Resources for Christian musicians
There’s not a Friend like the lowly Jesus –
Johnson Oatman, Jr.
No, not one! No, not one!
This is a wonderful hymn!
Maybe in a time when you’re struggling, or your church family is struggling, this is a hymn of comfort and reminder of our loving God.
Listen to the words and harmony in the provided link:
Our God is great!
As believers, there is such a contrast between world events/ emotions and the peace and hope found in God.
We know we can trust our powerful God. He is in control.
The same God Who brought the Israelites to the Promised Land is the same God Who controls our life and world circumstances.
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is such an apropos piece at such as time as this.
Church orchestra:
Majestic organ:
(Incredible – he played entirely from memory)
Other video links: BJU & congregation link
Orchestral rendition link
Most hymnals contain this hymn.
In this time of seeming turmoil, unknowns, and crises – all in the world’s perspective – we have a mighty God Who is in control of our life.
The song – “I Run to Christ” – presents the theme expressed in the title. We have a need to go to Christ, our Advocate, to cast all our “care upon Him, for He careth for you.” (I Pt. 5:7) He is our all-sufficient God!
This was a song we were preparing prior to services being put on hold due to the coronavirus. It’s words speak that much louder in light of the current circumstances.
I first heard this piece sung by a choir. The following presents it very similarly.
Choir arrangement by Shelly Hamilton.
Congregational hymn (can be used for choir, small group, or solo) Link (free)
Choir arrangement – very nice! digital download
Another video of choir Link .
I was introduced to this resource and have really appreciated the ability to listen to great Christian music.
(***Make sure you select the “Instrumental” option.***)
Also available on TuneIn.com.
(I can’t guarantee the entire content, but for the most part, I have found the music offered to be conservative Christian music.)
As the days have grown colder, and we tend to stay inside more, it seems like our minds go toward those in homebound or hospital settings.
What a joy it is to visit individuals who are laid up for various reasons. I know when I visit, I go to be a blessing; however, it is often I who feels most blessed following the visit.
Music can be an integral part of visiting. I have taken a piano into ICU rooms, nursing homes, and individual’s residences. All have been received with grateful hearts.
I especially recall the ICU room. It was an older gentlemen and he had been there for awhile, so staff wasn’t needing to be working feverishly around him at the time. Some family was there. (Usually quite bored as in most cases.) They LOVED hearing the familiar songs of their faith. Absolutely loved it. It helped lift the heavy weight lingering in the room, brought back sweet memories of church, and especially pointed to a Christ willing to help in hard situations. I treasure the memory of that visit and what God did.
If you’re a musician – bring your instrument. Piano keyboards can be inexpensively purchased (see below); guitars are transportable, woodwinds are loved, etc.
If you can sing – use your talent. In the ICU story above, I was able to sing along with the keyboard. It provided the words to the treasured songs we know. Nothing fancy, just singing the words to the song from the hymnal.
Call the hospital ahead of time, making sure the person is still there, when the visiting hours are, and what room they are in.
Be respectful of sound volume. Don’t bring the whole orchestra nor perform when most hospital patients are sleeping.
Some of my favorites –
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
The Old Rugged Cross
Amazing Grace (everyone knows)
Christmas time-
The First Noel
Silent Night
Piano keyboards can be purchased at a reasonable price at garage sales, flea markets, etc. Please make sure they work correctly and sound as you desire.
I encourage the use of batteries (one of mine uses AA batteries). This allows for greater flexibility in a hospital setting or home. I have used the power adapter and been fine with that as well, but you will have to hunt for an outlet on location.
Use old hymnal(s). Many times, a church will have old hymnals sitting in a storage closet, and the pastor may be willing to loan or give away. I have also purchased favorite hymnals through used book stores (abebooks.com).
If you are a Jr. Church teacher, Sunday School teacher, parent of young children, etc., the following post is geared for you.
In addition, there is a music sale occurring right now, December 28th-31st, 2019. See end of post for details.
(This would be appropriate for young children.) Song is sung to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Mary and Joseph traveled far, traveled far, traveled far.
Mary and Joseph traveled far – to Bethlehem they came.
Mary had a baby boy, baby boy, baby boy.
Mary had a baby boy, and Jesus is His name.
(I was taught this orally. I am unaware of any copyright on the words as taught.)
Please, if you are the copyright owner or lyricist, contact me.
I also saw the following verses adapted by Jill Kemp (from idea originally of Mainly Music Inc.):
Angels came to tell the news, tell the news, tell the news.
Angels came to tell the news, and Jesus is His name.
God gave the world His only Son, only Son, only Son.
God gave the world His only Son, and Jesus is His name.
Prima Music is holding a great sale on their in-stock music: 25% all in-stock items. In addition, if you spend $100, you receive a $10 gift certificate. (See site for details.)
This is a great deal if you need to order music.
Shipping is free if you order $50 in merchandise and choose to ship everything in one shipment.
I have ordered from Prima in the past and will probably take advantage of this sale (Dec. 28th – 31st, 2019) by ordering some choir music we will use this coming year.
In addition, if you are looking to save some dough on music for you or your choir, SheetMusicPlus has the following coupon codes (valid until 2/1/2020):
R19HPF9YFW
R197YT6NWK
Each one is for $2 off an order of $10 or more. I assume they can only be used once, so the first person to use them will receive the discount.