2020 has been a year unlike any other, and this Advent and Christmas season promises to be no different. Knowing that so many of our communities of faith are unable to gather in person, Shining Waters Regional Council has developed a selection of video resources for use in online worship. Resources will be provided for Advent, Christmas Eve and Epiphany Sunday.
These videos have been cleared for use in your worship services. Resources have been sorted by week. Music has been contributed from a variety of sources, including the generous contribution of music from Metropolitan United Church and Jubilee United Church (those videos will be coming soon). Songs not in the public domain need to be reported to One License, and congregations will need to have the Podcast/Streaming license as an add on to their regular license. Unless noted otherwise, all music pieces are available for use in pre-recorded, live-streamed (Zoom) and archived services.
This page is something of a “living document” — week by week (or perhaps even day by day!) more resources will be added.
If you have prayers or music to contribute, or would like to be notified as new resources are added, please email Bri-anne Swan at bswan@united-church.ca.
Online Pageant Resources
Shining Waters also has two online pageant resources for use with Sunday Schools and congregations.
You’re on Mute is the story of a Sunday School class that is trying to record their Sunday School Pageant. Along the way, they discover the meaning of Christmas during COVID-19.
The First Christmas tells the story of the first Christmas. Inspired by the Gospel of Luke, this pageant encourages an intergenerational approach to the story and utilizes well known Christmas hymns.
If you are interested in either of the pageant resources, please email Jeffrey Dale, Minister for Faith Formation, Youth & Young Adults.
Scripture
Mark 13:14-37
Prayer
“Keeping Awake in the Prison Cell” by Ramiro Gonzales
Music
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus; O Come, Emmanuel
This eschatological text, situated between Jesus teaching on the temple mount and Mark’s passion narrative, discusses visions of the end times with apocalyptic imagery from the the prophets Isaiah, Joel, Ezekiel and Daniel. Christ followers are implored to “keep awake” to the signs of Christ’s return. For a people experiencing imperial oppression, eschatological texts are meant to be texts of hope; that the destruction of the status quo is so sorely needed, that images of the sun being darkened and heaven and earth passing away are moments to look forward to with anticipation.
As you listen, consider how these words sit with you. Are they frightening? Comforting? Who might these words especially speak to today? Who do you expect would find hope in anticipation of destruction?
Music: Onward by Chelsea McGough. Licensed for use.
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks
Ramiro Gonzales has been a prisoner on Texas’ Death Row since 2006. He is scheduled to be executed on April 20, 2021.
Ramiro’s prayer is a reflection on the hope found in this week’s gospel reading, despite the fear and doubt of one’s desperate circumstances. It is a hope that stands steadfast in the knowledge that death is not the last word and that there are times where thinking about “the end times” can also be a comfort, a beacon to guide one’s heart and thoughts.
Music: Stronger Self by Moments. Licensed for use.
Narration: Todd Cutrivo
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks
Download Ramiro’s original handwritten prayer here.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni, Emanuel), based on Christian chants from the 9th century, has been a beloved start to the Advent season for hundreds of years. This tune is based of a 15th century plainsong melody. The English adaptation used in the United Church of Canada was published in 1851 by John Mason Neale. The song is a call for deliverance and redemption, with both hope and knowledge that God is present. The revolution needs our joy, too.
Performed by Emorie. The music and lyrics are in the public domain. No One License reporting is required.
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks
In 1744, Charles Wesley considered Haggai 2:7 while looking at the plight of orphans in his community, as well as the growing class divide throughout Great Britain. Through this train of thought, Wesley wrote Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.
Words and music (Hyfrydol) are in the public domain and do not require One License reporting.
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks
do justice. the podcast (Advent 1)
Scripture
Isaiah 40:1-11
Mark 1:1-8
Poem
Songs for the People by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Music
Calling with the Wild; Comfort, Comfort Now My People
Isaiah 40 sees the author moving from warnings of judgement and destruction for God’s people, to a message of comfort and freedom that is to come for a community in exile. While the Revised Common Lectionary sets up this text as prophecy for Christ’s birth, it is Mark (in this week’s gospel reading) who is referencing Isaiah, not Isaiah predicting the gospel.
As you listen to this text, you’re invited to consider what is the comfort you need? What comfort is needed in your community? What does it mean to prepare a way for God?
Music: Camargue by Alice in Winter. Licensed for use.
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks
The beginning of Mark’s gospel points directly towards the words of Israel’s prophets, particularly Isaiah & Malachi. Last week we listened to Mark’s words foreshadowing the coming of the end times; a passage infused with hope for those in desperate situations. This week, we are greeted with the declaration of good news. Mark’s original audience could have really used some good news as they navigated the violence and complexity of the Jewish War with Rome.
There is a tendency in Canada to think of wilderness as forests for hiking, lakes for canoeing, camping by fires with family, friends, and song. The wilderness of John the Baptizer is a life lived out on the fringes, crying out from the margins of “civilized” society. This is not a wilderness of Canadiana kitsch. It is a wilderness lived on the edge. A wilderness populated by those who have been left behind.
As you listen to this week’s gospel reading, you’re invited to wonder about what these words might mean for people living on the fringes of their community. Where do you see yourself in relationship to the wilderness? Whom do you feel is being called to repent?
Music: Come Thou Font of Every Blessing. Performed by Marie. Licensed for use.
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks
A poem reflecting on those who can use good news; those who should be sung for.
Photo: Thomas Le on Unsplash.
Words: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Public Domain.
Music: “Reverie” by Chelsea McGough. Licensed from Soundstripe
A musical reflection on the Holy Spirit calling from the margins — calling from the wilderness.
This song is not registered with One License and is offered with permission. No reporting is required.
Photo: Caitlyn Wilson on Unsplash
A musical interpretation of Isaiah 40.
Words by Johannes G. Olearius, translation by Catherine Winkworth. Music by Louis Bourgeois. Background is a soundscape recording of the Gezi Park protests in Istanbul in 2013 by Istikalal, used via Creative Commons 3.0 Share Alike license.
Words and music are in the public domain. No One License reporting is required.
do justice. the podcast (Advent 2)
Scripture
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Music
Joy Shall Come, Even to the Wilderness, O-So-So
An important text from Third Isaiah, this passage speaks to a people in the aftermath of exile. It is a combination of voices speaking to one another: a prophet, a divine discourse and, finally, Zion’s voice.
As you listen to this passage, you are invited to wonder… Who are the broken-hearted in need of comfort? What does it mean that God will bring vengeance? Whose voice to you hear proclaiming good news this Advent?
Narration: Antcor
Music: Realizations by Rest & Settle. Licensed from Soundstripe
Photo: Max Saeling from Unsplash
Music & Lyrics: Israeli Traditional. Public Domain.
Performed by the Jubilee United Church choir, led by Dr. Daniel Rubinoff.
Video: Licensed stock footage from Videoblocks.
O-So-So
Music and lyrics: Geonyong Lee
English lyrics: Marion Pope
Video footage licensed from Videoblocks
Please report use to One License.
Scripture
Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:46-55
Prayer
“An Advent Prayer” by Lynda Katsuno-Ishii
Music
My Soul Cries Out (Canticle of the Turning; May it Be (Song of Mary)
Like many other encounters with the Divine (or proxies) throughout scripture, the Annunciation follows a pattern: appearance of the spiritual being, fear or disbelief of the person being addressed, the announcement, protest, and then a promise or blessing. We see this with Moses, Jonah, Hagar…and so many others. This is what happens when the Divine directly interacts with humanity.
The way in which the Annunciation has been traditionally told for so many years would have Mary seem like a calm, passive recipient of news, rather than a participant in the story. However, what is crucial to note is that ultimately, Mary has agency. She gives consent with her final words to Gabriel, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
As you listen to these words, you are invited to wonder:
What might be going through Mary’s mind as she heard Gabriel’s words? What was Mary risking with her, “yes”?
Music: Woven by Alice in Winter (licensed from Soundstripe)
Image Sources: Please see the YouTube link and video for full list of images.
The Revised Common Lectionary sets up this passage as if Mary begins her song immediately after the visit from Gabriel. Rather, it occurs after meeting Elizabeth, Mary’s elderly cousin and the mother of John the Baptist. Upon hearing Mary’s voice, the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy.
Most scholars believe that The Magnificat, or Mary’s Song of Praise, is based on the song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. It is one of four poems recited by women at important points in the history of Israel and Judah. All of these songs relate, in some way, to liberation from oppression.
As you listen to Mary’s words, you’re invited to wonder: What would it have felt like as a 1st century Palestinian Christian to hear these words? How do you relate to Mary’s words within the perspective of 21st century Canada?
Music: “Falling” by Alice in Winter (licensed from Soundstripe)
Video: Created from licensed clips from Videoblocks
An imagining of Mary’s thoughts after being told that she will have a baby, that baby will be the Son of God, and things are about to get very, very difficult and terrifying for her. The end of the song features Mary’s words of praise (drawing almost entirely on Hannah’s words of praise) known as the Magnificat.
Words and music by Bri-anne Swan. No requirement to report to One License.
A musical interpretation of the Magnificat and the longing for God’s justice in the world.
Words by Rory Cooney and set to the tune Star of the County Down.
Please report use of this song to One License.
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks and contributed videos from members of Shining Waters Regional Council.
“An Advent Prayer” by Lynda Katsuno-Ishii
from Birthing the Promise: Advent Reflections and Worship Resources from Many Cultural Realities
(1997) United Church Publishing House
Music: “This January” by J.M. Long (licensed from Soundstripe)
Photo: Mustafa Moar on Unsplash
We are grateful to our friends at Leaside United Church, Metropolitan United Church, and Jubilee United Church for offering their recorded music for use in congregational online worship across Shining Waters Regional Council. (more videos and downloads coming soon)
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Carles Wesley, George Whitefield, and others. Arrangement by David Willcocks. Words and music are Public Domain. Arrangement requires reporting to One License.
Permission for use of video granted by Leaside United Church.
Download the file here.
Through Darkness and Splendour
Text: Alison Mock & Emily Gordon
Tune: OLWEN
Text used with permission. Tune is in the public domain. Arrangement by Eric Routley. Arrangement needs to be reported to One License.
Permission for use of video has been granted by Leaside United Church.
Download the file here.
Silent Night
Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr. Public Domain. Alternate verse 3 harmonies and descant arrangement by Noel Treddinick. Arrangement needs to be reported to One License.
Permission for use of video granted by Leaside United Church.
Download the file here.
May it Be
Includes text to the Magnificat. An imagining of Mary’s reactions after the annunciation.
Words and music by Bri-anne Swan. Permission for use granted.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Words and music (Hyfrydol) are in the public domain and do not require One License reporting.
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Performed by Emorie. The music and lyrics are in the public domain. No One License reporting is required.
Video: Utilizes stock footage from Storyblocks
Calling with the Wild
A song of comfort for those who’ve been forgotten.
By Chris Tindal and Bri-anne Swan. Permission for use granted.
Download the file here.
Comfort, Comfort Now My People
Words and music in public domain.
Download file here.
Go Light Your World
Words & Music: Rice / Teixeira
Please report use to One License
Video: Islington United Church. Permission for use granted.
Waiting on the World to Change
Waiting On The World To Change – by John Mayer
Arranged by Chris Tsujiuchi (piano and vocals) and Christine Bougie (guitar)
Lyrics by Adrian Marchuk
Use of the video has been granted by Windemere United Church.
This video can be used on YouTube (live stream or archived) and in Zoom services. Facebook is likely to flag this video for copyright. (YouTube has agreements with record labels. It is possible your worship video will be monetized with proceeds going to the publisher and record label).
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Choral arrangement of this beloved Advent hymn.
Music and words are in the public domain.
Permission for use of video has been granted by Metropolitan United Church in Toronto.
Advent Message from the Moderator
In his Advent message, Moderator Richard Bott reminds us that for everything there is a season. The Advent season is not just a time of waiting, it’s a time for preparation, as we prepare for the baby Jesus. We have to move one step at a time, without fear, without worry. Because God is here, with us. God is with all this wounded world. Advent — especially this Advent — is a time to remember that. Advent and Christmas will be different this year. We will need to keep our physical distance and cover our faces. Perhaps the distance this pandemic brings can allow us to prepare our spiritual life for the coming of the Christ child. One step at a time. Each in its own order. There is a time for everything.
Convergence Music Project
What is CMP all about? Succinctly, it’s about creating a soundtrack for what many are now calling the “Convergence Christian Movement” (often formally referred to as the Progressive Christian Movement)
CMP is about great new songs of all kinds and musical styles for worship that reflect the theology and transforming biblically based agenda at the heart of Convergence Christianity.
When using music from the Convergence Music Project, please pay attention to the required copyright permissions.
The Many
The Many is an uncommon, intentionally diverse collective making music for people to sing together about peace and justice and a world where all belong.
During COVID, they are offering their lyric videos free for congregations to stream live to their congregations. For a small fee, congregations can also download videos for use in worship.
Those Who Dream Playlist
A playlist from A Sanctified Art to get you in the mood as you plan for Advent.
Not for use in online worship, just for your listening and planning pleasure.
Lockdown
A poem offered by Brother Richard Hendrick from the early days of the pandemic.