After over a year into ‘lockdown’, it is time for another Songs of Praise! Some of the congregation have chosen a hymn and written a few words. Thanks to all those who contributed. Join in the signing! If the YouTube links contain adverts, you can skip them after a few seconds.
Eric Williamson has chosen We have a gospel to proclaim.
“I remember it well from school assemblies and prize giving’s. It must have been a favourite of the Rector’s too! It’s a marvellously uplifting song with a great soaring melody..”
Sally Sheail has chosen Lord of the dance.
“This hymn shares the gospel through the image of dance. Dance transcends all societal structures, race, and abilities and makes the gospel message available to everyone. It reminds me of the sovereignty and humanity of Jesus and what he did for me on the cross.”
John Gordan has chosen The Lily of the Valley.
“I was looking for a YouTube for “Jesus Loves Me” which I think is a powerful hymn for all ages. It is the first hymn which all children learned at Sunday School(or maybe along with Away in a Manger). My father, who was a huge influence on my life, always referred to it as “the best hymn in the book”. Unfortunately, I could not find a version which uses the original words as contained in hymn books prior to CH4 and thus I gave up but stumbled across this song which popped up: “The Lily of the Valley” which has many of the same messages. I took a cutting of lily of the valley from my mother’s house, as a memento, to plant in our garden. As the gardeners amongst the listeners will know, when you plant lily of the valley it is always with you.”
Ian & Daphne MacFarlane have chosen Eternal Father, strong to save.
“Daphne’s father was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, earning an OBE for his specialised work in D-Day planning and I spent the majority of my working life in the same Navy either in different parts of our former Empire or underwater in the North Atlantic. Thus, this hymn has many memories for both of us.”
Simon Fraser has chosen All people that on earth do dwell, “with its ‘proper’ tune – Old Hundredth. Reason – The hymn is a stupendous call for all people to come together to worship God.”
Christine Waddell has chosen I the Lord of sea and sky
“I heard this hymn for the first time as I was considering becoming a Church member, the words resonated with me and after further exploration I made the final decision that I did want to become a member, and further down my journey became an elder to serve God in anyway I am led.”
Judith Coates has chosen My song is love unknown.
“I chose it because I remember singing it in church as a teenager, and it was one of my grandmother’s favourites. I used to accompany her to services where she could sing – she loved to sing!”
June Weatherup has chosen My Lighthouse by Rend Collective.
“I thought it would also be nice to remember our children who have been hugely affected by the pandemic. This song always reminds me of our Family Fun events and the children (and the adults) are so happy when we all sing it together.”
If you have enjoyed this – watch the previous Christmas Songs of Praise & Festival Songs of Praise.