Genesis 28:10-19a
Jacob,
alone in an unfamiliar land dreams of a passage to heaven, and receives
anew God’s promise to Abraham. Recognises God’s presence and worships.
Bethel.
- NCH002 / ZSS117 Glory Glory Hallelujah! (African-American) Excellent chorus; includes the verse “We are climbing Jacob’s
ladder” and “every rung goes higher higher”. Lyrics and story. Sound sample (youtube). Good for kids.
- AoV2-154 / NCH606 / UMH528 / VU497 / A&M352 / HPP471 / CP538 / CP(E) 526 / Cha577 / Srce492 / MP482 Nearer my God to you / thee (Sarah Flower Adams).
I didn’t grow up with this song, so I find the tune kind of sappy and
sentimental. Having said that, I really like the words in the NCH
and it is an excellent fit for this reading “When I am wandering as
Jacob did, and in the deepest night, the path is hid, my dreams will
bring me, too, nearer my God, to you”. Please note that not all sources
have such accessible words. Traditional lyrics.
- NCH500 / UMH418 / HPP454 / G(II)497 / GC693 We are climbing Jacob’s ladder (African American) A
traditional well-known favourite in some circles; NCH replaces
“Soldiers of the cross” with “bearers of the cross”. Note that not all
sources are as accessible. Traditional lyrics. Note there are also many recordings of this song (e.g. Pete Seeger, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Paul Robeson, Bruce Springsteen, Jane Siberry) that you may also want to use; it's interesting to see how each of these singers has altered the lyrics. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / Public Domain / TiS
569 / AHB 478 / NCH18/19 / CH167 / UMH127 / VU651 / LBW343 / ELW618 /
StF465 / A&M652 / HPP432 / GtG065 / PH281 / CP565 / CP(E) 455 /
W&R501 / Cha622 / 82Hml690 / StF465 / Lau960 / MP201 Guide me O thou great Jehovah / Redeemer (William Williams) A rousing hymn of God’s presence and strength and making it to the other side. "Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore." Lyrics and sheet music. 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) I
love the energy and passion in this song and the vision of the heavens
embracing the earth. 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.
- ATW 433 At the dawn of the ages / You were in this place (Robin Mann)
An Australian song about seeing God in this ancient land and in our
indigenous people. “Do we take after Jacob, blind to what lies at hand,
needing dreams to inform us God is here in this land?”. Tune is very
smooth and simple. Lyrics.
- Online Resource When Jacob awoke with his head on a stone (Christopher Grundy) A joyful and fairly simple song acknowledging "the gate of Heaven". Singable! Lyric video with link to lead sheet.
- Protest and Praise / Online Resource When God first promised Abram (David
Bjorlin ) 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. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / TiS
217 / AHB 148 / NCH43 / CH519 / UMH384 / VU333 / A&M721 / LBW315 / ELW631 /
A&M721 / GA463 / HPP48 / GtG366 / PH376 / GC622 / GC(II)613 / G(3)641 / CP485/6 / CP(E) 516 /
W&R358 / Cha517 / Srce457 / URW100 / 82Hml-657 / Lau801 / StF503 / MP449 Love divine all loves excelling
(Charles Wesley) A beautiful classic
song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn, even
the AHB. Lyrics and sheet music.You may also like to give Rend Collective Experiment's version a listen (hard for congregations to sing, but nice for listening). Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource The sun went down on Jacob's grief (Christopher Idle) Good accessible words about this story. Lyrics and tune.
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24
God knows us better than we know ourselves. We cannot hide.
- Online Resource / GWA206 You were known / Fearfully, wonderfully made (Nathan
Crabtree, USA, Eric Whitehill, USA) This is a joyful song of being a
good creation. The tune is easy to sing and quite intuitive. Sound sample. Free downloadable book with sheet music.
- GWA111 / HiOS038 God come now to explore my heart
(Marnie Barrell, New Zealand) An honest and moving call for God to help
us see within ourselves. Sung to a lovely hymnlike tune. Sound sample (tune only).
- Online Resource God speaks us into being / Fearfully and wonderfully (Gabi Caidenhead) New for 2024! Powerful words. This is wonderfully positive and healing, with beautiful
nonbinary Trinitarian imagery. I'm not sure how to get sheet music for
this, so you may wish to simply play the music, provide the words, and
invite the congregation to join in the two refrains: "We are fearfully
and wonderfully made, we are lovingly and intricately made, we are knit
together in each other's wombs. We are fearfully and wonderfully made"
and "Scarred and holy" when they occur. Youtube. Sheet music.
- 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. 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. Youtube recording.
- 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 In our darkness there is no darkness in your sight / La ténèbre (Jacques
Berthier) Also translated as "Our darkness is never darkness". 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. Lyrics.
New words to old tunes.
- STB008 Come Lord Jesus Christ / Esho hae Probhu (Bangladesh) (Bart Shaha) A good chant
to sing in times of darkness. It has words in English and Bengali. The
tune will need to be taught. Midi sample (very quick!) (search for Shaha).
- URW349 Search me O God
(Jane Marshall) A good and simple Psalm refrain. Great if you
can add some additional parts
- Online Resource / ATOK 394 Search me O God
(Leigh Newton) Set to Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique, this is really
beautiful, and has wonderful words. Thank you Tanya for this suggestion!
Free music and sound sample.
- 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 (pdf).
- 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.
- 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 / AoV2-079 / GA081 How Rich Are The Depths (Christopher Willcock) A good Cantor and refrain version of the Psalm. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- 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.
- TLUS092 The darkness comes to hold our grief (David Robertson, Canada) A beautiful hymn about darkness bringing warmth and clarity.
- 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. Lyrics. Good for kids.
-
Online Resource / ATE 224 Lord you've searched me / Where could I run from you?
(Paul Gioia) So here's a funny story. The first time I looked at this
song the lyrics gave me a bit of a creepy stalker vibe, but a member of
our congregation (Hi Ruth Sandy!) mentioned how much fun it is and how
much she loves it. So I'm listing it now because really, it is a lot of
fun and very catchy, and it's not really creepy, it's just based on the
Psalm; a good reminder that everyone responds differently! Lyrics and purchasing options.
-
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.
- Online Resource Search me O God (David
MacGregor) A simple devotional song. It works well with the verses, or
just use the chorus as a reflective refrain on its own. Sheet music.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19
God's strength, and kindness in righteousness
- Online Resource / 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...". I think it's just fine to be victorious over evil, frankly. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options. Good for kids. There is also a very moving choral version of these words and more from Desmond Tutu, arranged by Tom Keesecker. Available here (sound sample there too).
- Taize / A&M834 / G(3)959 / SP323 / Lau221 God is forgiveness / Bóg jest miłością (Taize Community, France) "God is forgiveness, love and do not fear". A simple Taize chant which seems to suit this reading quite well. Sheet music, lyrics in many languages, sound samples.
- StF761 Merciful Lord in your loving kindness hear our prayer / Ouve, Senhor, eu estou clamando (Simei Monteiro, Brazil) A lovely simple song that can be sung as an Intercessory response. In Portuguese and English. Sound sample.
Alternative to the Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 44:6-8
- AoV2-070 / ATW 496 / MV090 / StJ / G(3)719 Don't be afraid (John Bell, Scotland)
Excellent. I love this song of reassurance. "Don't be afraid, my love
is stronger. My love is stronger than your fear". This song can be used
as a response to intercessions. Good for kids. Sound sample. This song could be
used as a Psalm response I think.
- FFS27 God of unexplored tomorrows (Beverly Jones, New Zealand) The tune will need to be taught, but is quite lovely (CROMWELL). Imagery of "God of rock and flowing river", "strong foundation" "cleansing, quenching water".
Alternative Psalm: Psalm 86:11-17
Listen to me in my trouble; prayer
- NCH Psalter 86 O God you abound in steadfast love (Judy Hunnicutt) A nice joyful refrain for this cantored or read Psalm.
- Online Resource / TLUS090 For the trouble sand the sufferings / Pelas dores deste mundo (Rodolfo
Gaede Neto, Brazil) This is a beautiful song, whether sung in English
or Portuguese that expresses hope in the midst of sorry, and ends with a
Kyrie elesion. Sound sample. Story. Sheet music.
- CH493 / UMH352 / HPP411 / Cha579 / StF523 It's Me It's Me O Lord / Standing in the Need of Prayer (African-American) A well known spiritual; good for prayers of confession or a time of personal reflection. Lyrics & sheet music.
- Taizé / TiS
741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW751 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 /
GtG471 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / G(3)666 / W&R484 / Srce519 / URW390 / Lau929 / PfAS013A / PfAS102A / MP908 O Lord hear my prayer
(Jacques Berthier, France) A simple and very well known Taizé chant. Works well during
intercessions. You could read the Psalm between repeats of this chant,
or just use as a chant as is. Sheet music samples. Good for kids
- 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.
- Music by Heart 68 Incline your ear
(Ben Allaway) This is quite lovely. It will need to be taught (instructions
on how to do that are in the book), but is not difficult. It has 5
parts. Google books has a preview.
- Online Resource This is the moment here is the place (Hannah
Brown / Benjamin Brody) A good song of welcome which talks about the
mystery of worship; sung to a lovely new tune in 6/8. There are enough
verses for the congregation to pick it up the first time. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
- Online Resource / GtG844 Incline your ear O Lord to me
(Michael Morgan) Excellent words. There are two possible tunes. The one
in GtG (DANBY) is a Yorkshire folk tune and will likely need to be
taught. The one in the online version is an arrangement of O WALY WALY
and will be more familiar to most congregations. Sound and sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- TiS
136 / 82Hml-469/70 / A&M806 / Cha073 / CH187 / CP606 / CP(E) 598 / ELW587 / GC626 / GC(II)603 /
G(3)644 / GtG435 / HiOS135 / HPP45,46 / Lau810 / LBW290 / LUYH689 / MP683 / NCH023 / PH298 / SP316 / StF416 / UMH121 / VT156 / VU271 / W&R61 There's a Wideness in God's Mercy
(Frederick Faber, England) This is a good old hymn which talks about
how God is more loving and more generous than God's people sometimes
are. "There's a kindness in God's justice which is more than liberty".
Not all sources are inclusive, but some (like NCH, GtG, StF) are. Tunes
vary! Older style lyrics.
- Online Resource You are slow to anger full of compassion
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A really lovely refrain which can be sung
in two parts - both affirming the nature of God, and asking for God to
teach us the way. Lyrics, sound sample and purchasing options.
- 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) 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. Lyrics and sheet music. AoVK version is Good for kids.
- TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying, listen to me / Sorrowing song (Robin Mann) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics (loads a pdf).
Romans 8:12-25
Being led by the Spirit and God’s adopted children.
- GWA221 Lord you hear the cry of the widow weeping / Lord have mercy
(Geraldine Latty, England) Anthemic chorus! I think this could work well, but will need to be taught. Verse 4 has the phrase "Resurrection Day for creation groaning". Sound sample. Lyrics (in an order of service).
- Tune In / Online Resource Father of Earth, Mother of Sea (Dave Brown) A
latin-rhythmed song about the Spirit being with those who are victims,
prisoners and the sick, as well as present in our prayers. Free downloadable song book, sheet music, lyrics, sound samples.
- Tune In / Online Resource Making things new (Sheree Anderson)
A simple pop/rock song. “Take hold of the hope that I give, trust in
me, reach out for the love you can live, eternally”. Good for kids.Free downloadable song book, sheet music, lyrics, sound samples..
- GWA046 Let us come and worship our creator / Mari beribadah pada Allah / Somba Ma Jahowa (J A U Doloksaribu) This joyful Indonesian song, set to a Batak Toba (Northern Sumatra) folk song is a good opening for worship for any Sunday, but also picks up many of the themes in this reading. Sound sample. Another sound sample (slightly slower).
- Online Resource You grow like the moss draping soft sodden logs (Hannah
Brown) Gentle words about God as growing moss, moving mountain and
ebbing ocean, and a call to slow down and trust. Sung to an old shape
note tune which will not be familiar but is very simple. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- BUC Song Project / Online Resource When the carpenter's son / Drive us out (Shawn Whelan) A spirited and lively song about being driven to new places by the Spirit. Free sheet music, sound sample, and lyrics.
- CH613 / WoV687 / ELW401 / GtG287 Gracious Spirit hear our pleading
(Wilson Niwagila) Good simple song from Tanzania about the Spirit working in a
community; probably too many verses (especially in GtG which has 5!). The refrain also works well on its own, and could be used as a prayer
response; GtG has the refrain in Swahili: "Njoo Njoo Njoo Roho mwema". Lyrics.
- 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 Taize 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.
- AoV2-040 In Labor All Creation Groans (Delores
Dufner) Excellent words of creation's longing for peace and an end to
violence; includes a voice that is particularly focused on violence
against women. Lyrics and sheet music. Lovely sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- MV157 / Online Resource I am a child of God
(Bruce Harding) A simple song with powerful words. Very easy to learn. I
would just sing the first verse this week, as a round. It's important to
remember that God speaks through children. Sound sample and sheet music. Good for kids.
- TiS
417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 /
HPP237 / GtG293 / PH323 / CP657 / W&R135 / Cha244 / URW203 / StB220 / VF051 / LUYH793 Loving Spirit, Loving Spirit (Shirley Murray)
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. New words to old tunes (if that's what you choose)
- STB008 Come Lord Jesus Christ / Esho hae Probhu
(Bart Shaha) A good Bangaladeshi chant to sing in times of darkness. It has words in
English and Bengali. The tune will need to be taught.
- 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 / Daniel Niles) 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". History.
- 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.
- NCH057 / VU379 / WoV688 / LBW459 / ELW399 / SFFS 2121 / CP(E) 188 / Cha251 / URW079 / VF055 O Holy Spirit root of life (Jean Janzen) Good words from Hildegard of Bingen of "Holy Spirit","Eternal
Vigour" and "Holy Wisdom". I like the phrase "encompass us with wings
unfurled". Simple known tune (PUER NOBIS). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- TLUS057 We wait for God (William
Kervin, Canada) Excellent words which fit with the idea of creation waiting in expectation; this has the potential to be sung at many services, so now is a good time to learn it. Lyrics (scroll down).
- CP643 / VT057 Holy Spirit come with power
(Anne Neufeld Rupp, USA) Inspiring words for a congregation that might
be sad or tired, but still eager for the breath and fire of the spirit.
Can be sung to a range of well known tunes, such as BEACH SPRING or
HYFRYDOL. VT has a Spanish version of the lyrics. Sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 410 / AHB 323 / NCH059 / CH615 / LBW523 / ELW582 / CP655 / 82Hml-511 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling (Timothy Rees) I like these words best to the tune NETTLETON (TiS 392). Lyrics and sheet music samples.
- TiS 178 / G(II)335 / GC478 / GC(II)487 / G(3)565 Praise the God who changes places (Brian Wren) I like the joy of the tune written by William Rowan (BOE) for this song. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / TLUS098 / VT612 When pain or sorrow / Hold on (Adam
Tice, USA) Realistic words about the challenges we face, and a chorus
that encourages us to "Hold on", and reassures us that when we can't
hold on, the community holds us. Lyric video. Lyrics. Choral version sheet music for purchase.
- TIS 415 Praise the Spirit in creation (Michael Hewlett) Amazing words. Tune is unfamiliar, but good. Lyrics.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Seed sown which grows up together with the weeds. Separate them at the harvest time.
- Online Resource The seeds of grace are scattered far
(Hannah Brown) Good new words which asks open-ended questions about the
destiny of these seeds and how we might nourish them. A good source for
reflection. Sung to a traditional tune, but it is not familiar to me. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes
- Online Resource / TLUS134 Little by little (Bret Hesla, USA) This
is a fun song, inspired by the writings of Dorothy Day. It would suit
outdoor services, or times when you can't provide lyrics, too. You could
even make up some verses. Sound sample, lyrics, purchasing options. Good for kids.
- WoV713 / ELW512 Lord let my heart be good soil
(Handt Hanson) A simple and quite lovely short song with hope of being a
fertile place for love and peace to grow. Lyrics. Soloist recording.
- Online Resource / ACS952 / CH343 / GC(II)641 / G(3)738 The Reign of God (Delores Dufner)
Excellent words, sung to a very familiar traditional American tune (LAND OF REST) or to a newer tune which is also familiar (MCKEE).
Highly recommended. This song will also fit next week's readings, so if
it's new, now would be a good time to introduce it. I'd play it a little
quicker than this sample. Lyrics, sheet music sample (MCKEE), purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- NCH608 Christ will come again (Brian Wren)
One of few hymns that talks about sifting the weeds from the wheat. The
tune is new, and fits the unusual metre of these words. It should be
picked up quite quickly by a singing congregation, but would benefit
from a quick lesson before the start of the service. “Christ will come
again, God’s justice to complete, to reap the fields of time and sift
the weeds from wheat. Then let us passionately care for peace and
justice here on earth, and evil’s rage restrain with love, till Christ
shall come again”. Lyrics and sample sheet music.
- WoV658 / ELW506 / URW078 The word of God is source and seed (Delores Dufner) "The
Word of God is source and seed; It comes to die and sprout and grow. So
make your dark earth welcome warm; Root deep the grain God bent to
sow." Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
- AoVK-156 A sower, a sower, a sower went sowing This is fun. More of a storytelling song than one for joining in.
- Online Resource / Full of the Spirit As I walked along carrying my seeds / Seed of Love
(Heather Price) This is a little bit country! A good story-telling
song, with a very catchy chorus about allowing ourselves to be good soil
too. Sound sample and music for purchase. Good for kids.
- MV174 Soil of God (Holy Ground)
(Jim Hannah) The tune is quite simple and the words are good
“Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by
God’s tender care”. It's probably more appropriate for last week, but would also fit this week. Lyrics (scroll down).
- Online Resource Among a field of new sown wheat
(David Bjorlin) Thoughtful words about the balance between striving for purity and working for justice. Sung to an old hymn tune, which is great, but unlikely to be familiar. I think this would work well sung by the musicians as a prayer of confession and inviting the congregation to join in on the last verse. Lyrics, sheet music sample, sound sample, and purchasing options.
- ELW736 / SFFS 2060 / GtG005 God the sculptor of the mountains
(John Thornburg) A song full of excellent imagery, including "God, the
sower of the seed" and "God the reaper of the harvest". Tune will need
to be
taught, but won’t take long to learn. Good for congregations in times of
transition. Lyrics, sound sample, and sheet music.
- 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. Lyrics and sound sample. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / GWA203 / TLUS153 May this church be like a tree / Que esta iglesia sea un árbol (Pablo Sosa, Argentina) This
has lovely words about a the church having the qualities of a backyard
tree, a city tree, and Christ as the tree of life. It will need to be
taught. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options (complex arrangement). Sheet music (Spanish language only, melody and chords).
- Online Resource / GtG171 A sower came from ancient hills (Herman Stuempfle) Excellent words to a lovely tune. Sheet music.
- TiS 531 / NCH76 / UMH664 / VU481 / R171 / ELW330 / HPP578 / W&R712 Sent forth by God's blessing (Omar Westendorf)
Lovely joyful folk tune (THE ASH GROVE), and the analogy of the vine
and fruit is paramount in the first verse. NCH has a descant part
written in, so look at that if you have some good high singers.“The seed of
God’s teaching, our hungry souls reaching, shall blossom in action for
all humankind”… Lyrics.New words to old tunes.
- ATAR593 Come to me all you who are weary
(Lang) A soothly and slightly schmaltzy chorus. Easy to sing and fun
accompaniment to play.
What will you be singing? I'd love to hear your idea - please add them in a comment below.
Genesis 25:19-34
The story of Jacob and Esau; a tale of greed and envy
- TiS 683 / WoV735 / ELW603 / W&R416 / StF649 God when human bonds are broken (Fred Kaan, USA)
These words pick up an unusual theme, and fit really well with this
reading. There are a couple of possible tunes, none of which are
immediately familiar, but they are not difficult either. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / Tune In Cover us with love (Elaine Loukes, Australia)
This song may not be easy for congregations to sing, but it is great to
listen to. “Be our vision Lord, in a world that’s filled with greed”. We have not sung this in a while...
Lyrics, sound sample, and free downloadable songbook.
- NCH443 / HPP43 / UMH115 / Cha069 How like a gentle spirit deep within (Eric Lincoln, USA) Sung
to the well known tune SURSUM CORDA. Note verses like the final one
“Through all our fretful claims of sex and race the universal love of
God shines through, for God is love transcending style and place and all
the idle options we pursue”. Hmmm… imagine if Jacob and Esau had
learned this when they were growing up! A version of the lyrics by the
band "Something like Silas" here. If you try the verses without the "so let my heart rejoice" bit, that's a bit like the NCH version.New words to old tunes
- Online Resource / FFS20 / VT149 Forgive forgive us Holy God
(Shirley Murray, New Zealand) These powerful words of confession focus on our desensitisation to
violence and our greed, so it is a good fit for this week's reading. The
final verse has a focus on communion, but still makes sense if you are
not celebrating the eucharist this week. Both tunes (in FFS and VT) are
very good. With both, I would insert a pause on the last note of the
second and fourth lines of the text. Lyrics and sheet music (Colin Gibson tune from FFS).
- FFS19 For the hurt I create (John Murray, New Zealand)
Beautiful tunes (there are two) and words. Tune (ii) is most simple, so
use that if you will sing it as a congregation, but tune (i) is also
worth using if you have some good musicians who can sing it for your
congregation. If using tune (ii) you may like to suggest to your
congregation that they simply join in on the "forgive me, Lord, forgive"
line, but make sure you teach it to them first, because the third one
is different to the other three. "For the hurt that I create.... for the
evil I condone... for works of peace I do not do... for hope and help
that I refuse... forgive me Lord, forgive"
- Online Resource / Tune In / NCYC '07 Forgive us now (Dave Brown, Australia)
This is one of the best songs seeking forgiveness that I know. Lyrics, sound sample, and free downloadable songbook. "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”.
Psalm 119:105-112
God’s word guides us. It's good to know and love it.
- NCH703 (Elaine Kirkland, USA) A very good arrangement of Psalm 119. The refrain is “Teach me, O God, the way of your statutes” and
can be sung in 4 parts. Note that there are three sections. The section
for this week’s reading is on p703.
- TLUS086 Salwalqulubi / You can console hearts heavy with sadness (Maronite Chant, Lebanon) A simple chant, which could be used as a refrain with this Psalm. Highly recommended this year, given the current aggression against Lebanon.
- Taizé / Online Resource Sanasi on lamppu (Taizé Community, France) This is a lovely two-part chant in Finnish using the first verse of this reading. It can be sung in many languages, but is best in Finnish. It's not meant to be sung in English, but it could be if you REALLY want to. Sound and sheet music samples.
- STB046 Your Word Will Be A Lamp (Unknown, Malaysia) This song is in English and set to a Tamil melody, so will need to be taught. It's a little tricky.
- Taize / TiS 747 / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) / GtG842 / PfAS027A / URW393 The Lord is my light, my light and salvation (Communauté de Taizé, France) 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.
- Public
Domain / Online Resource / TiS
129 / AHB 56 / AoV1-029 / A&M587 / ATA 131 / CH555 / CP352 / CP(E)
375 / ELW779 / LBW448 / NCH547 / UMH378 / VU266 / GA437 / G(II)434 /
GC612 / GC(II)586 / G(3)645 / GtG649 / HPP334 / PH280 / W&R422 /
Cha546 / ZSS202 / Srce25 / Lau846 / StF440 / MP031 / VT163 Amazing grace how sweet the sound (John Newton, England) I once was lost... I think you all know this one. Nice Youtube of some Sacred Harp singing, and a story. I also love listening to Gurrumul singing this in Yolŋu. Public domain sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS 430 / AHB 337 / Cha324 / StF164 Your words to me are life and health
(G Currie Martin, England) I really like this old hymn. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it
still works, I think. Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- WoV658 / ELW506 / URW078 The word of God is source and seed (Delores Dufner, USA) "The
Word of God is source and seed; It comes to die and sprout and grow. So
make your dark earth welcome warm; Root deep the grain God bent to
sow." Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
- AHB 341 A lamp for our feet has been given (Granton Douglas Hay, Australia)
Solid words and a great old Welsh tune. I wouldn’t be desperate to sing
this one, but if all you have is the AHB, it’s worth it.
- Linnea Good / MV008 And on this path (Linnea Good, Canada) An energetic gospel style song. Here's a youtube video.
We sing it much slower than this and as a gospel style song with big
chords and a groovy bass part. I thought I'd never say that we sing
something slower than anyone!
- ATE246 / UMH601 / HPP256 / GtG458 / W&R664 / Cha326 / Cha759 / VU840 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet / Your word is a lamp unto my feet (Michael W Smith, USA) Cha326 has this arranged as a simple chorus, and Cha759 and VU840 both use a line from the chorus as a sung
response, and responsively read passage. Neither version has the
verses, but really, the chorus is probably all you need. Video & longish introduction from Amy Grant, lacking her 80s hair.
- MV108 I know your word / Tua Palavra é lâmpada (Simei Monteiro, Brazil) A simple Brazilian rhythm and a catchy tune. Great for kids,
and a good song for adults too. “I know your word, your word is a lamp
to my feet O God. I know your word is a lamp, O God, to light my path
forever”. Recording (in Portuguese). Good for kids.
- TiS
398 / AHB 310 / AoV1-118 / NCH289 / CH489 / UMH475 / VU367 / GA375 /
A&M238 / LBW508 / ELW804 / GtG282 / PH313 / GC465 / GC(II)471 / G(3)556 / RS617 / CP645 / CP(E)
175 / W&R330 / Cha582 / Srce100 / Lau303 / StF372 / MP089 Come down O Love divine (Bianco di Siena, Italy / translated Richard Frederick Littledale, England) Old fashioned, but still inclusive and very well known. Hymnals vary a lot in the lyrics with respect to thees and thys and words like "vesture". Words and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS 428 / AHB 340 / A&M658 / CP(E) 460 / 82Hml-628 / StF501
Help us O Lord to learn
(William Watkins Reid, USA) Great challenging words about being committed to learning the faith.
Boring tune though. I would sing it to ST THOMAS (TiS 271 / AHB 198) Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / SP&P037 Open our hearts
(Joe Rowley, USA) A simple song, with suggested parts for rhythm instruments
(djembe, clave, shaker); would be a good processional, or could be used
for the entry of scriptures. Sheet music for purchase here. Good for kids.
- Iona (CAYP) / ATFG585 / PfAS119K Send out your light Lord, send your truth (Iona Community, Scotland) Very simple and quite lovely Psalm refrain or chant. Congregational recording.
- Iona (We walk his way) We walk his way / Ewe Thina (Unknown, South Africa) A joyful, simple song. Sound sample (YouTube). Good for kids.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-13
The cycle of nature, and of our words; hand-clapping trees
- 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. Lyrics. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians Celebrate a new day dawning
(Jann Aldredge-Clanton) Great new hymn words, sung to ODE TO JOY.
"Clapping trees and laughing rivers join our call to liberty". Lyrics New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / SP&P052 For you shall go out and be led forth with peace
(Katherine Gellar) A good alternative to the happy clappy version. It contains
much more of the reading as well. Sheet music for purchase here.
- TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / GtG077 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written
(Joy Patterson) Excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future; I
prefer to sing this to the tune JUDAS AND MARY (this is not the set tune
in TiS). Lyrics (note: a different tune).
- 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!
- Tune In / Online Resource The desert will spring to life / Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A catchy pop song. Great for kids, and excellent imagery. Lyrics, sound sample, and free downloadable songbook. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / VU870 / CP419 / W&R25 / URW069 Let all creation bless the Lord (Carl P Daw) A very majestic hymn (the to tune MIT FREUDEN ZART). A good opening hymn. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- MV168 May peace be with you / Salamun Kullaheen (Traditional Lebanese) Simple chant in English and Arabic. I reckon this would be a good one for our congregation to learn. It could be used while passing the peace, or as a benediction. Pronunciation, translation, and recording of this song being used in a service.
- 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.
- Online Resource / NCH401 / GtG308 / W&R388 O god in whom all life begins (Carl P Daw) Excellent words of living as a community of faith. Sung to a simple English melody. Lyrics & sheet music.
Alternative Psalm for the Isaiah reading: Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
Deliverance, hope, God’s power over nature, rain and harvest
- Online Resource / MV144 / SP&P073 Like a healing stream
(Bruce Harding) Gentle folksy ballad with a lot of water imagery - healing
stream, gentle rain, river strong and mighty sea. Would need to be
introduced, but would catch on pretty quickly, I think. Free sheet music.
- GWA008 Listen! There is a call to worship in the hidden sinews of our being
(Carla Grosch-Miller) No music! This is a very beautiful poem which could be read and provided to your congregation. Poem.
-
PfAS065C Your paths overflow with plenty
(Ray Makeever) Ridiculously simple one line Psalm refrain, and the
words are so nice!
- NCH766 / CH767 / Songs for Liturgy 88 / CP324 / GtG590 / PfAS148G Hallelujah hallelujah
(Dumisami Maraire, Zimbabwe) A simple and joyful Alleluia in 3/4 in 3 parts. This one is
particularly good if you can get all three parts going. It's pretty
straight forward, and catchy. PfAS uses it as a Psalm refrain for Psalm
148, so you could do that, or sing any alleluia you like as a refrain for this Psalm. Good for kids. Recording.
- TiS 119 / AHB
40 / 82Hml-398 / Cha064 / GtG032 / HPP39 / Lau684 / NCH012 / PH288 / StF107 / MP293 / UMH152 / VT182 / VU231 / W&R31 I sing the almighty power of God
/ We sing the mighty power of God (Isaac Watts, England) I really like this old hymn, especially sung to ELLACOMBE, but it can also be sung to FOREST GREEN. VU,
NCH and Chalice have inclusive language, but other hymnals (like TiS and
AHB, are not). Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- STB166 Picture the rugged landscape
(Ok In Lim, Korea) This is beautiful and provides a Korean
understanding of this passage; may need some explanation of the
different perspective. Lyrics in English and Korean. Best sung by a
soloist. Sheet music sample.
- 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.
- MV163 River running in you and me
(Ian Macdonald / Gordon Light) Terrific words with lots of river imagery, a song
of the spirit, and of challenge when times are hard. If this is not
familiar, just get a soloist to sing it while the congregation joins in
the last line "River run deep, river run free". The verses are not
metrical, so it will take more time to sing them with confidence. Lead sheet and chords.
- GWA043 / Recorded Music Come One Come All
(Malcolm Gordon) A delightful song of welcome "Come one, come all to
life that's whole; Come one, come all to love that's full". So glad this
is now published in a hymnal, making it accessible. The chorus is
lovely! Sound sample and purchase options.
- TiS 690 / CH259 / A&M557 / StS115 / SP237 / Srce54 / StF693 / MP806 Beauty for brokenness hope for despair (Graham Kendrick)
Themes of healing from personal and universal suffering and an emotive
chorus. “Refuge from cruel wars, havens from fear, cities for sanctuary,
freedoms to share, peace to the killing-fields, scorched earth to
green; Christ for the bitterness, his cross for the pain”. It's a bit schmaltzy. Video.
- 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.
- Emergent Psalter The fields are clothed with grain (Isaac Everett) A good quality sung refrain. The author also suggests using this Psalm as a grace. Nice idea. Sheet music sample (Click on "Downloads" tab).
- 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 (Steffi Karen Rubin / Stuart Dauerman) This is a good hand clappy foot stomping song. Fun. Lyric video. Good for kids.
- ORAiY Dumiyah
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A simple chant-like refrain to encourage quiet
reflection. Sound sample.
- TiS 100 / AHB 3 / 82Hml-400 / A&M532 / CH147 / Cha022 / CP(E)250 / ELW835 / GA395 / HPP261 / GtG020 / PH455 / GtG015 / GC534 / GC(II)523 / G(3)611 / Lau694 / LBW527 / LUYH551 / NCH017 / MP007 / StF099 / UMH62 / VT081 / VU217 / W&R23 All creatures of our God and King / All creatures worship God most high (Francis
of Assisi, Italy, translated William Henry Draper, England) A good
classic sing! Hymnals vary a LOT in translations and verses included.
Many hymnals have improved the refrain by "Sing
your praises" or "Sing praises" or just "Alleluia Alleluia"to eliminate
Draper's "Oh praise him" refrain which makes God repeatedly exclusively
male. Some hymnals have adapted the words to improve them, including NCH
(see below), ELW and VT - so seek them out! Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- NCH017 To you O God all creatures sing (Francis
of Assisi, Italy, adapted Miriam Therese Winter, USA) This is a lovely new
adaptation of Draper's earlier translation (All creatures of our God and King), sung to the same tune. Lyrics and a beautiful choral version. New words to old tunes
- CH227 / PfAS065A The earth is yours O God
(Michael Saward) A simple hymn paraphrase of this Psalm. To the tune ROSSLEIGH. Lyrics.
New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource The River of God
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A call and response song. Lyrics, sound sample.
Romans 8:1-11
Christ set us free; live by the Spirit.
- Tune In / Online Resource Spirit of the Father, Spirit of our Mother / Alive in me (Sheree
Anderson, Australia / Canada) Catchy boppy pop song about God's spirit within us and within
the world. Music sample, sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids. Music sample, sound sample and free downloadable songbook.
- Online Resource The gospel of my body (Amanda
Udis-Kessler, USA) This song affirms the holiness of our bodies, and how our
nature as embodied beings drives our call to social justice. Sound sample. Sheet music.
- Online Resource / TiS 410 / AHB 323 / LBW523 / ELW582 / NCH59 / CP655 / 82Hml-511 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling (Timothy Rees, Wales) I like these words, but prefer to sing it to NETTLETON (TiS 392). Lyrics and sheet music sample. New words to old tunes.
-
NCH057 / VU379 / WoV688 / LBW459 / ELW399 / SFFS 2121 / CP(E) 188 / Cha251 / URW079 / VF055 O Holy Spirit root of life (Jean Janzen, Canada / USA) Good words from Hildegard of Bingen of "Holy Spirit","Eternal
Vigour" and "Holy Wisdom". I like the phrase "encompass us with wings
unfurled". Simple known tune (PUER NOBIS). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Per Harling, Sweden)
Fun and good. Can be sung with the congregation in two halves singing
each part, which is not too hard once they have the hang of singing it
in unison. Good for kids. Lyrics.
- SFFS 2228 / Online Resource Sacred the Body (Ruth Duck, USA) Excellent words - and it's not easy to find good songs for this
passage. The
tune is new, but very simple and beautiful. It will be picked up very
quickly by most congregations. "Sacred the body God has created, temple
of Spirit that dwells deep inside. Cherish each person; nurture
relation. Treat flesh as holy, that love may abide." Lyrics and sheet music.
- NCH060 O Spirit of God O life-giving breath (Johann Niedling, Germany, translated Madeleine Marshall, USA) Good words of the many facets of the Spirit. The first verse
is particularly appropriate for times when there seems to be more
suffering in the world than usual. The tune (O HELIGER GEIST - TiS 401)
is quite simple and familiar. This is a new translation of the hymn "O
Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God". New words to old tunes
- SP&P107 / VT167 Great is your faithfulness O God / Your grace is enough (Matt
Maher, Canada) This anthemic power ballad is really good. The chorus,
which mostly just repeats "your grace is enough", is kind of high for
most people, but can easily be sung down the octave, or with the nice
harmony that VT includes. Note that both SP&P and VT have some lyric
changes compared to the recording. Sound recording. Lyrics (recorded version) and chords.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The sower and the seed in the soil.
Many of these songs will be suggested again next week, so this is a good time to teach a new song.
- Online Resource Seeds that good farmers sow
(Adam Tice, USA / Wendell Glick, USA) This is wonderful! It will need to be taught, so would be good for a camp, or a setting where you can come back to it a few times and sing it as a round. There are so many ways to use this. Sound sample. Sheet music sample. Purchasing information.
- Online Resource The seeds of grace are scattered far
(Hannah Brown, USA) Good new words which asks open-ended questions
about the destiny of these seeds and how we might nourish them. A good
source for reflection. Sung to a traditional tune, but it is not
familiar to me. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / TLUS134 Little by little (Bret Hesla, USA) This
is a fun song, inspired by the writings of Dorothy Day. It would suit
outdoor services, or times when you can't provide lyrics, too. You could
even make up some verses. Sound sample, lyrics, purchasing options. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / GWA034 Sun soil and seeds
(Chris Shelton) Beautiful words and a soothing tune that will be quite straightforward to sing. Lyrics and purchasing options.
- Online Resource / Full of the Spirit As I walked along carrying my seeds / Seed of Love
(Heather Price, Australia) This is a little bit country! A good
story-telling song, with a very catchy chorus about allowing ourselves
to be good soil too. Sound sample and music for purchase. Good for kids.
- Online Resource God is like a foolish farmer
(David Bjorlin, USA) 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.
- 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. Lyrics, sound sample, and free downloadable songbook.
- Seeds of Faith The seed song
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) Supremely silly and fun. A good song to sing for
the kid’s talk, and get them involved in the actions. Lyrics and sound
sample here. Good for (smaller) kids.
- WoV658 / ELW506 / URW078 The word of God is source and seed (Delores Dufner) "The
Word of God is source and seed; It comes to die and sprout and grow. So
make your dark earth welcome warm; Root deep the grain God bent to
sow." Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
- AoVK-156 A sower, a sower, a sower went sowing This is fun. More of a storytelling song than one for joining in.
- Online Resource / VU584 Through the heart of every city (Sylvia Dunstan) Challenging words about caring for all God's people, particularly in the city. Tune is quite straightforward. Sheet music sample, purchasing option.
- ELW736 / SFFS 2060 / GtG005 God the sculptor of the mountains
(John Thornburg) A song full of excellent imagery, including "God, the
sower of the seed" and "God the reaper of the harvest". Tune will need
to be
taught, but won’t take long to learn. Good for congregations in times of
transition. Lyrics, sound sample, and sheet music.
- Online Resource As I walked along / Seed of love
(Heather Price) A friendly and hopeful song - it's a little bit country. Good for kids. Video with lyrics. Music book and other downloads.
- MV174 Soil of God (Holy Ground) (Jim Hannah)
The tune is quite simple and the words are good
“Soil of God, you and I, stand ready to bear seeds of faith nourished by
God’s tender care”.
- Online Resource Leaven us with holy yeast (Hannah Brown / Ben Brody) Great new words with plentiful bread images, and a beautiful tune. The chorus works well on its own, or you can use it with verses (the tune is the same for both). Sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- Online Resource God's promise of peace like a seed in the soil (Adam Tice) Excellent words of growing what is good, caring for creation, and bringing peace to the world. Sung to the familiar tune ST DENIO. Sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- 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. Good for kids. Lyrics.
- 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.
- Online Resource / GtG171 A sower came from ancient hills (Herman Stuempfle) Excellent words to a lovely tune. Sheet music.
- Online Resource / AoV2-004 / NCH181 / GA478 / CP502 / G(II)468 / GC658 / GC(II)640 / G(3)734 / Lau854 You are a salt for the earth O People / Bring forth the kingdom (Marty Haugen) Joyful song. "Bring forth the reign of justice, bring forth the reign of peace...". Sheet music. Sound sample. Purchasing options.
- WoV713 / ELW512 Lord let my heart be good soil
(Handt Hanson) A simple and quite lovely short song with hope of being a
fertile place for love and peace to grow. Lyrics. Soloist recording.
What will you be singing? Please share your ideas below!
