Developed by Keith Sanford, Ph.D., Forward Faith provides new music and in-depth discussion of ideas from a faith perspective based on liberal, progressive theology.

As suggested by the title, the book takes a progressive approach to religion, seeing the critical biblical analysis of the past 200 years and the discoveries of science as friends rather than enemies in the ongoing quest for truth.

There are choral anthems, congregational hymns and songs and instrumental music for progressive faith settings. The website’s blog, “Resonate!” will offer thoughts on communal music and music-making.

Innovative songwriter and worship leader, John Lyzenga, is pleased to announce the release of IN TROUBLED TIMES, a collection of worship songs addressing issues of social justice including racism, privilege, gender, sexuality, and immigration combining the story of the Bible alongside current events.

To the Hawaiians, Aloha means “God in us.”

I wanna be good, I wanna do better
Wanna live long, be strong, but I know I won’t live forever
So while I’m alive, I’m gonna make a spark
And I hope that my life will be a light, shining bright for those who are lost in the dark

Young Joseph the dreamer was sent o’er the border —
No say in the matter — it wasn’t his plan.
He entered the country and as he got older,
He worked with ambition to make it his land.

Softly and tenderly Jesus is callingCalling for you and for meWalking his pathway toward joy and compassionCalling for you and for me

Religious Naturalism (RN) has two central aspects. One is a naturalist view of how things happen in the world—in which the natural world is all there is, and that nothing other than natural may cause events in the world. From nature we came, in nature we are, to nature we go… The other is appreciation of religion with a view that nature can be a focus of religious attention – the ‘cosmic religious feeling’ as Einstein called it.

EcoHymns in the context of EcoSongs are a way to re-value and celebrate the Earth. Their specialness is rooted in the reverence of the original composers.

For forty days and forty nights
you wander in the wilderness
and face temptation
of body, heart, mind and spirit.

Say welcome to the real world,
A world where crosses grow,
Nurtured by groups whose “One way”
Can seem as pure as snow.

Durham Street Methodist ChristChurch New Zealand (Aotearoa) January 20, 2019 service led by Rev. Bill Wallace featuring some of his hymns. Our theme today is Christian Theology and global warming.

These timely new verses seek to update the spirit and language of the carol to today’s earth, “torn with strife,” while reflecting the Old Testament insight that nature sings joyously in honor of the creator.

God, we see in sacred story women suffering silent pain,
Living at the whim and mercy of the ones who troubled them.
What does history know of Dinah? Was she bold and smart and strong?
We just know her as the victim of a most horrendous wrong.

Where the seeds of love are sown
Where compassion leaves its mark
There amid life’s many trials
Light will shine within the dark.
When the seeds of justice flourish
Growing into liberty
People suffering in oppression
Will at last then be set free.

Creation’s splendour calls forth praise
for Nature’s wealth, for vibrant life.
This planet home, a wondrous gift,
is threatened now by greed and strife.

What shall we bring to community?
A loaf, a fish, a voice for singing,
hands for baking, a heart for teaching,
wisdom for guiding our children and youth?