Rev Chris Crause has made available some free worship resources which can be downloaded as PowerPoint slides below. You are most welcome to use them in public worship. All I ask is that you keep the acknowledgement of my work on the last slide of each PowerPoint.
All Creatures, Called by Love Divine
Can we believe and yet fully accept what science teaches us? These lyrics are set to a very well known, old tune. The connection between faith and science comes through.
Blessed are the broken ones
Ideally used with a message from the Beatitudes but can be used as a song of comfort and encouragement. The verses follow the beatitudes: 1. The Poor in Spirit. 2. The Mourners. 3. The Meek and Merciful. 4. The Peacemakers. 5. Blessed are we when persecuted.
We look to God when we feel alone
Slower tune. Lyrics reflect being alone and looking for God or use in context where people feel alienated and find hope in God.
A servant’s yes, a Saviour’s love
An Advent song emphasising that Mary was no glorious icon, but a humble, obedient servant. The melody is older than the versions by Boney M and Harry Belafonte. This version reads v1-2 chorus, v3-4 chorus, v5-6 chorus, v7 chorus. Can be broken up and sung in part with liturgical paragraphs in between.
Born to journey, born to belong
V1. Born in Australia. V2. Citizen of the world. V3 Born into humanity. V4. Reborn into God’s family.
Christ be our clarity
Song of praise for those being marginalised by post-modernism. Verse 1 is about discernment in a confusing world, verse 2 about living the Golden Rule, and verse 3 the Silver Rule.
Come all people to the table
For Holy Communion. Can be broken up and sung throughout the service as the different parts of the liturgy evolve.
From many a land
The first English lyrics I wrote after coming to Australia. Emphasising our cultural diversity and welcoming of the stranger. In verse 2 the last word, “Presbytery” is meant to be replaced by any three-syllable word (you community of congregation’s name?)
God with us, His love displayed
An Advent song that includes the shepherd and wise men and follows through to the cross.
God’s anonymous miracles
Set to Jingle Bells, meant to highlight the wonders of God’s creation in seemingly mundane little miracles. Examples are: The love of a grandparent, the innocence of a puppy, the exuberance of a Rainbow Lorikeet, and the forgiveness of a child.
I know who I am in God
Searching for our identity: V1. Created in God’s Image (Genesis 1:27). V2. Known and Called (Jeremiah 1:5). V3. Adopted as God’s Child (John 1:12; Romans 8:16). V4. A New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). V5. Chosen and Set Apart (1 Peter 2:9). V6. God’s Handiwork (Ephesians 2:10). V7. United in Christ (Galatians 3:28). V8. Remembering True Identity.
Choose the most relevant verses or break up into parts during a service.
I wandered through the empty spaces
Written when awaiting major surgery. Searching and going from darkness to hope and then to looking outside myself to caring about others.
If you’re happy
In John 10:10 we’re told that Jesus came to bring life in all its abundance. This is a non-PC song about the joy that we have in Jesus.
In humble wonder, come
Advent. A different take on Good Christians all, rejoice. Looking at the real, human, Jesus entering into our loves.
In work and rest, we live
Labour is not a punishment. Rest is part of God’s plan for our holistic well-being. Verse 1 – Labour as Part of Creation. Verse 2 – Sabbath as Rhythm and Rest. Verse 3 – Labour as Meaning and Joy. Verse 4 – Rest and Peace in God.
Joy to the marginalised
Advent. Luke’s Gospel focuses on Jesus’ compassion and love for those on the margins. A joyous tune with less repetitive lyrics.
Oh, the hope that shines so brightly
Works well with Psalms. Moving from dark and despair to hope. Work with TiS 590, but maybe better with the older What a Friend we have in Jesus.
Quiet hands that lift the flame
Advent. Taking Zechariah as an example, focusing on the so-called second fiddle people that enable ministry and mission to happen.
Rock of ages, walk beside me
A song about our journey through life with God: Verse 1. Childhood and Formation. Verse 2. Vocation and Wonder. Verse 3. Aging and trust. Verse 4. “Best before” reached but not expired. Verse 5. Enduring Worth and Peace
Through all my seasons God is near
Joyous to the tune of My Bonnie lies over the ocean. God is with us in every season of life. Verse 1. Winter. Verse 2. Spring. Verse 3. Autumn. Verse 4. Summer. Verse. 5 God is with me through all the seasons of my life.
Walking where His mercy flows
In the Bible names are often more than labels. They denote personality, purpose and sometime calling. V1. Timothy as an example of being faithful humble and a teacher. V2. James is the practical person that believes in doing rather than just talking. V3. Moses and others are examples of others we can learn from. V4. Inviting us all to live according to how we are called by name.
We know the power of Jesus’ Name
Less repetitive and more modern lyrics. The verses call on us to Name Him, Praise Him, Seek Him, Meet Him. In the final verse we do all of that.
When you see the creatures of God
Celebrating the wonderful and weird creatures God made in the land, Australia. Look at nature and see God at work.
Your light has broken
Coming from a dark place, seeing the light of God filtering through until hope dawns. Verse 1 – Weariness in a Time of Despair. Verse 2 – Searching for God and Meaning. Verse 3 – Hope and New Becoming. Verse 4 – Realism and Peace in God. Verse 5 – Faith, Richness, and Love.