Follow Me

This setting by Beth Farris can be found on the CCLI website and is recommended this week as a solo to begin worship. This is a great song for a lower female voice in your congregation. The original recording uses a folk ensemble to accompany, including guitar, banjo, bass, and a simple drum kit. If you have access to the Vocal Sheet on CCLI (through SongSelect), you will also find harmonies that can be sung with the primary vocalist.

Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult

I would guess that this hymn is sung with this Scripture more than any other, and that would be for good reason. “Jesus Calls Us” is a classic dialogue between Jesus and us. Sing it at a moderate tempo, making sure not to sing it too slowly. Accompany with organ or piano.

We Would See Jesus

Our recommendation with the use of this resource this week is to continue the musical and hymnic thread begun last week by simply playing this instrumentally one time through and then singing stanza 4. The use of a folk ensemble (guitars, mandolin, fiddle, etc.) can go a long way in helping this become a heart song of the congregation. Read History of Hymns: "We Would See Jesus" »

Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore

This lyrical hymn puts the singer in the place of the disciples sought by Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. It is very emotional, simple, and easy to sing, and can be accompanied by a variety of instruments. The accompaniment is written quite idiomatically with this Spanish song, and can therefore be played as is with piano or organ or translated into an easy, lilting guitar part. A flute, other woodwind instrument, or violin could easily alternate between the melody and the harmony, a third or sixth below (be sure to have them play up an octave when necessary!). In this service, we have recommended it to accompany the reading of Scripture to creatively frame the narrative found in the Gospel reading. Read History of Hymns: "Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore" »

Two Fishermen

Suzanne Toolan has created a beautiful narrative of the calling of the disciples by the Sea of Galilee in the fitting style of a sea shanty. Sea shanties were created for sailors to sing while working, and the rhythm found in this hymn gives the singer the sense that there is work being done, and work still to be done. If it is new for the congregation, take the liberty of teaching them the short refrain, and have soloists sing the stanzas. However, know that the stanzas are two exact phrases and easily teachable. Most phrases move in a simple, stepwise motion. Enhance the accompaniment of this hymn by using organ, piano, or guitar, along with a bright percussion instrument, such as a tambourine, to add rhythmic vitality. Like the other suggested hymn, we have recommended it to accompany the reading of Scripture to creatively frame the narrative found in the Gospel reading. Read History of Hymns: "Two Fisherman" »

Somlandela (We Will Follow)

This short, cyclic song in the Zulu language has an almost marching quality that serves as the perfect setting as a response to the proclamation in this service. This is among the easier of some songs from other cultures to teach to your congregation if you should choose to sing the Zulu text. Pronunciation is as follows:

Sohm-lahn-deh-la Sohm-lahn-dehl oo-Jeh-soo
Sohm-lahn-deh-la Yahn-keh een-dah-woh
Sohm-lahn-deh-la Sohn-lahn-dehl oo-Jeh-soo
Lah-poh eh-yah-koh-nah sohm-lahn-deh-la

If your choir is interested in singing songs that help work their way into singing more selections a cappella, this is a wonderful option to use. The parts are easy, accessible, and repetitive. Another way to sing this would be for the choir to sing the Zulu text, and then have the congregation sing in English when they are invited to sing. The preferred performance practice for this hymn would be to sing it a cappella, along with a variety of drums and percussion for rhythmic vitality and intensity. However, if that is not an option, it can also be accompanied by organ or piano. Encourage clapping on all beats, and have the song leader sing the cantor part at the end of each stanza to signal a repeat.

When Jesus the Healer Passed Through Galilee

This modern folk hymn contains an engaging call-and-response dialogue in which the leader serves as the narrator and the congregation serves as the crowd. Participating in this dramatic rendition of the Scripture will help the congregation internalize the story of Jesus calling the disciples and sending them out to cast out demons, heal the sick, and spread the good news. The folk quality of the song lends itself to be accompanied by a guitar and light percussion, but keyboard instruments such as organ or piano would also work as long as the accompaniment is not too heavy. Keep the instruments and voice light within this style. Read History of Hymns: "When Jesus the Healer Passed Through Galilee" »

The Summons

The hymnic repertoire is not lacking when hymns are needed with this particular scriptural narrative, and John Bell’s “The Summons” offers a series of challenging questions to consider when listening for Jesus’ call to us. Nothing does more harm to this text than singing it too slowly. The phrases are too long to sing at a slow pace and require a lilting sense of forward motion. Accompaniment works best with an organ, piano, or guitar, along with a treble instrument to double the melody. Read History of Hymns: "The Summons" »

Other Suggested Hymns for The Great Invitation, Week 3:

“Follow” CCLI 2756024
“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” UMH 206
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” TFWS 2158
“All Who Hunger” (with Eucharist) TFWS 2126