The Charles Wesley classic, set to Holy Manna by William Moore, 1825. Arranged for guitar.
More Light and More Truth Left
The Congregationalist minister John Robinson told his fellow Pilgrims before their journey to the New World, “I am very confident the Lord hath more truth and light yet to break forth out of His holy Word.” That spirit of openness continues in my denomination, the United Church of Christ. We believe that God is still speaking, bringing new truth to light as we are ready to hear and live into it.
More Light and More Truth Left was inspired by the hymn We Limit Not the Truth of God, and this tradition of seeking God’s word to us in each new circumstance. It is set to the tune of Gold Watch and Chain, made popular by the Carter Family.
Nothing Can Separate Us
A new tune and lyrics drawing inspiration from Paul’s great hymn of faith – there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Romans 8:31-38
O God Our Help in Ages Past
A new tune, Wenck, inspired by a fellow minister in the Chesapeake Association of the United Church of Christ, Ed Wenck, and one of the songs sung at his funeral. This tune gives the Isaac Watts hymn O God Our Help in Ages Past a sweeping feel and an Irish lilt, and is simpler to play on guitar than the usual tune.
Sabbath Day
A hymn written for Sabbath practice – remembering and appreciating the day of rest God commands for each of us. Set to the tune of Angel Band
This Bread, My Body
A communion hymn for the Easter Season, telling the story of the disciples slowly learning about the resurrection. Set to the same tune as Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.
Through Waters Deep
Telling the story of the baptism of Jesus, these new words connect to all of our baptisms and the journey of faith. This is one of the first hymns I ever wrote, for a contest in 2009. I took a look at it and did a significant rewrite in 2018 to sharpen up the language. Set to a traditional tune – Consolation, the same as My Shepherd You Supply My Need.
Wayfaring Stranger
The traditional hymn, arranged for guitar.
When Face to Face with that Dear Cross
A new tune and an overhaul of the language for the classic Isaac Watts hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. I feel like the new tune really gives a new feel to the words and heart of this beautiful hymn.
When Heaven Comes to Earth
New words and a new tune that I wrote in 2015 for the Awake Arise conference sponsored by the Central Maryland Ecumenical Council. The song imagines what the world will be like when it is fully renewed and redeemed by God’s love and our loving response.