REFLECTION: Summer Hymn Series - Week 7

Rev. Cameron: I love old church music. I would not want to get rid of so many of the tunes or words that we have been singing for centuries (sometimes even millennia) that we still sing today. However, I also would never want to ignore where the Holy Spirit continues to inspire musicians today to make beautiful music to the glory of God.  With that in mind, the three songs I chose for today are by three people I know well.

 

First Hymn from Rev. Cameron: Light My Way 

By Jonathan Ferris, with whom I have led chapel at Camp Artaban for the last few years. He is an incredible musician, and we played this song that he wrote at the start of every chapel session in 2024 as the kids arrived each morning. It has become one of my favourites to play at our monthly Labyrinth walks.

 

Second Hymn from David Hildreth, #368: He Came Down

"Very uplifting hymn- words say it all- He came down so we may have love-hope-peace forever"...

 

Third Hymn is from Simon Charles, #184: My Song is Love Unknown

This hymn is burned into my brain by the rendition in the Netflix show The Crown. In the 1960s, a huge mining disaster destroyed a huge amount of the town of Aberfan, killing a large number of kids in particular. The town had a large communal funeral and sang this together. It was incredible.

 

Fourth hymn is from Simon Charles, #533: Jesus, Lover of my Soul

I Just like the tune and lyrics!

 

Fifth hymn is from Rev. Cameron: Watch Over You

By Jason Wood, (the Forest Archive on iTunes & Spotify). It is a song I loved immediately from his 2nd studio album, and the last few years I have sung it to/for/with the campers at the end of each day. This week (because I am writing this from Camp Artaban), I have campers who requested it immediately, having remembered it from last year.

 

Sixth hymn is from Rev. Cameron: We Will Walk On 

By the Reverend David Taylor (on iTunes & Spotify). I find this song so incredibly hopeful, rooted in God’s steadfast presence on our journey. In the online recording, you can hear a little ukulele in the background – that is me!