Feast of Creation in Christ is new to the Revised Common Lectionary, and can be celebrated on the last Sunday in August, September 1st, or the first Sunday in September. Read about it here.
This is a work in progress, and more songs will be added as I think more about this new feast day.
Genesis 1:1-2:3 or Genesis 2:4-25
The first creation story; Christ present from the start of Creation. While there are many songs that fit this reading from multiple perspectives, here I have chosen songs that reflect Christ's presence during creation. These have not been easy to find - suggestions welcome!
- Online Resource / GWA160 Praise for the depth of space
(Ally Barrett, England) There are not many hymns that talk about the
cosmos, and the desire for knowing and understanding it. This is a
wonderful hymn, and can be sung to many known hymn tunes, like LOVE
DIVINE or DARWALL's 148th. I think I like the majesty of the latter
better. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource Jesus faithful ancient tree
(Hannah Brown / Benjamin Brody) Excellent words with many images of
Jesus as a tree, root, branch and trunk. The tune is simple and readily
singable. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- Iona (Love From Below) / CH317 / CP621 / Lau738 Before the world began (John Bell) It annoys me a bit that this uses exclusively masculine
language for Christ when it speaks of the presence of Christ in
creation, but if this won't bother your congregation, or you find other
images to balance it out in the service, it is a very beautiful song. Lyrics.
- TiS 392 At the dawning of salvation
(Jock Curle) 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
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). Lyrics. You all know this one, right? Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody
- A&M220 / SP81 Word that formed creation (Marty Haugen) Really lovely words of creation to the familiar tune NOEL NOUVELET. Lyrics and sheet music sample (choral version). New words to old tunes.
Psalm 148:1-14
All creation sings God's praise
- VT121 When at Creation's dawn there was no sound
(Jean Janzen, USA / James Clemens, USA). This is quite lovely, even
sung simply in unison - you could invite part of the congregation to hum
a drone during the first verse if you feel like it; if new to your
congregation, you can invite them to join in on the later verses. Choral recording.
- GP(3)87 / TLUS044 All praise to the God of creation / Sari srishti ke malik tumhi ho (Kiran
Kumar Pradhan, Nepal) This is a really good hymn about God's love and
care of all creation, including each of us. It has a joyful chorus of
Alleluias. There are millions of sound samples, in a range of styles on
Youtube. This is a nice simple one. I also like this one.
- GWA023 Silver skeins of angel hair / Raise an Alleluia
(Margaret McClarty, Scotland) Beautiful words to be sung by a leader
with the congregation joining on Alleluias and the chorus. Some
Scottish words too! I am quite in love with the lightness and joy of it.
Sound sample and lyrics (track 2).
- NCH766 / CH767 / CP324 / PfAS148G Hallelujah hallelujah
(Dumisani 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, or you can just continue the joy of the Easter season and sing
some Alleluias somewhere else in the service. Or, you could choose an
Alleluia that your congregation knows as a refrain for this Psalm. So
many options... Good for kids Sound sample.
- PH274 O God of Earth and Space
(Jane Parker Huber, USA) Terrific words to a well known Jewish hymn
tune. "Wherever freedom reigns, where sin is overthrown, Where justice
fused with mercy rules, there you are known. Give us the courage clear,
to make the earth a home, For all to live in harmony, in Christ’s
shalom." Highly recommended. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- ATW 422 / NCYC'99 And you sun and moon and stars (Canticle of Daniel) (Don Stewart, Australia) This is a big favourite in our congregation. It has wonderful energy and excellent lyrics. Lyric video.
- CH169 / VU245 / SFFS 2020 / HPP26 / CP309 Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet (Natalie Sleeth, USA) Fun. Good if you have extra instruments at your worship service. Careful not to let it get clunky. Lyric video. Good for kids.
- GtG017 Sing praise to God you heavens (Hermann Stuempfle, USA) A fairly standard paraphrase of the Psalm. I just love the
singing planets, and the mountains thrusting skywards. Ah, it's a
good'un. Oh, and the sheep. I like those singing sheep. Sheet music sample and lyrics.
- NCH033 / UMH151 / VU251 / ELW738 / PH290 God created heaven and earth
(Taiwanese hymn translated by Boris and Clare Anderson) Excellent words of creation, sung to a Pi-po (Taiwanese)
melody. It will need to be taught, but it is not too hard. Inspiring story of this hymn. Lyrics.
- CH174 / GtG019 God of great and God of small
(Natalie Sleeth, USA) Nice simple, children's song. Might work well with a cantor
and response on the chorus. Kids could then sing it without having to
read lots of words. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- TiS 715 / Srce2-112 Everything that has breath
(Traditional Czech) A lovely simple round, set to the tune of "Ah poor
bird". "Everything that has breath, praise the Lord of Hosts forever,
praise the Lord". Would be a really nice relaxing start to
worship. Good for kids. New words to old tunes.
- AoV2-120 / AoVK-9 God Is Good let the sun and moon and stars say "God is Good"
(Kathy Chan, Australia) Fun. Not easy, but probably worth the effort if you feel like
learning something new, or giving your musicians a challenge. Lyrics and sound sample. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren, USA) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics and sheet music.
- 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.
- TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / G(3)577 / CP589 Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies
(Marty Haugen, USA) A very joyful song for cantor and congregation, or small group
and congregation; this is a big favourite in our church. Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample.
- Online Resource Creation opens up her heart / Creation's Hallelujah (Richard
Bruxvoort Colligan, USA) Not so much a congregational song, but one
where the congregation can respond with the chorus. Sound sample and reflection (Youtube). Lyrics and music for download. Thanks to Bob Paterson-Watt for this suggestion.
- 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, USA) Joyful cantor and response with a rousing chorus. Also good for kids. Lead sheet and lyrics. Lyric video. Sheet music available.
- TiS
72 / AHB 42 / NCH27 / CH146 / UMH101 / LBW550 / A&M637 / HPP36 /
GtG327 / PH229 / CP344 / CP(E) 431 / Cha49 / PfAS117C / 82Hml-380 / StF075 From all that dwell below the skies
(Isaac Watts, England) A very old hymn, known by many, which is entirely inclusive in
its language for God, save for one Lord which you can replace with God
if you like 'cos it's Public Domain! Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics and tune samples.
- VU888 / LBW558 / ELW731 / PH458 / RS681 / CP358 / W&R642 / 82Hml-412 Earth and All Stars
(Herbert Brokering, USA) 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.
- ACS 1091 / GtG018 / PfAS148E Hallelujah sing praise to your creator
(Tilly Lubis-Nainggolan, Indonesia) Joyful words set to a traditional Indonesian melody
(NYANYIKANLAH NYANYIAN BARU). GtG is more inclusive than PfAS. Sound sample.
- Online Resource / TiS
152 / 82Hml-376 / Cha002 / CP425 / ELW836 / GC529 /
GC(II)520 / G(3)614 / GtG611 / HPP22 / LBW551 / NCH4 / PH464 / UMH89 / URW065 / VU232 / VT103 / W&R59 Joyful joyful we adore thee
(Henry van Dyke, USA) Note that this hymn uses exclusively Father and
Brother language for God and Christ in verse 3, and "man to man" for
humanity, so older versions are not very inclusive. I
prefer more modern settings (e.g. TiS, VU, NCH, GC(II) or VT which
has thees and thys but is inclusive). Public domain (older style) lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource Creation sing out!
(David MacGregor, Australia) A new song about all of creation joining in praise of God. Lyric video. Lead sheet.
- 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, USA) This is a good hand clappy foot stomping song. Fun to get faster. Lyrics and sound sample. Dance moves! Good for kids.
- Online Resource / ATE 216 / CH126 / CP417 / ELW555 / G(II)365 / GC527 / Iona (SBL) / PH472 / RS 671 / W&R15 / StF042 / StJ / VT113 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad
al Señor (Unknown, Brazil) A good, fun and simple song that is also
easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish; note that not all versions
are inclusive. Public domain sheet music. Sound sample. Note how it is a call and response song in that sound sample! Good for kids!
Acts 17:22a, 24-28
Paul preaches in Athens; universal longing for God; call to repentace; universality of the gospel.
- Online Resource / Worldmaking.net God of My Breathing (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan). Excellent words to a well-known hymn tune (BUNESSAN). Sample and lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / TLUS045 / VT068 There's no-one like Jesus / Takwaba uwabanga Yesu / Hakuna wakaita sa Jesus / Hakuna Mungu kama wewe / Akekho ofana no Jesu (Unknown origin, East Africa) This joyful song has many versions, and
includes lots of walking around and searching - a great way to get
people out of their seats. Lyrics, notes and videos.Pronunciation and dance instructions!
- AoV2-003
/ ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / GA404 / A&M042 / ELW715 / GtG314 /
GC(II)512 / G(3)590 / SP13 / URW114 / Lau883 / StF706 Longing for light we wait in darkness / Christ, be our light
(Bernadette Farrell) One of my favourites, especially if someone can sing or
play the descant line in the later verses. Sound sample and lyrics.
Good for kids.
- UMH088 / VU321 / CP329 Maker in whom we live
(Charles Wesley) Good inclusive lyrics to DIADEMATA. The first verse
picks up a lot on Acts 17:28.
Lyrics, sheet music and sound samples.
Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / Tune In Longing for you (Elaine Loukes). A simple chant of longing for God. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook<./li>
- Online Resource / TiS 182 / AoV2-010 / CH134 / CP395 / GtG760 / HPP13 / NCH011 / SFFS 2047 / VF106 / VT134 / VU268 Bring many names beautiful and good (Brian
Wren, USA)
This is a beautiful song with a wide variety of images for God that
provoke reflection. Because it has so many images, it's also very long
(especially if sung too
slowly). Try singing one verse unison, then one women, one men (or
different sides of the church, or different ages), then
all together again, to give people a chance to list and reflect on what
they are singing. Lyrics and sheet music.
- Here in this place As we live and have our being (Helen Wiltshire)
Lovely words to one of my favourite scripture verses, focused on God in
all our life and action. Suggested tune is FELICITY. Lyrics (dowloads a PDF).
- SP&P89 / Worldmaking.net Ground and Source of all that is (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) This song is very beautiful and easy to sing. Lyrics and sound sample.
- StF033 O Lord we are always in your presence
(Philip Jakob) A lovely chant, best if you can sing it in parts.
Slightly mushy tune. "O Lord we are always in your presence, in you we
live and move and have our being. You hold us in the palm of your hand.
And you lead us to your glory". Sound sample.
- Online Resource / TiS
387 / CH416 / UMH318 / VU158 / LBW363 / ELW389 /
A&M199 / GtG246 / PH108 / CP(E) 140 / W&R312 / 82Hml-182 / Lau272 / StF297 Christ is alive Let Christians sing
(Brian Wren) Excellent words of Christ's saving, and still relevant grace. A
couple of tunes are offered in different hymn books. I prefer TRURO. Lyrics and sheet music New words to old tunes.
- NCH70 / UMH660 / VU389 / WoV719 / ELW526 / A&M445 / HPP486 /
GtG409 / PH461 / GC741 / GC(II)737 / G(3)843 / CP(E) 301 / W&R1 / Cha280 / STB049 / StF025 God is here as we your people
(Fred Pratt Green) Great lyrics, but not inclusive in all sources and set
to a range of tunes. I like it sung to the familiar tune ABBOT'S LEIGH. Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music sample. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 180 / UMH105 / W&R58 / Cha013 God of many names
(Brian Wren) If this is new it will need to be taught to your congregation as
the tune is not intuitive, but it is worth knowing. The chorus is
particularly appealing to kids. Lyrics.
- Iona (One is the Body) / ATAR601 / MV103 Ka mana'o 'i 'o
(Joe Kanoelehua Camacho) Hawai'ian song. Fun to sing and good words. The chorus is not
too hard to sing in Hawai'ian if you teach it. Nice with guitar and/or
ukelele. Note for BUC: We have two ukelele players in the congregation. Sound sample.
- NCH398 / MV044 / W&R599 / URW072 Shadow and Substance (Daniel Damon) Good clear words of being Christ's community in all our diversity. A simple tune. Sample sheet music.
- Online Resource In this one holy one (Richard
Bruxvoort-Colligan) A simple chorus, designed for community singing,
with verses that pick up the theme of oneness with the universe and
earth. Sound sample, lyrics, and purchasing options.
John 1:1-5
The Word present at creation, and made flesh.
- Online Resource / TLUS003 A whisper from the universe
(Carl P Daw, USA) Lovely words about creation and about God coming to
earth in human form. Sung to the well known hymn tune REPTON. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- VT059 Ehane he'ama / Father God you are holy
(Harvey Whiteshield, Cheyenne, Canada / USA) "You're the first one made"... This is a call and
response song which can be sung in a mixture of English and Cheyenne. Sound sample.
- Online Resource / G(3)603 / GWA148 I will sing a song of love
(John Bell, Scotland) This upbeat song is catchy and so full of joy at
singing with all of creation and all people through all of life. Sound samples. Purchasing option (you have to buy 6 copies).
- Online Resource / ACS1093 / GWA145 In a deep unbounded darkness
(Mary Louise Bringle, USA / Lim Swee Hong, Canada) A mystical song
based on a beautiful Chinese poem; very appropriate for John's gospel.
This will need to be sung slowly so that the congregation can appreciate
the words. GIA and ACS have is sung as a plainchant, which is
beautiful, while GWA has it set more as a hymn tune. Either way it is to
an old plainchant DIVINUM MYSTERIUM. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. Choral sound sample.
- Iona (Love From Below) / CH317 / CP621 / Lau738 Before the world began (John Bell) It annoys me a bit that this uses exclusively masculine
language for Christ when it speaks of the presence of Christ in
creation, but if this won't bother your congregation, or you find other
images to balance it out in the service, it is a very beautiful song. Lyrics.
- NCH164 / VU79 / StS030 / WoV652 / LBW652 / ELW314 / PH411 / GtG744 / W&R231 / URW138 Arise your light is come! (Ruth Duck) Good general words of Christ coming to bring justice to the familiar tune ST. THOMAS (TiS 271). Sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- STB047 Sarennam
(Govada Dyvasirvadam) This song from India will need to be taught, but I
think it's worth it. Quite nice; the English translation is very poetic. Sheet music sample.
-
VU886 Arise be clothed in the light
(Lawrence Probes) A joyous refrain for a responsively read version of
Isaiah 60. In this instance, it will work to just sing the refrain.
- SFFS 2005 Arise Shine for your light has come
(Gary Alan Smith) A simple call and response. Good for an intro to
worship. This would be great for the whole Christmas season. Sample sheet music.
-
Online Resource / Music by Heart 61 Arise shine for your light has come (Ruth Cunningham) A simple two-part chant, which can easily be taught before, or during, the service. Lyrics, sheet music and videos.
- GtG467 / STB058 Give Us Light / Jyothi dho Prabhu
(Charles Vas) This song in Hindi or English is simple and repetitive and could
be sung in either language (with a little teaching time). You could
sing all 5 verses or just a few. It might also work during Advent as a
candle lighting song. Choral version. Lead sheet.
-
BUC Song Project We are love
(Sheree Anderson) This is one of the new songs collated in 2009 at Brunswick
Uniting. It's got a quite anthemic chorus "We are love, made in the
image"....
- 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 / Lau671 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).
-
TiS 447 / AHB 61 / CH112 / VU313 / LBW400 / ELW673 / A&M810 / CP560 / CP(E) 267 / 82Hml-371 / Lau887 God whose almighty word / Lord your almighty word chaos and darkness heard / Thou, whose almighty word
A good hymny hymn, very familiar, with the memorable “Let there be
light” line at the end of each verse. TiS lyrics are fairly inclusive,
but VU is better. Lyrics.
- Online Resource TiS 477 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / A&M450 / CH510 / CP059 / GA529 / SP218 / StJ / URW056 / VT031 Jesus calls us here to meet him (John
Bell, Scotland) Good words and a rollicking or gentle Celtic tune
(depending on how you play it). Don't get too gentle though, or it is
very hard to sing. Notice that there should not need to be a breath
after EVERY line! 4th verse (not in TiS, but in Iona sources) leads to communion. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and purchasing option. Video with lyrics and a pretty flute solo.
- Online Resource Praise the Source who sang creation (David
Bjorlin) The "singing Trinity" brings forth the cosmos. Excellent lyrics to the well known tune NETTLETON. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. Sound sample. New words to old tunes.
-
Iona (M&G) / ATAR609 / CH359 / MV033 / GtG137 / ZSS54 / StJ / ELW253 / GA293 / SFFS
2085 / G(II)276 / GC370 / GC(II)364 / G(3)429 / CP368 / W&R402 He came down that we may have love/ Jesus came bringing us hope
(Traditional Cameroon) A lovely simple song - you can make up words and
have a lot of fun with this if you also use some drums. Lyric video. Good for kids.
-
WoV768 / ELW737 / CP456 / W&R412 He comes to us as one unknown (Dudley-Smith) Great words to a very familiar hymn tune (REPTON).
- W&R104 / URW102 Hidden Christ Alive for Ever
(Wren) Wonderful and inspiring words of Christ in all things. Can be
sung to HYFRYDOL or HOLY MANNA, so would be easily sung by most
congregations. A good song for just after the sermon. Lyrics and sheet music.
-
StS028 / WoV638 / A&M067 / G(II)275 / GC369 / GC(II)354 / G(3)443 / W&R199 / Lau148 Holy Child within the Manger (Haugen) Lovely words and a simple gentle tune. Lyrics.
-
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. Amazing choral sound sample. Good for kids.
- 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). Lyrics. You all know this one, right? Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody
- Public Domain / Online Resource / AoVK-123 / 82Hml-385 / Cha58 / CP407 / ELW837 / G(II)338 / GC499 / G(3)911
/ GtG021 / Iona (M&G) / NCH003 / NCH341 / PH271 / UMH148 / URW232 / VT128 / VU308 / W&R26 / WoV794 Many and Great O God are your works / Wakantanka taku nitawa
(Joseph Renville, Dakota, USA, paraphrased Philip Frazier, Sioux, USA)
Good words of praise to our Creator, seeking God's presence and
blessing. Good as an opening hymn. This was originally written in
Dakota, but most English paraphrases are the same. It sounds great
accompanied by a
good Native American-style drum beat, which is a great way to get people
involved in music-making. NCH and VT also have Dakota lyrics. NCH also
has a more recent paraphrase (NCH341). English lyrics. Dakota lyrics. Sheet music sample. Sheet music for purchase, with sound sample. Slow lyric video recording (long introduction).
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AA016 / Online Resource Christ is our peace (Shirley Murray) Wow. This one is excellent and good for the offering. Very simple Irish traditional tune. Lyrics & sheet music. New words to old tunes.
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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 and sheet music.
-
NCH111 O loving founder of the stars (Latin 9th Century) Lovely words, to a plainsong-like tune. Plainsong is not as hard as people think....
-
Online Resource / CH348 / StS001 / LBW196 / ELW843 / A&M762 / G(3)625 / CP397 / W&R93 / SP304 / URW090 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
(Rusty Edwards) Good words of Christ's ministry to all. Can be sung to the
familiar tune NETTLETON, or the less familiar and very lovely tune JOEL. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- TLUS049 You are my strength
(Reuben Morgan, Australia) This is a song of personal devotion, from
Hillsong, so if that's something that suits your congregation, it would
work well with the theme of "Grace upon grace" in this reading. Lyric video. Lyrics and chords.
If you have some ideas to share for this new feast in the Lectionary, I'd love to hear them! Please add them in a comment below.
