Sunday 30 April, 2023

4th Sunday of Easter 

Hymns marked with an asterisk (*) are not mentioned again in other sections but may be considered appropriate elsewhere.

During this Easter season, many readings refer to, or reflect upon, Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension - culminating in Pentecost Sunday on 28 May. Many suggestions may prove suitable for other Sundays. 

In addition, a range of hymns published on StF+ are suggested for this period:

A new day dawns
God eternal, timeless moment 
God who knows our darkest moments
In this house all people will be welcome
Like Thomas
Mary, you were there
Safe, locked inside that upper room
The name of Jesus
The world is fraught with danger
Was it the shaking ground that moved
What peace is there for tarnished lives
When our futures are uncertain

Acts 2: 42-47

Come and let us sweetly join (StF 646)
Here on the threshold (StF 684)
I come with joy, a child of God (StF 588)
I owe my Lord a morning song (StF 135)
Take this moment, sign and space (StF 513)
Thanks for friends who keep on loving (StF 619)

Psalm 23

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

Even though I walk through the valley (StF 626)
God weeps at love withheld (StF 700)
In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear (StF 736)
*The King of love my shepherd is (StF 479)
*The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want (StF 480) (Crimond)
*The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want (StF 481) (Stuart Townend ver.)
*Through the love of God our Saviour (StF 639)

1 Peter 2: 19-25

Blest are the pure in heart (StF 244)
Called by Christ to be disciples (StF 660)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (StF 492)
Christ, our King before creation (StF 318)
He came to earth, not to be served (StF 445)
Give me the wings of faith to rise within the veil, and see (StF 747)
I am the bread, the bread of life (StF 587) (communion hymn)
Now let us from this table rise renewed in body, mind and soul (StF 596) (following communion)

John 10: 1-10

Father, I place into your hands the things I cannot do (StF 519)
From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun (StF 156)
Give me the faith (StF 661)
Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us (StF 238)
What shall I do my God to love, my Saviour (StF 516)
Where can we find you, Lord Jesus our Master? (StF 672) (v.4 refers to God’s sheep as in the Bible reading)