If you’re using the lectionary readings for the week there are some great websites that offer song suggestions. These sites also allow for theme search and scripture search. We can also give you access to the database of songs that are commonly known at Gungahlin UCA if that helps.
Before setting songs it is always helpful to ask the music team if they know a particular hymn or song, or if there’s enough time to learn it.
Top Two
Singing From The Lectionary is a great resource from Natalie Sims in Melbourne, Australia. Natalie offers song suggestions for the week’s lectionary readings that are slightly more traditional. SFTL‘s selections also include songs that are great for communal singing from all over the world.
Together To Celebrate is another great Australian resource curated by David MacGregor in Queensland. Together to Celebrate offers a wide range of song titles including Chris Tomlin, Iona Community, Taize’, Shirley Murray, Hillsong, Matt Redman, Graham Kendrick, Bernadette Farrell, Marty Haugen, Robin Mann, Malcolm Gordon, Paul Somerville and many others.
The Rest
Psalm Immersion is a website curated by musician and Psalmist Richard Bruxvoort Colligan. RCB writes music that is inspired by the Psalms that can be used in communal singing in worship, or as recorded music. His music is great for reflective pieces, or to use the psalms liturgically in worship. You can check out his Youtube channel here. You can purchase access to his work by individual songs, or as music books, or by supporting his Patreon account.
Spirited and Singing is the site of Lucy Graham who has a lot of experience in, not only leading worship but also in writing music for worship and also coordinated a contemporary music network in Victoria for the UCA. Lucy’s blog has a number of great resources for those of you leading / thinking about music within the context of church & worship.
emumusic provide new congregational songs and re-work of old hymns. Their focus is on translating scripture into song: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16-17)“
weareworship provide access to songs from worship leaders across the world. Over 9000 songs in their library.
praisecharts more of song library that provides sheet music for top worship songs.