Singing from the Lectionary

Exodus 34:29-35
Moses comes down from the mountain. His face shines whenever he meets with God; need for a veil.
Most of the suggestions I would make for this passage are listed for the Gospel reading below.

TiS 143 / AHB 80 / NCH1 / CH132 / UMH103 / VU264 / A&M676 / LBW526 / ELW834 / HPP37 / GtG012 / PH263 / GC507 / CP(E) 474 / W&R48 / Cha066 / ZSS4 / Srce296 / 82Hml-423 / Lau725 / StF055 / MP327Immortal invisible God only wise (Walter Chalmers Smith) "In light inaccessible hid from our eyes". Lyrics & sheet music. Words are mostly inclusive for God's gender, but for the last verse which our congregation usually sings as "Great Father of glory, pure Mother of light", except for the last time we sang it. Oldy-but-a-goody.

Psalm 99
God of justice, God is holy, worship at the mountain.
This Psalm has lots of concepts in it, so I've only chosen a couple of particularly pertinent songs; you may wish to include a Sanctus.

TiS 753 / StS034 / ATFG558 / ELW525 / SP&P082You are holy you are whole(Per Harling) A fun and joyous latin-rhythmed song; can also be sung with two parts at the same time. Lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids.
TiS 58 Be exalted O God, above the heavens! Let your glory over all the earth be found (Jane Marshall) An excellent refrain to the Psalm for this week. The cantor line is not totally inclusive.
TiS 723 / AoV2-092 / ATOK 381 / Iona (M&G, Common Ground) / CH769 / UMH65 / VU944, VU951 / StJ / GtG594 / ELW473 / SFFS 2007 / G(II)395 / GC563 / W&R737 / Cha111 / ZSS48 / Lau723 / StF779 Holy holy holy / Santo santo santo (Argentinian folk song) Better in Spanish. A nice quiet devotional song. If you are singing in Spanish, and would prefer not to sing the masculine "Santo eres Senor" some versions have "Santo eres Dios" or "Santo eres tu", which makes it more of a personal approach to God. Good for kids.Sheet music samples.
*GtG596 You are holy you are whole(Per Harling) 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.
Emergent Psalter O mighty God lover of justice (Isaac Everett) A catchy refrain, that got stuck in my head for days after I ran through it. Can be sung with the Psalm read over instrumentation. Sample sheet music (click on "downloads"). Good for kids.
Cha751 To God all people give thanks (Jack Fox) Joyful Latin-rhythmed sung response and responsively read Psalm. I think it would be fun to do a responsive Psalm with a sung response.
Iona (Love From Below) / CP424Sing praise to God on mountain tops (John Bell / Graham Maule) A song of praise to God for the beauty of creation to a traditional English tune (THE VICAR OF BRAY). Sheet music sample. New words to old tunes.
*MV 60 / Cha026 / STB112 God, we give you heartfelt praise / Chú goán kámsia oló Lí (Timothy Tan) A lively round from Taiwan. “God we give you heartfelt praise, mercy and love you show us daily, blessed always be your name”. While based on Taiwanese harmonic modes, it is not too hard for Western singers to pick up. Would work well to receive the offering. Good for kids.
*TiS 132 / AHB 65 / NCH277 / CH651 / UMH64 / VU315 / LBW165 / ELW413 / A&M276 / HPP243 / GtG001 / PH138 / G(II)332 / GC475 / GC(II)483 / CP001 / CP(E) 202 / W&R136 / Cha004 / Srce243 / 82Hml-362 / Lau468 / StF011 / MP237Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty (Walter Chalmers Smith) Old other-worldly language, but a surprisingly inclusive (in most hymnals) classic, and a great rousing hymn tune. Different resources have slightly altered lyrics. A surprisingly non-inclusive sample can be found here. Oldy-but-a-goody.

2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2Boldness, no veil anymore; Where the Spirit is, there’s freedom; Unveiling – seeing Christ in each other

*AoV2-057 / ATOoV2-057 / ATOK 383May we see Christ's loving face / Icon of Grace (Monica O'Brien / Trisha Watts) This simple chant would be excellent this week, and could be used for a slower passing of the peace; it also works extremely well wiregation bowing to each other in a circle dance but that may only work with smaller congregations. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids (but you may need to explain an Icon to them).
ATOK 414 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH501 / GA485 / A&M788 / G(II)480 / GC673 / GC(II)655 / SP311 / StF513 / Lau850 Take this moment, sign and space (John Bell) A fairly well known favourite. Simple melody and beautiful words. Lyrics (includes a very skinny picture of Jesus).
*HPP28 / GtG023 / PH285 / W&R24 / URW083God 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
BUC Song ProjectI will sing of love / Celebrate(Dave Brown) A joyful celebration "And praise the Spririt for the joy of living" (BUC only so far)
SP&P108 Send your Spirit to set us free (Barbara Hamm) A groovy little song. It could also work as a round, sung unaccompanied. Good for kids. Sheet music and lyrics.
TiS 326 / Iona (HSNW) Pull back the veil on the dawn of creation / Love's the secret (John Bell / Graham Maule) The tune is really pretty tricky, but if it is familiar to your congregation, it's a good song to sing. Can skip a few verses if it seems too long and it will still make sense. Lyrics (Powerpoint)
TiS 506 / AHB 430 / A&M424 / CP064 / CP(E) 281 / StF572 Author of life divine (Charles Wesley) Good inclusive words and a simple traditional tune; mystery of communion and seeing God's face. There is also a more modern tune from Carlton Young available from GIA music. Lyrics and sheet music.Oldy-but-a-goody.
TiS 421Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Per Harling) Fun and good. Lyrics.
CH484 / UMH579 / WoV666 / ELW358 / A&M169 / PH353 / CP442 / CP(E) 133 / W&R55 / SP57 / URW087 / StF499 Great God Your Love Has Called Us Here (Brian Wren) Good words to a standard hymn tune (MELITA). Gathering, confession, response, communion, and sending out all in one hymn. This is a good all-rounder. Lyrics & sheet music.
TiS 516 / AHB 438 / NCH336 / CH664 / UMH623 / VU459 / LBW211 / A&M447 / HPP521 / GtG517 / PH520 / GtG029 / CP(E) 304 / Cha416 / 82Hml-318 / MP230 Here O my Lord I see thee face to face / Here gracious Lord, we see you face to face (Horatio Bonar) I prefer the more chant-like setting of this (Adoro to Devote), but I know the hymn-like tune (ST AGNES) is probably more familiar. Some translations are more inclusive than others. Best if you are serving communion during your service. Oldy-but-a-goody.Lyrics & sheet music
Srce2-660 Where the Spirit is there is liberty (Kirk Franklin) Gospel song of healing, wholeness and liberty for the captive.
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) I cannot possibly sing this song too often. A beautiful classic song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn, even the AHB! "Pure unbounded love thou art" *sigh*. Lyrics and sheet music.You may also like to give Rend Collective Experiment's version a listen (hard to sing, but nice for listening). Oldy-but-a-goody.
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. Lyrics and sheet music.
SiS327 / SFFS 2119 / HPP236 / W&R396 / Cha264 Where the Spirit of the Lord Is (Stephen Adams) A sentimental favourite chorus for some, I suspect; a nice simple chorus. Lyrics and chords.

Luke 9:28-36, (37-43)
Transfiguration story

ATFG555 / NCYC03Open your eyes / See Yourself (Robin Mann) “see yourself in the one who’s shining on the hill”. Puts the transfiguration in the context of a whole lot of other New Testament stories. Excellent newer song; verses are a little tricky. Good for kids
STB298 You are full of Light Lord Jesus (Syriac Liturgy) transfiguration A simple song from South India. It's very beautiful - the tune will need to be taught. Probably simplest to sing it in English.
SFFS 2153 / GC(II)770 / G(3)878 / Cha182Transform Us as you, transfigured (Sylia Dunstan) Good words to the familiar and quite meditative hymn tune PICARDY (TiS 497). New words to old tunes Lyrics and a pretty amazing painting
TiS474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / A&M363 / GtG401 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / G(3)848 / CP465 / W&R649 / Cha284 / SP175 / URW054 / Lau475 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Marty Haugen). Excellent words, very well known. “Nourish us well and teach us to fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true”. Lyrics and sheet music samples.
CH355 / VU210 / HPP81 / GtG274 / GC(II)525 / G(3)628 / CP630 / W&R99 / URW098 You Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd (Sylvia Dunstan) Beautiful words. Can be sung to many tunes. I like it to PICARDY or WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Sound sample, lyrics and sheet music sample here. New words to old tunes.
NCH182 / VU104 / SFFS 2103 / HPP147 / GtG191 / CP166 / W&R245 We have come at Christ's own bidding (Carl P Daw Jr) Excellent lyrics that bring the images of the transfiguration to the faith of today. Sung to the familiar and very lovely tune HYFRYDOL (TiS 517). Lyrics. Tune sample.New words to old tunes.
AoV2-103 / AoVK-115 / G(II)514 / GC712 / GC(II)715 Holy Ground (Brenda Pena)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. Good for kids. Sound and sheet music samples.
ATFG 541 What is this scene? (David Froemming / Leigh Newton) A good story telling song. Not too difficult for the congregation to sing on a first attempt, but it will need a brief “teaching time” for the melody. You could also ask the musicians to present as part of the offering. The words are great.
TiS 255 / CH135 / VU434 / CP018 O laughing Light O first-born of creation (Sylvia Dunstan) A slightly more modern version of the Phos Hilaron. Words are good but the tune in TiS (ADRIAN) is a little tricky.
URW432 Radiant light divine (Rufino Zaragoza) This is pretty lovely. A nice chant based on the Phos Hilaron.
Online Resource Seeing Jesus (Bruce Harding) A simple chant, needs at least 2 of the parts. Sample PDF, and available for purchase here
NCH183 / GtG193 Jesus take us to the mountain (Jaroslav Vajda) A very positive transfiguration hymn that asks good questions and provides some good challenges and clearly looks onward to Good Friday. Lyrics.
TiS 268 / AHB 224 / AoV1-170 / NCH132 / CH320 / UMH246 / VU59 / LBW039 / ELW267 / GA295 / HPP107 / PH040 / GtG134 / GC343 / GC(II)353 / G(3)437 / CP154 / CP(E) 57 / W&R179 / Cha143 / Srce399 / 82Hml-100/ Lau156 / StF330 / MP393 Joy to the world The Lord is come (Isaac Watts) So, this was not actually written as a Christmas carol (read the lyrics: no baby Jesus), and I think it would work well for Christ the King Sunday and Transfiguration, so maybe it's worth a go! Oldy-but-a-goody.
TiS 234 / AHB 390 / A&M281 / GC778 / GC(II)771 / G(3)877 / CP167 / CP(E)248 / VU103 / LBW89 / ELW315 / Lau209How good Lord to be here / Tis Good Lord to Be Here (Joseph Robinson) Good solid words and a good solid tune (I like CARSLISLE best). I like the ending “But since you bid us leave the mount, come with us to the plain”. Oldy-but-a-goody.
NCYC07You shine (Kent Crawford) A good song, with an excellent chorus "You shine over us, you shine through us, so let your light shine on around the world". Definitely for the more youthful congregation. It would also work to play the CD from NCYC07 if you don't have a band of musicians.Good for teenagers.
ATW 447 Thank you Jesus for ordinary miracles (Robin Mann) Fun and joyful. "Up in a cloud in the air"! Lyrics.Good for kids.
Recorded Song Little Lights (Punch Brothers) This track from a recent Punch Brothers album sings of the desire of remaining in a transcendent place, but needing to return to reality - it made me think of the transfiguration, even though it's not written about it... I particularly like the line "guide us back to where we are from where we wanna be"... Lyrics. Sound.
Recorded Song Transfiguration (Sufjan Stevens) I love this song. Lyrics. Here’s a video of him performing it live here on youtube, which is a bit more eclectic than the studio recording. Note: if playing recorded songs in worship, it's a really good idea to provide lyrics to the congregation either in a handout or using projection. Last year Daniel Broadstock sang it at our church. It was amazing...
Liturgy for the Whole Church (p69) The transfiguration (Susan Bock) A narrated skit. If you have this book, or access to it, this would be good to do.
Lau215 / Online Resource Transfigure us O Lord (Bob Hurd) Really excellent words. Maybe better for a soloist. Thanks to the anonymous reader who suggested this. Sound sample & purchase options. Lyrics.
Online Resource Transfigure me (Christopher Grundy) I particularly like the chorus of this, that could be used as a sung response. The verses are also good. Youtube recording (rough, but gives you an idea). Sheet music. Free Bulletin Insert.
Online Resource Transfiguration (Black Hatted) This song picks up on the disciples' desire for Christ to stay. Lyrics and sound sample. Instructional video for guitarists. Thanks to Tim Larson for this suggestion.

What will you be singing? Add a comment, especially if it's something I haven't thought of!

Slower Kyries

TiS 729 / HSNWJesus Christ, Son of God have mercy upon us (Iona Community) A very very simple call and response chant.
*TiS 734 / ATOK 379 / Iona (M&G) / MV070 / GA134 / PfAS051K / SP183 / URW410 Kyrie Eleison (Ghana / Dinah Reindorf) Another common favourite. Again, easy to teach your men the bass drone. Sheet music sample.
GC(II)137 / G(3)192 Kyrie (Mass of Creation) (Marty Haugen) Nice refrain, and the cantor verses seem quite good as well. Refrain could be used on its own. Can be sung in both English and Greek. Sound sample. Sheet music sample.
Music by Heart 38 Kyrie Eleison (Mercer) (Marilyn Haskel) A lovely 3 part layered Kyrie that can be taught during the worship service.
Music by Heart 39 Kyrie eleison / on five notes (Marilyn Haskel) Another lovely layered Kyrie that can be taught during the worship service. I think I like this one just a little better (4 parts).
Iona (T1AU) / CH777 / MV067 / URW411 Kyrie Eleison (John Bell) A simple call and response Kyrie with an optional vocal or keyboard drone.
PfAS051I Lord Have Mercy (Kathleen Brumm) A simple call and response Kyrie. Good for kids if you sing it with some energy.
Iona (SBL) / MV068 / G(II)405 / GC581 / MV068Kyrie Guarany / On the poor, on the poor (Pablo Sosa) A simple Kyrie from Paraguay; We sang this at Brunswick on Ash Wednesday last year. The English translation varies depending on the source (we didn't sing On the Poor). Sound sample (track 12). Good for kids.
TiS 736 / AoV2-095 /ATOK 392 / CH776 / Iona (M&G) / UMH483 / VU946 / WoV602 / GA133 A&M372 / GtG579 / G(II)272 / GC272 / GC(II)249 / PfAS051J / SP184 / Cha298 / URW412 / Lau519 Kyrie Eleison (Russian / Ukrainian) Very simple and beautiful Kyrie. Given current world events, it might be a good time to sing this. Often used. It is very easy to teach the bass part to the men in your congregaton (even those who think they can't sing!). Sheet music sample. Good for kids.
Music by Heart 23 Lord have mercy (Isaac Everett / j. Snodgrass) Good for prayer of confession; will need a little time to teach the two congregational parts.
STB043 Lord we did not live up to your teachings / Amra tomar adesh rupe (Shaha) A Bengali Kyrie. The translation is good, and quite challenging. This will need to be taught; it could be sung in Bengali, because (like a Kyrie) it's repetitive.
*TiS 735 / AoV1-002 / ATE 238 / UMH484 / VU945 / HPP573 Kyrie kyrie eleison / Kyrie 1 (Jacques Berthier) Probably the simplest Kyrie out there. There are cantored verses; it's also nice as a repetitive chant on its own. Sheet music and sound samples.
*Iona (Love and Anger) / StS067 / PfAS051G (Alternate Refrain 1) / STB120 Have mercy on us Lord / Khudaya rahem kar (Pakistan) A nice alternative, and can be used as a refrain to the Psalm. It would be nice to get your congregation to sing something from South Asia. Also works well in English, but it would be better to sing it in Urdu. Sound sample
Online resourceKyrie (Philip Bayles / Thomas Dodd) A good responsive Kyrie with heartfelt prayer. Sheet music (scroll down).
FFS13 E te Ariki (Lord have mercy) (Ian Render) A Maori Kyrie to a beautiful relaxed tune. Needs to be sung in Maori, and this would not be hard.
TiS760 / GC(II)209 Kyrie Eleison (Mass of Remembrance) (Marty Haugen) A nice simple Kyrie with or without Cantor part. Sound sample. Sheet music.
CH648 Lord have mercy (James MacMillan) Simple minor key Kyrie. Written in English
MV069 Kyrie Eleison (William Kervin) A very simple Kyrie chant. Sheet music and quite formal sound sample.
PfAS051G (Alternate Refrain 2)Lord have mercy have mercy upon us / Nkosi Nkosi yiba nenceba (South Africa) A simple Kyrie that can be used as a Psalm refrain.
SP&P050 Jesus Son of David have mercy on me (Schmidt) A simple, repetitive song which starts with "Jesus Son of David Have Mercy on Me". A good alternative to a Kyrie.
STB299 Chuyo ulirul / O Lord please have mercy on us from the Christian Conference of Asia.
STB123 O Lord Our God / Ya Tuhanku (Indonesia) (Javanese melody) A very simple and quite lovely Kyrie based on a Javanese melody.
STB124 Lord have mercy / Uru bayo (Ekka) Kyrie A Kyrie from India in the Kurukh language. It doesn't really work in English. This will need to be taught.
*SP&P100 God tender and just (Sidney Fowler) A very simple refrain to use during a prayer of Confession. It's not a Kyrie, but the intention is the same.
STB119 Kyrie Eleison / Tuhan Kasihani (Christian Tamaela) This is quite lovely, based on a melody from the Maluku (Moluccas) Islands, and has a written drumbeat to go with it. It will need to be taught. It would be best to sing this in Bahasa - it's not hard!
STB121 Kyrie Eleison / Chu ah kiu Li lin-bin goan (adapt: I-toh Loh) This Kyrie is based on a Saisiat melody by I-toh Loh, and is quite lovely with both parts singing together. Will need to be taught, but it's quite simple. Would be great to sing in Taiwanese if you have someone who can help with the pronunciation.
STB299 Chuyo ulirul / O Lord please have mercy on us (Geonyong Lee) This Korean language Kyrie is written as a call and response, but the melody is not repeated (only the words), so it will need to be taught. There is no alternative language. Good for congregations with a number of Korean-speaking members.
STB300 Swamin wahanse (Sri Lanka) This Kyrie is in Sinhala only. Good to know about if you have a number of Sinhalese congregation members.
STB301 Kurie Elaison (South India) This Kyrie from the Syriac Liturgy uses a traditional South Indian liturgical melody, so will need to be taught. The pronunciation of Kyrie Eleison is slightly different, but is not hard.
STB302 O Lord Your Mercy Show (Vietnam) This Vietnamese Kyrie can be sung in Vietnamese or in English and starts with a call and response.

Energetic Kyries

ATA 119 / SFFS 2127 Come and See / Kyrie (Marilyn Houser Hamm) The first verse of this is based on the Gospel of John, but the chorus is a simple and energetic Kyrie with a lovely descant that could be used on its own.

CH716 / VU374 / FFS10 / SFFS 2128 / W&R477 / Cha575 Come and find the quiet centre (Shirley Murray) A good song for the beginning of worship. I would prefer to sing this to one of the more traditional melodies offered (Tune 1 in FFS) or BEACH SPRING (TiS 493). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Gather everyone with a trumpet to seek forgiveness

BUC Song ProjectWhy do we listen and fail to hear / Lament - for a people with a people with a dulled heart (Shawn Whelan) This lament, and its wailing ooooh would fit quite well with this passage. Good for kids
*AA085 Let justice roll down like a river (Colin Gibson) Excellent song, and very easy to sing. Lyrics and s heet music. Good for kids.
*AoV1-030 / GA213 / G(II)282 / GC386 / GC(II)405 / G(3)484 / Lau842 Come back to me / Hosea (Gregory Norbet) Quite beautiful song of return to God. Nice sung sound sample. Lead sheet.
ATOK 331 Turn to me with all your heart (John Ylvisaker) I like this one, unfortunately I can't find lyrics or sound samples online.
StS033 / GA515 / G(II)516 / GC716 / GC(II)709 / G(3)810 Let Justice Roll Like a River (Marty Haugen) The song is a quite simple gospel song, particularly if you use a soloist for the verses if this is new to you. Lead sheet. Sound sample
GC(II)755 / G(3)864 O the weary world is trudging / The trumpet in the morning (Rory Cooney) Song of release of prisoners and the trumpet's blast. Sound sample. Lead sheet.
GA304 / G(II)283 / GC389 / GC(II)410 / G(3)478 / Lau193 Return to God with all your heart (Marty Haugen) "Return to God with all your heart, the source of grace and mercy" Verses may need a cantor. Lead sheet. Sound sample.
*Taizé / A&M834 / G(3)959 / SP323 / Lau221 God is forgiveness / Bóg jest miłością (Taize) "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.
*Tune In / NCYC '07:Forgive us now (Brown). “As we forgive may we be healed, as we reach out….” An excellent ballad seeking forgiveness in a sinful world. Free downloadable songbook.

Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12
The fast that God seeks is to release the oppressed, share with the hungry, bring the poor into your homes

CH763 / MV193 God bless to us our bread (Traditional Argentinian) A lovely simple grace for meals and for communion. More Voices has Spanish and French lyrics as well as English. "God bless to us our bread, and give bread to all those who are hungry, and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread". This would be very appropriate if you are celebrating communion this week. Sound sample (Track 1).
VU109 / 82Hml-145 Now quit your care and anxious fear (Percy Dearmer) A lovely joyful tune for Lent. Good, realistic, although slightly old-fashioned words. "Arise, arise, arise and make a paradise!" This could be sung through the whole Lenten season. Lyrics.
TiS 657 / CH263 / VU700 / A&M559 / AA50 / CP(E) 447 / Cha656 / SP242God of freedom God of justice(Shirley Murray) Powerful lyrics. Can be sung to either TREDEGAR (new, but not too hard) or PICARDY (very familiar). New words to old tunes.Lyrics and sheet music.
CH195 / StS053 / AA061 Here to the house of God we come (Shirley Murray) Good honest and challenging words and a simple, but unusual tune. Lyrics.
CH659 / MV173 / StJ / A&M566 / G(3)824 / W&R389 / SP251 / StF712 Put peace into each other’s hands (Fred Kaan) Good words for communion; tune is quite simple and flows nicely. Slow sound sample, sheet music with lyrics. Good for kids
CH488 / AA130 Teach us O loving heart of Christ (Shirley Murray) Good, powerful words seeking forgiveness for those things we have not done or said. The tune is new, but fairly simple. Lyrics.
GA304 / G(II)283 / GC389 / GC(II)410 / G(3)478 / Lau193 Return to God with all your heart (Marty Haugen) "Return to God with all your heart, the source of grace and mercy" Verses may need a cantor. Lead sheet. Sound sample.
Online Resource Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos (Eleazar Torreglosa) This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with God's care for the Israelites. Free sheet music

Psalm 51:1-17
A Prayer for forgiveness and a new heart
You might like to sing a Kyrie.

BUC Song ProjectBroken (Elaine Loukes) A gentle song for tired pilgrims.
Iona (SBL) / MV068 / G(II)405 / GC581 / GtG578 / PfAS009A Kyrie Guarany / On the poor, on the poor (Pablo Sosa / Guarani people) A simple Kyrie from Paraguay; This is our current favourite at Brunswick. The English translation varies depending on the source (we don't sing On the Poor). Sound sample (track 12). Good for kids.
*Online ResourceOpen my heart (Ana Hernandez) A beautiful 3 part chant, which also works as a single part chant. Sheet music. Youtube of the song being taught and sung in 3 parts.
Tune In / NCYC '07Forgive us now (Dave Brown) An excellent ballad. "Forgive us now, O mother love for all the idols we have built, For all the time we’ve worshiped there in company of dark despair. Forgive us mother of all hope”. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
*Iona (Sent By the Lord) / MV066Senzenina? / What have we done? (South African) This beautiful chant from South Africa asks the question that we often ask when things go wrong beyond belief. It's important to know what the song means when singing it. If you have some part-singers in your congregation, this would be particular good. It's good to let people ask this question. It is also on the soundtrack for "The Power of One" so you could also play the recorded music if appropriate. Free sheet music (loads a pdf). Maybe this could work as a Psalm response?
MV015 / GA186 Holy Sacred Spirit (Monica Brown) Gentle chant, which would work well at the start of the service. Can be used without the cantor part. "Holy Sacred Spirit, breathe your breath on us". Youtube (VERY SLOW) Good to help kids settle.
STB043 Lord we did not live up to your teachings / Amra tomar adesh rupe (Shaha) A Bengali Kyrie. The translation is good, and quite challenging. This will need to be taught; it could be sung in Bengali, because (like a Kyrie) it's repetitive.
*AoV1-158 / GA438 Create a new heart Holy Lord / A new heart for a new world (Monica O'Brien / Trish Watts) Very simple melody, excellent words "Create a new heart Holy Lord, beckon our lives through your word, open our eyes to your call, United as one for your world". Lyrics and slightly odd sound sample.
TiS 712 / AoV2-021 / ATE 269 / The tide has turned songbookCreate in me / us a clean heart O God (Digby Hannah) A big favourite in our congregation, and a big favourite of mine. Lyrics & sound sample.
GA040 Create in Me a Clean Heart O God (Monica O'Brien) Nice refrain and simple cantor part for this Psalm.
GtG423 / W&R378 / PfAS051H Create in Me a Clean Heart O God (John Carter) A very simple, and repetitive version of the Psalm. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
GC(II)409 / G(3)477Lord Jesus Christ son of the living God (Carol Browning) A simple chant based on "The Jesus Prayer" with a beautiful (and optional) cantor which is really worth using. Nice chords! Nice sound sample and sheet music sample Sound sample Lead sheet.
Cha743 Create in me a clean heart O God (Carl Mueller) Very simple refrain based on a choral work, with a responsive reading.
PfAS051I Lord Have Mercy (Kathleen Hart Brumm) A simple call and response Kyrie. Good for kids if you sing it with some energy.
GtG431 / SFFS 2134 Forgive Us Lord / Perdon Senor (Jorge Lockward / Raquel Mora Martínez) Call and response prayer of confession.
NCH784 Create in Me a clean heart (Emma Lou Diemer) Easy to sing. Nice words.
*Online ResourceCreate in Me a pure Heart O God (Bruce Harding) A nice round, with an optional descant part. Good for kids. Sample sheet music Purchase here (note that the sound sample is for a different song).
Iona (Love and Anger) / StS067 / PfAS051G / STB120 Have mercy on us Lord / Khudaya rahem kar (Pakistan) A nice alternative. It would be nice to get your congregation to sing something from South Asia. PfAS uses only the first line as a Psalm refrain, which may be the simplest approach for Anglo congregations to dip their toes into South Asian melodies. Lyrics also in Urdhu, but works well in English too. Youtube
*Worldmaking.netO Tender God, Have Mercy (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A gentle, modern version of the Kyrie. Sound sample, lyrics and theology
ATOK 399Holding out your hand (Gerry Holmes) I like this one. Good for kids.
Psalm Project - Sharing the RoadWash Me Clean (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A nice, gentle reworking of the Psalm. Might be good to ask a musician to sing this one. Available here.
*TiS 729 / Iona (HSNW) Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy upon us (John Bell) A very very simple call and response chant.
ATOK 354 / ELW801 / SFFS 2152 / GtG695 / SP&P128 / W&R373 / PfAS051A / ZSS178 / Srce95 / MP069 Change my heart O God / Cambiame Senor (Eddie Espinosa) A mushy old favourite.
Online ResourceCreate in Me (Tom Keesecker) A lovely choral piece. Listen to the full sound sample, it just gets better and better. Sound sample, PDF sample, and purchasing options.

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

Be reconciled. Despite afflictions, Paul has much; having nothing, but possessing everything.

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
*CH527 / A&M717 / SP290 / 82Hml-593 Lord make us servants of your peace (James Quinn) A nice alternative to "make me a channel of your peace". This is sung to the very familiar tune "O Waly Waly". It is also sung in the plural (us and we rather than Me and I), which is nice too. Lyrics can be found here.
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. Lyrics and sheet music.
NCH495 / HPP443 / GtG761 / PH343 / W&R581 / Cha453 Called as partners in Christ's service (Beecher) A good song of commitment - particularly good if you are commisioning people to new roles this week, and good for any other service too. Sung to a standard tune.
*WoV659 O Sun of Justice / Jesu Dulcis Memoria (Plainsong) I really like these words. They can also be sung to TALLIS CANON if you get nervous about Plainsong.New words to old tunes.
ATOK 390 Put on love every day, never hide your love away (Walker) A fun song for kids; probably hard to fit into a solemn Ash Wednesday service, though! Good for kids.

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Don't show off about fasting etc.

TiS 686 / ATE 292Lord Jesus we belong to you / Because we bear your name (Robin Mann). A straightforward song with a refrain of "because we bear your name". Lyrics.
*Taizé / TiS 739 / AoV2-041 / ATOK 404 / VU290 / GA269 / SFFS 2054 / GtG820 / G(II)451 / GC639 / GC(II)626 / G(3)733 / CP568 / W&R421 / URW388 / Lau947 / LUYH444/ VF088 Nothing Can Trouble / Nada te turbe (Theresa of Avila / Taizé) Excellent and quite well known Taizé chant. Spanish lyrics are not too hard for non-Spanish speakers. Sheet music, sound samples, lyrics and translations.Good for kids.

General Ash Wednesday songs:

NCH186 / VU105 / G(II)280 / GC381 / GC(II)392 / G(3)468 / RS539 / URW172 Dust and ashes touch our face (Brian Wren). The words to this hymn are very challenging. The tune is good. Lyrics and sheet music.
*Online resource From Dust to Dust (Bruce Harding) A simple song which can be sung as a chant or a round. Includes Kyries. Sound sample. Available here.
G(3)489Sign us with ashes (Laura Bringle / Tony Alonso) A good refrain with verses that you can use when ashes are signed. Sheet music sample.
*ATAR626 / VU113 To the desert Jesus came / Together through the valley (Linnea Good) A good contemporary hymn, with a quite classically beautiful tune, for the start of Lent. A song about going together through the wilderness of Lent to Easter.
Recorded MusicBeautiful Things (Gungor) A sweet and very popular song. "You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of the dust".... Not so much a congregational song, although it's not difficult, unless everyone knows it well. It's not hard to play, so if you have good musicians, they may like to give it a go. It could also work to just sing the chorus as a chant. Youtube with lyrics. Guitar instructions. Good for teenagers.
*Online resource With these ashes (Douglass) A lovely simple song that would work well to be sung during the imposition of ashes. Sound sample. PDF (thanks to Kathy for sharing this).
Online resourceWe are children of the Earth (Richard Bruxvoort Colligan). This song is based on Psalm 90, and would be appropriate for the anointing with ashes, or other reflective moments in your service. Sound sample, lyrics and an entire Ash Wednesday order of worship.

You may also like to use a Kyrie. Here's a list of them.

Since Lent is often a time of living more simply, you may wish to sing:

VU353 / MfL150 / HPP391 / GC(II)657 / G(3)748 / Cha568 82Hml-554'Tis the gift to be simple (Joseph Brackett) Excellent words to a very familiar tune. Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics and tune and history.

Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Most songs that fit with this reading are harvest thanksgiving songs. I doubt anyone would do harvest thanksgiving this week, but I'm listing them so you can find them when you do.

BUC Song ProjectHarvest our love (Dave Brown). Let's not just talk about harvesting food, but offer God our lives as well. This song was written after Tune In was published, so only available at Brunswick Uniting so far.
STB268 The grain is ripe (Shirley Murray) Good words about harvest and peace sung to a simple hymnlike tune. Lyrics.
Online ResourceFood is blessing (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) Great words to the familiar tune NETTLETON. On the Singing From the Lectionary Facebook group. New words to old tunes.
BUC Song ProjectIn spirit we rise (Sheree Anderson) Following the same idea as above, this talks about our lives being a rich harvest for God. Very catchy chorus.
VU306 God of the farmlands hear our prayer (Thomas Charles Hunter-Clare) Good words about harvest, waters, mining (!), city and industry, guidance for politicians, nation-hood. It's pretty good. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
VU242 / LBW557 / ELW881 / GtG037 / PH554 / GC567 / GC(II)551 / G(3)635 / CP403 / W&R22 / Cha717 Let All Things Now Living (Katherine Kennicott Davis) Lovely lyrics to the well known and quite jolly Welsh folk tune ASH GROVE. Not all sources are inclusive. Lyrics (older version). New words to old tunes
TiS 627 / AHB 569 / ATN 8 / LBW409 / ELW689 / GC764 / GC(II)754 / G(3)861 / CP(E) 272 / W&R722 / URW188 / StF125 Praise and thanksgiving Father we offer / Praise and thanksgiving now we would offer (Albert Bayly) Most versions of this are not inclusive, as it is based on quite old words. However, the imagery of a parent makes sense, so even though it is masculine, it doesn't need to be avoided. URW has an inclusive version. Sung to the familiar tune BUNESSAN. Lyrics (pdf) Old words to old tunes.
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 & sheet music.Oldy-but-a-goody.
*CH230 / VU517 / StF126 Praise God for the harvest of orchard and field (Brian Wren) A thoroughly modern harvest thanksgiving hymn, which would work for any service, not just a harvest thanksgiving. I would actually sing this to BONNIE GEORGE CAMPBELL (TiS 624), by just adding a single note anacrusis at the start of each line. LyricsNew words to old tunes.
NCH424 / SFFS 2061 / PH480 Praise Our God Above source of boundless love (Chao Tzu-chen) Lovely words; traditional Chinese tune will need some practice, but is worth it. Lyrics and sound sample.
TiS 159 / AHB 94 / CH226 / VU300 /A&M285 / ELW734 / CP261 / CP(E) 271 / Lau733 God whose farm is all creation (John Arlott) Simple words of caring for the crops and harvest as well as the rest of creation. Lyrics. Youtube pianist with lyrics (but no singing)
TiS 130 / AHB 59 / CH229 / VU520 / LBW362 / ELW681 / HPP284 / HPSS560 / CP258 / CP(E) 275 / 82Hml-291 / StF130 / MP732 We plow the fields and scatter (Matthias Claudius / translated Jane Montgomery Campbell) I still like this old hymn, even if it brings to mind people sowing seed and then running away... Sources vary for how inclusive the language is. Oldy-but-a-goody.Lyrics and sheet music.
StJ / R233 / ELW695 / PH414 / CP260 / W&R570 / VU518 / GtG712 / 82Hml-705 As saints of old their first fruits brought / As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought (Frank von Christierson) A fairly traditional and standard Harvest thanksgiving hymn to the tune FOREST GREEN. Lyrics and sheet music.New words to old tunes.
*Cha719 Come Sing a Song of Harvest (Fred Pratt Green) A hymn that tries to bring the idea of harvest thanksgiving into the modern era. Lyrics and sheet music.
NCH783 / WoV705 / ELW465 / GA194 / G(II)594 / GC825 / RS921 As the Grains of Wheat (Marty Haugen) Quite simple flowing tune and nice words about grains becoming our communion bread. Good communion song for a Harvest Thanksgiving Service. Lyrics & Sheet music samples.
TiS 168 / NCH425 / CH231 / UMH97 / A&M284 / VU227 / WoV760 / ELW679 / GA426 / HPP287 / GtG036 / PH553 / RS704 / CP259 / CP(E) 254 / W&R723 / Cha714 / URW193 / Lau731 For the Fruit of All Creation / For the fruits of this creation (Fred Pratt Green) Some sources are quite masculine (TiS), but some OK (NCH, GtG). Very easy and well known tune (AR HYD Y NOS) and pretty standard words of harvest thanksgiving. The phrase "in the just reward of labour" would be an interesting discussion point for this passage. Lyrics and tune sample. New words to old tunes

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
God our shelter and refuge

TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / GtG043 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / G(3)691 / CP531 / W&R438 / PfAS091E / Cha077 / Lau952 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord / On Eagle's Wings (Michael Joncas) This is a big favourite all over the place. It has masculine imagery for God. This doesn't have to be sung slowly and meditatively - it also works very well as a more upbeat song. If it is not familiar to you, a cantor can be used for the verses. It is not inclusive. Lyrics.
VF092 / Online Resource Be still and know that I am God (Ana Hernández) A beautiful arrangement of these lovely words. I would gradually teach the congregation the main part (even just the soprano line) and, once they have learned it, get them to sing it as a chant, while the musicians sing the other parts. Even better, learn all the parts of the main chant as a congregation and add the cantor parts. Sheet music available here. Clunky and, frankly, a fairly useless keyboard sound sample, but a good sheet music sample.
CH487 Come let us seek our God’s protection (Tom Colvin & the people of Ghana) A lovely call and response; would work well after a prayer of confession.
MV096 And when you call for me (Linnea Good) This simple chant "And when you call for me I have already answered... I am already there" might work nicely during the prayers of intercession. Tune is not immediately easy, so teach your congregation first. Good for kids.
AoV2-054 / Iona (T1AU, LFB) / MV077 / GtG414 / SFFS 2057 / G(II)438 / GC618 / RS 736 / SP&P111 / PfAS046D / URW409 / Lau909 / StF019 Be still and know that I am God (John Bell / Graham Maule) For kids, I think it may be better to focus on the positive for this reading, and this simple chant is beautiful. Works as a round or in unison. Good for kids.
MV214 May God's sheltering wings (Judith Snowdon) A nice simple blessing and benediction, which may be sung about a feminine or a masculine God. Actions!
ATN 9 / NCH743 / CH755 / W&R450 / Srce68 / StF018 / MP048 Be Still and Know (Anon) This is the old classic. Sources vary in the verses they have and the level of inclusiveness in the lyrics.
ATOK 311 / CH754 / GA401 Be still and know that I am God and there is none beside me (John Bell) A good alternative to the above song. I like the 2nd verse especially "I am the one who calls you my friends, and there is none beside me". CH doesn't have the 2nd verse. Good for kids.
PfAS091C Those who dwell in the shelter of God / El que habita al abrigo de Dios (Robert Savage) A nice South American sounding tune, and good lyrics with a soothing chorus.
W&R633 Healer of My Soul keep me at even' (John Michael Talbot) A quiet meditative song. It might be best sung as a reflection if unfamiliar to your congregation. Video and lyrics.
MV062 / SP&P076 There is room for all / Chacun a sa place (Bruce Harding) A simple one-verse song; will need to be taught, but it won't take long to teach it. More communal than many other versions of this Psalm. Sound sample and sample sheet music.
PfAS091D Be with me Lord when I am in trouble (Val Parker) A nice refrain, which would resonate well with kids, for a cantored, or spoken, reading of the Psalm. Good for kids.
PfAS091D How safe it is, this hiding place (Martin Leckebusch) A simple refrain for a cantored, or read, version of the Psalm. Very very easy.

Romans 10:8b-13
Everyone who confesses faith in Christ is saved

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.
TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / A&M742 / HPP74 / GtG610 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 / 82Hml-493 / StF364 / MP496O for a thousand tongues to sing (Charles Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words, and it's such a fun tune. Be careful with the words "ye dumb". Voices United has "Hear him you deaf, you voiceless ones, your tongues again employ" which is more respectful.The original 18 verses of lyrics and history (just in case you want to sing about murderers and harlots). Oldy-but-a-goody. Oh, here's the current lyrics and sheet music then.
TiS 420 Holy Spirit go before us (Elizabeth Smith) Great words of evangelism and justice to a simple lilting melody. If you think your congregation can't cope with a new tune this week, it can be sung to AUSTRIA (TiS 93).New words to old tunes.
NCH072 / UMH552 / VU362 / ELW530 / GtG311 / PH465 / CP534 / W&R597 / Cha278 Here O Lord Your Servants Gather / Sekai no Tomo (Tokuo Yamaguchi) Beautiful song about being a community of faith seeking strength and courage. Lovely simple Japanese tune. The story of this hymn. Lyrics.
TiS 248 / 82Hml-603When Christ was lifted from the earth (Brian Wren) Powerful words of Christ's sacrifice and acceptance of all people, without the cultural imperialism of some similar hymns. New hymn tune is not too hard, but could be replaced with many others if required. I think WILTSHIRE would work (TiS 112), but LAND OF REST is perhaps too jolly. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.

Luke 4:1-13
Jesus led into the wilderness

*CH338 / VU115 / StS036 / SFFS 2105 Jesus tempted in the desert (Herman Stuempfle) Excellent story-telling hymn, sung to the familiar tune EBENEZER. Lyrics and sheet music.New words to old tunes.
Tune In / Online Resource Save us in the time of trial (Shawn Whelan) A song with a reflective almost-Taize-like chorus. We have sung this a couple of different ways, it's quite flexible. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook available. Good for kids.
*MV118 Me alone (Jamaican traditional) A very simple repetitive call-and-response song. Could work well as a reflective song. Since this is from the Caribbean Conference of Churches, it could be good to sing this song and continue to pray for the people of Haiti, who must certainly be feeling alone and in the wilderness. Could work as a prayer response too.
*MV065 When we are tested and wrestle alone (Ruth Duck) Excellent words paralleling our struggles with those of Christ in the wilderness. The set tune WHEN WE ARE TESTED is not difficult, but it can also be sung to SLANE (TiS 547) if you need a familiar tune. First verse is "When we are tested and wrestle alone, famished for bread when the world offers stone, nourish us God, by your word and your way, food that sustains us by night and by day".New words to old tunes.
ATW 498 / Iona (T1AU) / MV 196 / SP&P182 / URW438We will take what you offer (John Bell) An excellent simple short song that works well either as an upbeat chorus or as a reflective chant. "We will take what you offer. We will live by your word. We will love one another. And be fed by you Lord". Good for kids.Sound sample.
Here in this place We know ourselves beloved (Helen Wiltshire) These words emphasize that we are loved by God even when called into the wilderness. Free sheet music here.
SP&P097 The spirit led Jesus to the wilderness (Scheffler) A good catchy verse and chorus song for kids. The story of Jesus going into the wilderness. You might need to have a conversation about what it means to be tempted by the devil with the kids before singing this. We don't often talk about "The Devil". Good for kids.
*ATAR626 / VU113 To the desert Jesus came / Together through the valley (Linnea Good) A good contemporary hymn, with a quite classically beautiful tune, for the start of Lent. A song about going together through the wilderness of Lent to Easter.
*TaizeIn God alone my soul can find rest and peace / Mon ame se repose (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful healing chant from Taize. Words and music and sound samples for learning the parts
Tune In / Online ResourceYou in all our worries / All will finish well (Dave Brown) “In this world where injustice reigns, you are in the midst of pain”. Excellent words of reassurance in a difficult world. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook available here.
Online resourceJesus in the Desert(Daniel Damon) A simple hymn-like song. I like the simplicity of these words "Dreaming, waking, rising, you walked the barren land". Sheet music.
*Online resourceOut in the Wilderness(Jay Beech) A groovy song, lots of angels, that I think kids will like. Good for kids. Sound sample.Sheet music for purchase.
Cha455 You Have Called Me (Edwards) A simple song, about being called from silence or the wilderness to serve. "Here I am, send me, here I am"
Worldmaking.netOpen unto me light for my darkness(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) Good for a more contemplative service. Sample
Worldmaking.netO Christ, Lamb of God (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
*SP&P065 As the grain was scattered on the hills (Arthur Clyde) A beautiful and simple melody with words from the Didache. This would be very beautiful before or during the distribution of communion, particularly when the congregation has been on a difficult journey. "On hillsides you feed us, through deserts you lead us, now at this table all are one in Christ. We have new life. Sheet music.

Some general Lent songs

VU108 / W&R250 Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights (James Gertmenian) It's hard to find a song that talks about Lenten practice that is not too dated. I think this song would work quite well. Can be sung to WINCHESTER NEW or TALLIS CANON. Lyrics and sheet music that's a newer lilting, and quite nice tune. New words to old tunes.
TiS 684 Love will be our Lenten calling (Elizabeth Smith) Excellent words, and the set tune PICARDY is both beautiful and familiar. Lyrics (order of service that you'll need to search through).New words to old tunes.
*ATAR626 / VU113 To the desert Jesus came / Together through the valley (Linnea Good) A good contemporary hymn, with a quite classically beautiful tune, for the start of Lent. A song about going together through the wilderness of Lent to Easter.
VU109 / 82Hml-145 Now quit your care and anxious fear (Percy Dearmer) A lovely joyful tune for Lent. Good, realistic, although slightly old-fashioned words. "Arise, arise, arise and make a paradise!" This could be sung through the whole Lenten season.

What will you be singing? Add a comment, especially if it's something I haven't thought of!

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
God makes a covenant with the childless Abram; God’s faithfulness

SiS414 / ATA 153 / GtG059 / Srce686 / PfAS105B The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases (Edith McNeill) Can be a mushy favourite, and the language is not inclusive in older versions; PfAS uses “God’s mercy never comes to an end”. PfAS uses it as a sung response to a Psalm. Older style lyrics & chords. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Iona (LFB) / G(II)503 / GC701 / RS818 / StF464 God It Was who said to Abraham (John Bell) Easy tune. Good story words. Note that God is masculine; I think this has been addressed in more recent editions of Love From Below. Lyrics and sheet music. Slow sound sample.
GtG042 / PH251 Your Faithfulness O Lord Is Sure (Joy Patterson) Very simple paraphrase of this Psalm, sung to the familiar traditional tune WINCHESTER NEW. This is a paraphrase of Psalm 145 that fits very well for this passage. New words to old tunes.
NCYC09 Stories of faith calling us to explore / Stories of Hope (Rob Hanks / Phil Newton) Not easy, but the words are great. Best to get someone to sing it - perhaps during the offering?
AoV1-137 / ATOK 403 / GA306 / G(II)286 God Of Abraham lead us (Bernadette Farrell) I love this energetic call and response with the response "Lead us to your kingdom". Don't try to sing all 17 verses! Choose what you like... You can sing with a cantor and response, or you could split your congregation in the middle doing half and half, or you could just have people singing all the way through. Lyrics (downloads a pdf). Good for kids.
*Unknown source Nothing is impossible with God (Unknown) I found this ridiculously happy song, and I think you only need to change one word to make it one I would like. I think our kids would just really love this..... Anyone know where it's from? Youtube of some ridiculously happy and wholesome kids singing it. Good for kids

Psalm 27
God is our strength in times of trouble; longing for God

BUC Song ProjectSearching alone / Safe (Julia Potter & Elaine Loukes) This is a lovely simple and reassuring song. BUC only so far...

CH487 Come let us seek our God’s protection (Tom Colvin & the people of Ghana) A lovely call and response; would work well after a prayer of confession.
*MV217 Hey ney yana (Brooke Medicine Eagle) This Native American song could be great, sung accompanied with just a drum "I walk in beauty, yes I do, yes I do". Sounds nice on flute too, I think. Good for kids.

*TiS 16 / AoV2-073 / GA028 / Sing Allelulia 28 Do not be afraid I am with you (Christopher Willcock) Excellent cantor and refrain. Refrain would work well with a reader also. GA has a nice descant line. Lyrics and sound sample.
ATE 212 Hush now for I am your God (Carol Littlemore)Lyrics(downloads a PowerPoint presentation).

NCH Psalter 27Do not forsake me O God of my salvation (Lee Dengler) A very simple, and pretty cool Psalm refrain.
PfAS027E My God is my light (Julie Howard) A nice and very simple Psalm refrain.

URW252 Find us, searching God, wherever we hide (Larry Peacock) A beautiful prayer based on the Psalm. No music. Maybe you could write some.

TiS 611 / AHB 543 / NCH436 / UMH577 / VU686 / LBW415 / ELW705 / A&M648 / HPP456 / PH420 / GtG307 / CP577 / CP(E) 448 / W&R569 / Cha464 / 82Hml-594 / StF682 / MP192 God of Grace and God of Glory (Harry Fosdick) A song about being courageous and wise. There are many possible tunes and many sets of words to this hymn. NCH has the most inclusive words, but TiS and AHB are okay too. They don’t hold back in verse 3. Chorus: “Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, for the facing of this hour”. Don’t know about everyone else, but I know best the tune AHB 543 (ii). One version of the lyrics.New words to old tunes

*CH573 / UMH523 / GtG789 / StB059 Jesus Savior Lord lo to thee I fly / Saranam Saranam (Daniel Niles) I think this would be an excellent song to sing, not only because the words are good and because the tune is simple and beautiful, but because we need to keep praying for the people of Sri Lanka. Sheet music.

G(II)406 / GC482 I Need You to Listen (Marty Haugen / Francis Patrick Sullivan) A simple and very beautiful Psalm and response. The words to this are very lovely. Lead sheet. Sound sample.

*MV175 May we but wait (Will Petricko) Beautiful and simple two line song. Would be good as a response to the Intercessions.

AoV1-139 O God Nothing Can Take Us from your love (Christopher Walker) Good refrain. Good verses. Cantor and congregational response. Sound sample.

*Worldmaking.net Open unto me light for my darkness(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan). Good for a more contemplative service. Sound sample and lyrics.

Taizé / TiS 747 / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) / GtG842 / PfAS027A / URW393The Lord is my light, my light and salvation (Communauté de Taizé)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.

Taizé / CH276 / VU22 / GtG090 / ELW262 / GA283 / A&M053 / G(II)256 / GC332 / GC(II)340 / G(3)406 / CP094 / W&R166 / PfAS037B / SP28 / URW396 / Lau088 Wait for the Lord (Jacques Berthier) Wait for the Lord whose day is near, wait for the lord, keep watch, take heart. A lovely simple Taize chant. Sheet music, translations and sound samples.

*AoVNG71 / Taize / G(3)682 I am Sure I Shall See (Communauté de Taizé) One of the more upbeat Taize chants. Sheet music, translations and sound samples .

Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song. Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Scottish sound sample. Lead sheet.

Psalm Project (Sharing the Road) / SP&P140 All of My Life (Richard Bruxvoort Colligan) Lovely chant-like verses and chorus. I think this would be good to do. Available here.

VU753 / AA117 / A&M773 / SP306 Safe in the hands of God / Safe in your hands O God (Michael Perry) Good paraphrase of the Psalm. Tune will need to be played through at least once before the congregation join in. Lyrics.

VU754 God is my light and saving health (Jeremiah Clarke) Quite straightforward psalm response (just part of the very long original song) and responsive psalm.

ATFG563 / NCYC'03 / The Red Book How long must we cry out? (Robin Mann) This is a big Brunswick favourite, great for young people in particular. BUC liturgists please note that we have not sung this since 2010! "Teach me to do what is right, walk in the darkness, trust in the light and may love be the path I walk upon". Good for teenagers.

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) 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.
New Zealand PraiseSaviour I heard your voice gently say (David Burt) Lovely words. I do not have a copy, so I cannot comment on the tune. Thanks to Margaret Garland for suggesting this. Lyrics are below in the comments, or here (scroll down).

Philippians 3:17-4:1
I think this says that greed is not good, and we should have our mind on higher things

Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song. Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Scottish sound sample. Lead sheet.
*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) 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. Lyrics and sheet music... Oldy-but-a-goody.
*NCH497 / SFFS 2208 / GtG741 / PH354 / G(II)508 / GC707 / GC(II)684 G(3)780 / CP513 / ZSS141Guide my feet while I run this race (African American) An excellent civil rights song. Would work well as a meditative prayer for guidance or as an uplifting call to action at the end of the service.You could also make up your own lyrics. Lyrics.Good for kids.
ATA 200 / CH530 / VU639 / A&M757 / CP(E) 548 / URW109 / StF476 One more step along the world I go (Sydney Carter) A good fun kid's song from Sydney Carter which many of their parents will remember. "And it's from the old I travel to the new, keep me travelling along with you". Lyrics and sheet music.Good for kids.

Luke 13:31-35
Christ laments a city who has turned her back on her people; he long to comfort them and predicts that he will go, to return as the one who comes in the name of the Lord

Tune In / Online ResourceOur God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk-like tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and songbook.
Online ResourceBlessed is the One (Bruce Harding) A good song, which will need to be taught at first, or might be nice to sing to the congregation by the musicians. Sound sample, sheet music available.
*VU270 Dear Mother God your wings are warm (Janet Wootton) Good images of God as mother, and a call for us to also embrace the needy; the tune is not known and will need to be taught. Could also be sung to PERFECT LOVE, I think. New words to old tunes
ELW341 / SFFS 2187 / G(II)549 / GC759 / GC(II)752 / G(3)857 / W&R627 / Cha471 / Lau675 Now it is evening / At evening (Fred Pratt Green) A song of justice and caring for others who are lonely, hungry in the city. The set tune is really good and simple, but it can also be sung to BUNESSAN. Mostly makes sense for evening services only, but maybe it could work in the morning…?Lead sheet. Sound sample. New words to old tunes
MV214 May God's sheltering wings (Judith Snowdon) A nice simple blessing and benediction, which may be sung about a feminine or a masculine God.
*MV091 Cradle me in your arms (Bruce Harding) A simple assuring chant in times of suffering. Sound sample.Sheet music sample. Purchase online.
FFS09 Christ of the sad face (Shirley Murray) Christ weeps for the city, the earth. A longing for peace. Lyrics and an alternative tune.
Taizé / GtG814 / CP563 / PfAS062DIn God alone my soul can find rest and peace / Mon ame se repose (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful healing chant from Taize. Words and music and sound samples for learning the parts Good for kids.
VU584 Through the heart of every city (Sylvia Dunstan) Challenging words about caring for all God's people, particularly in the city. Tune is a quite straight forward hymn tune.
*MV126 Are you a shepherd? (Ruth Duck) Good and joyous. Lots of images of God: shepherd, teacher, mother, father. A catchy chorus. Good for kids.
Tune In / Online Resource The God that I know (Sheree Anderson) A ballad drawing on God’s strength and comfort; not easy if unfamiliar. Lyrics, sample and songbook .

Alternate Gospel Reading Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Transfiguration story

ATFG555 / NCYC03Open your eyes / See Yourself (Robin Mann) “see yourself in the one who’s shining on the hill”. Puts the transfiguration in the context of a whole lot of other New Testament stories. Excellent newer song; verses are a little tricky. Good for kids
STB298 You are full of Light Lord Jesus (Syriac Liturgy) transfiguration A simple song from South India. It's very beautiful - the tune will need to be taught. Probably simplest to sing it in English.
SFFS 2153 / GC(II)770 / G(3)878 / Cha182Transform Us as you, transfigured (Sylia Dunstan) Good words to the familiar and quite meditative hymn tune PICARDY (TiS 497). New words to old tunes Lyrics and a pretty amazing painting
TiS474 / AoV1-012 / ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / A&M363 / GtG401 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / G(3)848 / CP465 / W&R649 / Cha284 / SP175 / URW054 / Lau475 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Marty Haugen). Excellent words, very well known. “Nourish us well and teach us to fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true”. Lyrics and sheet music samples.
CH355 / VU210 / HPP81 / GtG274 / GC(II)525 / G(3)628 / CP630 / W&R99 / URW098 You Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd (Sylvia Dunstan) Beautiful words. Can be sung to many tunes. I like it to PICARDY or WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Sound sample, lyrics and sheet music sample here. New words to old tunes.
NCH182 / VU104 / SFFS 2103 / HPP147 / GtG191 / CP166 / W&R245 We have come at Christ's own bidding (Carl P Daw Jr) Excellent lyrics that bring the images of the transfiguration to the faith of today. Sung to the familiar and very lovely tune HYFRYDOL (TiS 517). Lyrics. Tune sample.New words to old tunes.
AoV2-103 / AoVK-115 / G(II)514 / GC712 / GC(II)715 Holy Ground (Brenda Pena)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. Good for kids. Sound and sheet music samples.
ATFG 541 What is this scene? (David Froemming / Leigh Newton) A good story telling song. Not too difficult for the congregation to sing on a first attempt, but it will need a brief “teaching time” for the melody. You could also ask the musicians to present as part of the offering. The words are great.
TiS 255 / CH135 / VU434 / CP018 O laughing Light O first-born of creation (Sylvia Dunstan) A slightly more modern version of the Phos Hilaron. Words are good but the tune in TiS (ADRIAN) is a little tricky.
URW432 Radiant light divine (Rufino Zaragoza) This is pretty lovely. A nice chant based on the Phos Hilaron.
Online Resource Seeing Jesus (Bruce Harding) A simple chant, needs at least 2 of the parts. Sample PDF, and available for purchase here
NCH183 / GtG193 Jesus take us to the mountain (Jaroslav Vajda) A very positive transfiguration hymn that asks good questions and provides some good challenges and clearly looks onward to Good Friday. Lyrics.
TiS 268 / AHB 224 / AoV1-170 / NCH132 / CH320 / UMH246 / VU59 / LBW039 / ELW267 / GA295 / HPP107 / PH040 / GtG134 / GC343 / GC(II)353 / G(3)437 / CP154 / CP(E) 57 / W&R179 / Cha143 / Srce399 / 82Hml-100/ Lau156 / StF330 / MP393 Joy to the world The Lord is come (Isaac Watts) So, this was not actually written as a Christmas carol (read the lyrics: no baby Jesus), and I think it would work well for Christ the King Sunday and Transfiguration, so maybe it's worth a go! Oldy-but-a-goody.
TiS 234 / AHB 390 / A&M281 / GC778 / GC(II)771 / G(3)877 / CP167 / CP(E)248 / VU103 / LBW89 / ELW315 / Lau209How good Lord to be here / Tis Good Lord to Be Here (Joseph Robinson) Good solid words and a good solid tune (I like CARSLISLE best). I like the ending “But since you bid us leave the mount, come with us to the plain”. Oldy-but-a-goody.
NCYC07You shine (Kent Crawford) A good song, with an excellent chorus "You shine over us, you shine through us, so let your light shine on around the world". Definitely for the more youthful congregation. It would also work to play the CD from NCYC07 if you don't have a band of musicians.Good for teenagers.
ATW 447 Thank you Jesus for ordinary miracles (Robin Mann) Fun and joyful. "Up in a cloud in the air"! Lyrics.Good for kids.
Recorded Song Little Lights (Punch Brothers) This track from a recent Punch Brothers album sings of the desire of remaining in a transcendent place, but needing to return to reality - it made me think of the transfiguration, even though it's not written about it... I particularly like the line "guide us back to where we are from where we wanna be"... Lyrics. Sound.
Recorded Song Transfiguration (Sufjan Stevens) I love this song. Lyrics. Here’s a video of him performing it live here on youtube, which is a bit more eclectic than the studio recording. Note: if playing recorded songs in worship, it's a really good idea to provide lyrics to the congregation either in a handout or using projection. Last year Daniel Broadstock sang it at our church. It was amazing...
Liturgy for the Whole Church (p69) The transfiguration (Susan Bock) A narrated skit. If you have this book, or access to it, this would be good to do.
Lau215 / Online Resource Transfigure us O Lord (Bob Hurd) Really excellent words. Maybe better for a soloist. Thanks to the anonymous reader who suggested this. Sound sample & purchase options. Lyrics.
Online Resource Transfigure me (Christopher Grundy) I particularly like the chorus of this, that could be used as a sung response. The verses are also good. Youtube recording (rough, but gives you an idea). Sheet music. Free Bulletin Insert.
Online Resource Transfiguration (Black Hatted) This song picks up on the disciples' desire for Christ to stay. Lyrics and sound sample. Instructional video for guitarists. Thanks to Tim Larson for this suggestion.

Got any ideas of your own for any of these readings? Please add them in the comments below!

Isaiah 55:1-9
Come to the waters, God's abundance is free for all, listen and live, seek God while near

Taizé Let all who are thirsty come (Taizé Community) A lovely simple chant. Sheet music, sound samples for learning.
*BUC Song Project Broken (Elaine Loukes) This song seeking God's open arms at the end of a dry journey fits this reading well.
*Online Resource Dry (Paul Somerville) An excellent song seeking refreshment from the living water and grace of Christ. It will need a little time for teaching, or ask your musicians to sing it. We used this at Brunswick on Ash Wednesday. Unfortunately, it is not currently available online, but if you have a copy, dig it out!
*W&R655 / URW202 Come Away from Rush and Hurry (Marva Dawn) Excellent words of resting in a sacred space to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING (TiS 493) Lyrics.New words to old tunes

GtG078 You thirsty ones come to the spring! (Andrew Donaldson) Pretty tune and a simple paraphrase of this reading. The tune will need to be taught, but there are 5 verses, so it's worth it. Lyrics.
G(3)815 The Thirsty Cry for Water Lord (Herman Stuempfle / Marty Haugen) Excellent words. The tune is pretty straightforward. Lead sheet.Sound sample.
AoV1-074 Come To The Water (Frank Andersen) A beautiful paraphrase of this reading. Familiar to many, but easy to sing if not. It is not entirely inclusive. Lyrics.
Online Resource / Tune In / NCYC 2009 / ATAR598God has laid a feasting table / Invitation (Shawn Whelan). Feminine imagery of God gathering her guests to a feasting table. Sample and free downloadable songbook.
*StS060 / G(II)538 / GC743 / GC(II)740 / G(3)842 / URW055 / Online Resource Come to me come to us you who are burdened (Rory Cooney) Very lovely, simple, welcoming song. Sound sample, and music for purchase.
AoV1-151 / GtG479 / GA400 / G(II)350 / GC504 / GC(II)499 / RS 642Oh Everyone Who Thirsts (To Everyone That Thirsts) / Come to the feast (Marty Haugen) Dramatic call and congregational response. This could be a lot of fun - don't try to do all the verses though... lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample (I'd probably do it more energetically than this sample).
TiS 34 O Lord you are my God for you I long (John Dunn) Quite a nice paraphrase. Tune is not easy, but good once known.
AoVNG30/ SP&P016 / Srce2-24 All who are thirsty for justice / Come to the Water (Ray Makeever) Nice song, and I really like the lyrics. A good song to be sung by the musicians to welcome the congregation, or before communion. Could be schmaltzy if you're not careful. Lyrics and sound sample.
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 & sheet music.New words to old tunes
ATW 435Like the woman of old / Wellsprings (Don Stewart) A favourite song in our congregation about going to the "Wellsprings of life"and finding Jesus there. Picks up themes of tiredness, broken hearts and weariness, but makes the point that it's worth the effort.
Taizé / MV102 / GC(II)648 / GC(3)752Jesus your spirit in us (Taizé Community) "Jesus your spirit in us is a wellspring of life everlasting" Lyrics in English and German. Sheet music sample. Very very slow sound sample. You know, Taize music is not necessarily slow. When one of the brothers visited here, he strongly encouraged us not to be so slow!
ATW 475Come to the banquet there’s a place for you (Fay White) An excellent song by Melbourne singer and songwriter. "Though you maybe have no money, though you maybe feel unworthy, in your strength and in your weakness you are welcome, come."Lyrics. Good for kids.

Psalm 63:1-8Thirst for God, being satisfied. You have been my help, shadow of your wings, my soul clings to you. A lot of the songs for the Isaiah reading fit with the Psalm this week.

CH142 A small thing like a hazelnut (Rae Whitney) Really nice words and a simple tune. Song about God's love for all things and all people. Lyrics. Good for kids.
G(II)59 / GC63 As Morning Breaks / I Long for You (Mike Balhoff / Gary Daigle / Darryl Ducote) A simple cantor and response Psalm. Sound sample.
BUC Song Project Broken (Elaine Loukes) This song seeking God's open arms at the end of a dry journey fits this reading well.
URW281 In the shadow of your wings (Michael Joncas) A nice response - it has two sets of words.
BUC Song ProjectSearching alone / Safe (Elaine Loukes & Julia Potter) This is a lovely simple and reassuring song. BUC only so far...
Taizé / MV102 / GC(II)648 / GC(3)752Jesus your spirit in us (Taizé Community) "Jesus your spirit in us is a wellspring of life everlasting" Lyrics in English and German. Sheet music sample. Very very slow sound sample. You know, Taize music is not necessarily slow. When one of the brothers visited here, he strongly encouraged us not to be so slow!
ATE 216 / Iona (SBL) / CH126 / StJ / ELW555 / PH472 / G(II)365 / GC527 / RS 671 / CP417 / W&R15 / StF042 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad al Señor (Traditional Brazilian) A good, fun and simple song that is easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish too; note that not all versions are inclusive. Sheet music samples. Good for kids!
*CH720 / A&M409 / GtG470 / G(3)653 / SP204 / Lau941 There is a longing in our hearts O Lord (Anne Quigley) Good words of longing for God's love, justice, wisdom, healing. A good song for before, during or after intercessions. Sheet music sample.
GA043 / G(II)58 / GC62 / GC(II)42 / G(3)058 / URW280 / Lau213 O God I Seek You (Marty Haugen) Nice cantor and refrain. Maybe a bit too mushy for some. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample.
*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, sample sheet music. Sheet music sample.New words to old tunes
*Iona (Common Ground, Ps) / CH43 / GtG696 / PfAS063B / URW284 O God You Are My God (John Bell) Good words of longing for God to a strong hymn tune (RESIGNATION). Lyrics (downloads PDF - scroll through). New words to old tunes
TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / GtG043 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / G(3)691 / CP531 / W&R438 / PfAS091E / Cha077 / Lau952 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord / On Eagle's Wings (Michael Joncas) This is a big favourite all over the place. It has masculine imagery for God. This doesn't have to be sung slowly and meditatively - it also works very well as a more upbeat song. If it is not familiar to you, a cantor can be used for the verses. It is not inclusive. Lyrics.
TiS 47 / AHB 46 / AoV1-175 / NCH25 / CH161 / UMH117 / VU806 / LBW504 / ELW806 / GA459 / A&M746 / HPP1 / GtG687 / PH210 / GC614 / GC(II)588 / G(3)688 / CP528 / CP(E) 537 / W&R84 / Cha067 / Srce2-441 / URW200 / 82Hml-680 / PfAS090B / Lau955 / StF132 / MP498 O God our help in ages past (Isaac Watts) A good solid very well known hymn! The surprising thing about this one is that the language is inclusive for God in most sources. Not all sources are inclusive for humanity, so check. Lyrics and sheet music.Oldy-but-a-goody.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13
You've got to live right.

Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song. Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Scottish sound sample. Lead sheet.
ATW 505 Whatever you do (John Ylvisaker) Simple and fun. Good for kids.
TiS 494 / W&R678 / Cha375 In water we grow (Brian Wren) Great words, especially if you have a baptism this week. Tune is quite straightforward. Lyrics.
Taizé / CH801 / MV170 / StJ / GtG205 / WoV665 / ELW642 / SFFS 2179 / GC408 / GC(II)430 / G(3)500 / CP553 / W&R399 / Cha523 / URW394/ StF783 / Lau244b Live in charity / Ubi Caritas (Jacques Berthier) Usually sung in Latin, but can also be sung just as beautifully as "Live in charity and steadfast love, live in charity; God will dwell with you."Sheet music and sound samples for practice. Good for kids.
ATA 169 Doin' it all to the glory of God (Rod Boucher) Very silly and great fun for kids. Good for kids.
Recorded MusicHoly boldness (Shirley Caesar) Listen to this!! Cafe at the Gate of Salvation also recorded this.

Luke 13:1-9
Patience and care for the fruitless fig tree; God's patience with us.

Tune in / Online Resource 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. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook. Good for teenagers.
The tide has turned songbook Love and joy peace and patience / Fruit of the spirit (Digby Hannah) Good words. Groovy chorus. Straightforward for congregational singing.
*NCH586 Come to tend God's garden (John Dalles) Good words of growing a garden of justice and mercy. Sung to an English tune that will need to be taught (KING'S WESTON) if not familiar to your congregation. Very majestic youtube recording with lyrics listed in the comments.
StS116I 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. Older style recording (Evie Tornquist!)Lyrics.
AoV2-006 / The tide has turned Deeper River / There's a river running deep within the silence of our souls (Digby Hannah). An excellent song of restoration for tired desert-like souls. Lyrics.
Online ResourceOne day the news was grim (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette) Excellent lyrics that have a good take on this passage and the way we always ask questions to try and understand what is difficult. Sung to the familiar tune LEONI. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
Recorded Music Though the fig tree may not blossom (Lara George) This is a gorgeous song about having faith that God will not forget us, and one year, our very talented Elaine Loukes Potter sang it during the offering. Lyrics. Recording.

Got any ideas of your own for any of these readings? Please add them in the comments below!

You might also like to sing songs on the theme of Peace.

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Any Holy, holy, holy will work well (Here's a list).

MV008And on this path (Linnea Good) 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! Good for kids.
TiS 74 / GA070 This is the day the Lord has made (Christopher Willcock) Unusual timing in this refrain, but once you've nailed it, it will be stuck in your head for the rest of the week, which is what I like about Psalm refrains.
PfAS118D This is the day the lord has made (Joy Patterson) A good 7/8 setting of the Psalm. It will need to be taught, but will be enjoyed. Sheet music and lyrics.
MV122 Online Resource This is the day (Bruce Harding) This is a really simple nice jazzy song. Sound sample. Sample sheet music. Good for kids.
*Recorded MusicOdecha (Yasmin Levy) This is something quite different, but will fit well with some services, particularly while reflecting on Christ's journey in the coming week. Yasmin Levy is a Sephardic Ladino singer (yes, Ladino, I had to look it up too). I really love this sorrowful but also hopeful version of the Psalm; it focuses entirely on vs 21 and 22. Sound (Youtube).
G(II)102 / GC114 / GC(II)65 / G(3)081 This is the day the Lord has made (Let Us Rejoice) (Marty Haugen) Joyful and sort of minstrelly. Verses should be sung by a cantor. The same tune can be used for Alleluias for this Psalm when it is not Palm Sunday. Sound sample. Sample sheet music.
PfAS118G This is the day the lord has made (Leon Roberts) A bright and cheerful refrain for the Psalm.
*Taizé / MV016 / StJ / ELW528 / GA430 / SFFS 2157 / HPP410 / GtG466 / G(II)398 / GC570 / GC(II)550 / G(3)637 / CP402 / URW378 / Lau701 Come and Fill our hearts/ Confitemini Domino (Jacques Berthier) Can be sun in English as "Come and fill our hearts with your peace, you alone O God are holy. Come and fill our hearts with your peace, Alleluia". A good song of recommitment. Obviously if you don't sing Alleluias during Lent, this is not for you. You could replace the Alleluia with Hosanna if you really want to sing it. Sound samples and sheet music.
*NCH387 / GtG361 / PH443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 / Lau829 O Christ the great foundation (Timothy Ting Fan Lew) Excellent words of salvation and justice from Timothy Tingfang Lew, sung to the tune of "The church's one foundation" (AURELIA). LyricsThere is a second possible tune (ABREU), which is more challenging. Note that the lyrics in the NCH are slightly different, and more inclusive. New words to old tunes
*MV187 / ELW682 We give our thanks / Reamo leboga (Traditional Botswana) A great song to sing for the offering. Video of some guys and a keyboard having fun with it. Good for kids.
TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / GtG043 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / G(3)691 / CP531 / W&R438 / PfAS091E / Cha077 / Lau952 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord / On Eagle's Wings (Michael Joncas) This is a big favourite all over the place. It has masculine imagery for God. This doesn't have to be sung slowly and meditatively - it also works very well as a more upbeat song. If it is not familiar to you, a cantor can be used for the verses. It is not inclusive. Lyrics.

Luke 19:28-40 (Year C)
or Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16 (Year B)or Matthew 21:1-11 (Year A)

Christ’s entry into Jerusalem

TiS 279 / AHB 212 / SFFS 2091 / HPP158 / GC487 / GC(II)494 / G(3)572 / CP632 / Lau107 The King of glory comes the nation rejoices (Willard Jabusch) Fun and energetic song to a traditional Israeli folk melody. A good processional. Lyrics (scroll down). Watch Stephen Colbert crack some fancy dance moves to this song. Good for kids.
*CH366 / AA022 Come into the streets with me! (Shirley Murray) Simple folk tune which is great for kids; chorus is "Come and follow my leader". A good fun choice for Palm Sunday. Lyrics. Good for kids.
StS073 / SP&P132 Jesus is coming / Pave the way with branches (Bret Hesla) Palm Sunday this song has a great rhythm; in SP&P they suggest singing "Pave the way with branches" rather than "Pave the way wth justice", but I would stick with the year-long version. It would be great for kids, and good for drumming. It's very repetitive so good for kids and non-readers. Other verses include "Hope for the downtrod / Pave the way with justice" and "Debts are forgiven / Pave the way with justice". One year we sang it, with a very strong cantor, all the way up the street to our ecumenical Palm Sunday service. It worked really well! Lyrics (in a full order of service) Good for kids.
VU128 / A&M162 / GtG597 / W&R269 / SP54 World Council of Churches Assembly 1991 Sanna sannanina An excellent African processional, which simply means "Hosanna". GtG has the option of singing the Holy Holy to this tune, but I think that just seems a bit odd. Great for drumming. Sound sample (scroll to the 2nd album). Sheet music sample. Good for kids.
SFFS 2109 Jesus rode into Jerusalem (Cathy Townley) Fun call-and-response song. Lyrics.
StS025 / LBW074 / GtG160 / G(II)269 / GC356 / CP(E) 42 / W&R206 / Cha141 / 82Hml-104 A Stable Lamp Is Lighted (Richard Wilbur) Starting From the stable, ending on the cross. This has a nice celticish tune, which is simple to sing, and a refrain of "and every stone shall cry". I like it. Lyrics and links to youtube videos of two possible tunes. Sound sample and sheet music from Ana Hernández; this version is probably better for a soloist. It's lovely.
AoV1-061 / ATOK 355 / GtG359 / SFFS 2194 / G(II)521 / GC723 / GC(II)707 / G(3)814 / ZSS110 / SgTJ1035 Freedom is coming (South African) Excellent and lots of fun, especially if you have a keen African-style drummer in your congregation. It's really worth teaching the parts to your congregation before the service. It can get a bit confusing for the congregation otherwise. European choral version on Youtube. Good for kids.
SFFS 2111 We Sang Our Glad Hosannas (Mary Nelson Keithahn) Good words that follow Christ from Palm Sunday to the Crucifixion. Sung to a hymn tune. Lyrics.
Online resourceFrom the East the Poor are Marching (Daniel Damon) Based on the writings of Borg and Crossan, this hymn speaks of the two processions coming into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday - the peasant procession with Jesus, and the Imperial procession with Pilate. Sheet music and lyrics.
GA312 Hosanna to the son of David (Jane Wood) A simple and energetic Hosanna.
GtG200 / Cha193 A Cheering Chanting Dizzy Crowd (Timothy Troeger) Lyrics are great; pretty solemn at the end... There are two possible tunes; I prefer it to the well known folk melody MORNING SONG (TiS 172), but this requires repeating the last line. Some lyrics and a reflection on these words (scroll). Tune sample.
Iona (Enemy of Apathy) / CH370 / VU126Ride on ride on the time is right (John Bell) A different version of “Ride on Ride on in Majesty”. Lyrics (scroll down)
Iona (The Courage to Say No / Enemy of Apathy) Travelling the Road to Freedom (John Bell) Easy tune and excellent words. Who wants to travel the road with me? Lyrics (search for "travelling". The liturgy is also really good!). Sound sample.
TiS 348 / AHB 264 / NCH215 / CH365 / VU127 / R133 / ELW328 / A&M161 / HPP186 / GtG198 / PH090 / CP182 / CP(E)129 / W&R268 / 82Hml-156 / Lau230 / StF265 / MP580Ride on ride on in majesty (Henry Hart Milman) The lyrics to this hymn contain some amazing imagery, but it is very inaccessible for young people, people who are new to the church, or people who don't like masculine God-talk. The NCH has excellent traditional, yet inclusive, lyrics for this hymn. I encourage you to seek them out if you would like to sing something more traditional and still accessible. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy but a (mostly) goody
TiS 333 / AHB 250 / NCH216 / CH364 / UMH280 / VU122 / LBW108 / ELW344 / GA309 / A&M159 / HPP179 / GtG196 / PH088 / GC402 / GC(II)421 / G(3)498 / CP181 / CP(E)128 / W&R265 / Cha192 / 82Hml-154 / Lau229 / StF262 / MP009All Glory Laud and Honor / All Glory Laud and Honour (Theodulph of Orleans) Most hymnals have very non-inclusive language for this hymn. If you would like an alternative, the NCH has excellent lyrics, which are still poetic.Oldy but a (mostly) goody
ATW 444Hey King (Paul Grant & Marion Palmer) Good for kids. What sort of King was Jesus, anyway? My niece was obsessed with this when she was 7. Good for kids.
*MV 128 / GC(II)420 / G(3)496When they heard that Jesus was coming (Rory Cooney) A simple and excellent antiphon (led by one singer, and a simple repeated chorus by the congregation). It has 11 verses, so you may want to just chose the ones that fit for your service. Just the first 3 would do the trick for Palm Sunday really. It would work really well to help the whole congregation tell the story, and fun for kids. Lyrics and sample sheet music. Sound sample. It could be sung much more energetically than the sound sample.
FFS18 For the crowd another busy day (Colin Gibson) Tune might be a little tricky, but the words are really excellent.
TiS 357 / ATA 147When his time was over the palms lay where they fell (Robin Mann) A quiet and mournful song that would lead well into Holy Week if you wish to end your Palm Sunday service on a more sombre tone.
TiS 244 / AHB 187 Trotting trotting through Jerusalem (Eric Reid) An old favourite.
Lutheran Service Book No tramp of soldiers marching feet (Timothy Dudley-Smith) Pretty good words, and sung to a familiar folk tune (STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN) or to KINGSFOLD. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
G(3)499 Blessed is He / Hosanna (Scott Soper) I think the sound sample of this makes it boring, but it could be quite energetic with drums etc. Sheet music. Sound Sample.
*NCH214 / UMH279 / GtG199 Filled with excitement / Mantos y palmas (Rubén Ruiz Ávila) Fun and joyful verses, with an energetic chorus. Can be sung in English or Spanish. Best with percussion! Good for kids.
Recorded Music Hosanna (Page CXVI) Not a congregational song. If you've got hipster musicians, they could play and sing this maybe? Sound sample. Youtube with lyrics.
Online Resource Not on a war horse but on a humble donkey (David Miller) Good words to the familiar tune FINLANDIA. This is one of those hymns that reminds us what will happen later in the week - especially appropriate for churches unable to host Holy Week services. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
VU124 He came riding on a donkey (Gordon Light) Good words and a simple tune to sing. Thanks to Craig Miller for suggesting this song.

What will you be singing as you wave the Palms this week? Add a note in the comments - I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Joshua 5:9-12
No more manna; food provided from the land. New relationship with God. Arrival. Settlement. Safety.

URW061 Bring us home on love's renewing tide (Rodney Romney) A lovely gentle song, that is very very easy to sing. Sound samples.
ATW 487 Make your home in me (Fay White) A simple beautiful invitation. “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”. Lyrics.
TiS 627 / AHB 569 / ATN 8 / LBW409 / ELW689 / GC764 / GC(II)754 / G(3)861 / CP(E) 272 / W&R722 / URW188 / StF125 Praise and thanksgiving Father we offer / Praise and thanksgiving now we would offer (Albert Bayly) Most versions of this are not inclusive, as it is based on quite old words. However, the imagery of a parent makes sense, so even though it is masculine, it doesn't need to be avoided. URW has an inclusive version. Sung to the familiar tune BUNESSAN. Lyrics (downloads a pdf) Old words to old tunes.
Liturgy for the Whole Church p86 When life is dry and hot like a desert / God's love will bring you home (Susan Bock) A simple song.
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."Sheet music and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
STB268 The grain is ripe (Shirley Murray) Good words about harvest and peace sung to a simple hymnlike tune. Lyrics.
NCH424 / SFFS 2061 / PH480 Praise Our God Above source of boundless love (Chao Tzu-chen) Lovely words; traditional Chinese tune will need some practice, but is worth it. Lyrics and sound sample.
*CH230 / VU517 / StF126 Praise God for the harvest of orchard and field (Brian Wren) A thoroughly modern harvest thanksgiving hymn, which would work for any service, not just a harvest thanksgiving. I would actually sing this to BONNIE GEORGE CAMPBELL (TiS 624), by just adding a single note anacrusis at the start of each line. LyricsNew words to old tunes.
CH763 / MV193 God bless to us our bread (Traditional Argentinian) A lovely simple grace for meals and for communion. More Voices has Spanish and French lyrics as well as English. "God bless to us our bread, and give bread to all those who are hungry, and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread". This would be very appropriate if you are celebrating communion this week. Sound sample (Track 1). Good for kids.

Psalm 32
Honest confession forgiven by God. Identity.
You could sing a Kyrie (lots listed here). Some of them are good for kids.

Tune In / Online Resource The desert will spring to life / Making things new(Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
Tune In / NCYC '07 / Online ResourceForgive us now (Dave Brown). “As we forgive may we be healed, as we reach out….” An excellent ballad. Lyrics, free downloadable songbook and sound sample.
BUC Song Project Broken (Elaine Loukes) This song seeking God's open arms at the end of a dry journey fits this reading well.
Cha739 Be glad in God and rejoice (Gary Smith) Responsive psalm with joyous sung refrain.
*MV095 How deep the peace (Lyn Bauman / Linnea Good) Simple song. Would work particularly well as words of assurance after the prayers of confession.
G(II)42 / GC44 I Turn to You in time of trouble (Rory Cooney) A quite nice inclusive cantor and response. Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
TiS 417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 / HPP237 / GtG293 / PH323 / CP657 / W&R135 / Cha244 / URW203 / StB220Loving 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. Free sheet music and lyrics. New words to old tunes
Emergent Psalter Show me which way to go (Isaac Everett) Simple refrain. Sheet music (refrain only).
*StS066 / PfAS032C While I keep silence (David Wright) A very mournful song based on this Psalm. Best for a meditative service; this will not suit all congregations, but there is something quite compelling about it, and maybe particularly good for Lent. Youtube sound sample.
TiS 754 / SFFS 2055 / HPP457 / Cha554 / PfAS032B / Srce2-686 / MP793 You are my hiding-place (Michael Ledner) Very mushy, but somehow very satisfying and soothing. Particularly mushy sound sample and lyrics.Good for kids.
ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 / A&M835 / GtG750 / GC(II)451 / G(3)528 / W&R296 / URW436Goodness is stronger than evil(Desmond Tutu / Iona Community) Words from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. "Victory is ours, victory is ours, through him who loves us". Some congregations change the last line to "Compassion is ours, compassion is ours...". It depends on the context in which you sing it, I suppose. Sound sample. Good for kids.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Everything old has passed away. Ministry of reconciliation. Haven’t made it yet.
Note that I will suggest some of these songs again for the Isaiah reading next week. This may be a good time to introduce a new song, because the theme will still fit next week.

AA019 / GA354 Church of the living Christ (Shirley Murray) Good words, and interesting call and response for most of the song. It would need to be learned before singing it. An alternative is to sing it to DARWALL'S 148th which is in most standard hymnals (Thanks to Margaret Ann for the suggestion).New words to old tunes.
AoV2-085 / Iona (T1AU) / MV115 / A&M328 / SP129Behold behold I Make All Things New (John Bell) A nice hopeful upbeat short song. Highly recommended. Sound sample (scroll down) Good for kids.
Tune In / Online Resource The desert will spring to life / Making things new(Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
TiS 683 / WoV735 / ELW603 / W&R416 / StF649 God when human bonds are broken (Fred Kaan) 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.
TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Patricia Lewis / Alister Spence) Excellent Australian imagery. This is one of my very favourite songs. It is not difficult if you have a good musician at the helm. If it is new to your congregation, they will be able to join in on the verses by the time you get to the 3rd one. The change in tone with the verse really lifts this song. Good for kids. Lyrics and sound sample.
TiS 688 Come to be our hope O Jesus (Jaci Marachin) This is a really fun Latin American song from the World Council of Churches Assembly in Canberra. It's not easy the first time, but once you've heard it, it's very catchy and good for kids. The words are really excellent, despite a slightly clunky translation. Use some maracas. It would be worth teaching to your congregation! Good for kids.
TiS 687 God gives us a future (Elizabeth Smith) Great words to a very easy hymn tune. Careful not to let it get the tune get too pompous; the words are not! "God gives us a future, daring us to go into dreams and dangers on a path unknown. We will face tomorrow in the Spirit's power, we will let God change us for new life starts now!". Lyrics here (scroll down). The hymn has been split into to two parts to include the blessing and words of mission. New words to old tunes.
ATA 200 / CH530 / VU639 / A&M757 / CP(E) 548 / URW109 One more step along the world I go (Sydney Carter) A good fun kid's song from Sydney Carter which many of their parents will remember. "And it's from the old I travel to the new, keep me travelling along with you". Lyrics and sound samples (including karaoke tracks!).Good for kids.
*NCH387 / GtG361 / PH443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 / Lau829 O Christ the great foundation (Timothy Tingfang Lew) Excellent words of salvation and justice, sung to the tune of "The church's one foundation" (AURELIA) which is in all standard hymnals. LyricsThere is a second possible tune (ABREU), which is more challenging. Note that the lyrics in the NCH are slightly different, and more inclusive. New words to old tunes.
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 Love divine all loves excelling (Charles Wesley) Can't possibly sing this song too often! A beautiful classic song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn, even the AHB! "Joy of heaven" *sigh*, so lovely! Lyrics and sheet music.Oldy-but-a-goody.

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Prodigal Son. I came to call sinners. Jesus heals. Which is easier, to heal or forgive sins?

TiS 129 / AHB 56 / AoV1-029 / ATA 131 / NCH547 / CH555 / UMH378 / VU266 / LBW448 / ELW779 / A&M587 / GA437 / HPP334 / GtG649 / PH280 / G(II)434 / GC612 / GC(II)586 / G(3)645 / CP352 / CP(E) 375 / W&R422 / Cha546 / ZSS202 / Srce25 / Lau846 / StF440 / MP031 Amazing grace how sweet the sound (John Newton) I once was lost... I think you all know this one. Nice youtube of some Sacred Harp singing, and a story.I love the recording of Dr G Yunipingu singing this in Yolngu; so sad that he is no longer singing on this earth. Oldy-but-a-goody.
TiS 693 / AoV1-031 / GA212 Come as you are that's how I want you (Deidre Browne) This song is beautiful, gentle, simple, and very well known (in Australia, at least!). "I came to call sinners, not just the virtuous". Lyrics. Slow and mushy sound sample. A good song to start the service.
NCH583 / StJ / GtG044 Like a mother who has borne us (Daniel Bechtel) Very easy and intuitive tune. Beautiful words of the way that God comforts us as mother and father, and how God walks with us when we help others.
BUC Song Project Broken (Elaine Loukes) This song seeking God's open arms at the end of a dry journey fits this reading well.
ATE 284 / VU395 Come in, come in and sit down (James Manley) A fun song. Great for kids. Teenagers think it's tacky, and sometimes I agree with them, because it's not very sophisticated. Lyrics (downloads a pdf). Good for kids.
Online Resource / Tune In / NCYC 2009 / ATAR598God has laid a feasting table / Invitation (Shawn Whelan). Feminine imagery of God gathering her guests to a feasting table. Fun Cuban rhythm. Particularly good if you are celebrating communion, but you don't need to be for it to make sense. Lyrics, sound sample and free songbook. Good for teenagers.
*MV020 God of still waiting (Carl P Daw) Good words about God waiting for us and the promise brought by the Spirit. Tune is quite beautiful, and will need to be taught at least a little. Lyrics.
ATN 77 / G(II)542 / GC749 O Welcome All You Noble Saints of Old / In Christ There Is a Table Set for All (Robert Stamps) The Gather hymnals use "In Christ there is a table set for all" which is much more inclusive than "God and man at table are sat down". Good for celebration of communion Older style lyrics. Good for kids.
NCH202 / VU112 / StS058 O God how we have wandered (Kevin Nichols) This song is particularly suited to this reading. The words are difficult, and would require some sensitivity to those who would "the evil that we do" so condemning that they would find it hard to get to the beautiful words of compassion in the third verse. Each source has a different tune. It fits particularly nicely to PASSION CHORALE. New words to old tunes.
TiS 179 / NCH273 / VU312 / StJ / GA739 / URW073 Praise with Joy the World's Creator (John Bell) One of my favourite hymns - strongly Trinitarian lyrics and excellent imagery. Lyrics (scroll down or search).New words to old tunes.
Online resource Joy in the Presence (Bruce Harding) A very simple little refrain. Could work well at a couple of points in the service. Sample and available here.
Online resource All we asked you gave and more (Colin Gibson) Excellent words sung to a simple American folk tune. Lyrics and sheet music.
Recorded MusicOur Father is Waiting (Malcolm Gordon) A nurturing song of welcome from a loving father. Sound sample and purchase options.
Recorded MusicHow can we be at home? (Malcolm Gordon) A searching song asking how we can find peace when our family (either church or biological) is incomplete. Sound sample and purchase options.
Iona (1ITB) I will arise (John Bell) A good story-telling song, with a simple chorus. Thanks to TaizeFreak for this suggestion. This could be good to use if you choose to spend time telling the story. Sound sample.

Have I missed a song you would like to share? Please join the conversation by adding a comment.

Isaiah 43:16-21
God's going to do a new thing, and the animals will like it too.

AoV2-007 / AoVNG110 See I Make All Things New (Monica O'Brien / Trish Watts) I really love this song. “New, as night turns to morning, the spirit is calling I’m with you, I make all things new”. A nice acapella sound sample. I usually play it with more of a jazz feel.
AoV2-085 / Iona (T1AU) / MV115 / A&M328 / SP129Behold behold I Make All Things New (John Bell) A nice hopeful upbeat short song. Highly recommended. Sound sample (scroll down) Good for kids.
Tune In / Online Resource Making things new (Sheree Anderson) A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook. Good for kids.
ATA 200 / CH530 / VU639 / A&M757 / CP(E) 548 / URW109 / StF476 One more step along the world I go (Sydney Carter) A good fun kid's song which many of their parents will remember. "And it's from the old I travel to the new, keep me travelling along with you". Lyrics and sheet music.Good for kids.
TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Patricia Lewis /Alister Spence) Excellent Australian imagery. This is one of my very favourite songs. It is not difficult if you have a good musician at the helm. If it is new to your congregation, they will be able to join in on the verses by the time you get to the 3rd one. The change in tone with the verse really lifts this song. Lyrics and sound sample.
Cha054 The First Day of Creation is dawning in the soul (Thomas Troeger) Excellent words, about the new creation of our souls. Tune is not immediately simple, but to sing these words it would be worth spending some time learning this tune. Perhaps ask your musicians to present this to your congregation if it's not familiar. Lyrics.
AoV1-114 / HPP376 / G(II)430 / GC608 / GC(II)596 / G(3)683 / W&R430 / Lau964 You shall cross the barren desert / Be not afraid (Bob Dufford) Beautiful words. Well known (at least, the chorus). Verses may be tricky. Lyrics.

Psalm 126
Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy

AoV1-021 / ATOK 402 / StS114 / G(II)488 / GC682 / GC(II)669 / G(3)761 / Lau858 / MP830 God Has Chosen Me (Bernadette Farrell) Energetic, and great words of justice. We used to sing this a lot, but not so much lately. Can be rocky or smooth, however you like it. Good for kids. Sound sample and lyrics.
Shout for Joy (Psalm Project) When we share God's dream (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) Nice words, especially if you read Desmond Tutu's book to the kids this week. Sound sample & purchasing options. Good for kids.
SFFS 2182 / CP583 / GtG074 / PfAS126E When God Restored Our Common Life (Ruth Duck) Good words, based on Ps 126 to a familiar fairly upbeat shape note tune (RESIGNATION). Lyrics (scroll down) New words to old tunes
*Iona (Common Ground) / CH257 Singing we gladly worship the Lord together (Traditional Guatemalan) This song has a simple and energetic chorus with a great rhythm, and sings of us "sowing seeds of peace and love" in a troubled world. Lyrics. Good for kids.
TiS 177 / VU614 / Cha212In suffering love the thread of life (Rob Johns) A more sombre choice, but comforting. Can be sung to a range of familiar tunes like LAND OF REST. New words to old tunes
PfAS126B Those who sow in tears (Ladies of the Grail) A simple Psalm refrain. Nice chords.
Shout for Joy (Psalm Project) Rivers in the desert (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A nice way to present this Psalm to the congregation; this would work well during the offering. Youtube.
CH541 Lord I pray if today (Jean Keegstra-DeBoer) Very simple words, quite child-like, but memorable.
*PfAS126A / URW325When God first brought us back from exile (Carl P Daw) Good words based on the Psalm, and it's sung to WAYFARING STRANGER, which is a very cool tune. Lyrics. New words to old tunes (if you're in the USA)
CH683 / VU420 / A&M491 / GC(II)469 / G(3)546 / GtG295 / CP598 / W&R553 / SP156 / URW132 / Lau426 / StF402 Go to the world Go into all the earth (Sylvia Dunstan) Great words of sending out. Can be sung to a couple of different tunes. SINE NOMINE is the easiest and best known. Sound sample.Sheet music sample.New words to old tunes
Online resourceThose who sow in tears (Bruce Harding) A simple, joyful round. Available here. Good for kids.
*NCH461Let us hope when hope seems hopeless (David Beebe) A lilting tune and good words of hope in the face of difficulty. A song of a maturing faith. Sound sample (long introduction).
VU023 / CP104 Joy shall come even to the wilderness (Israeli traditional) Advent A traditional Israeli song. Excellent words and the tune is cool. Lyrics.
*G(II)110 / GC124 / GC(II)69 / URW326God Has Done Great Things for Us (Marty Haugen) Lovely words “God has done great things for us. Filled us with laughter and music”. I really like this. Both the cantor part and the refrain are inclusive. Would work well also with the Psalm being read between the refrains. Sheet music and sound sample

Philippians 3:4b-14
Righteousness through faith, and striving ahead

Tune In / Online ResourceA grain of wheat (Sheree Anderson) Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it won't form roots and grow. A boppy song with deeply meaningful lyrics. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
*BUC Song ProjectAlways amazed (Dave Brown) A hopeful song of seeking faith, and being inspired by stories like Paul's. This is new to BUC, so perhaps ask the musicians to present it?
TiS 687 God gives us a future (Elizabeth Smith) Great words to a very easy hymn tune. Careful not to let it get the tune get too pompous; the words are not! "God gives us a future, daring us to go into dreams and dangers on a path unknown. We will face tomorrow in the Spirit's power, we will let God change us for new life starts now!". Lyrics here (scroll down). Notice how the hymn has been split into to parts to include the blessing and words of mission.
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 / StF306Now the green blade rises(John MacLeod Campbell Crum) I love these words and this simple French folk tune. I particularly like this played to guitar, but TiS has an excellent piano arrangement too. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes
TiS 547 / AHB 455 / AoV1-009 / NCH451 / CH465 / A&M595 / UMH451 / VU642 / WoV776 / ELW793 / HPP353 / GtG450 / PH339 / CP505 / CP(E) 386 / W&R502 / Cha595 / Srce70 / URW180 / 82Hml-488 / Lau970 / StF545 / MP051 Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart (8th century Irish, translated by Eleanor Hull) Most recent hymnals are fairly inclusive for this. Note that the High King phrase has been changed in some hymnals because it is masculine, but 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. Oldy-but-a-goody.
AoV2-033 / VU647 Travel on travel on (Sydney Carter) I think this old folk song would work well to pick up the theme of "pressing on". Lyrics and chords here.
TiS 599 / AHB 520 / NCH448 / CH502 / UMH399 / VU506 / LBW406 / ELW685 / A&M787 / HPP349 / GtG697 / PH391 / CP435 / CP(E) 581 / W&R466 / Cha609 / Srce633 / 82Hml-707 / Lau874 / StF566 / MP624 Take my life and let it be (Frances Havergal) An oldy but a goody. Lyrics and story. Oldy-but-a-goody.
*MV125 When a grain of wheat / Hitotsubu no (Toyohiko Kagawa) This is a lovely chant. It will need to be taught as it's a Japanese melody and the timing is unfamiliar to Western ears, but once known it should be quite straightforward to sing. Sheet music.
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. Good for kids.
*NCH497 / SFFS 2208 / GtG741 / PH354 / G(II)508 / GC707 / GC(II)684 G(3)780 / CP513 / ZSS141Guide my feet while I run this race (African-American Civil rights song) Would work well as a meditative prayer for guidance or as an uplifting call to action at the end of the service.You could also make up your own lyrics. Lyrics.Good for kids.
Worldmaking.netO Author of Faith yet at work in our hearts (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) New words to an old tune “O Jesus our Christ, lead the way for our faith to give perseverance for running the race. You’ve gone on ahead for to stake out a claim. We trust in the journey and look for your footsteps. O Jesus our Christ, lead the way for our faith!” Lyrics and sound sample
TiS 412 / AHB 324 / ATE 251 / G(II)328 / GC468 / CP651 / W&R130God sends us the Spirit to befriend and help us / Spirit Friend (Tom Colvin and the people of Malawi) I like this song, but the lack of inclusive language for God sometimes drives me a bit crazy. In Tom Colvin's book "Come Let us walk this road together" he uses more inclusive language than many hymnals that include this song. That is, he writes “God sends us the Spirit” instead of “God sends us His Spirit” and "Spirit of our Maker" rather than “Spirit of our Father”. Good for kids.Lyrics and sheet music
TiS571 / AHB 480 / CH529 / UMH438 / VU416 / A&M476 / CP467 / CP(E) 430 / W&R718 / StF550 / Lau861 / MP159 Forth in your / thy name O Lord I go (Charles Wesley) Timeless words about committing all our works to God. I like this hymn best played lightly and joyfully with a simple drum beat as a kind of minstrel tune, rather than a hymn. The old fashioned words seem to make a lot more sense to me that way. Some hymnals (including TiS) have sensitively modernised the words. Lyrics and sheet musicOldy-but-a-goody.

John 12:1-8
Mary anoints Jesus' feet with oil

NCH210 / VU129 Said Judas to Mary (Sydney Carter) Great words to a simple folk tune. Lyrics.
NCH206 A woman came who did not count (Richard Leach) Tune is tricky and will need to be taught, but it's quite beautiful and haunting when you know it. Or you could ask your musicians to present it during the offering. Terribly out of focus video, but the sound is good, and the lyrics are listed.
TiS 696 / VU590 / CP463 / GtG201 / W&R585 A prophet-woman broke a jar (Brian Wren) A song celebrating women in Biblical story and in our lives. The tune is good, and will need to be played through to your congregation before singing it, but just once should be OK. Lyrics and sheet music.
*Taizé / TiS 739 / NCH772 / AoV2-041 / ATOK 404 / VU290 / GA269 / SFFS 2054 / GtG820 / G(II)451 / GC639 / GC(II)626 / G(3)733 / CP568 / W&R421 / URW388 / Lau947 Nothing Can Trouble / Nada te turbe (Jacques Berthier) Excellent and quite well known Taizé chant. Spanish lyrics are not too hard for non-Spanish speakers. Sheet music, sound samples, lyrics and translations.Good for kids.
TiS 748 / GtBThere once was a man as mean as could be (Digby Hannah) Good song for kids and great for this passage. Lyrics (scroll down) Good for kids.
ATFG547 At the table in his honour (Robin Mann) Yeah. I think this would be good. "Make our passion always new".
*Iona From a high secret shelf / I will give what I have (Iona) Beautiful words based on this passage; tune is not easy, so it may be best sung by a soloist. Lyrics. Sound sample.
And now, the video for "Everything's Alright" from Jesus Christ Superstar. I just love this movie.

What will you be singing? Please join the conversation by adding a comment below!

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Strength when people mock you

TiS 636 / VU272 / WoV715 / LBW250 / ELW533 / GtG453 / PfAS078C / PfAS078D / URW076 / 82Hml-536 / Lau472 / MP182 God has spoken to his people Alleluia / God has spoken to the people Alleluia (Hasidic traditional) In many versions this song is not inclusive for God, or uses specifically Christian lyrics (which is odd, since it's a Jewish hymn). VU, PfAS GtG and WoV have gender inclusive language for God: "God has spoken to the people (Alleluia), God has spoken words of wisdom, Alleluia". WoV and PfAS also have the traditional Hebrew chorus of "Torah ora torah ora hallelujah" which means "The Lord is light" which would be great to sing and are the original words! PfAS078D simply uses the first two lines of the first verse as a psalm refrain. The chorus is good for kids. New words to old tunes One version of the lyrics.
Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song. Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Scottish sound sample. Lead sheet.
*Iona (One is the Body) / ATAR601 / MV103 Ka mana'o 'i 'o (Joe 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. Lyrics (slide show).

Psalm 31:9-16
God as refuge and redeemer

PfAS031A Empty broken lifeless(Shannon Cerneka and Orin Johnson) A sorrowful chant-like refrain, and verses that should be best sung by a cantor. A good version for Passion Sunday. Lyrics.
MV083 / FFS41 Let my spirit always sing (Shirley Murray) Good words about getting old. May be sund to a number of different tunes. A song for those who are aged or infirm. A good song to play in nursing homes, or in congregations with a large proportion of elderly who are wrestling with what it means to live in a body that doesn't do what it used to manage! Lyrics & sheet music.
*Worldmaking.net O Holy One (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A very simple song for the start of worship. It could be sung altogether as a congregation or responsively. We sang this once last year, would be good to do it again. Sound sample and lyrics.Good for kids.
*PfAS031C / URW256 (Refrain 2) My times are in your hands (AnnaMae Meyer Bush) A simple two part. This would be worth teaching. (It's not the old chorus) It can be sung on its own, or as a Psalm refrain, or prayer response. Good for kids.
GC42 / GC(II)31Abba Abba I Put My Life in Your Hands / Pongo mi Vida (David Haas) Spanish and English lyrics for this simple version of Psalm 31. Sheet music and lyrics. Sound sample.
*TiS 682 / ATW 490 / GA236 / A&M355 / AA151 / SP148 When human voices cannot sing (Shirley Murray) Lovely words of healing in the face of grief. I prefer this sung to ST COLUMBA, which is the tune in GA and TiS. Lyrics
Iona / CH788 / MV104 / GtG659Know that God is Good / Mungu ni mwema (Traditional Congo) This traditional African refrain is just lots of fun and very simple to sing. Good for kids and adults! Sound sample (Scottish). It's a while since we've sung this, but it's great! Lyrics.
*GtG811 / PfAS031D / URW256 (Refrain 1) Make your face to shine upon your servant / Haz resplandecer tu rostro (Jay Weldon Wilkey) This is a lovely song. It can be sung on its own, or as a Psalm refrain, as in URW (use the section "Make your face to shine… loving kindness save me" as the refrain, and the section beginning "But as for me" at the conclusion of the Psalm). Clunky sound sample.
*ATAR669 Be my strength (Robin Mann) Words about familiar comforting things, and about becoming older and more frail. Excellent.
TiS 19 / Iona (PPP&P) / ATOK 339 In you O Lord I found refuge (John Bell) A simple cantor and response Psalm. Really brief sound sample.
Ps Project Into Your Hands (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A very very very very simple chant.
*CP517 / W&R503 O God your constant care and love (Glen Lanier) Quite good words about God's presence with us through our lives. Sung to a standard hymn tune (WAREHAM or WINCHESTER NEW). Lyrics.New words to old tunes
TiS 240 / AHB182 / CH393 / StF640 We turn to God when we are sorely pressed (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) Excellent words of our need for God, God's suffering, and God's generosity. Sung to a standard hymn tune. Lyrics and a number of translations. I much prefer the Church Hymnary version to the translations in TiS and AHB.
CH725 Today I live one day shall come my death (Fred Kaan) An unusual theme remarking on the inevitability of death and that we have no need to fear it. Lovely tune. Lyrics.
StJ / G(II)346 / GC506 / GC(II)508 / G(3)586 You Are All We Have (Francis Patrick O'Brien) A nice refrain and good cantor parts. Somewhat formal. Sound sample, sheet music sample and a different sound sample.
*AoV2-070 / ATW 496 / MV090 / StJ / G(3)719Don't be afraid (John Bell) 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.

Philippians 2:5-11

TiS 721 / Iona (LFB) / URW431 / StF344 / Lau124 He became poor that we may be rich (John Bell) A simple chant. Timing is a little bit tricky, so you will need to take a little time to teach it initially. This has gorgeous parts if you have some singers. Sound sample.
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. I will suggest this again next week! Lyrics. New words to old tunes
*Taizé / MV075 / StS079 / SFFS 2118 / GtG284 / GC(II)479 / G(3)547 / SP99 / URW395 Holy Spirit Come to Us / Veni sancte spiritus / Tui amoris (Jacques Berthier) Best if you have a cantor, but works well if you don't, too. Sheet music, translations, sound samples.
TiS 341 / AHB 257 / NCH222 / CH399 / VU143 / A&M147 / WoV661 / LBW094 / ELW782 / SFFS 2083 / HPP329 / GtG209 / PH076 / CP184 / CP(E) 112 / Srce2-426 / 82Hml-458 / Lau752 / StF277 / MP478 My song is love unknown (Samuel Crossman) I really love this old and beautiful song. I prefer it sung to LOVE UNKNOWN. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
Worldmaking.netO Christ, Lamb of God (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
*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 / StF247I danced in the morning / Lord of the Dance (Sydney Carter). Lyrics and tidbits of info.You all know this one, right? For Passion Sunday, it may be best to stop this partway through, and sing the rest on Easter Sunday.Good for kidsOldy-but-a-goody.
GtBGod is love and love is giving (Ross Langmead) A simple kids' song about God's love. A round. Good for kids
Tune In O Spirit God to you we pray / In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) A cry to God for help. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
Online resource / MV047 Born in human likeness (Bruce Harding) A simple Christmas round. Good for kids.

Matthew 26:14-27:66
See suggestions for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Online Resource Not on a war horse but on a humble donkey (David Miller) Good words to the familiar tune FINLANDIA. This is one of those hymns for Passion Sunday that reminds us what will happen later in the week - especially appropriate for churches unable to host Holy Week services. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
SFFS 2111 We Sang Our Glad Hosannas (Mary Nelson Keithahn) Good words that follow Christ from Palm Sunday to the Crucifixion. Sung to a hymn tune.

What will you be singing? Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below.

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14

The sacrifice and eating of the Passover lamb
Agnus Dei

*Online ResourceO Christ, Lamb of God (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
*Sing Alleluia / Fresh Sounds 041 Jesus Lamb of God (Betty Pulkingham) This is one of my absolute favourite Agnus Deis (what's the plural of Agnus Dei?). A little bit of the tune. Good for kids.
*ATAR657 Jesus, lamb of God (Robin Mann) A nice new Agnus Dei. Quite simple to sing.
Online Resource Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world (Jane Southwick Cool) A very simple and beautiful Lamb of God. Sheet music (look for the PDF symbol) and lyrics.
*ATAR648 / Online Resource Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world (Kevin Keil) A simple and quite lovely extended Agnus Dei (written for Advent, but I think you can sing it in Lent also), with extra verses of Morning Star, God with Us, Prince of Peace… Sound and sheet music samples, and download options.
*Iona (CAYP) / SP228 / URW413 / StF790 Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world (John Bell) I really like this one (St Bride setting). A simple, and quite meditative overlapping cantor and response. It will need to be taught, but it will not take long for people to pick it up. Keep it slow. Sound sample.
AoV1-196 / GC171 / GC(II)152 / RS 329 Jesus, Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) (Marty Haugen) from the Mass of Creation, so particularly good if you are using that entire setting. Sound sample and lyrics.
GC213 / GC(II)319 / RS 469 / URW414Jesus Lamb of God (Michael Joncas) from his Psallite Mass. Sheet music sample.
GtG603 Lamb of God (Paul Vasile) This is really nice; will need to be taught. Jazzy chords! Sheet music preview.
GtG604 Lamb of God (Robert Farlee) A nice simple Agnus Dei
*TiS 705 / Iona (Common Ground, EoA) / W&R282 / SP320 / StF234 / Lau610 Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin (John Bell) A simple Agnus Dei. Best if you can manage to get all four parts involved.
GC(II)174 Jesus Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) (Richard Proulx) A simple chant. Cantor and response.
AHB 448 Holy most holy Lamb of God (Daniel T Niles) Funky Philippino tune. Yeah, something groovy in the AHB!
Music by Heart 06 Lamb of God (Robinson McClellan) A simple, and quite lovely call and response. This would be very easy to sing even if new, provided you have a good song leader. Good for kids.
CH778 Lamb of God you take away (Fride Gustafsson) A very simple Agnus dei. Easy to sing.
Lau1011 Lamb of God (Belmont) (Christopher Walker) A very simple and beautiful meditative Agnus Dei. Sound sample
GC(II)318 / G(3)392 O Lamb Of God (Robert Batastini) Quite lovely and soothing call-and-response Agnus Dei. Sound sample.
STB129 Lamb of God (Wu) An unusual Agnus Dei set to a Taiwanese tune. Will need to be taught
WoV621 Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world (Marty Haugen) A canon. In 3/4. Seems quite nice and simple.
Iona (T1AU) / CH790 O Lamb of God (John Bell) St Bride setting. Nice; will need to be taught before you use it. It's a little bit tricky.
The word became a song Jesus Lamb of God (Robin Mann) Quite simple. Good for communion.
Recorded music Agnus Dei There are very very many classical versions of the Agnus Dei. It might be nice to play a recording while communion is distributed, or while people light candles for their prayers. Some favourites: Agnus Dei set to Samuel Barber's Adagio; I also like Palestrina. And Dunstable.

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
A vow to the Lord, and lifting the cup of salvation…?

GC109I Will Walk in the Presence of God (Gary Daigle) A simple lilting refrain. Inclusive verses. This could maybe be used as a chant on its own. Sheet music & lyrics. Sound sample.
Linnea GoodPsalm 116 (Linnea Good) is particularly beautiful and simple “I love you God; I know you listen. You listened on the day I cried. When I called out to you in anguish, you were my presence and my guide”. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to access this if you don't already have a copy. Good for kids.
PfAS116D I love the Lord who heard my cry (Isaac Watts) This uses just the first line of the old Watts hymn, with inclusive language, as a Psalm refrain. Nice. Oldy-but-a-goody.
URW311 I love you Lord you hear my cry (Isaac Watts) A simple song with two verses, or you could use it as a Psalm refrain with the text read by a leader. It would be pretty amazing if you can sing it in 4 parts, I reckon. The 2nd verse could be quite appropriate on its own during intercessions.Lyrics (more verses).
TiS 71 / VU617 / G(II)97 / GC108I will walk in the presence of the Lord (Richard Proulx) A beautiful cantored Psalm. The refrain is very simple. Doesn’t make sense without the cantor.
Taizé / TiS 741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW407 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 / GtG471 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / G(3)666 / W&R484 / Srce519 / URW390 / Lau929 / PfAS013A / PfAS102A / MP908O Lord hear my prayer (Jacques Berthier) 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
TiS 709 / TaizéChuyo chuyo (Jacques Berthier) A Korean hymn, appropriate for an intercession response. Not hard for non-Koreans! means "Lord hear us".
TiS 727 / SiS361 / ATE 208 / CH121 / AA70 / PfAS022F In the presence of your people (Brent Chambers) A good Yiddish tune - lots of fun for kids and adults. Good to get fast and dance around on this one, but maybe not for your typical Maundy Thursday service. Good for kids. Or you could try:*VU745 In the presence of your people (Chambers - refrain only) Refrain only for singing with a reading of a different Psalm, but it would also work for this one.
GC(II)755 / G(3)864 O the weary world is trudging / The trumpet in the morning (Rory Cooney) Song of release of prisoners and the trumpet's blast. Sound sample. Lead sheet.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and John 13:1-17, 31b-35
The words of institution;
You might also like to look at the Communion songs page.

*Praise for all Seasons I Remember (David Brown) Our musicians sang this in 2014 while people are moving in to the space for communion "I remember a man who came for his last meal, ate it with a group of friends and it changed the world".
*ATAR658 Jesus, you are the bread we long for (Bernadette Farrell) Excellent communion song, with 5 verses about God being bread and wine for those who starve and thirst; themes of healing, restoration and justice. Very straightforward flowing melody. We sang this not long ago, and it is really beautiful. It would be good to sing it again. Lyrics (in an order of service)
*ATAR659 The night of his betrayal / Remember now my children (John Ylvisaker) A good simple song of the words of institution. Will be easy to sing
*WoV701 / ELW487 / URW119 What Feast of Love (Dolores Dufner) Very poetic devotional language about Christ as the bread, light and wine. Sung to GREENSLEEVES. Maybe better as a solo initially so people can just listen to the beauty of the words. Perhaps sung during distribution of communion, or a song to sing while thinking about the prepared table? New words to old tunes
*AoVNG15 Bread of Life (Michael John Poirier) A nice gentle song. Would be good for distribution of communion. Particularly good for Maundy Thursday. Our musicians sang it a couple of times in the last few years, and it was just lovely. I think we could just do it again!
*GtG207 Sharing Pascal bread and wine / Shadows lengthen into night (Mary Louise Bringle) Maundy Thursday A great song for a Tenebrae service, with the chorus "Shadows lengthen into night", but could work for other services too.
*CH763 / MV193 God bless to us our bread (Frederico Pagura / Traditional Argentinian) A lovely simple grace for meals and for communion. More Voices has Spanish and French lyrics as well as English. "God bless to us our bread, and give bread to all those who are hungry, and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our bread". Sound sample (Track 1). Good for kids.
*ELW466 / FFS38 / SFFS 2255 / GtG533 In the singing in the silence (Shirley Murray) Lovely words, simple tune in FFS; there are quite a few tunes to this. Lyrics and single-use only downloadable PDF.
NCH344 / Iona (Enemy of Apathy) / GA385 / G(II)611 / Lau638 The time was early evening (John Bell) Great words to a familiar Celtic folk tune. We used to sing this one often on Maundy Thursday; would be good to revisit it. "Oh the food comes from the baker, the drink comes from the vine..."
ATW 472 / NCYC'99 As we take this bread (Jane Dyson) A lovely simple communion chant. Good for kids.
*TiS 538 / AoV2-093 Feed us now Bread of life (Robin Mann) One of my favourite communion songs. Simple to sing, and beautiful simple theology. “Piece of bread, cup of wine, Lord this food is good”. Lyrics
VU458 / AA017 / W&R276 Christ let us come with you (Shirley Murray) Tune in AA is simple, but not familiar. Good song for Maundy Thursday and the last week of Lent. Lyrics and sheet music.
*GtG498 Loaves were broken words were spoken (Herman Stuempfle) Communion Excellent words for communion sung to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING. Lyrics (downloads a pdf that you will need to scroll through)New words to old tunes
TiS 707 / Iona (Common Ground, LFB) / A&M429 / SP214 / StF576Bread is blessed and broken (John Bell / Graham Maule) Very simple. Good for distribution of communion; not all versions are inclusive. Lyrics.
*TiS 536 / AHB 453 / VU130 / GtG202 / PH094 / CP(E) 130 / W&R275 / Cha385 / Lau248 / StF569An upper room did our Lord prepare (Fred Pratt Green) I really love this song, but we have not sung it much, even though it's so easy and lovely. Lyrics.New words to old tunes
TiS 357 / ATA 147 When his time was over the palms lay where they fell / When our life began again (Robin Mann) Beautiful and mournful. Lyrics.
BUC Song ProjectHarvest our love (Dave Brown). This song is just perfect for every communion service ever. It would be good to sing this again, because it's been a while. Jazz.
TiS 737 / Iona (Common Ground, HSNW, T1AU) / A&M516 / SP142 / URW427 / Lau437Lord Jesus Christ lover of all (John Bell) A beautiful and simple chant. Note that some versions (T1AU at least) have a beautiful 4 part harmony arrangement with excellent moving parts in the lower registers. Would work well during intercessions or during times of movement in the service.
ATA 135 / VU132 Bitter was the night (Sydney Carter) Lyrics based on Peter's denial of Christ. Lyrics and sheet music.
Iona (T1AU) / Cha430 Lo I Am With You to the end of the world (John Bell) Simple repetitive verses, in a nice minor key. Sound sample (youtube).
ATOK 397 / Iona (LFB) / CH658 / VU462 / A&M426 / GtG428 / CP610 / Cha391 / SP211 / StF575 Before I take the body of my Lord / These I lay down (John Bell) A pre-communion confession. Lovely tune which is easy to sing. Lyrics.
Taizé / TiS 714 / AoV1-125 /ATE 270 / CH661 / UMH628 / VU466 / WoV709 / ELW472 / GtG527 / GA205 / A&M442 / G(II)588 / GC838 / GC(II)806 / G(3)941 / RS928 / CP063 / W&R697 / Cha414 / SP229 / URW379 / Lau633 / StF583 Eat this bread drink this cup (Robert Batastini) Excellent, particularly if you have a capable cantor. Some resources say "Come to him and never be hungry", but others have "come to me / trust in me".
*ATW 478 / Iona (T1AU) / CH799 / A&M469 / G(3)951 / SP230 / URW420 This is the body of Christ (John Bell) A very simple and gentle chant for distribution of communion "This is the body of Christ, broken that we may be whole; This cup, as promised by God, true to God's word, cradles our Lord: food for the good of the soul." Note, I did a sneaky little lyric change there... see if you can find it.
Iona (Enemy of Apathy) He comes in the gathering gloom (John Bell)
CH484 / UMH579 / WoV666 / ELW358 / A&M169 / PH353 / CP442 / CP(E) 133 / W&R55 / SP57 / URW087 / StF499 Great God Your Love Has Called Us Here (Brian Wren) Good words to a standard hymn tune (MELITA). Gathering, confession, response, communion, and sending out all in one hymn. This is a good all-rounder. New words to old tunes.
STB297 Broken communion tore you apart (Junchol Hong) A simple and solemn Korean chant, including a section that is just hummed; the two sections could be sung at the same time. Can be sung in English or Korean.

Songs for foot-washing:

TiS 640 / AHB 561 / ATE 310 / NCH498 / UMH432 / VU593 / WoV765 / ELW708 / HPP446 / GtG203 / PH367 / G(II)296 / GC409 / GC(II)429 / G(3)505 / CP504 / W&R273 / Cha600 / URW116 / 82Hml-602 / Lau241 / StF249 Jesu Jesu fill us with your love / Kneels at the feet of his friends (Tom Colvin & people of Ghana) Lyrics. Good for kids
On the road Mystery of servant love (Ross Langmead) Excellent song, with much feeling about Christ's suffering, death, and servanthood.
Recorded Music The basin and the towel (Michael Card) Excellent lyrics about how this story lives again every time we "wash the feet" of others. You could play the song, or ask your musicians to sing it. Thanks to Pam Purdin in the Facebook group for suggesting this song. Lyrics. Youtube. Sheet music.
GC(II)431 / G(3)507 Jesus our teacher and our Lord / So you must do (Marty Haugen) A nice song for the musicians to sing during foot-washing; it's not so easy. Lead sheet. Sound sample.
Taizé / CH801 / MV170 / StJ / GtG205 / WoV665 / ELW642 / SFFS 2179 / GC408 / GC(II)430 / G(3)500 / CP553 / W&R399 / Cha523 / URW394/ StF783 / Lau244b Live in charity / Ubi Caritas (Jacques Berthier) Usually sung in Latin, but can also be sung just as beautifully as "Live in charity and steadfast love, live in charity; God will dwell with you."Sheet music and sound samples for practice. Good for kids.

End of service:

*BUC Song ProjectThe night is dark and lonely / In Darkness (for Maundy Thursday) (Julia Potter) A lovely chant that can be sung as a round. It will need to be taught; once you get it, it's mesmerising.
*Iona (The courage to say no) / CH371 / StS085 Lay down your head Lord Jesus Christ (John Bell / Graham Maule) This song would be good for the end of a Maundy Thursday service, particularly if sung simply by a soloist if it is not familiar to your congregation. "What lies ahead we fear to guess… Lay down your head and, by your side, we'll sleep and stay".We sang this a couple of years ago.
Iona (T1AU) / Cha430 Lo I am with you to the end of the world (John Bell) Simple repetitive verses, in a nice minor key.
Taizé / AoV2-088 / ATOK 395 / CH793 / VU950 / ELW348 / GA325 / A&M172 / SFFS 2198 / GtG204 / W&R286 / SP61 / Lau249 / StF780Stay with me / Bleibet hier (Jacques Berthier) A very well known chant. Sheet music and sound samples.
Iona / VU33 Watch, watch and pray (John Bell) This Advent chant also has lyrics for Maundy Thursday
Taizé / ATE 287 / WoV667 / GA321 / G(II)298 / GC411 / GC(II)433 / G(3)502 Stay here and keep watch (Jacques Berthier) Not very well known, but very good for the end of Maundy Thursday. Most would use "Stay with me, remain with me", but this is a nice alternative.
Taizé / CP194 / URW392 Stay with us / Bleib mit deiner Gnade / Night will soon fall (Jacques Berthier) Another good one from Taize. The phrase "Night will soon fall" is particularly appropriate for Maundy Thursday. Sheet music and sound samples.
VU182 Stay with us through the night (Walter Farquharson) Simple and gentle sorrowful, but hopeful song.
AoV2-024 / URW407 Holy Darkness (Dan Schutte) Beautiful words based on John of the Cross. Might want to use a cantor if this is not familiar to your congregation. URW has only the refrain. Lyrics and sound sample.

Share your ideas - what will you be singing? What did you sing this year? Post a comment below.

Songs about mothers

*WoV692 / ELW419 / GtG324 / RS885 For all the faithful women (Herman Steumpfle) Great words of the faithfulness of women, including Hannah, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Deborah and Miriam. Sung to a very familiar tune (AURELIA). You could choose just the verses you want so it's not too long, (but all the verses are good). Some words are a bit odd (like the bit about saving "our race" could unfortunately be easily misconstrued). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
*SFFS 2189A mother lined a basket(Mary Nelson Keithahn) Quite a remarkable song about the nurture mothers provide and the risks they take in letting children go. "A mother lined a basket to keep her baby dry, then rocked him on a river lest he awake and cry, She let a princess name him, her son, that he might live, God's people had a leader, she had such hope to give". Could be sung to other tunes such as THORNBURY. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
*NCH426 O God whose steadfast love (James Haddix) A song about family and motherhood. The tune is a very familiar sounding hymn tune (RHOSYMEDRE). Sheet music. New words to old tunes.
A&M137 / G(II)646 / GC892 / GC(II)871 / G(3)983 / SP42 / StF119 God of Eve and God of Mary (Fred Kaan) A lovely gentle song that celebrates Mary, Eve, and all who play mothering roles. Set to many possible tunes. Lyrics and one possible tune's sound sample. Sheet music. New words to old tunes.
Online Resource / Recorded Music For our mothers of faith (Malcolm Gordon) A good song about mothers and other women who have "mothered" us in the faith. Very simple chorus which would be great to sing along to. Sound sample, lyrics, and lead sheet available here.
TiS 106 / AHB 14 / AoV1-189 / NCH419 / CH182 / UMH102 / VU236 / LBW534 / ELW840 / GA425 / A&M739 / HPP283 / GtG643 / PH555 / GC565 / GC(II)545 / G(3)636 / CP399 / CP(E) 530 /W&R14 / Cha715 / 82Hml-396 / StF081 / Lau945 / LUYH543 / MP486 Now thank we all our God / Nun Danket Alle Gott (Martin Rinkhart) A classic song of thanks, including the line "who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today". Thanks Kathy, for this suggestion. The language is not entirely inclusive in all versions. Chalice has great inclusive words. It's in the public domain, so changing the older English translation is quite acceptable. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.

God as Mother

*VU270 Dear Mother God your wings are warm (Janet Wootton) Good images of God as mother; the tune is not known and will need to be taught. Could also be sung to PERFECT LOVE, I think. New words to old tunes. Sheet music & lyrics.
*VU484 God the all-holy Maker and Mother (Brian Wren) A Trinitarian song, with the first verse focussed on God as Mother. Sung to the familiar tune BUNESSAN. New words to old tunes.
*NCH467 / CH117 / VU320 / WoV769 / ELW735 / SFFS 2050 / HPP242 / GtG007 / Cha083 / VF072 Mothering God you gave me birth (Jean Janzen) Lovely words to the well known tune MARYTON. Feminine trinitarian imagery. I like the tune MOTHER JULIAN (CH4 117(I)) best. Lyrics and sound sample (youtube)
*AoV1-085 / GtG474 / Lau453 / PfAS131E Like a child rests in its mother's arms (Christopher Walker) A very beautiful and simple refrain; works well on its own. Note that GtG and PfAS have removed the beautiful rest in the 2nd bar of the song, which is one of the things I love about it! I'm quietly outraged... Sound sample and sheet music for (paid) download (including the "restful rest")
*VU280 Mother and God (Miriam Therese Winter) A short song, suitable for before the intercessions or communion. Beautiful words; some may find the breastfeeding God image a little challenging. Simple tune. Lyrics.
BUC Song Project Mother Our God (David Brown) A plain-speaking song that celebrates the image of God as mother, and questions why we have found it hard.
VF136 Mothers call upon the Maker (Jane Hawes) Words for mothers, sisters and daughters; this hymn draws on ideas of the way that God is mother, sister and daughter too. Sung to an older hymn tune RUSTINGTON. New words to old tunes. Sheet music and sound samples .
Online ResourceAre you not also a mother? (Christopher Grundy) I really like this relaxed jazzy rendition of the prayer of St. Anselm (from ~1100). More for listening than congregational singing. And yeah, saxophone, right? Live recording. You can find the translation of the prayer here.

God as Grandmother

*Online ResourceGrandmother God / Younger than a youth (Brian Wren) This is a great two part song, with a simple bass part and then a second part for the rest of the congregation. Great imagery of strong older women. Sheet music and lyrics

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
The despised suffering one;
You may like to repeat an Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) from Maundy Thursday.

*TiS 356 / CH385 / Cha203 / StF273Here hangs a man discarded (Brian Wren) Excellent words, particularly for this reading “Can such a clown of sorrows still bring a useful word where faith and love seem phantoms and every hope absurd?”. Also works very well with TiS 339 (Passion Chorale) if your congregation is scared of new tunes. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes
TiS 345 / AHB 261 / AoV1-103 / NCH229 / UMH288 / VU144 / LBW81 / ELW353 / GA336 / A&M144 / HPP185 / GtG228 / PH102 / G(II)302 / GC416 / GC(II)438 / G(3)511 / CP192 / CP(E) 126 / W&R283 / Cha198 / 82Hml-172 / Lau225 / StF285 / MP745 Were you there when they crucified my Lord? (African-American traditional) A classic - well known, beautiful to sing and listen to. Lyrics and sheet music. And a youtube of Johnny Cash. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Iona (TCTSN) / CH389 Behold the holy Lamb of God! (Malawi hymn) This will take some practice, I think. A song with a Cantor and response; you will need a small group to lead the congregation in the response. MWANA MWERERE. Lyrics.
Tune In / Online ResourceA 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. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
*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. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
Tune In: See our God with the tear-streaked face / Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
*Worldmaking.netO Christ, Lamb of God (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.

Psalm 22
Crying out to God. A Psalm of suffering.

*Emergent PsalterMy god, my god (Isaac Everett) A simple refrain, and well-written spoken words for the Psalm itself. Piano music for refrain.
*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. Lyrics (downloads a pdf)
*STB274 My God my God why why have you forsaken me? (Ukur / Feliciano) This can be sung either as a unison refrain, a tricky 4 part harmony chorale, or an even trickier chant with a solost (or reader). The words said by the reader, or sung by the cantor are quite challenging, and coming more from the perspective of poorer nations. This would be pretty amazing to do, and as there are many options, it's quite achievable. The refrain can be sung in English, Bahasa Indonesian, Pilipino, Mandarin or Thamilz.
STB189 Why have you forsaken me? (Bill Wallace) Quite formal and sorrowful words of Christ's sorrows, including his crucifixion and the death of Lazarus. Helpful. Set to a lovely Japanese melody - will need to be taught. Sheet music.
*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.
*Tune In / ATAR663 Save us in the time of trial (Shawn Whelan) Reflective chant-like chorus and verses. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
*VU745 / PfAS022F In the presence of your people (Brent Chambers) This is a very well known song in our congregation, but usually sung as a very upbeat, slightly crazy celebration song, but I like the way these books suggest using just the lines "In the presence of your people I will praise your name" as a refrain for a responsively read version of this quite sad, but still hopeful Psalm (for verses 19-31 only, with the refrain sung after vs 22, 24, 28, and 31). I think this could work extremely well. Sound sample.
*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, sample sheet music. Sheet music sample.New words to old tunes
GtG210 / PH168 / PfAS022BLord Why Have You Forsaken Me (Christopher Webber) Simple and honest lyrics. A paraphrase of the psalm to one of my favourite shape note tunes (DISTRESS).
*VU744 / G(II)28 / GC29 / GC(II)22 / G(3)033My God My God O why have you abandoned me? (Marty Haugen) Simple chant and good cantor lines. Chant lead sheet.
*Online resourceWhy my God? (Bruce Harding) A lovely haunting round with an optional descant part. Sample sheet music. Purchase here.

Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
God’s new covenant, our new confidence, Christ as high priest.

*Worldmaking.netO Christ, Lamb of God (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample. See last week's entry for more Agnus Dei suggestions.
*TiS 259 / Iona (Love From Below) Among us and before us Lord you stand (John Bell). Good words. The set tune (GATEHOUSE) will need to be taught. It can also be sung to SURSUM CORDA. New words to old tunes
*TIS 624 / W&R453 / StF492Christ be my leader by night as by day (Timothy Dudley Smith) Excellent words of following Christ in times of struggle to a traditional Scottish melody. LyricsNew words to old tunes
TiS 542 / STB082 Far beyond our mind's grasp (Francisco Feliciano) These beautiful devotional words are sung to a traditional Filipino tune. The tune is not easy, but is very haunting once you get to know it. If it is new to your congregation, it would be good to ask a soloist to sing it. STB has it in Pilipino as well as English. Lyrics.
TiS 529 / AHB 598 By your priestly power O risen Lord (James McAuley) Formal and beautiful words. This would work well if some of the bread from Thursday remains on the communion table. The responsive chant could also be used on its own “By your priestly power O risen Lord, All we lost and needed is restored. God in our communion be adored.
GtG217 On a barren hilltop (Christopher Webber) A song about atonement and victory over evil, to a familiar tune (KINGS'S WESTON). Maybe best sung by a soloist. New words to old tunes.

John 18:1-19:42
The long story of Jesus’ arrest, betrayal and crucifixion

*Songs from the still strange landEmpty empty I come empty to the bleeding Lord (Andrew Dutney) Thanks to Paul Walton for finding this simple and beautiful chant.
*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, sung slowly. Maybe it could even be sung in a minor key? Sound sample. Good for kids.
AoV2-048See His Hands (Sandra Sears) Excellent. Simple. Crucifixion focus, but not morbid.
*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 helpful if your congregation has been vulnerable this year. Lyrics and sheet music. Slightly odd sound sample.
*FFS08Broken the body (Shirley Murray). Good words of a broken body of Christ and a broken Church seeking healing, unity and courage.
TiS 340 / AHB 256Before the cock crew twice (Hallgrim Pjetursson) This storytelling song uses words from the 17th century. The tune is a little tricky, but it could work very well if sung by a soloist (even unaccompanied if you have a brave soloist!).
FFS70 What have we done to you? (Shirley Murray) Tricky tune. Would be good to have musicians present this the first time.
*ATA 135 / VU132 Bitter was the night (Sydney Carter) Lyrics based on Peter's denial of Christ. Lyrics and sheet music
*Online resource:I will drink the cup (Bruce Harding) A simple 4 part chant; best if you have all 4 parts - the tenor part rocks. Available here.
Online Resource Jesus went out to a garden (Carolyn Winfrey-Gillette) Set to a standard hymn tune, this story-telling song asks good questions about the violence of the crucifixion and the God of peace. Available here.
*Taizé / TiS 730 / AoV1-152 / ATOK 387 / CH775 / UMH488 / WoV740 / ELW616 / GA308 / A&M838 / HPP214 / GtG227 / PH599 / G(II)293 / GC404 / GC(II)422 / G(3)510 /W&R285/ Cha569/ Srce387/ URW382/ Lau253 / StF777 Jesus remember me (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful chant, but we have not sung it often. Sheet music and sound samples.
Taizé / GA331 / GC421 / Lau233 All You Who Pass this Way (Jacques Berthier) Simple chant and cantored verses. Sound sample, lyrics and sample sheet music.
*Iona (Enemy of Apathy) / GA511 I walked through the lonely streets (John Bell) Contemporary reproaches. Very challenging words.
*FFS79 Who will carry the cross for me? (Bill Bennett) Simple tune, and good questioning words about who will walk the hard road with Christ
*ATA 171 Dying you destroyed our death (Rod Boucher) Simple chant for Good Friday.
*Iona / VU153 / GA510 When the son of God was dying (John Bell) This song has lots of words, which I don't generally like during a more reflective service, but maybe you like that, and these words are quite good, and imagine well the scene of the crucifixion. Tune is pretty straightforward.
*AoVNG108 See Him (Keith Duke) Quiet reflective and challenging chant, would work well for a soloist. Also available in the book "Sacred Dance"Sound sample. Lyrics. Also available to purchase from iTunes if you would like to play a recording. We sang this last year, and it would be good to do it again.
*NCH192 / VU146 / SFFS 2106 / HPP183 / GtG194 / PH312 / Cha199 / 82Hml-715When 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.
*WoV663 / ELW566 / GtG195 / PH547 / STB161 When Twilight Comes / Awit Sa Dapit Hapon (Moises Andrade) Beautiful words for Good Friday, and for evening. Uses the theme of the hen gathering her chicks. Unusual Asian tune, which is not too hard for Western ears. Lyrics (downloads a pdf - search in it).
TiS 341 / AHB 257 / NCH222 / CH399 / VU143 / A&M147 / WoV661 / LBW094 / ELW782 / SFFS 2083 / HPP329 / GtG209 / PH076 / CP184 / CP(E) 112 / Srce2-426 / 82Hml-458 / Lau752 / StF277 / MP478 My song is love unknown (Samuel Crossman) I really love this old and beautiful song. I prefer it sung to LOVE UNKNOWN. Lyrics. Oldy but a goody
UMH257 / VU183 / PH311 / W&R616 / Cha183 We Meet You O Christ (Fred Kaan) I like the tune LIFE for this one, which provides a great message of Christ's crucifixion for justice in the world.
FFS21 Forgive us O God (Colin Gibson) Touching lyrics of the ways we have crucified Christ again, and the hope we have in Easter.

Adoration of the Cross
If this is a tradition in your congregation, here are some songs that could work well.

*Songs from the still strange landEmpty empty I come empty to the bleeding Lord (Andrew Dutney) Thanks to Paul Walton for finding this simple and beautiful chant.
CH750 / Lau667 Adoramus te Domine Deus (Margaret Rizza) A fairly simple chant which would be good for an entire congregation to sing.
*GA305 / GC396 / GC(II)400 / RS542 / CP338 Adoramus Te Christe (Marty Haugen) It's really nice. Might be good to some musicians singing this quietly on Good Friday. The Refrain is a canon which could work on its own. Lyrics and sheet music sample.Sound sample (maybe a little energetic for my liking).
Unusual Source Your faithfulness (Monique Lisbon and Sandy Jones) From the out-of-print book "Scars of Grace", this reflective song would be best sung by a soloist, with simple accompaniment, and probably some instrumental music, if you'd rather not have a congregational chant. BUC people, there is a copy of this in our Liturgy Library.
*Taizé / URW389 / Lau757 O Christe domine Jesu (Jacques Berthier) The very simplest, and best known song for this purpose. Very simple, haunting chant. Cantor verses over the top add more beauty, but are not neccessary. Sheet music and lyrics.
GA329 O my people what have I done? (Damian Lundy) This song is pretty incredible. The tune is very straightforward, but I'm not sure how you would use it. It's really about the veneration of the cross and Christ's suffering. Not a very popular theme, but important and I think this would work well if you choose to focus on that. Sound sample.
Recorded MusicScars (Malcolm Gordon) I find this song quite challenging. I struggle with the idea of glorifying suffering, but this recognition of the beauty of Christ's scars will be helpful to many. Sound sample and purchase options.
CH390 Open are the gifts of God (William Vanstone) Older style lyrics, that say a lot about the gift of a love that gives and gives and gives and gives. Sung to a traditional older tune (SONG 13).
CH386 Lifted high on your cross (Ian Cowie) The tune seems a little too jolly for these words, which move beyond the sorry of Good Friday and point to healing and recreation. The tune may be known by your congregation (PULLING BRACKEN). I guess you would just play it slowly.
Recorded musicA Love Supreme (John Coltrane) Since I first heard it, I have thought that it would be awesome to play this suite while people reflect on the cross. Or, since it's 30 minutes long, just Part 1 (Acknowledgement) which is almost 8 minutes long, and includes Coltrane chanting the words "A love supreme". You need a congregation that likes this type of music, or at least, is willing to listen to it thoughtfully. Youtube with the entire suite. And just as I was thinking "Man, that seems like something that St. John the Divine in NYC would do" I found this... *sigh... Just look at the service!
GtG217 On a barren hilltop (Christopher Webber) A song about atonement and victory over evil, to a familiar tune (KINGS'S WESTON). Maybe best sung by a soloist in this context. New words to old tunes.

What will you be singing? Please add a comment below.

Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6
Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10

Tune In God is walking in the garden (Dave Brown) A gentle song perfect for Easter. Free downloadable songbook and recordings.
**TiS 383 Joyful the morning when Jesus Christ is risen (Traditional Torres Strait Islander) It's beautiful and joyful and from the Torres Straits! We should sing this! I can't believe I hadn't noticed this song before! Sound sample.
Tune In Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Free downloadable songbook and recordings. Good for kids.
BUC Song Project I will sing of love / Celebrate (Dave Brown) A song that celebrates new beginnings and the beauty of creation. It's a bit like a salsa. It's cool.
CH408 At dawn the women made their way (Mary Louise Bringle) Lovely gentle lyrics of the women discovering the empty tomb to an old tune that may be familiar (VOX DILECTI). Lyrics (pdf).
BUC Song Project Jesus set me free (Dave Brown) Celebrating Jesus' presence and the freedom we have in Christ. It will need to be sung by the musicians first, I reckon.
CH428 Alleluia alleluia Jesus risen Lord of life! / Word of the Father: Jesus Christ!(Bernadette Farrell) A good song to start an Easter Sunday service, or for an Easter vigil. It uses a cantor line for the call, and the congregation responds "Jesus Christ!". Very joyous. Eastertide Acclamation
Tune In In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Free downloadable songbook and recordings.
NCH231 / VU178 / AA007 / PH105 / GtG249 / W&R292 Because you live O Christ (Shirley Murray) Excellent words to the well known Easter tune VRUECHTEN. AA has it set to CRAWSHAW which is less familiar. Lyrics.New words to old tunes
GtG229 In the darkness of the morning (Adam Tice) Excellent story telling song; particularly good for a dawn service. Sung to a simple Latvian folk tune. Sheet music sample.
TiS 660 / CP235 Myrrh-bearing Mary From Magdala came (Rae Whitney) A song that follows the Marys involved in the adult life, death and resurrection of Christ.Sheet music and sound sample.
Iona (LFB) / CH409 / A&M206 / SP079 / StF304 Jesus is risen alleluia! (Bernard Kyamanywa) From Tanzania, and set to a traditional Tanzanian melody. Pretty good and straightforward. The use of a small group to sing the harmony "responses" would be great, and particularly wonderful at an Easter Vigil or at the start of an Easter Morning service.
*GC(II)464 / CP230 The Tomb Is Empty (Sylvia Dunstan) This one is so joyful it gives me goosebumps! It would be a great start to worship on Easter Day. The verses say "Come and see", "Come and hear", "Come and touch", "Come and meet", "Come and serve". Lyrics and sample sheet music. Sound sample.
CH407 Comes Mary to the grave (Michael Perry) Simple words focused on the peaceful morning and Mary's joy at finding the risen Christ. Tune is simple, but will need to be taught. Lyrics & sheet music.
CH422 / AA015 Christ is alive and the universe must celebrate (Shirley Murray) Good celebratory Easter words. The tune will need to be taught. Lyrics and sheet music.
*Iona / CH430 / SFFS2115 / GtG231 / G(II)308 / GC452 / GC(II)465 / G(3)530 / StF296 Christ has risen while earth slumbers (John Bell / Graham Maule) There are a number of tune setting for this. I prefer HOLY MANNA. Lead sheet. Sound Sample. New words to old tunes.
TiS 393 / GA365 / Lau270 Christ is alive with joy we sing (Pamela Stotter) Joyful alleluias, and Easter images of Christ as grain of wheat, rising sun, vine and bread. Sung to the familiar tune VULPIUS.
VU253 / G(II)2 / GC2 / GC(II)2 / G(3)003 / URW178 Sing Your Joy Proclaim God's Glory (God is alive) (David Haas) Easter hymn. A good opening song for worship. Each verse ends joyously "God is alive! Allelluia". Quite straightforward to sing.
FFS55 Relentless lover God in Christ (Marnie Barrell) Great words! Can also be sung to KINGSFOLD if you don't want to explore a new tune. Lyrics.
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. New words to old tunes
GtG242 Day of delight and beauty unbounded (Delores Dufner) A joyful 16th century dance tune, and happy lyrics of salvation and life!
GtG241 / Cha223 Woman Weeping in the Garden (Daniel Damon) Great words about the woman weeping, then waiting, then walking, then weeping again, then dancing.
TiS 363 / AHB 281 / NCH244 / CH431 / UMH317 / VU170 / LBW514 / ELW820 / A&M213 / GtG235 / PH116 / GC423 / GC(II)446 / G(3)532 / CP228 / CP(E)154 / W&R313 / Cha220 / 82Hml-203 / Lau280O 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 - either as plainchant, hymn or fairly majestic contemporary mass music. Older version lyrics.Oldy-but-a-goody.
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 / Lau765I danced in the morning / Lord of the Dance (Sydney Carter). Lyrics and tune sample. You all know this one, right?Good for kidsOldy-but-a-goody.
ATW 452Halle Halle / Why do you look among the dead(Robin Mann) Storytelling Easter song, with catchy hallelujahs. Lyrics.
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 / MP689Thine be the glory risen conquering Son(Edmond Budry) One of the few older hymns that doesn't require updating, and beautiful harmonies... A great classic hymn! Lyrics and tune. Oldy-but-a-goody.
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 / MP076Christ the Lord is risen today(Charles Wesley) 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 / StF306Now the green blade rises(John McLeod Campbell Crum) I love these words and this simple French folk tune. I particularly like this played to guitar, but TiS has an excellent piano arrangement too. Lyrics and tune sample. New words to old tunes
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). New words to old tunes.
TiS 367 / AHB 287 / NCH242 / CH412 / UMH306 / VU159 / LBW135 / ELW366 / A&M217 / GtG236 / PH119 / GC446 / GC(II)459 / G(3)525 / CP212 / CP(E)159 / W&R290 / Cha221 / 82Hml-208 / Lau275 / MP670The strife is o'er the battle done (Francis Pott) There are two possible tunes for this hymn. I prefer to sing it to the tune by James Minchin (THE STRIFE IS O’ER), which is found in the Australian Hymn Book, rather than the more traditional minstrellish VULPIUS. The newer tune is pretty groovy (I loved it as a kid!), and has lots and lots of alleluias. The words also vary a lot between hymnals. So, the best would be a combination of the TiS words and the AHB tune 287 (ii). Yeah, this was my other church rock favourite of 1979.
VU168 / StS101 / ELW390 / GtG257 The risen Christ who walks on wounded feet (Nigel Weaver) Good words of resurrection and an excellent outward looking last verse. A good final hymn for Easter Day "May we Christ's body walk and serva dn stand with the oppressed in this and every land, till all are blessed and can a blessing be, restored in Christ to true humanity". Sung to the familiar tune WOODLANDS / GREATOREX. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
ELW375 / HPP199 / GtG253 Alleluia Christ is arisen / Aleluya! Cristo resucitó (Luis Bojos) A cool Latin American hymn. I would sing the refrain twice each time because it's short, and so joyful!
G(II)312 / GC432 / GC(II)443 / G(3)535 Resucitó (Kiko Arguello) Think of this with Latin rhythm and more upbeat than the recorded version available all over the internet. Here's a mushy version. Here's a gypsy flamenco version. No, really. But in my head it's different to all of these...
ATA 160 The Son is up the Word is out / Resurrection shout (Robin Mann) A bit silly, but could be fun on Easter day with lots of kids. Good for kids.
*ATW 445 Roll the rock(Leigh Newton) It’s a bit silly, but very joyous, catchy and Good for kids.
TiS 381 / AHB 302 / NCH232 / CH415 / VU177 / WoV676 / LBW149 / ELW391 / A&M219 / GtG244 / GC434 / CP(E) 161 / W&R308 / 82Hml-192 / Lau286 / StF314 This joyful Eastertide (George Woodward) A fairly old-school traditional hymn; still good!
TiS 387 / CH416 / UMH318 / VU158 / PH108 / 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, sound sample and sheet music.
*Iona (TI1AU) / MV038 Glory to God / Nzamuranza (Mozambique / Matsikenyiri) Simple African call and response song. Great harmonies and particularly good for Easter Day. Thanks to Noodle Thrower for this suggestion.
FFS21 Forgive us O God (Colin Gibson) Touching lyrics of the ways we have crucified Christ again, and the hope we have in Easter. A more solemn prayer of confession than is often used on Easter Day, but could work well.

Shorter songs
Of course, you might like to sing an Alleluia! Here's a list!.

TiS 728 Jesuchristo reina reina ya! (Unknown) A fun Latin American song. It's particularly fun if someone is brave enough to yell out a "call" at the start of each verse. Good for kids.
Taizé / GtG243 / G(3)516 Be not afraid sing out for joy / Nebojte se (Jacques Berthier) Happy joyful Taizé chant! Sheet music and sound samples. Good for kids.
Music by heart 43 Dying you destroyed our death (Marilyn Haskel) A very simple round of Christ's death and resurrection.
Iona (Love From Below) / CH434 / CP232Jesus is risen from the grave (John Bell) Good, simple rhythm and tune. You can even make up some verses if you like. Good for kids.
Taizé / ATA 107 / VU247 / GC555 / CP308 / W&R303 / Lau691 Jubilate Deo (Praetorius) A very simple fun round from the community at Taizé. Sound sample and practice parts. Good for kids.
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 (Traditional 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.
GA338 People of God O welcome the light (Jane Wood) Quite good simple refrain for the start of an Easter celebration
82Hml-713 Christ is arisen / Christ ist erstanden (German hymn) An ancient Easter Day round.
*CH753 / SFFS 2078 / GtG589 / GC(II)271 / G(3)338 / PfAS147A Alleluia alleluia (Glover / Honduras) I would just sing the refrain of this. It would make a great introit or postlude for Easter Day. Sheet music and lyrics (chorus only). I'm not wild about the sound sample, but it gives you some ideas.
*ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 / A&M835 / GtG750 / GC(II)451 / G(3)528 / W&R296 / URW436Goodness is stronger than evil(Desmond Tutu / Iona) Words from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. "Victory is ours, victory is ours, through him who loves us". Some congregations change the last line to "Compassion is ours, compassion is ours...". It depends on the context in which you sing it, I suppose. Sound sample. Good for kids.
TiS 541 / CH674 / WoV722 / ELW535 / GtG538 / G(II)394 / GC562 / GC(II)529 / G(3)626 / CP082 / SP&P190 / W&R709 / ZSS198 / URW400Hallelujah we sing your praises / Haleluyah! Pelo Tsa Rona(Traditional South African) Joyous and simple song.Sound sample. Sheet music sample. Good for kids.
*CH797 The Lord is risen from the dead (Dimi Halleyi) Simple chant, that can be sung in a round for Easter day.

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Any Holy, holy, holy / Sanctus will work well.
I will suggest some of these again next week, so this could be a good time to introduce a new song.

Linnea Good / MV008And on this path (Linnea Good) 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! Good for kids.
TiS 74 / GA070 This is the day the Lord has made (Christopher Willcock) Unusual timing in this refrain, but once you've nailed it, it will be stuck in your head for the rest of the week, which is what I like about Psalm refrains.
STB046 Your Word Will Be A Lamp (Malaysia) (Anonymous) This song is in English and set to a Tamil melody, so will need to be taught. It's a little tricky.
VU175 This is the day that God has made (Natalie Sleeth) Good for kids especially
MV122 / Online Resource This is the day (Bruce Harding) This is a really simple nice jazzy song. Sound sample. Sample sheet music. Good for kids.
PfAS118D This is the day the lord has made (Joy Patterson) A good 7/8 setting of the Psalm. It will need to be taught, but will be enjoyed.
PfAS118G This is the day the lord has made (Leon Roberts) A bright and cheerful refrain for the Psalm.
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 / MP467Morning 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.
*Taizé / MV016 / StJ / ELW528 / GA430 / SFFS 2157 / HPP410 / G(II)398 / GC570 / GC(II)550 / RS710 / CP402 / URW378 Come and Fill our hearts/ Confitemini Domino (Jacques Berthier) Can be sun in English as "Come and fill our hearts with your peace, you alone O God are holy. Come and fill our hearts with your peace, Alleluia". Sound samples and sheet music.
NCH387 / PH443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 / Lau829 O Christ the great foundation (Timothy T'ingfang Lew) Excellent words of salvation and justice from Timothy Tingfang Lew, sung to the tune of "The church's one foundation" (AURELIA). Lyrics
MV187 / ELW682 We give our thanks / Reamo leboga (Traditional Botswana) A great song to sing for the offering. Video of some guys and a keyboard having fun with it. Good for kids.
STB019 Glory be to You O God / Joy Probhu tomari joy (Bangladesh) (Shaha) A happy song from Bangladesh. The tune will need to be taught, but it's not difficult and the words are quite simple in English. The first phrase could be sung in Bengali if you would like to include some language other than English, but don't want to learn a lot of words in another language.
TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / G(3)691 / CP531 / W&R438 / PfAS091E / Cha077 / Lau952 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord / On Eagle's Wings (Michael Joncas) This is a big favourite all over the place. It has masculine imagery for God. This doesn't have to be sung slowly and meditatively - it also works very well as a more upbeat song. If it is not familiar to you, a cantor can be used for the verses. It is not inclusive in all sources.
*Cry Hosanna 14This, this is the day (Brian Howard) I really like this song. Here are the lyrics, but I can't even share a tune with you. If anyone out there recognises the lyrics, I'd love it if you could share the source. Here's a youtube version; a little more strident than I would sing it, but it will give you an idea.
*TiS 653 / NCH417 / CH526 / UMH383 / GC(II)453 / W&R355 / Cha518 This is a day of new beginnings (Brian Wren) "This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone."Excellent words of reconciliation. A good start to the Easter season. There are two possible tunes. I prefer the more simple hymn-like tune by Carlton Young which is in most resources (including TiS). There is an optional final verse that can be used for Communion. Lyrics.

What will you be singing? If it's something not listed here, please let me know in the comments below.

Spring is coming to the Northern Hemisphere!

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) 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. midi sample.
VU632 / StS100 / WoV695 / ELW447 / SFFS 2076 / StF617 O blessed Spring where word and sign (Susan Palo Cherwien) 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.
FFS59 Spirit of springtime in creation's garden (Shirley Murray) Good tune and words, and very Antipodean. "Beauty will break through rotted leaves and ashes, joy will erupt and life will leap free!". Lyrics.
*NCH005 / VU243 Praise to God praise to God for the greenness (Nobuaki Hanaoka) Earth's beauty; sung to a simple Japanese tune (SAKURA). A good hymn for kids who can read. Good for kids.
NCH402 Sing of colours (De Colores) 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) A simple song of hope symbolised in nature. Lyrics.
FFS51 O spring in the desert (David Adam) Christ's presence in water and light; Christ as guide. Excellent imagery, good tune. Lyrics.
CH224 / VU187 / AA140 The spring has come (Shirley Murray) Joyful tune and words. Fun rhythms. Lyrics & sheet music sample.
UMH508 / VU644 / Cha535 Faith while trees are still in blossom (Anders Frostenson) 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 (Burma / Karen Blessing) 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.
Online Resource / Tune In Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Free downloadable sheet music, reference recording. Good for kids.

Songs with a focus on all seasons

Unknown SourceWe'll weave a love / Song of Community (Carolyn McDade) 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". Lyrics.
Online Resource Flow'ring in the summer / Faithful Seasons (Helen Wiltshire) Australian imagery for all the seasons, and how it's worth celebrating them! Free book download.
CH141 / A&M548 / SP250 / URW077 / StF114 Oh the life of the world is a joy and a treasure (Kathy Galloway) 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.
STB026 Seasons Come Seasons Go / Ella kaladollu (Bhajan) I think this song from India 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.

Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
Saul on the road to Damascus. Call.

*AoV1-158 / GA438 Create a new heart Holy Lord / A new heart for a new world (Monica O'Brien / Trish Watts) Very simple melody, excellent words "Create a new heart Holy Lord, beckon our lives through your word, open our eyes to your call, United as one for your world". Sound sample and lyrics.
W&R584 / Cha454Come Celebrate the Call of God (Brian Wren) Good words to a lilting intuitive tune. This song is written to recognise a commissioning or the gift of a particular person's call, but it can also be sung with "our" instead of "her" to make it a song for a whole congregation. Lyrics & sheet music.
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.
CH683 / VU420 / A&M491 / GC(II)469 / G(3)546 / GtG295 / CP598 / W&R553 / SP156 / URW132 / Lau426 / StF402 Go to the world Go into all the earth (Sylvia Dunstan) Great words of sending out. Can be sung to a couple of different tunes. SINE NOMINE is the easiest and best known. Sound sample.Sheet music sample.New words to old tunes
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
AoV1-166 / UMH454 / VU371 / HPP354 / PH324 / GC(II)569 / G(3)651 / SP&P161 Open My eyes Lord help me to see your face (Jesse Manibusan) Very simple devotional song; different editions vary in how inclusive they are, so check. And yeah, don't get too mushy. Lyrics. Sound samples.
*BUC Song Project Drive us out (Shawn Whelan) A spirited and lively song about being driven to new places by the Spirit.

Psalm 30
God turns mourning into dancing. Anger is but for a moment; Weeping may linger, but joy comes in the morning.

Emergent Psalter: You have turned my lament into dancing (Isaac Everett) I really like this simple refrain - the chords really make it work. Sheet music (go to "downloads" tab)
CH683 / VU420 / A&M491 / GC(II)469 / G(3)546 / GtG295 / CP598 / W&R553 / SP156 / URW132 / Lau426 / StF402 Go to the world Go into all the earth (Sylvia Dunstan) Great words of sending out. Can be sung to a couple of different tunes. SINE NOMINE is the easiest and best known. Sound sample.Sheet music sample.New words to old tunes
PH181 / GtG805Come Sing to God O Living Saints (Fred Anderson) Good, simple, inclusive, humble and realistic words based specifically on this Psalm. Sung to a well known hymn tune (I sing the mighty power of God). Many congregations choose to sing only the first and last verses; the middle two are much more challenging. LyricsNew words to old tunes
NCH433 / CH727 / UMH707 / VU703 / HPP474 / GtG250 / W&R515 / Cha638 In the bulb there is a flower (Natalie Sleeth) A simple song of hope symbolised in nature. Particularly good for those churches in colder Northern Hemisphere who have a while to go before Spring. Lyrics.
Iona (There is one among us)Lord you can turn all mourning into dancing (John Bell) An excellent simple refrain. “Lord you can turn all mourning into dancing, evenings of grief to mornings of great joy”
URW255 You have turned our sadness into a joyful song (Elise Eslinger) A simple and joyful refrain with a read Psalm.
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”. Lyrics, mp3 sample.
*PfAS030D O choro pode durar / Though weeping and deepest sorrow (Simei Monteiro) The chorus is super-cool, with a driving rhythm (and a part for a triangle!). The verses will be best sung by a soloist, I think.
ATE 253He turned my mourning into dancing (Unknown) This is not at all inclusive, but if you change the lyrics to make it addressed to God “You turned my morning into dancing”, it’s much much better.
Tune In / Online Resource You in all our worries / All will finish well (Dave Brown) “In this world where injustice reigns, you are in the midst of pain”. Excellent words of reassurance in a difficult world. Sound sample and downloadable songbook.
*NCH085 / SFFS 2082 / Cha623 / ZSS105 Woke Up This Morning (African-American Spiritual) A great Spiritual. If you don't have one of these sources, you can just make it up from this video.... This could be a good Sunday to make use of those choir stalls; could even get the kids to write their own lyrics... Surreal version here. Good for kids.
TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / G(3)577 / CP589Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies (Marty Haugen) 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.
CH683 / VU420 / A&M491 / GC(II)469 / G(3)546 / GtG295 / CP598 / W&R553 / SP156 / URW132 / Lau426 Go to the world Go into all the earth (Sylvia Dunstan) Great words of sending out. Can be sung to a couple of different tunes. SINE NOMINE is the easiest and best known. New words to old tunesSound sample.Sheet music sample.
VU166 / SFFS 2210 Joy Comes with the Dawn (Gordon Light) Lovely words. The verses are very straightforward; it might be helpful to teach the chorus because there's a couple of jumps. Lyric slide show!
AoVK-125 / ATW 489Turn our sadness upside down (Leigh Newton) Good for kids, and adults too. Simple tune, but not so simple that it’s boring. Lyrics (search in the page for "sadness"). Good for kids.
PfAS030B I will praise you O Lord (John Bell) A lovely simple Psalm response - this one will work well sung as a response to the Psalm, or sung on its own where appropriate in the service. Works in Spanish too, and is Good for kids.
PfAS030C All with joyful expectation (Michael Morgan) Good celebratory words of resurrection and hope of new life. The tune YISRAEL V'ORAITA is very similar to LEONI, but has a significant change in the last line. Be aware! New words to (almost) old tunes
Beneath the Noise You alone are my God (Nick Randall) A lovely simple song with two verses and chorus based on Psalm 62 and Psalm 30. Quiet and reflective.

Revelation 5:11-14
All those angels singing “Worthy is the Lamb” etc etc etc

TiS 753 / StS034 / R185 / ELW525You are holy you are whole(Per Harling) A fun and joyous latin-rhythmed song; can also be sung with two parts at the same time. Lyrics in English. Good for kids.
TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Patricia Lewis / Alister Spence) Excellent Australian imagery. This is one of my very favourite songs. It is not difficult if you have a good musician at the helm. If it is new to your congregation, they will be able to join in on the verses by the time you get to the 3rd one. The change in tone with the verse really lifts this song. Lyrics and sound sample.
CH131 / Srce587 / MP924 Salvation belongs to our God (Adrian Howard / Pat Turner) This is a bit hand-wavy for me, but it is a really good praise song and very popular. Lyrics.
*GtG068 Heaven opened to Isaiah (Rwandan) A very simple and joyful song from Rwanda that takes up John's vision and refers back to Isaiah's earlier vision. You could also just use the chorus on its own. "Holy, holy, you are holy, every angel voice proclaims; All the earth reflects your glory, every tongue sings out your praise"
TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / G(3)577 / CP589Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies (Marty Haugen) Another big favourite. Sheet music, lyrics.Sound sample.
TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics.
TiS 72 / AHB 42 / NCH27 / CH146 / UMH101 / LBW550 / A&M637 / HPP36 / GtG327 / PH229 / CP344 / CP(E) 431 / Cha49 / PfAS117C / 82Hml-380 / StF075From all that dwell below the skies (Isaac Watts) 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 sheet music.
TiS 720 / AHB 295 / aoVK-85 / AoV2-046 / ATOK 319 / NCH236 / Iona (Many & Great, There is one among us) / CH345 / VU958 / StJ / SFFS 2026 / HPP571 / GC(II)261 / G(3)329 / W&R005 / Cha041 / ZSS76 / SP324 / PfAS150G / URW370 / Lau178 Halle halle hallelujah (Traditional Caribbean) A good Alleluia would work well for this passage, particularly since it's the Easter season, and I think this one is particularly excellent – simple, great for kids, good rhythm; PfAS uses it as a Psalm refrain, which is a lovely idea, and you could maybe do a reading of this with a refrain. Sure. Why not? Good for kids.Sound sample.

John 21:1-19
Disconsolate disciples go fishing and Jesus shows them where to fish. He feeds them fish and bread – the recognise him. He says Feed my sheep a lot.
I always want to eat fish and chips for lunch, at the beach, on this Sunday. Let's go!

Online resource:Peter said “I’m going fishing” (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette). Story telling song that ends in a call to the congregation. Sung to the well known tune BEECHER. Could be sung as a response to the sermon, or as a final song. Sheet music, lyrics etc.New words to old tunes
Iona (Heaven shall not wait / The courage to say no) James and Andrew, Peter and John / The Miraculous Catch (John Bell and Graham Maule) A story-telling song, set to SCARBOROUGH FAIR. Would be a good way to present the story to your congregation. This song kind of annoys me that the women who followed Christ have become girls, but if you use a more recent edition of it, they have fixed that. Thanks to Noodle Thrower for throwing this one out for me to catch. New words to old tunes
MV199 / HiOS148 / GtG537 When at this table I receive a blessing (Shirley Murray) Particularly appropriate if you are celebrating communion this week. Excellent, strong words of communion and the different prayers that we may bring to the table.
*BUC Song Project Drive us out (Shawn Whelan) A spirited and lively song about being driven to new places by the Spirit.
Tune In / Online Resource Hosanna (Dave Brown) A melancholy song that resolves with forgiveness. Not easy to sing, but good for your musicians to sing for the congregation. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
TiS 477 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH510 / StJ / GA529 / A&M450 / CP059 / SP218 / URW056 / StF028Jesus calls us here to meet him as through word and song and prayer (John Bell) 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! Lyrics (downloads PowerPoint slides) 4th verse (not in TiS, but in Iona sources) leads to communion. “Jesus calls us to confess him Word of life and Lord of all, sharer of our flesh and frailness saving all who fail or fall”.
ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / A&M510 / ELW798 / GA502 / SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / GtG726 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / G(3)790 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 / W&R350 / URW060 / Lau877 / StF673 Will you come and follow me / The Summons (John Bell) A classic. Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever! Lyrics.
Tune InHail the fisherfolk (Dave Brown) A bluesy litany of the saints, including the fishermen of yesterday and the fisherfolk of today. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
Worldmaking.netBrother Jesus right beside me (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) This is a great rock song, good for little kids and for older kids too. Lyrics and a very silly sound sample that IMHO does no justice to the song at all. We really rock it. Great for kids!
ATW 509 / CH435 You hear the lambs a-cryin' (African-American) I don't think this one would be easy to sing as a congregational song, but it's really lovely to be sung to the congregation.
Online resourceA miracle on the sea (Lynn Shaw Bailey & Becki Slagle Mayo) This is a fun song for a kid's choir, which would also work for a mixed choir. These kids are so darn cute. You can purchase it here.
SFFS 2137 / StF674 Would I Have Answered When You Called (Hermann Stuempfle) Excellent challenging words of our hesitance to follow, to a familiar tune (KINGSFOLD) Lyrics (different tune). An interesting article about it. 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 / StF247I danced in the morning / Lord of the Dance (Sydney Carter). Lyrics and tune sample.“I danced to the fishermen, to James and John….”. You all know this one, right? Good for kidsOldy-but-a-goody.

What songs will you be singing? Let me know - especially if it's something I've not listed here - by adding a comment.

Acts 5:27-32
The apostles get in trouble for teaching about Jesus, who gives forgiveness

Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song. Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Scottish sound sample. Lead sheet.
*AoV2-102 / GA509 Who will speak if we don't (Marty Haugen) Excellent challenging words. Good for teenagers.Sheet music sample (chorus only). Sound sample.Lyrics (pdf).
Tune In / Online Resrouce Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk-like tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. A beautiful song and easy to sing. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
*Taizé / A&M834 / G(3)959 / SP323 / Lau221 God is forgiveness / Bóg jest miłością (Taize) "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.
Tune In / Online Resource O Spirit God / In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) Puts our forgiveness in a global context. A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
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. Lyric and sheet music. New words to old tunes

Psalm 118:14-29
God’s steadfast love, This is the day that the Lord has made, The stone that the builders rejected…
Any Holy, holy, holy / Sanctus will work well.

TiS 74 / GA070 This is the day the Lord has made (Christopher Willcock) Unusual timing in this refrain, but once you've nailed it, it will be stuck in your head for the rest of the week, which is what I like about Psalm refrains.
VU175 This is the day that God has made (Natalie Sleeth) Good for kids especially
MV122 / Online Resource This is the day (Bruce Harding) This is a really simple nice jazzy song. Sound sample. Sample sheet music. Good for kids.
PfAS118D This is the day the lord has made (Joy Patterson) A good 7/8 setting of the Psalm. It will need to be taught, but will be enjoyed.
*Cry Hosanna 14This, this is the day (Brian Howard) I really like this song. PDF of sheet music. Thanks Shaun Cloonan for this link.
FFS27 God of unexplored tomorrows (Beverly Jones) 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".
G(II)102 / GC114 / GC(II)65 / G(3)081 This is the day the Lord has made (Let Us Rejoice) (Marty Haugen) Joyful and sort of minstrelly. Verses should be sung by a cantor. The same tune can be used for Alleluias for this Psalm when it is not Palm Sunday. Sound sample. Sample sheet music.
TiS 156 / AHB 91 / AoV1-135 / ATA 123 / CH212 / UMH145 / VU409 / ELW556 / HPP267 / HPSS469 / G(II)546 / GC756 / GC(II)748 / G(3)855 / CP003 / W&R35 / Cha053 / URW186 / 82Hml-008 / Lau671Morning 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).
Taizé / MV016 / StJ / ELW528 / GA430 / SFFS 2157 / HPP410 / G(II)398 / GC570 / GC(II)550 / RS710 / CP402 / URW378 Come and Fill our hearts/ Confitemini Domino (Jacques Berthier) Can be sung in English as "Come and fill our hearts with your peace, you alone O God are holy. Come and fill our hearts with your peace, Alleluia". Sound samples and sheet music.
Linnea Good / MV008And on this path (Linnea Good) 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!
NCH387 / PH443 / GC(II)646 / RS782 / CP524 / Lau829 O Christ the great foundation (Timothy Tingfang Lew) Excellent words of salvation and justice, sung to the tune of "The church's one foundation" (AURELIA). New words to old tunesLyrics
*MV187 / ELW682 We give our thanks / Reamo leboga (Traditional Botswana) A great song to sing for the offering. Video of some guys and a keyboard having fun with it. Good for kids.
TiS 48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 / GtG043 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / G(3)691 / CP531 / W&R438 / PfAS091E / Cha077 / Lau952 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord / On Eagle's Wings (Michael Joncas) This is a big favourite all over the place. It has masculine imagery for God. This doesn't have to be sung slowly and meditatively - it also works very well as a more upbeat song. If it is not familiar to you, a cantor can be used for the verses. It is not inclusive. Lyrics.
*TiS 653 / NCH417 / CH526 / UMH383 / GC(II)453 / W&R355 / Cha518 This is a day of new beginnings (Brian Wren) "This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone."Excellent words of reconciliation. A good start to the Easter season. There are two possible tunes. I prefer the more simple hymn-like tune by Carlton Young which is in most resources (including TiS). There is an optional final verse that can be used for Communion. Lyrics.
PH484 Sing with Hearts (Jonathan Malicsi) Sung to a traditional Kalinga melody, this song is a good one for celebrating music and dance in worship. It is quite simple, even if unfamiliar to Western ears.
Iona (We walk his way) / G(3)517 / StF775We walk his way / Ewe Thina (South African) A joyful, simple African song. Sound sample.
Taizé / TiS 747 / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) / GtG842 / PfAS027A / URW393The Lord is my light, my light and salvation (Jacques Berthier) 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.
Iona (WWHW) / MV223 We will go with God / Sizohamba naye (Traditional Swaziland) A simple song from Swaziland. Good for the end of the service. Video with pronunciation and parts. It would be good to sing this at Brunswick again, it was introduced a couple of weeks ago. Note that MV has a different translation. Good for kids.
MV045 / SP&P051 Hamba nathi (Zulu). There are a lot of translations of this song. I particularly like "Come walk with us, the journey is long". Sheet music. Lyrics. Good for kids

Alternative Psalm: Psalm 150
Praise the Lord with lots of musical instruments

*TiS 715 Everything that has breath (Traditional Czech) A lovely simple round. I can't believe I've never noticed this one before. Would be a really nice relaxing start to worship.Good for kids.
TiS 179 / NCH273 / VU312 / StJ / GA739 / URW073 Praise with Joy the World's Creator (John Bell / Graham Maule) One of my favourite hymns - strongly Trinitarian lyrics and excellent imagery; note that newer books (e.g. URW) have slightly different lyrics. Older lyrics (scroll down or search).New words to old tunes
*VU242 / LBW557 / ELW881 / GtG037 / PH554 / GC567 / GC(II)551 / G(3)635 / CP403 / W&R22 / Cha717 Let All Things Now Living (Katherine Kennicott Davis) Lovely lyrics to the well known and quite jolly Welsh folk tune ASH GROVE. Not all sources are inclusive. Lyrics (older version). New words to old tunes
NCH022 / VU221 Sing praise to God who has shaped (Joachim Neander; Translated: Madeleine Forell Marshall) A new translation of the classic hymn "Praise to the Lord the Almighty…". I quite like this. Sung to LOBE DEN HERREN New words to old tunes.
CH152 / HPP5 / GtG033 / PH481 / StF084 Praise the Lord His Glories Show / Praise the Lord God's Glories Show (Henry Francis Lyte) Quite nice traditional hymn with lots of Alleluias. Not all versions are inclusive (GtG & NCH are).
AoVK-50 / ATW 430 / NCYC'99 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts) Excellent and energetic. 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 / StF247I danced in the morning / Lord of the Dance (Sydney Carter). Lyrics.“I danced to the fishermen, to James and John….”. You all know this one, right? Good for kidsOldy-but-a-goody.
CH169 / VU245 / SFFS 2020 / HPP26 / CP309 / URW371b Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet Praise the Lord (Natalie Sleeth) Fun. Good for kids. Good if you have extra instruments at your worship service; be careful not to let it get clunky.
URW371 Tell God's wonders (Henry Francis Lyle) A simple refrain to a reponsive reading of this Psalm.
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 (Traditional Caribbean) A good Alleluia would work well for this passage, and I think this one is particularly excellent – simple, great for kids, good rhythm. PfAS uses it as a Psalm refrain which would work well for any translation of the Psalm. Good for kids.Sound sample.
TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247Let 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
*TiS 188 Where wide sky rolls down and touches red sand (Elizabeth Smith) Great Australian imagery sung to a familiar hymn tune. Sound sample. Lyrics (page 17) New words to old tunes
*PfAS150D Alabad a nuestro Dios (Osdy Soriano) Lovely song from Mexico - best if sung energetically. Can be sung in Spanish or English.
*StB040 / GtG617 / PfAS150C Blest be God praised forever (Anonymous) A setting of the Psalm from Pakistan. It is partly call and response, but not completely, so will need to be taught, unless you have the congregation only join in the repetitive parts. Great to get kids involved with finger cymbals or a simple drum beat. PfAS doesn't give a tempo, but StB indicates crotchet (quarter note) = 140.

Revelation 1:4-8
John's vision of Christ coming on the clouds.

TiS 728Jesuchristo Reina reina ya! A fun Latin American song. It's particularly fun if someone is brave enough to yell out a "call" at the start of each verse.
*URW093 Christ is the Truth the Way (Ruth Duck) Excellent words of the leadership of Christ, sung to the majestic tune DIADEMATA. This is just excellent for this Sunday! New words to old tunes
*CH289 / GC(II)341 Lift up your heads eternal gates(George Weissel / John Bell) I like how this reworking of the old standard turns the violent battle kingly God image on its head and points to Christ instead. "God's catchless and majestic strength in all it's height, depth, breadth, and length, now is revealed its power to prove, by Christ protesting "God is love!". The tune is a lovely old medieval-style tune, which should not be difficult. The chorus has been written in 4 parts which would be great if you can get some singers to sing the parts, or teach your congregation the chorus before the service starts. The parts for the chorus are very simple. Sound sample.Lyrics and lead sheet.
ATOK 318 / Iona (SBL) / CH762 / MV036 / WoV788 / SFFS 2033 / GtG585 / SP&P078 / URW403 / StF753 Glory to God / Gloria di dios (Peru) Good fun. Great for kids - call and response. SFFS has a good Trinitarian formula for it. Good for kids.
TiS 278 / AHB 213 O what a gift what a wonderful gift / Canticle of the Gift (Pat Uhl Howard) When I was a kid, I thought this song rocked. Like, I really thought it was as good as rock music, and cowboys. My mum must have been good on that reed organ at our church. Anyway, I still think it's pretty cool. Not sure how much congregations get into it these days. Youtube.
TiS 367 / AHB 287 / NCH242 / CH412 / UMH306 / VU159 / LBW135 / ELW366 / A&M217 / GtG236 / PH119 / GC446 / GC(II)459 / G(3)525 / CP212 / CP(E)159 / W&R290 / Cha221 / 82Hml-208 / Lau275 / MP670The strife is o'er the battle done (Latin, translated Francis Pott) There are two possible tunes for this hymn. I prefer to sing it to the tune by James Minchin (THE STRIFE IS O’ER), which is found in the Australian Hymn Book, rather than the more traditional minstrellish VULPIUS (Oldy-but-a-goody). The newer tune is pretty groovy (I loved it as a kid!), and has lots and lots of alleluias. The words also vary a lot between hymnals. So, the best would be a combination of the TiS words and the AHB tune 287 (ii). Yeah, this was my other church rock favourite of 1979. 1960s sound sample!
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 / MP689Thine be the glory risen conquering Son(Edmond Budry) One of the few older hymns that doesn't require updating, and beautiful harmonies... A great classic hymn! Lyrics and history. Oldy-but-a-goody.
TiS 773 / ATW 431 / NCH756 / CH760 / UMH072 / VU37 / WoV640 / GtG583 / GA291 / G(II)199 / GC(II)253 / G(3)426 / W&R240 / Cha034 / URW380 / StF752 Glory to God / Gloria Gloria (Taize) The refrain is excellent - joyous, simple, a round. Everything. The verses are not great. Good for kids.
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) Can't possibly sing this song too often! A beautiful classic song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn. Lyrics and sheet music.You may also like to give Rend Collective Experiment's version a listen (hard to sing, but nice for listening). Oldy-but-a-goody.
TiS 279 / AHB 212 / SFFS 2091 / HPP158 / GC487 / GC(II)494 / CP632 / Lau107 The King of glory comes the nation rejoices (Willard Jabusch) Fun and energetic song to a traditional Israeli folk melody. A good processional. Lyrics and chords. Oh, and of course, Stephen Colbert's dance moves. Good for kids.
CH452 / AA57 Great ring of light (Colin Gibson) Beautiful words of Christ's sacrifice and the image of a clear beam of love and light. The tune is also simple and beautiful, albeit unfamiliar.
*MV106 I am the dream and you the dreamer (Curtis Tufts) A beautiful and simple song, based on images from Rilke's "The Book of Hours". I like it as a reminder that God still comes to us in dreams. It's nice because sometimes it seems like the "I" is the singer of the song, and sometimes the "I" is God.
TiS 224 / AHB 159 / TOSB004 / NCH304 / CH457 / UMH154/5 / VU334 / LBW328 / LBW329 / ELW634 / A&M223 / HPP215 / PH142/3 / GtG263 / GC485 / GC(II)490 / G(3)570 / CP321/2 / CP(E)163 / W&R100/106 / Cha091 / Cha092 / Srce9 / 82Hml-450 / StF342 / Lau323 / MP013 All hail the power of Jesus' name (Edward Perronet) Maybe this would work. I love the tune DIADEM, but maybe the words are too obscure for people who haven't grown up in the church... Might need some words of introduction? I think if you're going to use this reading, then you may as well sing something like this one. Oldy-but-a-goody.
ATW 437 I have seen the Lord A good one, but my notes aren't clear about why I like it.
*MV091 Cradle me in your arms (Bruce Harding) A simple assuring chant in times of suffering. Sound sample.Sheet music sample. Purchase online.
NCH104 We hail you God's anointed (James Montgomery) Joyous song of Christ enthroned and bringing justice and love. Oldy but a goody.

John 20:19-31
Jesus gives peace and the Holy Spirit; Thomas.

NCH249 / GA517 Peace I leave with you my friends (Gregory Norbert) Slow, simple and excellent words. A congregation will pick this up the first time through, I think.
TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone(Elizabeth Smith) Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune.
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.
Iona (Love From Below) / CH434 / CP232 Jesus is risen from the grave (John Bell) 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. 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.
ATOK 343 When disciples were frightened / Jesus come and stand among us (Robin Mann) Lyrics here.
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"
*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.Lyrics and sheet music. Sound sample.
*AoV1-091 / AoVK-68 / StS016 / G(II)527 / GC729 / GC(II)720/ G(3)821 Peace before us peace behind us (David Haas) love this one. Reflective. Careful not too get too schmaltzy because it's long. Less is more. It's good to do something while singing this song. I did a circle dance at church to this once upon a time, but I can't remember how it went. It works well at a walking pace. Schmaltzy and SLOW sound sample. Lead sheet.Good for kids.
*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.
NCH271 / UMH538 / VU196 / PH131 / CP249 / W&R333 / Cha236Wind who makes all winds that blow(Thomas Troeger) Excellent words. Familiar tune (ABERYSTWYTH). New words to old tunes
TiS 363 / AHB 281 / NCH244 / CH431 / UMH317 / VU170 / LBW514 / ELW820 / 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. Older version lyrics. Oldy but a goody
*MV168 May peace be with you / Salamun Kullaheen (Traditional Lebanese) Simple chant in English and Arabic.
*SP&P034 Come and fill all my life (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A gentle and very simple song. Would be good for a meditation.
*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. Downloadable songbook and sound samples.
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
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.
*MV139 True faith needs no defence (Damian Damon) Simple, slightly celtic tune, and lovely words. Highly recommended.
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.
TiS 649 / NCH254 / GtG256 These things did Thomas count as real (Thomas Troeger) This is not a favourie of mine, but it's very popular. A number of possible tunes. I like it sung to KEDRON or DISTRESS (both Sacred Harp tunes, BTW). The phrase "small world of fact" irritates me. The world of fact is not small.

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". Lyrics. 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 and purchase options. Lyrics.

What will you be singing? Join the conversation and add a comment below - especially if it is something I have not thought of.

Acts 9:36-43
Peter raises Tabitha / Dorcas from death. A faithful woman.

Tune In:Making things new (Sheree Anderson) A groovy one about God doing miraculous things. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Free downloadable songbook, sound samples & lyrics. Good for kids.
TiS 728 Jesucristo reina reina ya! (Puerto Rican) An energetic song. It's particularly fun if someone is brave enough to yell out a "call" at the start of each verse. I quite like this translation; as the verses say "In my life...", "In your life...""In my house..." etc. Good for kids.
TiS 638 / NCH175 / CH717 / A&M518 / GtG793 / PH380 / UMH265 / LBW380 / ELW675 / PH380 / CP291 / CP(E) 346 / W&R638 / Cha503 / Lau430 / StF653 O Christ the healer we have come(Fred Pratt Green) Beautiful words and simple to sing. Good for intercessions. I like the tune INVERCARRY best, followed by DISTRESS, but it can also be sung to TALLIS' CANON if your congregation needs a more familiar tune. Lyrics and sheet music (of an alternate tune). New words to old tunes.
Tune In / Online Resource You in all our worries / All will finish well (Dave Brown) “In this world where injustice reigns, you are in the midst of pain”. Excellent words of reassurance in a difficult world.Free downloadable songbook, sound samples & lyrics.
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”. Lyrics, mp3 sample.
NCH581 / HPP310 / G(II)523 / GC(II)718 / G(3)827 Lead us from death to life / World Peace Prayer (Marty Haugen) A different take on Christ's power over the forces of death. Quite simple to sing. Sheet music sample. Slow keyboard sample.
*GA173 / G(II)577 / GC803 Awake O sleeper arise from death (Marty Haugen) Bright and joyful. Simple to sing, and brings the idea of waking up to live as God's people. Lyrics. Sound sample.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd

TiS 10 / AHB 16 / AoV1-144 / NCH479 / Iona (Common Ground) / CH14/16 / UMH136 / VU747/8 / StS099 / LBW451 / ELW778 / GA473 / HPP55 / GtG801 / PH170 / CP519 / CP(E) 594 / W&R86 / Cha0789 / Srce662 / Lau806 / StF480 / MP660 The Lord's my Shepherd I'll not want / God is my shepherd (Scottish Psalter) It's not inclusive, but I think it's more than a sentimental favourite. NCH, VU and Chalice all have an inclusive language version. Traditional lyrics and sound sample. Oldy-but-a-goody.
*MV126 Are you a shepherd? (Ruth Duck) Good and joyous. Lots of images of God: shepherd, teacher, mother, father. We sung this once last year, and it would be good to do it again. A catchy chorus. Lyrics. Good for kids.
ELW438 / HPP52 / GtG803 / PH172 / Cha080 / PfAS023A / 82Hml-664 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need / My Shepherd You Supply My Need (Isaac Watts) I quite like this version of the 23rd Psalm, although hymnals vary widely in how inclusive their lyrics are; I prefer the Chalice version. The tune (RESIGNATION) is from Southern Harmony. Chalice also has a nice responsive reading (Cha081) that fits with this version. Lyrics & sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
*Cha734 (I) / URW244 My shepherd you supply my need and holy is your name (Isaac Watts) Responsive psalm with sung refrain to the tune of the first line of BROTHER JAMES' AIR. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Online Resource (Tune In) Like the sun upon my skin / God’s Mercy (Sheree Anderson) A beautiful ballad about identifying God's mercy in the beauty of creation. Free downloadable songbook.
NCYC'07 Lead me on (Paul Gioia) A pretty cool gospel rock song. Synthesized sound sample (on Youtube). It sounds better than this with a congregation, I think.
Online Resource (Tune In) / ATAR596 He comes with his arms open wide / The God that I know (Sheree Anderson) A ballad drawing on God’s strength and comfort; not easy if unfamiliar. Free downloadable songbook.
PfAS023I My shepherd is the Lord (Ricardo Villarreal) I like this tune, and the paraphrase is good. It's particularly good for Spanish-speaking (or bilingual) congregations; it's fine in English too. Could also use the verses with a cantor.
CH716 / VU374 / FFS10 / SFFS 2128 / W&R477 / Cha575 Come and find the quiet centre (Shirley Murray) A good song for the beginning of worship. We usually sing it to BEACH SPRING (TiS 493). Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes.
AoV1-033 / WoV690 / ELW423 / SFFS 2058 / GtG473 / G(II)29 / GC31 / GC(II)23 / G(3)035 / PfAS023H / Lau951Shepherd Me O God (Marty Haugen) A nice reworking of the 23rd Psalm. The verses are a little challenging, so I would use the chant on its own: “Shepherd me O God beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life”. Lyrics and a slightly odd sound sample.
*CH355 / VU210 / HPP81 / GtG274 / GC(II)525 / G(3)628 / CP630 / W&R99 / URW098 You Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd (Sylvia Dunstan) Beautiful words. Can be sung to many tunes. I like it to PICARDY or WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Sound sample, lyrics and sheet music sample here. New words to old tunes.
*Cha734(ii) / PfAS023GShepherd Me O God (Marty Haugen) Same as the above, but the chorus only, used as a Psalm refrain.
*W&R655 / URW202 Come Away from Rush and Hurry (Marva Dawn) Excellent words of resting in a sacred space to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING (TiS 493). Lyrics. New words to old tunes
TiS 011 / AHB 98 / UMH137 / GA025 / G(3)034 My shepherd is the Lord (Joseph Gelineau) Of the two listed here, I prefer Response 1. A good alternative if you would like to use a cantored Psalm.
*Online Resource Breathe in the morning air (Helen Wiltshire) Lovely words for a soloist to sing at the start of a morning service to welcome the congregation. Sung to LOVE UNKNOWN, or could be sung to DARWALL'S 148th. Free sheet music (downloads a whole book!). New words to old tunes.
G(II)458 / GC654 / GC(II)628 / G(3)725 With a Shepherd's Care (James Chepponis) Very nice words with feminine and masculine images for God. Would be very straightforward to sing. Sound sample of a choral arrangement.
URW444 Go in peace walk in love (Trilby Jordan) A lovely blessing song that can be sung as a round.
Taizé / GtG814 / CP563 / PfAS062DIn God alone my soul can find rest and peace / Mon ame se repose (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful healing chant from Taize. Words and music and sound samples for learning the parts Good for kids.
FFS39 It all depends on where I'm going (Colin Gibson) Good words of God's constant presence through all of life's travels, sung to a simple Celtic-style tune (TE HORO). Lyrics.
Recorded Music23rd Psalm (Bobby McFerrin) A beautiful feminine rendering of the Psalm. From the album Medicine Man. Listen to it here on Youtube. If you'd like to sing it, it's also in the Unitarian Universalist book "Singing the Journey" and "Music for Liturgy" from St. Gregory of Nyssa.
Online Resource All of my days (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A gentle song with the chorus "All of my days, God's mercy follows". Would be simple to have the congregation join in on the chorus. Breathy sound sample, lyrics; sheet music available for purchase.
Online Resource Surely Goodness and Mercy (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A gentle psalm refrain with a read psalm. Breathy sound sample, lyrics; sheet music available for purchase.

Revelation 7:9-17

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”. Lyrics, mp3 sample.
CH683 / VU420 / A&M491 / GC(II)469 / G(3)546 / GtG295 / CP598 / W&R553 / SP156 / URW132 / Lau426 / StF402 Go to the world Go into all the earth (Sylvia Dunstan) Great words of sending out. Can be sung to a couple of different tunes. SINE NOMINE is the easiest and best known. Sound sample.Sheet music sample.New words to old tunes
VU128 / W&R269 / SP054 / World Council of Churches Assembly 1991 CanberraSanna sannanina (South African) An excellent processional. Great for drumming and dancing as the Bible is brought forward; that would be pretty cool to do with any song really, especially if it's adults dancing, not just the kids! Good for kids
ATE 212 Hush now for I am your God (Littlemore)
Iona (Love From Below) / A&M297 / SFFS 2283 / GC(II)786 / G(3)885 / SP114 / StF746/ Lau387 For all the saints who’ve shown your love (John Bell) These beautiful lyrics are some of the best words about All Saints' Day that I've come across, and would work for this reading too. There are two tunes, and two slightly different sets of lyrics. Love From Below uses the tune "ALL SAINTS" which is a John Bell original. A nice tune, but not familiar, although not hard to learn at all. The Gather hymnals publish a slightly different version of the lyrics, sung to the tune O WALY WALY which is the tune for "The water is wide", so much more familiar. Lyrics New words to old tunes.
TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / HPP74 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 / 82Hml-493O for a thousand tongues to sing (Charles Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words, and it's such a fun tune. My son, who is 8, loves it. Be careful with the words "ye dumb". Voices United has "Hear him you deaf, you voiceless ones, your tongues again employ" which is more inclusive. Oldy-but-a-goody.
*Taizé / MV075 / StS079 / SFFS 2118 / GtG284 / GC(II)479 / G(3)547 / SP99 / URW395 Holy Spirit Come to Us / Veni sancte spiritus / Tui amoris (Jacques Berthier) Gobsmackingly beautiful if you have a cantor, but it works well if you don't, too. Sheet music, translations, sound samples.
TiS 706 / Taizé / AoV2-142 / A&M600 / SFFS 2013 / GtG544 / PH224 / GC(II)576 / G(3)620 / CP360 / PfAS103C / SP194 / Src79 / URW377 / Lau813 Bless the Lord my soul (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful and very well known Taize chant. Sound samples, sheet music. Good for kids.
ATE 247 / WoV791 / G(II)371 / GC542 / Cha029 Alabare / John saw the number (Manual José Alonso) Catchy refrain and verse about John seeing thousands in the air. Good for kids. Lyrics. Sound sample.

John 10:22-30
Messianic words from Jesus. I and the Father are one. My sheep hear my voice and they follow me.
See suggestions above for Psalm 23, as many pick up the same theme.

TiS 420Holy Spirit go before us every mind and heart prepare (Elizabeth Smith) Great words of evangelism and justice to a simple lilting melody. If you think your congregation can't cope with a new tune this week, it can be sung to AUSTRIA (TiS 93).
*TiS 589 / AHB 505 / NCH171 / CH509 / UMH398 / VU562 / LBW494 / ELW696 / A&M324 / HPP314 / GtG720 / CP432 / CP(E) 233 / W&R345 / Cha337 / 82Hml-550 / StF250 / MP359Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult (Cecil Frances Alexander) Great words. TiS sets it to ST CATHERINE, but it could be sung to other tunes (like STUTTGART) if this is not familiar to your congregation (it’s not hard though). New words to old tunes.
ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / A&M510 / ELW798 / GA502 / SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / GtG726 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / G(3)790 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 / W&R350 / URW060 / Lau877 / StF673 Will you come and follow me / The Summons (John Bell / Graham Maule) A classic. Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever!
*TiS 253 / AoV2-119 / AoVK-103 / GA419O Lord Jesus Marrkapmirr (Aboriginal Community Arnhem Land) This simple song from an Aboriginal community in Arnhem land is easy to sing and talks of the timelessness of God’s love. “O Lord Jesus Marrkapmirr, all the power belongs to you”. There is some king and power language in this which may not work for some. Lyrics and sound sample.
TiS 542 / STB082 Far beyond our mind's grasp (Francisco Feliciano). These beautiful devotional words are sung to a traditional Filipino tune. The tune is not easy, but is very haunting once you get to know it. If it is new to your congregation, it would be good to ask a soloist to sing it.
AoVK-47 / HPP51 / W&R80 / Lau973 He's Got the Whole World in His Hand / God's Got the whole world in safe hands (Traditional) It’s hard to make this inclusive. I’ve seen “God’s got the whole world in safe hands”, which is a little clumsy but alright. AoVK has "The whole world is in God's hands" which works OK. Good for kids.

What songs would you suggest? Add a comment below - I'd love to hear your ideas!

Acts 11:1-18
Peter’s vision of the unclean animals; Acceptance of all who believe - church unity?
Note that these songs will also fit next week's reading, so if you feel like introducing a new song, this would be a good week to do it.

*Online Resource In my father's house (Paul Somerville) A great new song, with an inspiring, and very singable chorus. Lyrics, sound sample, and source.
TiS 411 / AHB 328 / NCH266 / UMH537 / VU194 / LBW160 / A&M633 / CP658 / CP(E) 425 / W&R331Filled with the Spirit's power (John R Peacey) Excellent inclusive words to a very well known hymn tune. I prefer it sung to WOODLANDS. Lyrics and sheet music.New words to old tunes
*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 and sheet music. New words to old tunes if you want.
TiS 681 Lord let me see see more and more (Ross Langmead) A prayer to see, hear, care, learn and love with God. Very straightforward to sing. It can get a bit "ploddy". Might be a good idea to use different instrumentation, alternate women and men for a verse or two and definitely use an a cappella verse! If you don't do this often, singing a verse without accompaniment in a hymn with more than 4 verses gives the congregation an opportunity to hear each other. Lyrics.
ATFG561 / Tune In / Online ResourcePart of a fam'ly / Community (Dave Brown) A song about being welcomed and part of a community. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids.
TiS 629 / AHB 558 / AoV2-136 / ATA 197 / CH544 / VU600 / Lau888 / StF256 When I needed a neighbor were you there (Sydney Carter) A classic folk church song. Well known and fits well with this theme. "And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter"... Lyrics. Good for kids.
Tune In / Online ResourceKingdom Come (Matthew Lees) A song about how things are not what we expect in God’s kingdom. Lots of words and good images including "there's no blacklist or admission fee"Sound sample and lyrics
MV145 / CP418 / SP&P123Draw the circle wide (Gordon Light) A great song about welcoming all people. Chorus is “Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no-one stands alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide”.
CH198 / MV001 / HPP550 / A&M365 / GtG301 / GC753 / GC(II)741 / G(3)850 / SP176 / URW058/ Lau458 / StF409 Let Us Build a House / All are welcome (Marty Haugen) This song has wonderful lyrics of hope for what a Christian community can be like, and a chorus that joyfully says “All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place”. Sheet music sample. Sound sample. New words to old tunes

Psalm 148
All creation sings God's praise

*NCH766 / CH767 / CP324 / PfAS148G Hallelujah hallelujah (Dumisani Maraire) 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 kidsSound sample
PH274O God of Earth and Space (Jane Parker Huber) 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) This is a big favourite in our congregation. It has wonderful energy and excellent lyrics.
CH169 / VU245 / SFFS 2020 / HPP26 / CP309 Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet (Natalie Sleeth) Fun. Good if you have extra instruments at your worship service. Careful not to let it get clunky. Good for kids
GtG017 Sing praise to God you heavens (Hermann Stuempfle) 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.
NCH033 / UMH151 / VU251 / ELW738 / PH290 God created heaven and earth (Traditional Taiwanese) Excellent words of creation, sung to a Pi-po (Taiwanese) melody. It will need to be taught, but it is not too hard.
CH174 / GtG019 God of great and God of small (Natalie Sleeth) 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. Good for kids.
*TiS 715 Everything that has breath (Traditional Czech) A lovely simple round. I can't believe I've never noticed this one before. Would be a really nice relaxing start to worship.Good for kids.
*URW097 All you works of God bless the Lord (Stephen Starke) Joyful words of creation's celebration to the Jamaican tune LINSTEAD (Let us talents and tongues employ). Fun! New words to old tunes.
AoV2-120 / AoVK-9God Is Good let the sun and moon and stars say "God is Good" (Kathy Chan) 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.
TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics and sheet music.
TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / G(3)577 / CP589Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies(Marty Haugen) 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.
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. Probably good for kids.Lead sheet and lyrics. Silly sound sample.
TiS 72 / AHB 42 / NCH27 / CH146 / UMH101 / LBW550 / A&M637 / HPP36 / GtG327 / PH229 / CP344 / CP(E) 431 / Cha49 / PfAS117C / 82Hml-380 / StF075From all that dwell below the skies (Isaac Watts) 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 / GtG026 / PH458 / RS681 / CP358 / W&R642 Earth and All Stars (Herbert Brokering) Fun words of the universe united in praise. An easy hymn-like tune. I really like the "boiling test tubes" bit, although this verse is not in all hymnals. Lead sheet. Sound sample
GtG018 / PfAS148E Hallelujah sing praise to your creator (Tilly Lubis-Nainggolan) Joyful words set to a traditional Indonesian melody (NYANYIKANLAH NYANYIAN BARU). GtG is more inclusive than PfAS.
TiS 152 / NCH4 / UMH89 / VU232 / LBW551 / ELW836 / HPP22 / GtG611 / PH464 / GC529 / GC(II)520 / G(3)614 / CP425 / W&R59 / Cha002 / URW065 / 82Hml-376 Joyful joyful we adore thee (Henry van Dyke) Note that this hymn is not always very inclusive. I prefer more modern translations (e.g. TiS, VU, NCH, GC(II) ). Older version lyrics and tune sample.Oldy-but-a-goody.
TiS 755 / ATA 196 / CH804 / VU884 / SFFS 2278 / A&M484 / HPP219 / GTG080 / CP772 / 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. Good for kids.
ATE 216 / Iona (SBL) / CH126 / StJ / ELW555 / PH472 / G(II)365 / GC527 / RS 671 / CP417 / W&R15 / StF042 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad al Señor (Traditional Brazilian) A good, fun and simple song that is easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish too; note that not all versions are inclusive. Sheet music samples. Good for kids!

Revelation 21:1-6a
A new heaven and a new earth; death will be no more; See I am making all things new.
Many of these songs will also be appropriate for the passage from Revelation which will be read next week, so this may be a good time to introduce a new song.

AoV2-007 / AoVNG110 See I Make All Things New (Monica O'Brien / Trisha Watts) I really love this song. “New, as night turns to morning, the spirit is calling I’m with you, I make all things new”. A nice acapella sound sample. I usually play it with more of a jazz feel.
AoV2-085 / Iona (T1AU) / MV115 / A&M328 / SP129Behold behold I Make All Things New (John Bell) A nice hopeful upbeat short song. Highly recommended. Sound sample (scroll down) Good for kids.
Tune In / Online Resource The desert will spring to life / Making things new (Sheree Anderson) A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook. Good for kids.
NCH613 / UMH726 / VU709 / GtG374 / PH453 / GC767 / GC(II)757 / G(3)863 / CP596 / 82Hml-582 O holy city seen by John (Walter Bowie) Strong lyrics to a very familiar hymn tune (MORNING SONG) New words to old tunes
TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Patricia Lewis / Alister Spence) Excellent Australian imagery. This is one of my very favourite songs. It is not difficult if you have a good musician at the helm. If it is new to your congregation, they will be able to join in on the verses by the time you get to the 3rd one. The change in tone with the verse really lifts this song. Lyrics (search for "Made in").
Online resource: Behold I make all things new (Bruce Harding) A nice short song with a folky feel. Sound sample. Sample sheet music. Purchase here.
ATE 212 Hush now for I am your God (Carol Littlemore) A comforting song for kids. Lyrics (downloads a ppt for a full service).
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."Sheet music and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
GA527 / G(II)540 / GC745 / GC(II)730 / G(3)847 / Lau1000 Jesus Christ Yesterday Today and Forever (Suzanne Toolan) A very simple refrain in English and Spanish, and multilingual cantor parts. That's fun! Works well without the cantor part too. Sheet music sample. Sound sample.
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) Can't possibly sing this song too often! A beautiful classic song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn, even the AHB! Lyrics and sound sample.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.
AoVK-123 / NCH3 / Iona (M&G) / UMH148 / VU308 / WoV794 / ELW837 / GtG021 / PH271 / G(II)338 / GC499 / G(3)911 / CP407 / W&R26 / Cha58 / URW232 / 82Hml-385Many and Great O God are your works / Wakantanka Taku Nitawa (Joseph Renville) Good words. Simple tune. Sounds great accompanied by a good Native American-style drum beat, which is a great way to get people (especially kids) involved in music-making. Lyrics here.
StJ / GtG048 / GC(II)505 / W&R444 / G(3)582 / URW144 / Srce2-502 Rain Down (Jaime Cortez) A good simple gospel song. A very easy chorus, and good verses too.
AoV1-057 / G(II)485 / GC678 / GC(II)663 / G(3)766 / Lau824 Awake from your slumber / City of God (Dan Schutte) I love the joyousness and sense of mission in this one. A really positive song “Let us build the city of God, let us turn our morning to dancing, for the Lord, our light and our love, has turned the night into day”. There is a little bit of non-inclusiveness in the middle. Sample sheet music & lyrics.Sound sample.
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. Youtube. Good for kids.
Tune In / Online Resource You in all our worries / All will finish well (Dave Brown) “In this world where injustice reigns, you are in the midst of pain”. Excellent words of reassurance in a difficult world. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook
Tune In / Online ResourceKingdom Come (Matthew Lees) A song about how things are not what we expect in God’s kingdom. Lots of words and good images including "there's no blacklist or admission fee"Sound sample and lyrics

John 13:31-35
Where I am going, you cannot come.

TiS 699 / AHB 571 / ATN 65 / WoV664 / GA318 / Srce35 / Lau920 / StF242 / MP001 A new commandment I give unto you (Roy Crabtree) Note that older sources do not have inclusive words, but more recent publications use "others" rather than "all men" to make it inclusive for all people. Lyrics.Oldy-but-a-goody.
*MV172 God says (Mary Bittner) A nice simple song about God asking us to be still, to look up, to speak out for God, and reach out to those in need". Lyrics.
*Taizé / MV075 / StS079 / SFFS 2118 / GtG284 / GC(II)479 / G(3)547 / SP99 / URW395 Holy Spirit Come to Us / Veni sancte spiritus / Tui amoris (Jacques Berthier) Gobsmackingly beautiful if you have a cantor, but it works well if you don't, too. Sheet music, translations, sound samples.
Taizé / CH801 / MV170 / StJ / GtG205 / WoV665 / ELW642 / SFFS 2179 / GC408 / GC(II)430 / G(3)500 / CP553 / W&R399 / Cha523 / URW394/ StF783 / Lau244b Live in charity / Ubi Caritas (Jacques Berthier) Usually sung in Latin, but can also be sung just as beautifully as "Live in charity and steadfast love, live in charity; God will dwell with you."Sheet music and sound samples for practice. Good for kids.
AoV1-130 / NCH444 / SFFS 2223 / HPP495 / GtG300 / G(II)533 / GC735 / GC(II)728 / G(3)835 / W&R595 / Cha494 We are one in the Spirit / They’ll know we are Christians by our love (Peter Scholtes) A classic 60's song of unity and being an example to others. It's still pretty groovy, I reckon. Older version are really masculine. We often syncopate it a bit at Brunswick. Note that the 3-6 Sunday School class learned this song this term, so would be good to use. Lyrics and pretty silly sound sample. Good for kids.
ATW 498 / Iona (T1AU) / MV 196 / SP&P182 / URW438We will take what you offer (John Bell) An excellent simple short song that works well either as an upbeat chorus or as a reflective chant. "We will take what you offer. We will live by your word. We will love one another. And be fed by you Lord". Good for kids.Sound sample.
TiS 670 / SiS569 / AoVK-138 / ATE 258 / CH692 / Srce385 / MP376Jesus put this song into our hearts (Graham Kendrick) A fun Yiddish tune that gets even more fun if you get faster and faster as you go. Good for kids.Youtube.Lyrics and chords
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. Scottish sound sample. Good for kids.

Any ideas you could add? Please join in and add a comment below!

Here's where you can find song suggestions for coming Sundays...

Songs, Hymns & Music for Transfiguration C (March 3 2019)

Kyrie Eleison / Lord have mercy

Songs and Hymns for Ash Wednesday (March 6, 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Lent 1C (March 10 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Lent 2C (17 March 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Lent 3C (March 24 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Palm Sunday (14 April 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Lent 4C (31 March 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Lent 5C (7 April 2019)

Songs, Hymns and Music for Passion Sunday (14 April 2019)

Songs, Hymns and Music for Maundy Thursday (19 April 2019)

Songs for Mother's Day (12 May 2019) / Mothering Sunday (31 March 2019)

Songs, Hymns and Music for Good Friday (19 April 2019)

Songs, Hymns and Music for Easter Sunday (21 April 2019)

Springtime songs and hymns

Songs, Hymns & Music for Easter 3C (May 5th 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Easter 2C (28 April 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Easter 4C (12 May 2019)

Songs, Hymns & Music for Easter 5C (19 May 2019)