This Easter Sunday some of the congregation have chosen a hymn and written a few words. Thanks to all those who contributed. Join in the signing! If any adverts appear – just click ‘Skip’.
Eileen Harper has chosen In Christ Alone by Stuart Townsend. “This is a contemporary hymn which has quickly become a firm favourite and can be found in most popular hymn lists. It has that special combination of great words combined with a powerful tune. I would like to sing it in St Fillan’s one day (but it is not in our hymn book).”
Simon Fraser has chosen Jesus Christ is risen today. “Given the triumph of the festival, Easter hymns should be triumphant in tone and have tunes which enable the congregation to really belt it out.”
Linda Brown has chosen We cannot measure how you heal by John Bell. “This is a comfort in times of trouble and I first heard it on Iona where it was written”
David Graham has chosen There is a green hill far away. “When it was young we used to sing it every Easter. It took some time for me to realise that ‘without a city wall’ meant ‘outside a city wall’. Apart from that, it is a children’s hymn with words that can easily be understood. Cecil Francis Alexander also wrote All things bright and beautiful, Once in royal David’s city and Jesus calls us o’er the tumult. I think it is important to use language effectively to communicate the gospel.”
Linda Graham has chosen Were you there when they crucified my Lord? “Our youth group sang this, 40 boys and girls in two part harmony on Easter Sunday. The following Easter, the congregation asked us back”.
June Weatherup has chosen Beauty for Brokenness” (God of the Poor). “It encapsulates everything that is going on in the world and reminds us of the horrors of war as The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to cause shockwaves among the Western nations and beyond. The images in this video are extremely poignant and so relevant today and everyday”.
Alan Monk our Interim Moderator has chosen Now the green blade riseth. “It is a lovely lamenting peaceful tune contrasting nicely the joy, hope and exuberance of the Easter message. I had wanted this version Steve Winwood – “Now The Green Blade Riseth” (2020) – YouTube but it doesn’t have the lyrics”.
Eric Williamson has chosen You Crown the year. “This has been a favourite since first hearing it about three years ago when we were preparing to lead the Harvest thanksgiving service. It was the music we used at the beginning of worship as the children brought in their harvest offerings. So OK not an Easter hymn but Praise the name of the Lord oh my soul sing His worth!”
If you have enjoyed this – watch the previous Advent Songs of Praise here.