Sky songs:
God is lamenting Israel's foolishness and the damage done to the earth.
Cosmic praise. God's laws are perfect; God's commands are sweeter than honey;
Do all things without arguing
Mark 15:33-39- SP&P091 O Great Spirit earth sun sky and sea (Adele Getty) A beautiful and simple meditative chant on the Spirit. This can be sung gently, or more energetically like a Native American chant, as here.
- Online Resource Wake O My Soul to Earth and Sea and Sky
(Pat Mayberry) A lovely new hymn with a rousing chorus. It would fit for many services during Season of Creation. Sheet music.
- Online Resource Brother Sun (Giving Glory!) (The
Porter's Gate) Based on St Francis' idea of Brother sun and Sister moon. Very cool jazz track about the glory of creation - not a
great congregational song, but good to play for the congregation, who
could join in with the chorus, or just enjoy listening to it at home
during the week. Recording. I hope they will make the chords and lyrics available at some stage.
God is lamenting Israel's foolishness and the damage done to the earth.
- iS 679 / Online God of Jeremiah grieving (Brian Wren) If you are going to focus on Jeremiah for the next few weeks, this would be a good hymn to learn. The traditional Scottish tune KELVIN GROVE is well known as the tune for "The Summons". Lyrics and free sheet music PDF. New words to old tunes
- Online Resource We love to sound your praises (Carolyn Winfrey-Gillette) New words to the very familiar tune O SACRED HEAD. Lyrics and copyright info. New words to old tunesCH240 / W&R37 / StF727 / Lau687 / MP832 God in such love for us lent us this planet (Fred Pratt Green) Really excellent lyrics of caring for creation and a reminder that the Earth is God's. Not all versions are inclusive (CH is). Lyrics and sheet music.
- TiS 668 / AoVK-34 / ATFG587 / NCH569 / CH243 / VU307 / R254 / ELW739 / AA143 / A&M553 / GtG713 / G(3)805 / W&R38 / Cha693 / URW189 / StF729 Touch the earth lightly (Shirley Murray) Sings of the redemption of creation and our complicity in its destruction. Sources vary in their set tunes. TiS has a good tune (TENDERNESS) with a nice minor key change to the relative minor for the second verse. Can also be sung to BUNESSAN, if you need a familiar tune. Youtube video with all lyrics. New words to old tunes (if you want).
- VU305 Into the unshaped silence (S Curtis Tufts) Lovely words of a new day, a day of rest, and care for the earth. You could choose just one verse and sing it as a round.
- Online Resource (Pilgrim Uniting) Behold and look with inner eye (Helen Wiltshire) Care for the earth. A set of common meter words that can be sung to FRENCH, on seeing the beauty of earth, acknowledging climate change, and caring for the earth. Free songbook. New words to old tunes
- AHB 106 / CH238 / A&M543 / CP(E) 257 Lord bring the day to pass (Ian Fraser) Excellent words. Care for the earth. New heavens and earth. Can be sung to one of my favourite hymn tunes (LOVE UNKNOWN), but other tunes are also listed. New words to old tunes.
- MV135 Called by earth and sky (Pat Mayberry) Gentle song about being called to care for the earth. Sheet music.
- URW080 Great Lover calling us to share (Brian Wren) Challenging and beautiful words to the familiar tune PUER NOBIS. Lyrics and sheet music New words to old tunes
- Cha658 / URW081 Restless Weaver (Cricket Harrison) Excellent words of our desire to help build God's new earth - caring for creation and desiring justice for all. Sung to the familiar tune HOLY MANNA. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
- NCH559 / PH266 / W&R36 Thank You God for Water Soil and Air (Brian Wren) Good words asking God to help us renew the face of the earth by caring for creation. A prayer of confession. Lyrics & sheet music.
- TiS 651 Take, take off your shoes (Jim Manley) A fun slightly silly song for kids; this song is focussed on caring for the earth and creation. Good for kids.
Cosmic praise. God's laws are perfect; God's commands are sweeter than honey;
- TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. LyricsNew words to old tunes
- CH172 / URW062 / StF116 Sing for God’s glory that colours the dawn of creation (Kathy Galloway) Beautiful poetic words of creation (first verse), release (2nd verse), justice (3rd verse) and saints (4th verse). Would be a good song to open worship. Sung to a very familiar hymn tune, LOBE DEN HERREN (TiS 111). Lyrics. New words to old tunes
- PfAS019C Through the witness of creation / Lord You Have the Words (Gregg DeMey or Dohms) Two possible refrains to a chanted, read or cantored Psalm. The first (DeMey) is a lovely lilting refrain. I think this is really nice; be sure to lead it clearly or teach the congregation during the service. The second (Dohms) is simpler, and can be used as a round.
- MV31 Pure love (Linnea Good) A simple two-part chant that picks up the Psalmist’s idea of the purity of God’s law “Pure love, pure truth, pure justice, God”. Would be great if you can teach it to some of the congregation before worship starts. Lyrics. Good for kids.
- Emergent Psalter The heavens declare (Isaac Everett) A simple and quite good Psalm refrain. Everett also suggests using: ATA 117 By the rivers of Babylon (Frank Farian, George Reyan, Brent Dowe and Trevor McNaughton) as a refrain for this Psalm. This is the Boney M version. It's not really very mournful. I can't resist though... here's a video. It was originally recorded by The Melodians. Sheet music (refrain only). Good for kids
- TiS 156 / AHB 91 / AoV1-135 / ATA 123 / CH212 / UMH145 / VU409 / ELW556 / GA537 / A&M545 / HPP267 / GtG664 / PH469 / G(II)546 / GC756 / GC(II)748 / G(3)855 / CP003 / W&R35 / Cha053 / URW186 / 82Hml-008 / StF136 / Lau671 / MP467 Morning has broken (Eleanor Farjeon) This song makes me smile every time. Here's Yusuf Islam (when he was Cat Stevens) in 1976 (love those green boots).Oldy-but-a-goody.
- GC(II)21 Words of Everlasting Life / Palabras de vida Eterna Simple bilingual (English / Spanish refrain) and cantored verses in either English or Spanish (or I guess you could alternate if you have a bilingual congregation). Sound sample. Sheet music sample.
- TiS 163 / AHB 112 / NCH556 / UMH150 / LBW463 / ELW771 / GtG024 / PH268 / W&R644 / Cha651 / URW084 / 82Hml-580 God who stretched the spangled heavens (Catherine Cameron) Good words of creation of nature and cities and creative possibilities for the future. TiS and other more modern sources are more inclusive. There are many possible tunes. I like it best to HOLY MANNA as in the link. Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes
- TiS 7 The sky tells the glory of God (Howard Hughes) Excellent and simple cantor and refrain. could easily use the refrain with the Psalm being read also. Don't forget that these Psalm refrains are also great for smaller kids - they can join in without reading. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / AoVK-50 / ATW 430 / NCYC'99 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts) Excellent and energetic. Lyrics. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- AoVK-113 Thank you O Lord for this world of ours I like this kid's song. Really fun and interesting with two parts! Good for kids.
- HPP28 / GtG023 / PH285 / W&R24 / URW083 God You Spin the Whirling Planets (Jane Parker Huber) Excellent words to a very familiar tune (TiS 772). Really good for the final hymn or response to the sermon. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
- AoV1-003 / HPP258 / GA394 / G(II)342 / GC497 / GC(II)495 / G(3)576 / Lau693 / StF803 / MP648 The heavens are telling the glory of God / Canticle of the Sun (Marty Haugen) Energetic waltz of cosmic praise with great lyrics "Come dance in the forest, come play in the field, and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord". Sound sample. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
- ATW 462 When I consider God's design / Hand in hand (Robin Mann / Norman Habel) Good words of all creation celebrating together. Tune is good, too. Lyrics.
- TiS 166 / AHB 102 / GA398 / StB035 Sing a new song sing a new song (James McAuley) Excellent inclusive words. The last verse annoys me a bit, but the rest is excellent. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / AoV1-019 / CH151 / GA397 / G(II)340 / GC493 / GC(II)498 / G(3)575 / W&R039 All You Works of God (Marty Haugen) Joyful cantor and response with a rousing chorus. Also good for kids. Lead sheet and lyrics. Lyric video. Sheet music available.
- VU888 / LBW558 / ELW731 / PH458 / RS681 / CP358 / W&R642 / 82Hml-412 Earth and All Stars (Herbert Brokering) Fun words of cosmic praise - great for the start of a school year or term. I thought this tune was pretty straightforward, but my congregation struggled a bit with it. I really like the "boiling test tubes" bit, although this verse is not in all hymnals; the lyrics vary between sources, and not all are inclusive. One example of the lyrics. Good for kids, especially if sung with some humour.
- ELW561 / G(II)552 / GC762 / PfAS1040 / Lau12a Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory (Marty Haugen) Excellent words of light and darkness, sung to a simple hymn tune. Sheet music sample.
Do all things without arguing
- CH206 / Online Resource Break not the circle of enabling love (Fred Kaan) Lovely positive words about what Christian community should be like "people grow, forgiven and forgiving", "words of freedom are with humour spoken and people keep no score of wrong or guilt", "see eye to eye with laughter and elation". Set to a lilting, simple, intuitive tune. Lyrics (and a different tune).
- TiS 607 / AoV2-126 / ATN 95 / CH528 / VU684 / StJ / A&M725 / SFFS 2171 / HPP406 / GtG753 / G(II)524 / GC726 / GC(II)721 / G(3)828 / CP(E)519/ W&R587 / Srce 462 / Lau898 / StF707 / MP456 Make me a channel of your peace (Sebastian Temple). Lovely. Nice if you can just start a capella... Youtube video of Sinead O'Connor singing it and lyrics.
- TiS 650 / ATA 191 / CH694 / A&M604 / NCH539 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 / SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / GtG727 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / G(3)751 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 / W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 / StF611 / Lau924 Brother, sister, let me serve you / Won't you let me be your servant? (Richard Gillard) I think you all know this one. Lyrics. NCH has a nice turn on the lyrics with "Won't you let me be your servant?" as the first line.
- TiS 648 / NCH388 / UMH560 / HPP289 / GtG754 / PH358 / W&R596 / Cha487 Help us accept each other (Fred Kaan) Very nice simple words about acceptance and love for all people. The tune varies in each hymn book. I like the lilting tune RUNNYMEDE in TiS, but if a more standard hymn is needed for your congregation, it can also be sung to AURELIA (The church's one foundation). Lyrics. New words to old tunes if you want.
- TiS 686 / ATE 292 Lord Jesus we belong to you / Because we bear your name (Robin Mann) Lyrics
- TiS 414 / CH616 / UMH192 / VU582 / HPP134 / PH433 / GC550 / CP(E) 198 / Cha257 / StF398 There's a Spirit in the Air (Brian Wren) A good song of getting the business of following Christ done. Speaking out, caring for others, being changed. Good, joyful tune too.
The death of Jesus
- Tune In / Online Resource A grain of wheat (Sheree Anderson) Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it won't form roots and grow. A boppy song with deeply meaningful lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook. Good for kids.
- Tune In / Online Resource In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- Tune In / Online Resource See our God with the tear-streaked face / Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- Online resource Why my God? (Bruce Harding) A lovely haunting round with an optional descant part. Sheet music.
- CH537 / AA147 / A&M572 / SP256 / StF717 We do not hope to ease our minds (Marnie Barrell) Excellent words of standing with the crucified Christ against injustice. A number of different tunes are offered. I do not have a copy of Alleluia Aotearoa which has two possible tunes. MARY MORISON is the tune in Church Hymnary 4, and it is very straightforward.
- CH464 / A&M521 / SP139 Though hope desert my heart (John Bell) Excellent words of grief / trial, with the knowledge that Christ has been there first.
- Iona (Common Ground, M&G, T1AU) / CH805 / MV151 / StJ / A&M412 / ELW741 / G(II)416 / GC592 / SP210 / URW440 / StF760 Your will be done on earth, O Lord / Mayenziwe 'ntando yakho (South African - Xhosa) This is a really good South African song, simple to sing, beautiful harmonies and would work well for reflection for Good Friday, sung slowly. Maybe it could even be sung in a minor key? Youtube. Good for kids.
- FFS08 Broken the body (Shirley Murray) Good words of a broken body of Christ and a broken Church seeking healing, unity and courage.
- Online Resource / MV073 / LBW320 / ELW632 / GC(II)570 / G(3)668 O God Why Are You Silent? (Marty Haugen) Excellent seeking words expressing grief and fear and the absence of God. Sung to the familiar PASSION CHORALE. Lyrics. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes
- Online Resource / Full of the Spirit When I carry the cross (Heather Price) A very singable song about how we are strengthened and strengthen each other through carrying each others crosses together. Sound sample and music for purchase.
- NCH192 / VU146 / SFFS 2106 / HPP183 / GtG194 / PH312 / Cha199 / 82Hml-715 When Jesus wept (William Billings) I like this simple round. Partly because it's by a Sacred Harp composer - William Billings! It's also very restful and beautiful. I quite like this video sound sample. This might be a good song for the musicians to sing during the offering, or in a prayer of confession. Good for kids.
- VU610 / StJ / GC(II)572 / G(3)669 God remembers pain (Brian Wren) Pretty full on in the first verse, but these words seem somehow much more helpful in this year that has seen so much pain so far. Lyrics and sheet music. Slightly odd sound sample.
- ATA 171 Dying you destroyed our death (Rod Boucher) Simple chant for Good Friday which would also work this week.
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