This document provides guidance on using music in collective worship in schools. It discusses selecting new material, introducing new songs, linking school and parish worship through music, using music to create an atmosphere for worship, and some practical issues around copyright and resources. Key recommendations include planning the introduction of new songs, using music to enhance the theme of worship assemblies, and maintaining a sense of worship even when learning new material. The document also provides examples of how schools can partner with local parishes through joint services and having school choirs participate in parish worship.

1. Make a joyful noise to the Lord
Using music in Collective Worship
January 2006

2. Contents
1 Introduction 3
2 Music in the Bible 4
3 Selecting new material 5
4 Introducing new material 7
5 Linking with parish worship 9
6 Creating an atmosphere 10
7 Practical issues 11
8 Resource lists 12
Appendix 1: A user’s guide to songbooks and hymnbooks 13
Appendix 2: Top ten listings 19
2

3. 1 Introduction
In preparing for the revision of the Collective Worship guidelines in the diocese the Diocesan
Board of Education set up a working party in 2005 to carry out a survey of the use of music
in collective worship in the schools of the diocese and then to draw up some guidance for
schools on improving their practice in this area. This section of the CD-Rom is the result of
the group’s work. It should be read in the context of the general guidelines on Collective
Worship in the section ‘In spirit and in truth’ elsewhere on the CD.
The role of music in school worship is primarily to bring pupils into an awareness of the
presence of God, or at least to consider the possibility of this happening. In this sense the
music is the servant of the worship and not the other way round. It can bring worship alive
enabling everyone present to enjoy it and to have fun! Or it can be deadly boring, killing
any sense of participation and community. Who hasn’t heard (or, worse, heard themselves
saying!) the dread words, “We’ll sing this hymn again until you get right!”?
This guidance is designed to help schools ensure that music has positive value in bringing
their worship alive. It recognises that many schools will have a limited amount of musical
expertise within their staff; fortunately there is now a wide range of materials on CDs and
other formats to help meet this need. Details can be found in the later sections of this
document.
It is the intention of the DBE and of the working group to extend the support for music in
worship using the school’s domain within the diocesan website (www.diochi.org.uk). We
hope that schools will be willing to contribute their experience and creativity to this process.
3

4. 2 Music in the Bible
In the Bible, the role of music is found from the first book (Genesis 31.27) to the last one
(Revelation 15.2-3). As an aspect of human creativity it reflects the image of the creator
God (Genesis 1.26), involving our whole personality (1 Corinthians 14.15); it accompanies
pilgrims on their journey (Exodus 15) and will greet us at our ultimate destination
(Revelation 19) in heaven.
In the Bible music is:
Powerful:
Soothing the spirit Quiet:
(1 Samuel 16.23)
Be still and know that I
Going out to battle
(2 Chronicles 20.20-23) am God.
(Psalm 46.10)
Encouraging prisoners
(Acts 16.25)
Prophetic:
Loud:
While the harpist was playing,
the hand of the Lord came upon Make a joyful noise to
Elisha the Lord
(2 Kings 3.15) (Psalms 95 and 100)
Educational: Instrumental:
…as you teach and admonish Praise him with the trumpet,
one another with all wisdom, the harp, the lyre … with
and as you sing psalms, hymns strings and flute...
and spiritual songs … (Psalms 147, 150 etc)
(Colossians 3.16)
4

5. 3 Selecting new material
There are many areas to take into consideration when selecting new material for use in
collective worship. It is not just a matter of finding songs which are instantly popular, as
children’s initial enthusiasm may soon be replaced by indifference or even boredom. Songs
which are ‘catchy’ and quick to learn need to be balanced by material which needs a little
more preparation, but will be enjoyed and remain meaningful in the long term.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail the incarnate deity!
Be careful when choosing words, particularly with more traditional hymns and carols. Would
children understand them? Do you understand them? Maybe some slight editing is needed!
It is worth spending time in assembly teaching children the words and the meaning behind
them, to deepen their understanding as they sing.
The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never.
Don’t forget the traditional hymns, though. Some are well worth a little more investment in
time for children to learn and have very powerful, meaningful words. They can be made
more accessible by having interesting accompaniments, some of which are available on CDs.
A good hymn is like a poem or ‘treasury of spiritual meaning’ that can last and support us for
a lifetime. Some people like the modernised words found in Hymns for Today’s Church and
other books from Jubilate Hymns; others do not!
O Jesus I have promised
A particularly sensitive area, which may well vary from school to school, is the use of hymns
that express personal commitment, particularly where this is in the first person singular. You
may need to make suitable introduction along the lines of ‘this is a song that Christians often
sing to express their feelings about God’.
We are marching in the light of God. We are marching in the light of God.
Repetition is good for younger children in particular, who can learn and enjoy these worship
songs quickly. Many have good actions or the children can make up their own. Try giving
out shakers and other (not too noisy) musical instruments for some of the children to join in.
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song.
As children get older and their comprehension level improves, you can be more adventurous
with the choice of words. There are some wonderful new songs with spiritually powerful
words. Worth the effort in learning them as they can become real favourites, remembered
for a lifetime.
Our Father, who art in heaven…
Some very good tunes have been written to familiar words. Sometimes, as with the Lord’s
Prayer, they can be used over a series of assemblies on a particular theme to help children’s
understanding.
5

6. Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.
Some worship songs can be used as prayers. Try singing a verse, then reading a prayer as
the accompaniment continues, then singing another verse together. This helps to build the
right atmosphere and makes prayer a special time of reflection. Songs from the Taizé and
Iona Communities can be particularly useful in this way.
See the flower’s final blaze in the morning’s misty haze.
Don’t underestimate children’s ability to understand poetic language, stimulating their
imagination and a sense of awe and wonder. Pictures can be displayed on the digital
projector as they sing, or children’s own pictures can be displayed in the hall as a backdrop.
God is our strength and refuge… (sung to the tune: ’Dam Busters’ March’ [Eric Coates])
Some spiritual words have been written to fit familiar tunes such as the Eastenders theme,
‘Match of the Day’ and ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’. These can work well, particularly as
half the work in learning them has been done already! This approach could stimulate you
into writing your own words to music that is popular with pupils. If you do write your own
words please send them in to the Schools Department at Diocesan Church House, and we
will publish the best ones on the website.
6

7. 4 Introducing new material
There is certainly a place for the old favourites and many schools have a core group of songs
that mean something special to them, but learning new songs is a vital aspect of developing
effective collective worship. It helps keep worship vibrant and alive, providing us with new
ways (and often words) to express our love and devotion to Christ. In the Psalms we are
encouraged to “Sing to the Lord a new song” (Psalm 149.1).
 Difficulties of the traditional ‘hymn practice’
Traditionally new songs have been learnt during a “Hymn Practice” assembly. This, on
its own, does not constitute a daily act of worship, but with the addition of a prayer or
reading may meet the requirements. However, is this the best way both to introduce the
school community to new songs and to have meaningful and profitable times of worship
together during the school day?
This section explores some other possible ways we could learn new songs in school.
 Using the new song as the theme of the assembly
In some schools across the diocese new songs are used as the theme for assemblies.
The Christian teaching found in the text of the song is explored with the children during
the series of assemblies and the song is learnt as part of each assembly during that
theme.
 Worship rather than choir rehearsal
There is certainly a place in the school week for children to learn the technical side of
singing, the need to breathe correctly, enunciate clearly and sing in tune. But, is a time
of worship the right occasion for this learning? Some schools mirror more the practice
seen in churches where a worship leader leads the children in a number of songs/hymns,
some familiar, others new, and the school community learns through listening and
joining in as and when they feel confident. It may be appropriate for a child to be silent
and listen to those around them and contemplate the words or tune for a while. If
quality songs are chosen with good tunes, the children will pick them up quickly using
this pattern, whilst remaining in a frame of mind that is conducive to worship
 Don’t do too many
New songs are important, but too many new songs in one term can cause difficulties for
the children. It is important to revisit old favourites and enjoy the familiarity of the
words and tune. Often it is when the song is well known that we can worship more
deeply.
To suggest how many songs we should introduce a term would be very difficult. There
are many factors that have an impact on this: the age and experience of the children;
the skills of staff; the usual practice in the parish (if there are close links between school
and church); and the time available throughout the week to learn a new song. It is
important to plan out which songs will be introduced over the coming term or year.
7

8.  Quality accompaniments
It is particularly important when learning new material that there is strong and confident
support for the singing. If the accompanist (whether on guitar or piano) is also finding
their way through the music there can be instant and increasing chaos! This is where
the use of accompaniments on CD can be really beneficial – their more sophisticated and
powerful use of instruments can provide a real ‘lift’. Many schools have found the CD of
the music for the Leavers Services can also provide a focus for the whole of the summer
term. A listing of the commercially available CDs can be found in Appendix 1.
 Planning ahead
Planning is important. It provides a long term view outlining the introduction of new
songs. It avoids overload and ensures you will be ready for those “crunch” moments –
Christmas, Leavers Service, etc. Also, if songs are to be used to provide a theme for a
series of assemblies, this can be linked in to the other themes planned for the year.
 Maintaining a sense of worship
Worship must be central, even when learning new songs. Learning songs can destroy
that sense of being in God’s presence, especially if we discipline pupils for poor singing,
or posture. Surely, if we are focussing on technique this should be in the classroom or
choir rehearsal. When we worship, let’s accept each other’s contribution and start from a
position of ‘everyone is here to worship’. Yes, there will be times, in any school setting,
when pupils need to be reminded of expected behaviour, but let’s make it the exception
rather than the norm in times of worship.
8

9. 5 Linking with parish worship
Musical links between church schools and parish churches can be developed through a range
of joint activities. Such musical links can help foster wider aspects of developing a Christian
ethos and good community links. Every school and parish has a distinctive relationship and
there is therefore no ‘correct’ model for enhancing these links, but here are some ideas and
suggestions taken from schools around the diocese.
 Joint school/parish services
In these cases the school (or part of it) attends a service to which parishioners are
actively invited. Particular events such as patronal festivals, the beginning or end of the
school term can provide a focus for this and for discussion of what music would be
appropriate.
 School led parish worship
Schools can lead various parts of a service such as intercessions, readings and
sometimes drama or dance. Many parishes value the chance to have children singing as
part of their worship.
 School choir participation in parish worship
School choirs sometimes sing alongside church choirs, sometimes they share the role by
providing the singing for particular services. Participation in such events as a parish
confirmation or ordination service has proved very successful.
 Joint policy on hymns to ensure some common choices
Amongst the most tangible and pivotal areas of cooperation is the choice of hymns and
songs. These are often selected to relate to the Anglican calendar or lectionary. It is
vital that this is seen as a two-way process, with child-appropriate songs being used in
the church’s worship (to the benefit of all!). It is good practice for people involved in the
school and the church to meet regularly to discuss ideas about the content and style of
worship.
 Use of common settings
Where there are specific musical arrangements of parts of the liturgy used in church
services these can sometimes be readily incorporated into school worship (e.g. the Lord’s
Prayer, Taizé songs, parts of Eucharistic settings such as the Gloria, Kyrie or Sanctus).
 Use of school CDs on entry to/setting scene for church and school worship
This is a relatively easy way of providing a link and can be a simple but powerful
message to pupils. Lately some parishes have used material from the annual Leavers
Service in their worship; the introduction of an annual CD has encouraged this.
 Utilising links where pupils are in church choirs
Children who are regular worshippers sometimes facilitate and sometimes initiate closer
cooperation. This is particularly true of children who are members of both the church
and school choirs.
9

10. 6 Music to create an atmosphere
The benefits of using music to create a calm, quiet atmosphere are well-known in schools.
When pupils are encouraged to enter the place of worship in a peaceful manner they are
more likely to engage with the opportunities for quiet, personal reflection which will be
offered. Often a wide range of classical music is used and the pupils can be introduced to a
range of composers in this way. A display or chart at the front of the hall identifying the
composer and the work can enhance this process.
But this is not the only way to use music in preparation for music; some other possibilities
include:
 It may be appropriate to use recorded arrangements of instrumental versions of popular
hymns and songs to be played quietly while pupils and staff reflect on the worship
theme.
 If a more ‘upbeat’ atmosphere is desired, this is an opportunity to use some of the wide
range of World Music which is available on CD. Playing music from other countries
where Christianity is practised will also help pupils to appreciate the global dimension of
the faith.
 Live music played by staff or pupils is particularly effective in focussing the attention of
everyone at the start of worship.
 Sometimes it is helpful to use very quiet music as a “background” to a time of prayer, or
to use a sung response such as “O Lord, hear my prayer” between short prayers. CDs of
music from the Taizé and Iona communities can be especially useful here.
 Other possible sources of inspiration could include chart music, jazz and music from films
or the musical theatre. Most schools will have people among their staff or pupils with
expertise in these areas.
 This raises the issue of who selects music used in this way. Is it just the head, or are
other staff, visiting speakers or pupils involved?
Finally two suggestions for sourcing appropriate material:
 Christian bookshops have good selections of worship music, with and without sung
words, which can be useful sources.
 To identify music on a particular theme try typing lyrics <theme, key word> into a
search engine such as Google or Ask Jeeves. This will produce a list of song titles.
10

11. 7 Practical issues
 Copyright issues
It is important that church schools are meticulous in observing the law on copyright. To
understand most issues related to this the easiest source of information and guidance
can be found on the website of the Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
who run a licensing scheme specifically for schools using copyright material in Collective
Worship. You can access this excellent site at: www.ccli.co.uk/Visitors/School.cfm. This
covers most, but not all, of the songs that schools are likely to use in worship; there is an
extension available for the copying of music. To answer the two most obvious questions:
yes, you do need a licence to copy words on to OHP transparencies (whether typed or
handwritten) and into PowerPoint presentations; and no, the school is not covered by
any licence held by its church, not even for school services in the church!
 Technical issues
Schools are increasingly making the move from OHPs to data projectors for the display
of the words of songs and hymns, mainly with considerable gains in terms of clarity and
holding the attention of pupils. This also gives the opportunity for using pictorial
backgrounds that can enhance the atmosphere for worship, and contribute to the
development of the theme of the assembly.
For the more technically advanced there is also the possibility of downloading MP3
sample files, MIDI files, .wav files and guitar chords to assist in the effective
accompaniment of songs and hymns. Some of the websites listed on page 12 give
access to these areas, though you may need to involve some pupils to help with the
technicalities!
Acknowledgements
The DBE is grateful to the members of the working group who drafted these guidelines:
John Willis (Chairman)
Revd Alastair Cutting
Adam Earle
Martin Garratt
Sheila Kerr
Andrew McGregor
Lesley Mason
April Owen-Jones
Jeremy Taylor
Darren Vallier
Richard White
11

12. 8 Resource lists
Core books Enhancement books
With cheerful voice (A & C Black) Alleluya! (A & C Black)
Come and Praise 1 & 2 (BBC) Everyone’s singing, Lord (A & C Black)
Come and Praise Beginnings (BBC) Songs for Collective Worship (BBC)
The Children’s Hymn Book (Kevin Mayhew) Kidsource 1 & 2 (Kevin Mayhew)
Songs for every assembly (Out of the Ark)
Songs for everyday (Out of the Ark)
Songs for everybody (Out of the Ark)
Big blue planet (Stainer & Bell)
Sound bytes (Stainer & Bell)
Seasonal books Church books
Carol, gaily carol (A & C Black) Songs of Fellowship 1, 2 & 3 (Kingsway)
Merrily to Bethlehem (A & C Black) The Source (Kevin Mayhew)
Sing Nowell! (A & C Black) Mission Praise (Marshall Pickering)
Songs for every Christmas (Out of the Ark) Junior Praise (Marshall Pickering)
Songs for every Easter (Out of the Ark)
Songs for every Occasion (Out of the Ark) Annual books produced for Spring
Songs for every Season (Out of the Ark) Harvest/New Wine/Stoneleigh/etc
Carol Praise (Marshall Pickering)
CDs (several include music and chords)
‘No pianist for assembly, no problem’ series (Kevin Mayhew) – backing tracks to popular
hymns and worship songs selected for CE schools
Lord of the Dance (Kingsway Music)
All Thing Bright and Beautiful (Kingsway Music)
‘New Children’s Praise Songs’ series (Kingsway Music)
Come and Praise (BBC)
Websites and contacts for music, CDs, midi-files, song words etc
www.kevinmayhew.com
www.kingsway.co.uk
www.kingswaysongs.com
www.higherpraise.com
www.outoftheark.com
www.sharesong.org
12

13. Appendix 1:
A user’s guide to songbooks and hymnbooks
We are grateful to Adam Earle (the Deputy Head of St Peter’s CEP School, Chailey) for producing this
guide.
♪ = Worth a Look ♪♪ = Useful Extra ♪♪♪ = Recommended ♪♪♪♪ = Highly Recommended
Publisher: A&C Black
A well established and reliable educational publisher, A&C Black resources are well presented, hard
wearing and varied. These books, specifically for use in worship, offer a great source of additional material
to enhance your core repertoire and seasonal choice. A&C Black also publish a range of musical plays
(including nativities) and assembly materials.
Related
Title Type Description
Resources
ALLELUYA! Enhancement 77 Songs for primary school Words only edition for
assemblies and classroom pupils is available.
Age 7+ singing. A range of styles and
themes. A limited number are
specifically Christian by nature
♪ but many reflect on Christian
themes such as peace and
love.
CAROL, GAILY CAROL Seasonal 43 Christmas songs grouped Sing-a-long CD with
to tell the Nativity Story clear piano
Age 4-7 (Flexible) making it useful for Christmas accompaniments
performances as well as included with the book
seasonal worship. at no extra cost.
♪♪♪
EVERYONE’S Enhancement 45 songs for collective worship Enhanced CD with clear
SINGING LORD complete with guidance notes. piano accompaniments
Age 5-11 Again a mixture of specifically and printable song
Christian and related themed words included with the
songs. book at no extra cost.
♪♪♪
MERRILY TO Seasonal 44 Christmas songs and Sing-a-long CD with
BETHLEHEM carols from a variety of clear piano
Age 5-11 traditions and cultures but all accompaniments
with a strong Christian basis. included with the book
Some unusual and interesting at no extra cost.
♪♪♪ examples for performances as
well as seasonal worship.
13

14. SING NOWELL! Seasonal A very handy collection of 34 Words only edition for
traditional carols arranged in pupils is available.
Age 5-11 user friendly keys (i.e. not too
high) for children’s voices.
The carols have percussion
♪♪♪ parts, alternative voice parts
and melody instrument lines.
WITH CHEERFUL Core 100 hymns including some Words only edition for
VOICE more traditional favourites pupils is available.
Age 7+ such as “Morning has broken”
and “Lord of all hopefulness”.
The collection has been in
♪ print for a long time and is
perhaps a little dated.
Publisher: BBC
The Come and Praise books can be found in the majority of primary schools and are tried and tested as the
best base resource for many. Time must be taken to read the words through carefully as some items are
less suitable in a church school setting than others. The accompanying resources are also valuable.
Related
Title Type Description
Resources
COME AND PRAISE Core “The most popular school song CD recordings of songs
Combined Edition and hymn book ever!” 149 being performed to sing
Age 5-11 traditional and contemporary along with or listen to.
hymns and songs including
useful seasonal sections. Instrumental music
♪♪♪♪ Many good specifically editions are available.
Christian songs and others Words only books
more general in nature. available. Assembly
activity books now
published.
COME AND PRAISE Core or 60 songs arranged according CD recordings of songs
BEGINNINGS Enhancement to popular worship themes being performed to sing
such as Praise, People, along with or listen to.
Age 3-7 Creation, The Bible and
Festivals. Accompaniments Words only books
are easy to play. Suitable for available.
♪♪♪ younger children. As with
“Come and Praise” it is a Activity Book also
mixture of specifically Christian published.
and more general items.
SONGS FOR Enhancement A new collection of fun songs Activity book and CD
COLLECTIVE which focus on a wide range of available.
WORSHIP Age 5-11 RE and PHSE themes
commonly covered in collective The words are
worship. Not all the songs are photocopiable
♪ Christian in nature but are
useful to go with a specific
topic such as sports day,
community or rules.
14

15. Publisher: Kevin Mayhew
Another reliable and long established publisher, initially supplying the Catholic audience, but now catering
for Anglicans as well, Kevin Mayhew have worked hard to bring inclusive and accessible Christian material
to the school market. The resources are all well presented and although not necessarily cheap, they are
good value for money. Kevin Mayhew also publish a wide range of very good collective worship resources.
Related
Title Type Description
Resources
NO PIANIST FOR Core As the title suggests this is an Top 20 extracted CD
ASSEMBLY? all inclusive resource for collections are also
NO PROBLEM Age 5-11 schools in need of a complete available if you need to
(Non Catholic Edition) solution when no musician is provide a less
available. Includes 166 of the expensive resource for
♪♪♪♪ most popular old and new when the pianist is
hymns and songs sung in away!
assembly.
THE CHILDREN’S Core Includes 166 of the most Words only book is
HYMN BOOK popular old and new hymns available.
Age 5-11 and songs. Accompaniments
are straightforward and are
pitched for children’s voices.
♪♪ Particular care has been taken
to address the issue of
inclusive language and to avoid
manipulative, archaic or pious
words and phrases.
KIDSOURCE 1 Enhancement A collection of 400 praise and Words only edition for
worship songs for children. Books 1 & 2 combined
Age 5-11 Many of the songs are more is available.
confessional in nature and are
all specifically Christian. Some
♪ very useful new songs and
ideas included but must be
used with care and
consideration in an inclusive
worship context.
KIDSOURCE 2 Enhancement The sequel edition with an A words only edition for
additional 406 songs. Keys are Books 1 & 2 combined
Age 5-11 again selected for children’s is available.
voices.
♪
15

16. Publisher: Out of the Ark
Ever increasing in popularity, not least because of the excellent music and accompanying CDs, these
books provide a valuable extension to the basic repertoire. The Christmas and Easter Books are
particularly recommended but all the books represent excellent value for money and include useful
material. Out of the Ark also publish a very good selection of musical plays including high quality nativities.
Title Type Description Related Resources
SONGS FOR EVERY Enhancement Songs with a wide variety of Supplied with
ASSEMBLY styles and positive themes and performance and
Age 5-11 catchy tunes which, using the accompaniment CD.
accompanying CDs, are very
easy to learn.
♪♪♪
Some songs are specifically
Christian whilst others are more
general but still valuable.
SONGS FOR EVERY Enhancement With lively music and varied Supplied with
BODY styles these songs focus performance and
Age 5-11 specifically on “The Body!” and accompaniment CD.
relate to PHSE in particular.
♪ A few songs included are
specifically Christian.
SONGS FOR EVERY Seasonal Perhaps the best and certainly Supplied with
CHRISTMAS one of the most popular from performance and
Age 5-11 the “Songs for every…” series. accompaniment CD.
Most songs included are
♪♪♪♪ specifically Christian and whilst
a few are eminently avoidable
the vast majority are excellent.
SONGS FOR EVERY Enhancement Another great selection based Supplied with
DAY on useful themes including performance and
Age 5-11 some curriculum areas, thought accompaniment CD.
provoking and good to sing.
♪♪ A few songs included are
specifically Christian.
SONGS FOR EVERY Seasonal As with the Christmas Supplied with
EASTER collection this is a valuable performance and
Age 5-11 resource with some excellent accompaniment CD.
songs of varied style.
♪♪♪♪ Most songs included are
specifically Christian.
16

17. SONGS FOR EVERY Seasonal This covers a wide range of key Supplied with
OCCASION school events in the school performance and
Age 5-11 calendar such as Christmas, accompaniment CD.
Remembrance and Mother’s
Day. Again very useful.
♪♪♪
Most songs included are
specifically Christian.
SONGS FOR EVERY Enhancement Exciting songs that captivate Supplied with
SEASON the mood and colour of the performance and
Age 5-11 changing seasons in a variety accompaniment CD.
of musical styles.
♪ A few songs included are
specifically Christian.
Publisher: Stainer & Bell
A lesser known contributor to the world of music for collective worship, this publisher’s resources are none
the less worthy of consideration.
Title Type Description Related Resources
BIG BLUE PLANET Enhancement A collection of songs for young Cassette containing 22
children to share with each songs is available.
Age 5-11 other and with people of all
ages. It was prepared by a
group representing the main
♪♪ churches in Britain.
Covers traditional Christian
festivals and more
contemporary themes.
SOUND BYTES Enhancement A new collection of 94 songs for Words edition and
the 21st century intended for Cassette containing 22
Age 8-11 children aged 8 and above in songs are available.
school and church. Also
prepared with an ecumenical
♪♪ team.
17

18. Other Publications to Consider
These books are not intended specifically for use in schools but do contain some useful items if you have
access to them. In addition it is worth consulting with the local church to find out which books they make
regular use of in worship, particularly if you are to be involved in combined events.
Title Type Description Related Resources
SONGS OF Church Wide ranging collection of Combined words edition
FELLOWSHIP Christian songs and hymns, available
Books 1, 2 & 3 many with highly confessional
♪ words and not designed for use
in schools. However there are
some useful items and these
may be of use dependent on
the nature of the school, the
local church and the
relationship between the two.
Published by Kingsway
CAROL PRAISE Seasonal / This provides a surprisingly Words only book is
Church useful resource for a wider available.
range of carols in a variety of
styles. Whilst not designed
♪♪ specifically for schools it has
some very good material with
more complex
accompaniments.
18

19. Appendix 2:
Top ten lists
We are grateful to Adam Earle and April Owen-Jones for their contributions to these lists.
It is planned to produce further lists for inclusion on the schools domain of the diocesan
website, and ultimately to link these to readings from the Bile and other sources. Any
contributions for other seasons or themes should be sent the schools team at Church
House.
ADVENT and CHRISTMAS
Song Title Source
Make way, make way Kidsource 1
Unto us a child is born Songs for Every Christmas
Child in a manger Songs for Every Christmas
Midnight Songs for Every Christmas
Calypso Carol Merrily to Bethlehem
Cowboy Carol Merrily to Bethlehem
Caribbean Carol Merrily to Bethlehem
Riding Out Come & Praise
Mary’s Boy Child Carol Praise
Come and join the celebration Carol Praise
LENT [A limited selection; a top ten seems hard to achieve!]
Song Title Source
Lord, I pray Songs for Every Occasion
To everything there is a season Come and Praise
Give us hope, Lord Come and Praise
Make me a channel Come and Praise
19

20. EASTER
Song Title Source
Hosanna! Songs for Every Easter
Celebrate! Songs for Every Easter
Go tell it on the mountain Come and Praise
A man for all the people Come and Praise
From the darkness came light Come and Praise
Trotting, trotting Come and Praise
Now the green blade rises Come and Praise
There is singing in the desert Come and Praise
Colours of day Come and Praise
Have you heard? Songs for Every Occasion
HARVEST
Song Title Source
Autumn days Come and Praise
Think of a world Come and Praise
When you father made the world Come and Praise
Lord of the harvest Come and Praise
Pears and apples Come and Praise
Now the harvest is all gathered Come and Praise
Now we sing a harvest song Come and Praise
I’m going to paint Come and Praise
Harvest hymn Songs for Every Occasion
Harvest samba Songs for Every Occasion
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