- 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.
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.
Spring is coming to the Northern Hemisphere!
- Online Resource As the winter days grow longer
(Mary Louise Bringle, USA) A joyful song of the exuberance of spring. Set to the old tune PLEADING SAVIOUR. Sheet music sample, lyrics, and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- NCH34 / Iona (SL) / CH138 / SgTJ1065
Nourished by the rainfall the earth can come alive / Flowers of every
colour now raise their heads in pride / As the rain is falling /
Alabanza (Pablo Fernández-Badillo, Puerto Rico) Complex words, but a simple repetitive tune.
Inclusive, earthy. Great for a temperate Springtime. There are quite a
few different English translations of this Puerto Rican song. I
particularly like the translation in Church Hymnary / Hymns of Glory Songs
of Praise. Downloadable sound sample.
- VU632 / StS100 / WoV695 / ELW447 / SFFS 2076 / StF617 O blessed Spring where word and sign (Susan Palo Cherwien, USA) Imagery of Christ the vine and the changes that the seasons bring, this song speaks of all four seasons. Hymnals vary in the tune selected. I like it best to O WALY WALY. Lyrics. Video telling the story of the hymn with sound sample.
- Online Resource / FFS59 Spirit of springtime in creation's garden (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Good tune and words, and very Antipodean. "Beauty will break through rotted leaves and ashes, joy will erupt and life will leap free!". Lyrics and sheet music.
- NCH005 / VU243 Praise to God praise to God for the greenness (Nobuaki Hanaoka, Japan / USA) Earth's beauty; sung to a simple Japanese tune (SAKURA). A good hymn for kids who can read. Lyrics (downloads a PDF). Good for kids.
- NCH402 Sing of colours (De Colores) (Unknown, Mexico) I love this traditional Mexican song. Not too hard in Spanish, really easy and catchy in English. Partial lyrics and sheet music. Lyrics and midi. Slightly silly version on youtube.
- NCH433 / CH727 / UMH707 / VU703 / HPP474 / GtG250 / W&R515 / Cha638 In the bulb there is a flower
(Natalie Sleeth, USA) A simple song of hope symbolised in nature. Lyrics. Youtube sound sample with lyrics.
- FFS51 O spring in the desert (David Adam, New Zealand) Christ's presence in water and light; Christ as guide. Excellent imagery, good tune. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / CH224 / VU187 / AA140 The spring has come (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Joyful tune and words. Fun rhythms. Lyrics & sheet music.
- UMH508 / VU644 / Cha535 Faith while trees are still in blossom (Anders Frostenson, Sweden) Excellent words of faith when things seem a bit hopeless. Sings of Noah and Moses. Lyrics.
- STB288 May the Lord bless you with joy / Mar ba zey (Unknown, Karen, Burma / Myanmar) A blessing from the Karen people of Burma. Would not be too hard to sing in Karen, but there is also a lovely English translation. Would be particularly nice in Spring time when the flowers are all in bloom. Sheet music sample.
- Online Resource / Tune In Making things new (Sheree Anderson, Australia / Canada). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Free downloadable sheet music, reference recording. Good for kids.
- Online Resource The glory of the spring how sweet! (Thomas Hornblower Gill, England / Janet Reus-Smit, Australia) Excellent traditional words of renewal, sung to KING'S LANGLEY, an old English May Day carol. Updated lyrics. Tune sheet music. Good for kids.
- Online Resource For brightly greening spring
(Adam Tice, USA) Excellent words welcoming the greening of the earth, and the nurturing of God. Sung to the familiar tune TERRA BEATA. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
Songs with a focus on all seasons
- Unknown Source We'll weave a love / Song of Community (Carolyn McDade, Canada) A song of all seasons. It's a little bit tricky to learn, but once learned, you will not forget it "We'll weave a love that greens sure as spring, then deepens in summer to the fall autumn brings". Youtube with lyrics.
- Not Online Resource Flow'ring in the summer / Faithful Seasons (Helen Wiltshire, Australia) Australian imagery for all the seasons, and how it's worth celebrating them! This resource is not available online anymore, but if you have a copy, you may like to use this song.
- CH141 / A&M548 / SP250 / URW077 / StF114 Oh the life of the world is a joy and a treasure
(Kathy Galloway, Scotland) Good inclusive words about God's presence in "the life of
the world" (nature, seasons, childbirth, justice). The tune is a simple
Celtic-style melody. Lyrics. Tune sample.
- STB026 Seasons Come Seasons Go / Ella kaladollu
(Bhajan, India) I think this song would not be too hard to learn,
but it will need to be taught because the melody (THANDHEYU) will not be
familiar. The words are really quite lovely, including the English
translation. Sheet music sample.
- VU632 / StS100 / WoV695 / ELW447 / SFFS 2076 / StF617 / LUYH794 O blessed Spring where word and sign
(Susan Palo Cherwien, USA) Imagery of Christ the vine and the changes that the seasons
bring, this song speaks of all four seasons. Hymnals vary in the tune
selected. I like it best to O WALY WALY. Lyrics.
Any other songs about Springtime or the seasons that you'd like to suggest? Please add a comment below.
