Good for kids and adults alike.
  • Online Resource / StS116 I saw a tree by the riverside / The Tree Song (Ken Medema) A great kid’s song about roots growing down to the water, and leaves growing up to the sunshine, and bearing fruit, and all that great stuff. Sheet music. Good for kids>/span>.
  • Online Resource / TiS135 / AHB 70 / AoVK-110 / A&M533 / Cha061 / CH137  / CP415/6 / CP(E) 251 / GtG020 / HPP35 / Lau685 / MP023 / NCH31 / PH267 / Srce21 / StF100 / UMH147 / VT177 / VU291 / W&R30 / WoV767 All things bright and beautiful (Cecil Frances Alexander, Ireland) The TiS version has beautiful Australian imagery. If you are in Australia and your congregation only has the AHB or other versions of the music, it's worth making copies of the TiS lyrics. Editions vary in the language used for God, some are more inclusive than others. Oldy-but-a-goody. The original English lyrics are a bit different (note verse 3, which thankfully is rarely sung)! VU has nice Canadian lyrics, which would also work for people in the USA near the Rocky Mountains and Great Lakes.
  • URW450 For you shall go out with joy (Don Saliers) A fun song for group singing; this, and the last line, will need to be taught to four groups in your congregation, who each repeat their simple line over and over. Particularly good for less formal services or to involve all ages; it could be taught during the children's talk, along with a conversation about what it might mean. No projections or pewsheets needed!
  • TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Patricia Lewis / Alister Spence) Excellent Australian imagery. 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. I had an interesting discussion with a friend at church who doesn't like the line "Called to create a new world for the Lord", and I realised that I was interpreting the line quite differently to her. I think of it as a world being created that is "for God", like when you vote for someone.
  • NCH313 Like a tree beside the waters (James Martin) Good congregational words of richness from the waters. Tune is a little bit tricky, so will need to be introduced. It can also be sung to the more familiar HYFRYDOL. 
  • Online Resource Imagine now our world renewed (Helen Wiltshire) A song of prayer for healing of our beautiful earth. 
  • Online Resource / AoV1-003 / HPP258 / GA394 / G(II)342 / GC497 / GC(II)495 / G(3)576 / Lau693 / StF803 / MP648 The heavens are telling the glory of God / Canticle of the Sun (Marty Haugen, USA) Energetic waltz of cosmic praise with great lyrics "Come dance in the forest, come play in the field, and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord". Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • ACS1046 / Online Resource As rivers flow from a distant spring (David Bjorlin / William Beckstrand) Beautiful words using imagery of creation to inspire us to lives based in God's love that care for others, including the earth; two verses are about trees and forests. Sound sample. Book available to purchase and download here.
  • FFS63 These hills where the hawk flies lonely (Colin Gibson) This is a really beautiful song that would work well for all the Seasons of Creation Sundays. For this reading the phrase "Forests where the tree ferns tower" is a particularly nice part. Lyrics & sample sheet music.
  • Online Resource I will sing of your love, love, love (Christopher Grundy) This is just so joyfully happy, and very catchy. "I will sing of the trees so tall". Sheet music for purchase and sound sample.
  • PfAS002 Tree of wisdom fruitful green (Michael Morgan) Easy to sing, since it's set to DIX, and lovely words based on the Psalms, including this one. Lyric accompaniment video. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource For all beings without speech (Julie Perrin) Beautiful words, set to a quite meditative melody by Shawn Whelan, about our need to care for all of creation. Sound sample, and free sheet music.  
Also, look at new songs from Norm Habel at Habel Hymns Volume three.
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Songs, Hymns & Music for Proper 17A / Pentecost 22A / Pentecost +14 (August 30 2026)

Looking for Season of Creation Resources? There are some suggestions on this page if you are following the 2026 theme of "Living Water" I have highlighted songs that are particularly appropriate within the lectionary with a globe of the earth 🌏. If you are using the earlier version of Season of Creation, or if you're looking for additional Creation-themed songs click here for Forest Sunday (Season of Creation 1A)! 

Exodus 3:1-15
Moses meets God in the burning bush
  • 🌏 Online Resource For all beings without speech (Julie Perrin, Australia / Shawn Whelan, Australia) Let's not forget that God speaks through beings that do not use words. Can we hear the voice of God? Lyrics, sound samples (including one with lots of bird and other nature sounds), and sheet music.
  • Online Resource Our hearts proclaim a living God (Hannah Brown, USA) Wide-ranging feminine imagery of our extraordinary God, who is full of surprises, fierce, protesting, and compassionate. Sung to the familiar tune ELLACOMBE. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / Tune In See our God with the tear-streaked face / Our God who weeps (Kate Scull, Australia) Very simple folk tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
  • Iona (WWHW) / StF049 God beyond all names never fully known (John Bell, Scotland) A beautiful peaceful chant. It works best if you can do it as a round (or with just the soprano and tenor parts) or with all four parts. Mysterious. Instrumental sound sample.
  • SFFS 2010 I am who I am, I will be who I will (Jane Parker Huber, USA) Excellent words to the familiar tune ST DENIO (Immortal Invisible God only wise). “I am who I am, I will be who I will, Unfetter Creator and creating still! In such words of freedom our God’s clarion voice speaks loudly or softly and our hearts rejoice”. Music and lyrics. New words to old tunes
  • 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.
  • 🌏 AoV2-103 / AoVK-115 / G(II)514 / GC712 / GC(II)715 / G(3)809 The heavens embrace the earth / On Holy Ground (Donna Peña, USA) I love the energy and passion in this song and the vision of the heavens embracing the earth. It will need to be taught. I especially like the “Do you believe in freedom? Yes we do Lord! Do you believe in justice? Justice for all!” call in the middle. Bilingual English/Spanish song. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / Resounding Voices Our hears proclaim a living God (Hannah Brown, USA) Excellent words of our creative, powerful and feminine God. Set to the familiar tune ELLACOMBE.  New words to old tunes. Free book download here.
  • Online Resource / Protest of Praise When our lives are ruled by fear (David Bjorlin, USA) Strong words challenging us to move forward in faith; some of the words face quite specific challenges for congregations; sung to the familiar tune ABERYSTWYTH. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.  New words to old tunes.
  • 🌏 TiS 658 / AoV1-090 / ATE 296 / CH251 / UMH593 / VU509 / WoV752 / ELW574 / GA496 / A&M494 / HPP541 / GtG069 / PH525 / G(II)492 / GC(II)671 / G(3)777 / CP(E) 470 / W&R559 / Cha452 / Srce328 / Lau865 / StF663 / MP857 I the Lord of sea and sky / Here I am Lord (Dan Schutte, USA) Song of God searching for us and our response. Lyrics and sound samples.
  • Online Resource Holy One may your presence here open our minds / Holy Ground (Christopher Grundy, USA) Very singable! About God's presence here with us. Video.
  • Online Resource / Protest of Praise In wilderness we wander (David Bjorlin, USA) What might it mean for us, as wandering fearful people to see God in a mystery; sung to the familiar tune PASSION CHORALE. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.  New words to old tunes.
  • FFS62 The Lord God walked in Paradise (Colin Gibson, New Zealand) This tune is quite tricky, but the words for verse 2 are very appropriate for this reading, which it weaves into remembering Adam and Eve in the garden and Christ calling the fishermen to join him. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • AoV2-023 / GA393 / G(II)339 / GC492 / StF496 / Lau686 God beyond all names (Bernadette Farrell, England) Excellent words. The verse can be tricky – lots of words to fit in, so don’t take it too fast. You may like to use a cantor, soloist or small group for the verses and ask the congregation to join in the chorus “All around us we have known you, all creation longs to hold you, in our living and our dying we are bringing you to birth”. Lyrics. 
  • 🌏 TiS 651 Take, take off your shoes (Jim Manley, USA?) A fun, and pretty silly, song. Good for kids; this song is focussed on caring for the earth and creation more than the story of Moses, but it picks up the shoe removal theme. Youtube. Good for kids.
  • NCH572 / UMH448 / WoV670 / HPP453 / GtG052 / PH334 / G(II)515 / GC715 / W&R618 / Cha663 / 82Hml-648 / VT193 When Israel was in Egypt's land (Unknown, African-American) Traditional song, quite familiar, and great to sing. Here's Louis Armstrong (and a few others) singing it. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • AoVK-36 / VU649 / SFFS 2242 / URW118 Walk with me I will walk with you (John Rice) Nice simple words about being sent to do God's work. Also mentions Moses' call, which will feature next week, so you could sing it again. Organ sound sample. Good for kids.
  • Recorded music Moses thought it odd (Justin Roberts, USA) This song is a bit silly, but lots of fun for kids and might be good for your Sunday School class to listen to.Good for kids.
  • ATAR684 Who am I? (Unknown) A good song for kids about all the different people called by God. Mentions Moses, Jonah, Esther and Jesus. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / STF473 Moses I know you're the man (Estelle White, England) Thanks to Alison Sampson for this suggestion, which I had never heard before and now it is stuck in my head. Not sure where you can find the sheet music, but it would be fun for kids - it's a bit like a musical theatre song, not really for a congregation. Youtube. Good for kids.  

3-ish versions of the Yigdal; this is a Jewish hymn from Maimonides in the 12th century, made into a hymn by Daniel Ben Judah in the 14th century, paraphrased to "The God of Abraham Praise" by the Welsh Methodist Thomas Olivers in 1770 and has been sung to an adapted traditional Ashkenazi tune (LEONI) in Christian churches since then. Most older versions are not great, but here are some good more recent paraphrases. At some stage I will make it easier to distinguish between them...

  • VT204 Praise to the living God (adapted from Rabbi Max Landsberg, USA, Newton Mann (Quaker), USA) This is an adapted and modernised version of the Landsberg / Mann rewrite, and I like it more than the others. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • NCH024 / GtG049 / VU255 / CP348 The God of Abraham praise / The living God be praised (Rabbi Max Landsberg, USA, Newton Mann (Quaker), USA) These four versions are all slightly different, but inclusive and retain the old-fashioned poetry (like "for aye the same"). New words to old tunes. NCH lyrics. GtG lyrics. VU lyrics. CP lyrics.
  • Online Resource / GWA025 / VT190 The God of Sarah praise (David Bjorlin, USA) A broadening of the traditional song "The God of Ab'ram Praise" to include Sarah and Hagar; you make like to add some of these verses to the traditional words. I find verse 2 (about Abraham) to be a bit colonial. Set to the traditional melody LEONI. Sound sample, sheet music and lyrics sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.  
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b
Story of the Exodus The readings above will also fit.
You might like to sing an Alleluia!
  • Online Resource / TiS 66 Sing to God, sing praises (Helen Wright) A good cantor and refrain. The refrain will also work well with the Psalm being read from the verses. Sheet music sample and lyrics.
  • 🌏 NCH022 / VU221 Sing praise to God who has shaped and sustains all creation! (Joachin Neander / jane Marshall) A new translation of Neander's classic hymn "Praise to the Lord the Almighty…". I quite like this. Sung to LOBE DEN HERREN. Lyrics (scroll down). New words to old tunes.
  • NCH Psalter Let the hearts of those who seek God rejoice! Good joyous refrain, which could be used with the sung or read Psalm.
  • AoVK-24 / Iona (T1AU) / CH756 Bless the Lord (Kenyan) A good call and response chant – would make a good processional. Words are: Bless the Lord (my sisters), Bless the Lord (my brothers) Bless the Lord there is no other God. I think our congregation would really enjoy this. The tune is identical to Re a mo Leboga. Sound sample of Re a mo leboga (scroll to the 3rd album).
  • Iona / CH788 / MV104 / GtG659 Know that God is Good / Mungu ni mwema (Traditional Congo) This traditional African refrain is just lots of fun and very simple to sing. Good for kids and adults! Sheet music sample. Sound sample. Sound sample in Kenyan languages.
  • ATW 457 / Iona (T1AU) / CH751 / MV050 / StS017 / GC(II)260 / G(3)328 / URW402 Alleluia (Norah Duncan) A simple Alleluia. Gather version has a descant cantor part. Sound sample. More Alleluias here.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Alternative Hebrew Scriptures Jeremiah 15:15-21
Jeremiah seeks God, and is called by God and will speak God's words
  • GWA029 In ages past the mighty Lord by prophets spoke the word (Michael Morgan, USA) This is a song with very many verses; choose at least verses 1 and 3 this week, and you can sing other verses when you want to sing about other prophets. Set to the common tune KINGSFOLD. Some lyrics (not the Jeremiah verse!). New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / AoV2-102 / GA509 Who will speak if we don't (Marty Haugen, USA) Excellent challenging words. Sound sample and purchase options. Good for teenagers.
  • AoV1-030 / GA213 / G(II)282 / GC386 / GC(II)405 / G(3)484 / Lau842 Come back to me / Hosea (Gregory Norbet, USA) Quite beautiful song of return to God. Nice sung sound sample.
  • ATOK 331 Turn to me with all your heart (John Ylvisaker, USA) I like this one, which is quite simple in words and tune. Sheet music sample (scroll through the document). 
  • GA304 /  G(II)283 / GC389 / GC(II)410 / G(3)478 / Lau193 Return to God with all your heart (Marty Haugen, USA) "Return to God with all your heart, the source of grace and mercy" Verses may need a cantor. Lyrics and recordings. 
Alternative Psalm: Psalm 26:1-8
Test me God, and I'll be faithful
  • ATW 423 Lord of every mystery / Examine my heart (Robin Mann) This is a bit tricky, but if familiar to your congregation would be great to sing. Lyrics (loads a pdf)
  • NCH Psalter Your steadfast love is before my eyes (Elaine Kirkland) A beautiful and simple refrain to a cantored or read Psalm.
  • PfAS026A Your love is before my eyes (John Becker)  A simple Psalm refrain.
  • ATOK 414 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH501 / GA485 / A&M788 / G(II)480 / GC673 / GC(II)655 / SP311 / StF513 / Lau850 Take this moment, sign and space (John Bell) A fairly well known favourite. Simple melody and beautiful words. Lyrics (includes a very skinny picture of Jesus).
  • NCH312 We love your realm O God (Timothy Dwight adapt. Lavon Baylor) Excellent words to the traditional hymn tune ST THOMAS. An update to the older hymn (I love thy kingdom Lord). New words to old tunes.
  • Emergent Psalter I've set my eyes on your love (Isaac Everett) A really nice refrain to the Psalm which can be read over an instrumental vamp. Sheet music (refrain only - click on "Downloads" tab).
  • AoVK-40 / NCH524 / UMH585 / ELW677 / A&M808 / HPP466 / G(II)358 / GC514 / GC(II)514 / G(3)591 This little light of mine (Harry Dixon Loes) 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... Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody. 
  • 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.
  • Online Resource Bring us Justice (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A great song for older kids and teenagers; this will need to be taught. The verses would work well sung in two parts by the congregation, with one half singing the 1st and 3rd lines while the other half sings the 2nd and 4th, then everyone joins on the chorus. Good for older kids and teenagers. Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
Romans 12:9-21
A bunch of wise instructions for living a peaceful life
  • TiS 607 / AoV2-126 / ATN 95 / CH528 / VU684 / StJ / A&M725 / SFFS 2171 / HPP406 / GtG753 / G(II)524 / GC726 / GC(II)721 / G(3)828 / CP(E)519/ W&R587 / Srce 462 / Lau898 / StF707 / MP456 Make me a channel of your peace (Sebastian Temple) Lovely. Nice if you can just start a capella...  Sinéad O'Connor singing it and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Online Resource / NCH287 / FFS11 Come teach us Spirit of our God (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Excellent words and a good tune. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • 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 / StF611 / 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.  Oldy-but-a-goody. 
  • ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 / A&M835 / GtG750 / GC(II)451 / G(3)528 / W&R296 / URW436 Goodness is stronger than evil (Desmond Tutu, South Africa) "Victory is ours, victory is ours, through him who loves us". Some congregations change the last line to "Compassion is ours, compassion is ours...". It depends on the context in which you sing it, I suppose. Lyrics. Good for kids. 
  • Online Resource / VT168 Peace to you my loved ones (Adam Tice, USA / Sally Ann Morris, USA) Beautiful and strong words of blessing, of hope for local and global peace, set to a beautiful new tune. Sound sample, sheet music sample, purchasing options. Thanks to rp for this suggestion. Story, and recording of a congregation of very good singers.    
  • TiS 648 / NCH388 / UMH560 / HPP289 / GtG754 / PH358 / W&R596 / Cha487 Help us accept each other (Fred Kaan, USA) Very nice simple words about acceptance and love for all people. The tune varies in each hymn book. I like the lilting tune RUNNYMEDE in TiS, but if a more standard hymn is needed for your congregation, it can also be sung to AURELIA (The church's one foundation). Lyrics and sheet music.
  • TiS 672 / GA554 Lord of earth and all creation (Michael and Honor Mary Thwaites, Australia) A call for renewal of creation and all God's created people in Australia; it verges on being a bit nationalistic, so please check the lyrics. Two possible tunes. I prefer to sing it to WESTMINSTER ABBEY which is very well known. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
  • TiS 599 / AHB 520 / NCH448 / CH502 / UMH399 / VU506 / LBW406 / ELW685 / A&M787 / HPP349 / GtG697 / PH391 / CP435 / CP(E) 581 / W&R466 / Cha609 / Srce633 / 82Hml-707 / Lau874 / StF566 / MP624 Take my life and let it be (Frances Havergal) An oldy but a goody. Lyrics and story.  Oldy-but-a-goody. 
Matthew 16:21-28
Jesus talks about his suffering to come; sometimes you have to lose your life to gain it
  • SFFS 2129 / HPP322 / W&R344 / Cha344 / Srce2-244 / MP272 / TLUS149 I Have Decided to Follow Jesus / Jisuni jaman anga jarigken / Yeshuko pachhi  (Simon Kama Marak, Assam, India) Good simple chorus, based on the words of an indigenous Garo martyr in the Assam region of India. My reflection on the origins of this song. You could sing it in its original language (Garo), or English, or Nepali (it's also popular in Nepal), like in TLUS. Lyric video here. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 473 / NCH314 / W&R615 / Cha655 / StF681 / Lau895 Community of Christ (Shirley Murray) Beautiful words to a traditional Hebrew synagogue melody (LEONI). This doesn't specifically mention salt, but the message is the same! Easy to sing.Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes 
  • 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, sound sample and purchasing options. Youtube.
  • TLUS145  Let us go on and live (Living in Christ) / Portanto assim vivamos (Vivendo em Cristo) (Ábner Elpino Campos, Brazil / Canada) Words about taking up the cross, and living with one love, hope and faith with God. Perfect for the "Sending Out" song. Simple tune which is best if you have a good rhythm section! Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / ATW 498 / Iona (T1AU) / MV 196 / SP&P182 / URW438 We will take what you offer (John Bell) An excellent simple short song that works well either as an upbeat chorus or as a reflective chant. "We will take what you offer. We will live by your word. We will love one another. And be fed by you Lord". Good for kids. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. Works especially well if you can teach the parts to your congregation, or have a small core group who can add in at least the bass part.
  • Online Resource / Tune In He left his home, fam'ly, friends / A grain of wheat (Sheree Anderson) Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it won't form roots and grow. A boppy song with deeply meaningful lyrics. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook. Good for kids & teenagers. 
  • Online Resource / ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / A&M510 / ELW798 / GA502 / SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / GtG726 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / G(3)790 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 / W&R350 / URW060 / Lau877 / StF673 Will you come and follow me / The Summons (Iona) A classic. Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever! Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • STB262 Christ Is Our Peace (Shirley Murray) Beautiful words of peace - this melody by I-to Loh is hauntingly beautiful; it will need to be taught. Keep the instrumentation simple. Lyrics.
What ideas do you have? Please share them in a comment below.
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