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For Today...
'When out of poverty is born'
Advent hymn from Kathy Galloway, and yet another good use for the tune 'Kingsfold'.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzwyjnACz0o - recorded for Christian Aid.(29/11/2020)
Recent links
'Sing of the Lord's Goodness'
Great song - makes a lively opener.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9fsAKZHq-w - by Jazz Church.www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzTXl_jA-XQ - a remotely recorded and nicely produced 'lockdown' version, from Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church.
(28/11/2020)
'You're the Word of God the Father '
A lot of ground covered in this Stuart Townend song - can be useful.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPXgfaQKZ0k - live recording.(27/11/2020)
'The God of Abraham praise'
A good solid old hymn, with a great tune, which we haven't used in a while.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZZAp7FzwXg - a 4 verse version, with a florid introduction.(26/11/2020)
'Night has fallen'
An old evening favourite: not much use at other times, alas.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qduinik0WM - the video includes a preamble in which the congregation are taught to sing it.(25/11/2020)
'Thank You for saving me'
One of those songs that's never suffered from being over-used, but retains a place in repertoire.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7lFYvJHi8k - nicely paced.(24/11/2020)
'Were I the perfect child of God'
A good song for baptisms. But if you change the first 4 lines of the last verse, it can also be at other times. Example, for communion:-
Redeemed by grace, I now would dare,
To meet with Christ, this meal to share,
Together, as we all declare
We're followers of Jesus.
(23/11/2020)
'God is working his purpose out'
One of those irregular traditional hymns which is prone to minor edits, so if you're leading on the organ or other keyboard in the traditional way, you really have to keep your eye on the words!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8EcuV1SOFU - a recording by Truro Cathedral choir.(22/11/2020)
'Give us light'
I've found this useful (in English) as a led response to prayers, especially around the Advent season. You can of course use any monosyllable that fits the prayer.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxODeTdoXxw - an album recording.(21/11/2020)
'Holy Holy / Lift up His name'
One we haven't used for a while, but which I still think of as 'in repertoire'. The second half can usefully take a fair bit of Hammond!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBnNHiyEo5Q - a Phatfish live recording.(20/11/2020)
'Sing And shout for joy, Alleluia'
Simple but well-written all-age song of praise from Bernadette Farrell.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwdvoZZHTRM - album recording.(19/11/2020)
'Thank You for the Cross, Lord (Worthy is the Lamb)'
Not the easiest of songs for congregations, but they can be confident with the powerful chorus.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=azYQqzoEjgU - A Hillsongs live recording.(18/11/2020)
'Jesus is Lord! Creation's voice proclaims it'
A golden oldie that still comes up occasionally, either at funerals or services.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=prEq8NOx3vs - multi-track recording: Gareth Moore sings and accompanies himself on the piano.(17/11/2020)
'We walk His way (Ewe Thina)'
Lively and fun: even with a small congregation, you can get them singing the lower parts and then sing the melody over them.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LHCN6-UrL4 - the album recording.(16/11/2020)
'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty'
A fine German hymn with a good (Joachim Neander) tune. A standard traditional opener.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhQi4yWTUBY - sung by the choir of King's College Cambridge.(15/11/2020)
'May the peace of God our Heavenly Father'
A blessing song and a bit more besides, from Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQlFHIRFGGU - a Kristyn Getty recording.(14/11/2020)
'Here is bread, here is wine'
Lovely Communion song by Graham Kendrick. I avoid using the written introduction though, preferring to give the congregation a more obvious cue.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgHxVHUO_PU - Graham Kendrick album recording, complete with obligatory modulation.(13/11/2020)
'Christ be beside me (St Patrick's Breastplate)'
Sung to Bunessan. Best with an accompaniment that respects the origins of the tune.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPvQaVUexCk - lightly accompanied female harmonies.(12/11/2020)
'O God our help in ages past'
90th Psalm paraphrase, rarely used beyond services of Remembrance now.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjdmLstpNGE - Songs of Praise - the full 5 verses and a nice descant.(11/11/2020)
'Jesus, take me as I am'
A golden oldie we don't use much now, but still good. Electric piano is good, so is guitar (in E) with plenty of open chords.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0zno7MB5_o - nicely paced.(10/11/2020)
'O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder'
A very popular song with many people. I find it comes up often at funerals. Alas, Mission Praise printed a version with a devil's tritone in the melody, and not everyone corrects it!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdE_NKyY_o0 - a Songs of Praise version from Winchester Cathedral.(09/11/2020)
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