Queer Sacred Music

Click on any title for a YouTube video except where otherwise noted. Where multiple videos exist, they are all included on the YouTube videos page.

"Just Such a Time as This" was inspired by Esther 4 and written for the COVID-19 pandemic but is useful in any time of challenge.  A new recording and video (link here) slow the song down and remove any social or political images, making the song potentially useful in a wider range of situations.
"Love the Stranger" is a verse with hymn-style music that can be sung repetitively for meditation.
"Love, When It Seems that You're Far Away" is an Iona Community-style song about hope in times of despair. A video should be available soon.
“Love Your Neighbor - No Exceptions” was inspired by a Faithful America protest sign.
"Love's Wonder" is a short, folk-style song about how love works in us and how we manifest love.
"Maker of All: A Sung Response to the Lord's Prayer" sets elements of that prayer in contemporary language, using a simple, repeating tune with a small range.
“A Manger, A Prophet, A Cross” was inspired by a theology course and, while not technically a Holy Week or Good Friday worship song, is meant to immerse us in the complexity and depth of the Jesus story.
“May We Speak the Truth” was inspired by a call to worship written by Rev. Joanna Harader. 
“My Life Flows on in Endless Song (updated lyrics)” offers a new take on an old classic, inspired by the challenging times of late 2024.
"Now, as You Leave This Assembly of Lovers" is a biblically based closing or sending-out hymn.
“Open Hearts and Open Houses” was written for an adult faith formation study of biblical hospitality.
"Persistent Love, Enduring Hope" is a hymn text inspired by Philippians 3:11-14 and best sung to Amazing Grace.
"A Prayer (after Jesus)" was inspired by the Lord's Prayer but uses more broadly accessible, non-creedal language. 
“Prepare a Way for Love” uses more contemporary language to engage the words of Isaiah and John the Baptizer.
“Purify Our Hearts” was created with the 2025 UCC General Synod in mind and reflects its themes.
"Rooted and Grounded in Love" is a Gospel-style affirmation of faith and our call during times of challenge.
“Rooted in Fertile Ground” is a celebratory worship song that could be used as an ingathering piece.
“Seeds of God's Garden, Tenderly Planted” is a reflection on discipleship.
“Seek Justice; Love Kindness: A Sending-Out Hymn” can be used either to send out the children or as a final or sending-out hymn more generally.
"Sing the World that God Imagines" (original music) was originally inspired by a Hymn Society conference theme. Here is another version of the video. You may prefer to pair "Sing the World that God Imagines" with the Ode to Joy.
"So Great a Cloud of Witnesses" re-envisions Hebrews 11 and 12 with a social justice focus. 
“Speak to Me, Sacred Self” is a prayer to the higher power within.
"Spirit, Gracious Spirit" combines a Taize-like text, a folk tune, and a jazz accompaniment.
"Spirit of Community," co-written with Spencer LaJoye, was originally written for an ordination but can be used as a prayer in multiple worship contexts.
"Spirit of Love" is a Gospel-style prayer. 
“Teacher Jesus, Source of Knowledge” expands on 1 Peter 3:15 to praise the process of learning.
“Thank You: A Song of Gratitude” is exactly that.
“Transforming Love that Makes Us New” was inspired by Romans 12:1-2 and John 21:15-17.
“Walking Each Other Home” was inspired by the famous Ram Dass quote, “We're all just walking each other home.” It's a simple chant, easy to learn and sing in a range of settings.
"We Are Gathered" (to the tune of Nettleton) was written for use in virtual worship. Since some congregations continue to carry out hybrid worship, I am keeping this hymn text available. A score, recordings, and videos are available on the "All Scores," "All Recordings," and "YouTube Videos" pages.
"We Belong to One Another" is a hymn about interdependence, set to the tune Nettleton.
“We Come with Gifts; We Come in Need” is a reflection on 1 Corinthians 12.
“We Labor in a Garden” is a worship song about the work we do toward making Love's Dream a reality.  The “full score” version includes solos for oboe, flute, and clarinet.
"We Who Have Gathered Today" is a verse appropriate for the opening of worship. It can be sung in unison once or repeated as desired. There is no video available for this verse.
"We Will Go Out in Love!" is a sending-out song appropriate for progressive Chistian congregations.
"We Will Rest" is a gentle song of gratitude and commitment to self-care in overwhelming times.
"What a Wondrous Day" is a Gospel-style celebration of the Principles of Unitarian Universalism.
“When We Come to Disagree” addresses Matthew 18:15-22.
“When We Do Justice” brings Isaiah 58 and Micah 6:8 together to imagine the doing of justice as a feast (and not just a fast, as Isaiah would have it).
“With What Shall We Approach You?” is a song of repentance, and a commitment to do justice.
"Within God's Great Economy" is a hymn text inspired by Matthew 14:13-21 and Acts 4:32-37, celebrating abundance and generosity.
“Word that Blesses, Breaks, and Shares Us” was inspired by a theology course and imagines Scripture as treating us like Communion bread. Yes, it is an odd analogy, but I think it's interesting to consider.
“Your Face in Every Face” is a worship song inspired by Richard Rohr's understanding of the Universal Christ.