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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
The Ten Commandments
- Iona / ATOK 311 / CH754 / GA401 Be still and know that I am God and there is none beside me (Iona Community, Scotland) A simple song reflecting on the 1st commandment. Some versions have a 2nd verse. Sound sample and spoken meditation.
- Seeds of Faith Ten Commandments (because God loves us)
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) A fun song for musicians to lead and for kids to
join in the counting. Could be a good way of helping kids learn the 10
commandments in a Sunday School setting. Good for kids. Lyrics and sound sample.
- Online Resource Ten, Ten Commandments
(David Kai, Canada) This is pretty silly, but also a lot of fun, and quite catchy. Good for a Sunday School setting. Sound samples, sheet music. Good for kids .
- AoVK-41 Moses climbed the mountain high (Jim and Jean Strathdee, USA) Another good song to help kids learn the 10 commandments, probably
better for Sunday School than congregational worship. There are other
versions of this out there too, but this one is better. Lyrics (scroll down). Good for kids.
- Online Resource Let there be rest (Hannah
Brown, USA / Benjamin Brody, USA / Adam Tice, USA) This song, which focuses on sabbath
as a time of rest is very beautiful and I think would be great if you
choose to focus on the practice of resting. Sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- NCH20 God of Abraham and Sarah (James Gertmenian, USA) A
great newish but very singable hymn tune with words that pick up the
history of our faith, as well as some of the Psalm and Gospel themes
this week. Excellent words. Could also be sung to NETTLETON if you want a
familiar tune. Sound sample (Youtube). Lyrics (downloads a PDF) New words to old tunes.
- Protest and Praise / Online Resource O Spirit send doubt (David
Bjorlin, USA / Sally Ann Morris, USA) A contemporary and thoughtful melody and
lyrics that celebrate how faith grows through doubt and questions (not specifically about the ten commandments). Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- Protest and Praise / Online Resource When God first promised Abram (David
Bjorlin, USA) A hymn reflecting on how God comes to us in darkness
(features Abram, Jacob, Moses and Rahab). Sung to the traditional tune
CHRISTUS, DER IST MEIN LEBEN. Not specifically about the ten commandments, but about Moses going up the mountain. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
Psalm 19
Cosmic praise. God's laws are perfect; God's commands are sweeter than honey;
- TLUS064 There's a wild hope in the wind (Lora
Braun, Canada) I really like this song, and I think it will suit many
congregations. It's good to sing, and picks up on "the wind blows where
it wishes". Very focussed on renewal of the earth and our duty to care. I
think it would be simple to sing. Lyrics (downloads a PDF). Choral sound sample.
- Online Resource / TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- CH172 / URW062 / StF116 Sing for God’s glory that colours the dawn of creation
(Kathy Galloway) Beautiful poetic words of creation (first verse), release
(2nd verse), justice (3rd verse) and saints (4th verse). Would be a good
song to open worship. Sung to a very familiar hymn tune, LOBE DEN
HERREN (TiS 111). Lyric video. New words to old tunes.
- PfAS019C Through the witness of creation / Lord You Have the Words (Gregg DeMey
or Dohms) Two possible refrains to a chanted, read or cantored Psalm.
The first (DeMey) is a lovely lilting refrain. I think this is really
nice; be sure to lead it clearly or teach the congregation during the
service. The second (Dohms) is simpler, and can be used as a round. Lyrics (DeMey).
- MV31 Pure love (Linnea Good) A
simple two-part chant that picks up the Psalmist’s idea of the purity
of God’s law “Pure love, pure truth, pure justice, God”. Would be great
if you can teach it to some of the congregation before worship starts. Lyrics. Good for kids..
- Emergent Psalter The heavens declare (Isaac Everett) A simple and quite good Psalm refrain. Everett also suggests using: ATA 117 By the rivers of Babylon
(Frank Farian, George Reyan, Brent Dowe and Trevor McNaughton) as a refrain for this Psalm. This
is the Boney M version. It's not really very mournful. I
can't resist though... here's a video. It was originally recorded by The Melodians. Sheet music (refrain only).Good for kids.
- Online Resource / TiS
156 / AHB 91 / AoV1-135 / ATA 123 / CH212 / UMH145 / VU409 / ELW556 /
GA537 / A&M545 / HPP267 / GtG664 / PH469 / G(II)546 / GC756 / GC(II)748 / G(3)855 / CP003 / W&R35 /
Cha053 / URW186 / 82Hml-008 / StF136 / Lau671 / MP467 Morning has broken (Eleanor Farjeon) This song makes me smile every time. Here's Yusuf Islam (when he was Cat Stevens) in 1976 (love those green boots). Sheet music (with the twiddly bits). Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / GC(II)21 Words of Everlasting Life / Palabras de vida Eterna (Tony Alonso) Simple bilingual (English / Spanish refrain) and cantored verses in
either English or Spanish (or I guess you could alternate if you have a
bilingual congregation). Sound sample, sheet music sample, purchasing options.
- VT181 Creation is a song / Ho'ė enemeohe (based on Lawrence Hart, Cheyenne, by Doug and Jude Krehbiel, USA with Lenora Hart Holliman, Cheyenne) This is simple to sing, with a refrain in English and/or Cheyenne. If you have the digital version of VT, it has a short sound sample. Lyrics and story.
- Online Resource / TiS 163 / AHB 112 / NCH556 / UMH150 / LBW463 / ELW771 / GtG024 / PH268 / W&R644 / Cha651 / URW084 / 82Hml-580 God who stretched the spangled heavens
(Catherine Cameron) 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 sheet music.
- TiS 7 The sky tells the glory of God (Howard Hughes)
Excellent and simple cantor and refrain. could easily use the refrain
with the Psalm being read also. Don't forget that these Psalm refrains
are also great for smaller kids - they can join in without reading. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / AoVK-50 / ATW 430 / NCYC'99 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts) Excellent and energetic. Lyrics. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- AoVK-113 Thank you O Lord for this world of ours I like this kid's song. Really fun and interesting with two parts! Good for kids.
- TLUS043 I thank you O my God / Salamat sa iyo / Ang tanging alay ko (Raymond Remo, Philippines) A gentle song of devotion. Sound sample (in Tagalog).
- HPP28 / GtG023 / PH285 / W&R24 / URW083 God You Spin the Whirling Planets
(Jane Parker Huber) Excellent words to a very familiar
tune (TiS 772). Really good for the final hymn or response to the
sermon. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- 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) Energetic waltz of cosmic praise, based on St. Francis' Canticle of the Sun 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, purchasing options.
- VT175 Planets humming as they wander (Heather
Josselyn-Cranson, USA) Delightful words of all creation, from atoms,
molecules and particles through to humans and planets all praising God
together. Set to a new tune which is quite singable, but also works to
BEACH SPRING or ABBOT'S LEIGH. New words to old tunes (if desired). Lyrics.
- Online Resource / Tune In Now's the time and now's the day / We will sing a new song to the world (Dave Brown) An
energetic song about the gospel, about singing all the new tunes and
rhythms that God provides and creating a new earth. A good sending-out
song. Thanks to Saide for this suggestion. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- 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. Sound sample. Book available to purchase and download here.
- ATW 462 When I consider God's design (Hand in hand)
(Norm Habel / Robin Mann, Australia) Good words of all creation celebrating together. Tune is
good, too, but will need to be introduced, perhaps by asking your
musicians to sing the first verse and inviting the congregation to join
in. The verse about "Black and white" could probably be updated a bit to
reflect a greater diversity of cultures. Lyrics and sound sample.
- Online Resource For all things worth praising
(David Bjorlin, USA) Lovely poetic words celebrating all the vast and all the small elements of creation. Sung to
the familiar tune THE ASH GROVE. Don't take it too fast, or the poetry will be lost! Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource The Heavens Tell of Your Creative Glory / Los Cielos Cuentan la Gloria de Diosome
(Horacio Vivares transl. David Bjorlin) An excellent folk song. Best
for Spanish-speaking congregations, but works in English too. Sound sample. Songbook for purchase.
- TiS 166 / AHB 102 / GA398 / StB035 Sing a new song sing a new song (James McAuley) Excellent inclusive words. The last verse annoys me a bit, but the rest is excellent. Lyrics.
- Online Resource Every night and every morning
(Adam Tice) Excellent words of God's creation from the atom to the universe, sung to the familiar tune NETTLETON. Sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- Online Resource / AoV1-019 / CH151 / GA397 / G(II)340 / GC493 / GC(II)498 / G(3)575 / W&R039 All You Works of God (Marty Haugen) Joyful cantor and response with a rousing chorus. Also good for kids. Lead sheet and lyrics. Lyric video. Sheet music available.
- TLUS077 Kidzuka sete kudasai / Lord let me notice (Yoko Kihara, Japan / Canada) This song can only be sung in Japanese, and is not very repetitive. It is a prayer of confession and redemption. The tune is nice, but I'm not sure when you might use it. Perhaps if you have some Japanese speakers in your congregation it will be useful!
- VU888 / LBW558 / ELW731 / PH458 / RS681 / CP358 / W&R642 / 82Hml-412 Earth and All Stars
(Herbert Brokering) Fun words of cosmic praise - great for the start of a school year or term. I thought this tune
was pretty straightforward, but my congregation struggled a bit with
it. I really like the
"boiling test tubes" bit, although this verse is not in all hymnals;
the lyrics vary between sources, and not all are inclusive. One example of the lyrics. Good for kids, especially if sung with some humour.
- ELW561 / G(II)552 / GC762 / PfAS1040 / Lau12a Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory
(Marty Haugen) Excellent words of light and darkness, sung to a simple
hymn tune. Sheet music sample.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7
The promising vineyard that gives only wild grapes. God's frustrated.
- Tune In / Online Resource / NCYC07 Forgive us now (Dave Brown, Australia) “As we forgive may we be healed, as we reach out….” An excellent ballad seeking forgiveness in a sinful world. Lyrics, sound sample and free sheet music.
-
Recorded Music If you had a vineyard
(Sinéad O'Connor, Ireland) Taken directly from this passage, this protest song is very
moving. It's from the album "Theology". Video.
- Iona (Sent By the Lord) / MV066 Senzenina? / What have we done?
(Unknown, South Africa) This beautiful chant from South Africa asks the
question that we often ask when things go wrong beyond belief. It's
important to know what the song means when singing it. 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. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / BUC Song Project Why do we listen and fail to hear / Lament - for a people with a people with a dull heart (Shawn Whelan, Australia) This lament, and it's wailing ooooh would fit quite well with this passage. Free sheet music and lyrics. Good for kids.
- SFFS 2169 / GtG445 / StF613 God How Can We Forgive (Ruth Duck, USA) Good words of healing in the midst of broken relationships to the familiar tune LEONI. Lyrics (scroll down). New words to old tunes.
- PH437 / CP591 / W&R586 Our Cities Cry to You O God
(Margaret Clarkson, Canada) Good words of helping to heal injustice in the
world. Being the body of Christ. Sung to a very familiar hymn tune. Lyrics and tune sample.
- Tune In / Online Resource Our God who weeps
(Kate Scull, Australia) Very simple folk-like tune and challenging and hopeful
lyrics. "When death has taken those held dear"... Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
Alternative Psalm for Isaiah reading: Psalm 80:7-15
Restore us, let your face shine that we may be saved.
- TiS
265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 /
ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / GtG088 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / G(3)395 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 /
W&R154 / Cha119 / 82Hml-056 / Lau112 / StF280 / MP493 O come O come Emmanuel
(Psalerolium Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent
song, although it could be sung at any
time of year. The lyrical reference to the Biblical nation of Israel can be confusing and will require some exposition for your congregation. Traditional (masculine) English translation and sheet music. You may prefer to sing these lyrics (also quoted in the comments below) by Avery Arden which seek God's intervention to liberate Palestine. Many have written alternate versions (one by Sue Wickham and one by John Henson), set to the same tune, but with more modern lyrics and
ideas. Oldy-but-a-goody and New words to old tunes.
- CH573 / UMH523 / GtG789 / PfAS061B / STB059 Jesus Savior Lord lo to thee I fly / Saranam Saranam
(Daniel Thambyrajah Niles) I think this would be an excellent song to sing, not
only because the words are good and because the tune is simple and
beautiful, but because we need to keep praying for the people of Sri
Lanka. You could use just the refrain if you would like a short song -
it works quite well on its own. Story.
Lyrics & chords.
- TiS 42 / GA047 Lord make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved (Kathleen Boschetti)
A simple refrain and mostly inclusive cantor part. We have sung this at
Brunswick some years ago and it went very well. Don't forget that you can use these
refrains with a reader if you don't have someone confident enough to
cantor.
- Online Resource / PfAS080C O Shepherd hear and lead your flock
(Michael Morgan) Strong mournful and formal words to the rather
Christmassy tune ST LOUIS. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- Tune In / Online Resource Longing for you (Elaine Loukes) A simple chant of longing for God. Free downloadable songbook, lyrics and sound samples. Good for kids.
- W&R632 / Cha512 When Aimless Violence Takes Those We Love
(Joy Patterson) Excellent words for a time of grieving violent death; this
won't suit most congregations, but perhaps there is one who needs it
this Advent. It's sung to the well known tune SURSUM CORDA. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
-
Emergent Psalter Restore us God (Isaac Everett) Another good refrain and read Psalm with instrumental backing. I'm still loving this book. Sheet music (refrain only, click on the Downloads tab)
- Tune In / Online Resource Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk-like tune and challenging and hopeful
lyrics. "When death has taken those held dear"... Free downloadable songbook, sound samples and lyrics.
-
Online Resource Restore us
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A hopeful contemporary song. This is simple enough
for a congregation to sing the first time, I think, but if you're
feeling less hopeful about the singing ability of your congregation,
they could just join in on the VERY simple chorus! Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
- Online Resource / AoVK-29 Remember we are your people (Tony Barr)
Simple three part chant "Remember we are your people, your people O
God". This would work really well as a sung refrain during the prayer of
confession. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
- VT051 / VU239 O great Spirit how I long to hear
(Doreen Clellamin, Nuxalk, Canada) Written by a First Nations Canadian woman, this very
simple song would be best with a good hand-clapping rhythm or drumming. Lyrics (in an order of service). Simply sung version.
- Online Resource / StJ / G(II)346 / GC506 / GC(II)508 / G(3)586 You Are All We Have (Francis Patrick O'Brien) A nice refrain and good cantor parts. Somewhat formal. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- NCH563 / MV143 / HPP260 / GC710 / GC(II)703 / G(3)811 / RS 636 / Cha684 / URW169 / Lau688 We cannot own the sunlit sky / Abundant life
(Ruth Duck) I like these words full of hope for the future. I would prefer
to sing it to the tune of "How can I keep From singing". LA GRANGE is
the other option. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- Psalm Project (2010) Shout for Joy Turn and restore us
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) This is a little bit country. Very cool, and I
think a younger congregation would probably pick this up fairly quickly. Sound sample.
Philippians 3:4b-14
Righteousness through faith, and striving ahead
- Tune In / Online Resource A grain of wheat
(Sheree Anderson) Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it won't form roots and grow. A boppy song with deeply meaningful
lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- BUC Song Project Always amazed
(Dave Brown) A hopeful song of seeking faith, and being inspired by stories
like Paul's. This is new to BUC, so perhaps ask the musicians to present
it?
- TiS 687 God gives us a future
(Elizabeth Smith) Great words to a very easy hymn tune. Careful not to let it get
the tune get too pompous; the words are not! "God gives us a future,
daring us to go into dreams and dangers on a path unknown. We will face
tomorrow in the Spirit's power, we will let God change us for new life
starts now!". Lyric video.
- TiS
382 / AoV2-131 / ATN 15 / NCH238 / CH417 / UMH311 / VU186 / LBW280 /
ELW379 / 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 MacLeod Campbell Crum) 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 sheet music. New words to old tunes
- 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 by 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 it makes it a bit clunky when you
get to "O Ruler of all", and High Kings were clan leaders, so maybe we
could do better. I'm still thinking about this. All that stuff about
Loaghaire is more about the name of the tune BTW... Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody..
- AoV2-033 / VU647 Travel on travel on (Sydney Carter) I think this old folk song would work well to pick up the theme of "pressing on". Lyrics and chords here.
- 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.
- MV125 When a grain of wheat / Hitotsubu no
(Toyohiko Kagawa) This is a lovely chant. It will need to be taught as it's a
Japanese melody and the timing is unfamiliar to Western ears, but once
known it should be quite straightforward to sing. Choral video, in Japanese.
- TiS
666 / AoV2-113 / AoVK-126 / ATOK 409 / NCH526 / Iona (Common Ground,
Freedom is Coming) / CH516 / VU646/647 / WoV650 / ELW866 / A&M483 / SFFS 2235 /
HPP153 / GtG853 / G(II)357 / GC513 / GC(II)516 / G(3)594 / Cha442 / SP235 / Srce737 / StF483 / MP954 We are marching in the light of God / Siyahamba / Caminando (South
African) A very popular chorus, with possible alternate verses,
depending on your source. Sometimes people get anxious about the word
"marching", but remember that this song comes from apartheid-era South
Africa, where people were protesting so that they could vote in their
own country. And the marching is toi-toing, much less militaristic than
what you may imagine. Inspiring choral video. Good for kids.
- NCH497 / SFFS 2208 / GtG741 / PH354 / G(II)508 / GC707 / GC(II)684 G(3)780 / CP513 / ZSS141 Guide my feet while I run this race
(African-American Civil rights song) Would work well as a meditative prayer
for guidance or as an uplifting call to action at the end of the
service.You could also make up your own lyrics. Lyrics.
Good for kids.
- Worldmaking.net O Author of Faith yet at work in our hearts (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) New
words to an old tune “O Jesus our Christ, lead the way for our faith to
give perseverance for running the race. You’ve gone on ahead for to
stake out a claim. We trust in the journey and look for your footsteps. O
Jesus our Christ, lead the way for our faith!”. Lyrics and sound sample.
- TiS 412 / AHB 324 / ATE 251 / G(II)328 / GC468 / CP651 / W&R130 God sends us the Spirit to befriend and help us / Spirit Friend (Tom Colvin and the people of Malawi) I
like this song, but the lack of inclusive language for God
sometimes drives me a bit crazy. In Tom Colvin's book "Come Let us walk
this road together" he uses more inclusive language than many hymnals
that include this song. That is, he writes “God sends us the Spirit”
instead of “God sends us His Spirit” and "Spirit of our Maker" rather
than “Spirit of our Father”. Good for kids. Lyrics and sheet music.
- Online Resource Christ is for losers
(Adam Tice / John Bell) A thoughtful song, although kind of strange, it
might be appropriate depending on your sermon. Sung to the familiar
tune DREAM ANGUS. Sheet music sample, lyrics, and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- TiS571 / AHB 480 / CH529 / UMH438 / VU416 / A&M476 / CP467 / CP(E) 430 / W&R718 / StF550 / Lau861 / MP159 Forth in your / 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. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Matthew 21:33-46
The murderous tenants and Christ's followers still don’t understand.
- Tune in / NCYC'07 Forgive us now (Dave Brown, Australia) I've
chosen this because sometimes we are the murderous tenants in the
story, but God forgives. This is a beautiful and challenging song of
forgiveness. Lyrics, sound sample and free sheet music.
- NCH387 / GtG361 / PH443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 / Lau829 O Christ the great foundation
(Timothy Ting Fang Lew, China / USA) Excellent words of salvation and justice from Timothy Tingfang
Lew, sung to the tune of "The church's one foundation" (AURELIA). Lyrics and sheet music New words to old tunes.
- TiS
590 / AHB 165 / AoVK-117 / NCH506 / UMH526 / VU663 / LBW439 / ELW742 /
HPP408 / GtG465 / PH403 / CP532 / W&R473 / Cha585 / Srce 776 / StF531 / MP746 What a Friend we have in Jesus
(Joseph Scriven, Ireland / Canada) There is a bit of masculine language, but the song has so many other
good things about it. I like both tunes. AOVK has different lyrics,
written specifically for kids, which I think are worth singing. There is also a good updated version of this song in the comments (thanks for sharing Steve Day!). Lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
What ideas do you have? Please share them in a comment below if there are any I have missed!
