HYMNS/SONGS
A Eunuch, Trusted By His Queen Words: Daniel Charles Damon Music: David Kai. Daniel Charles Damon wrote these wonderful lyrics, a reflection on the Acts 8 account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, to which I added a melody. This reading (Acts 8:26-40) comes up in the lectionary readings for April 28, 2024. For more information, click here.
Be Still and Know (Psalm 46) Tune: Rohwer* Words and music by David Kai. This song is a reflection on Psalm 46. Like many Psalms, it contains elements of questioning, challenge and finally, faith. It is written in a Contemporary Christian/Christian Rock style. For more information, click here.
Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen! Words and music by David Kai. This gospel-style Easter song was written as a part of Resound Worship's 12 Song Challenge. A four part vocal arrangement is available. For more information click here.
Fear Not, For I Am With You Tune: Schreiber Words and music by David Kai. This hymn based on Isaiah 41:10 is one of three winners of the 2021 SOCHS – RCCO Centre Hymn Competition (Southern Ontario Chapter of the Hymn Society – Royal Canadian College of Organists). For more information click here.
Hope is an Anchor Words and music by David Kai. Based on Hebrews 6:19, this song has the feel of an old sea shanty. For more information, click here.
Mary, Did You Know Him? Tune: Irwin Words by Flora Litt, music by Wayne Irwin, arrangement by David Kai. A questioning hymn for Christmas, Easter, or any time, also available as an SAB anthem. For downloads and more information, click here.
Micah's Song (Seek justice) Tune: Popoff* Words and music by David Kai. A musical setting of Micah 6: 3-8. For words. lead sheet, accompaniment version, anthem version and more information, click here.
Midnight Sharpness, Starfields, Fading Tune: Tashme* Words by Neil Lemke, music by David Kai. An Easter hymn with thought-provoking imagery provided by poet Neil Lemke. Also found in Voices United #181. For a words and melody version and more information, click here.
O Smile That Flung the Stars to Waltz Tune: Greenwood* Words by Neil Lemke, music by David Kai. An exciting hymn praising God for the wonders of the cosmos. The continually modulating harmonies accent the vivid poetry of Neil Lemke. For a words and melody version and more information, click here.
Our God Goes With Us Tune: Lemon Creek* Words and music by David Kai. A hymn depicting the history of Japanese-Canadian Christians, in particular the Centennial-Japanese United Church. For words. lead sheet, different versions and more information, click here. An adapted version for more general use is also available on this page. Click here to go to the version of the words for the closing of a church building - Our God Goes With Us (So Long Ago).
Peace I Leave With You Words and music by David Kai. This song, based on John 14: 27 might be appropriate for the end of a service of worship. For more information click here.
Psalm 51 (Have Mercy, Lord) Tune: Heart Mountain* Words by Flora Litt, music by David Kai. A modern setting of this psalm of repentance. Also suitable as a solo and available as a SAB anthem. For more information and sample pages, click here.
The World God Imagines Words and music by David Kai. This song draws on different biblical images of ideal times and places: the Peaceable Kingdom (Isaiah 11), the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2) and the new Jerusalem (Revelation 4 & 21). It is written in a Contemporary Christian style.
For more information about this song, click here.
This Indescribable Gift Tune: Bay Farm Words and music by David Kai. A hymn based on 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15, prepared for a stewardship program of the United Church of Canada. Click here for more information and downloads.
We Are a Rainbow Tune: Slocan* Words and music by David Kai. This new hymn is especially appropriate for celebrations of Affirming Ministries. The words. lead sheet and accompaniment version are available at this link and can be reproduced for your congregation without charge; also available in SATB anthem version.
We Are One Tune: We Are One Words by Doreen Lankshear-Smith, music: by Jeeva Sam, arrangement by David Kai. This popular opening hymn is also found in Voices United at #402. For words. lead sheet, accompaniment version, SATB anthem and more information, click here.
What Would Jesus Drive? Words and music by David Kai. A light-hearted look at a different form of WWJD. For sample pages and more information, click here.
Wherever You May Go Tune: Renaud Words and music by David Kai. A hymn based on the story of Ruth, and Ruth 1:16. For words. lead sheet, accompaniment version, SATB anthem and more information, click here. The hymn is also found in More Voices #216 www.morevoices.ca
With Compassion Words and music by David Kai. Tune: Evelyn A new hymn on the subject of compassion.
For more information, click here.
With Respect in Creation Tune: New Denver* Words and music by David Kai. A hymn based on the United Church creed and Romans 8 calling for the care of creation. Received an honourable mention for the United Church’s Earth Day Sacred Song Contest and the Pax Christi Chorale hymn competition. For words, lead sheet, accompaniment version, anthem and more information, click here.
*It is my custom to name my hymn tunes after camps and ghost towns where Canadians or Americans of Japanese descent were interned during the Second World War; in this way I hope to ensure that these places and injustices will not be forgotten.
AVAILABLE IN VOICES UNITED AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS:
Voices United is available from www.ucrdstore.ca
All Who Hunger (VU #460) words: Sylvia Dunstan music (tune:Holy Manna): James Langran arrangement: David Kai Arrangement of the tune, "Holy Manna" is available from Sheet Music Plus at this link.
By Grace Reborn tune: Manzanar* words: Brian Wren music: David Kai available in Supplement 99 and Christ Our Hope by Hope Publishing www.hopepublishing.com
God Remembers Pain (VU #610) words: Brian Wren music: Jeeva Sam arrangement: David Kai Copyright held by Hope Publishing; also available in Visions and Revisions and Supplement 99 by Hope Publishing www.hopepublishing.com
Long Before the Night (This ancient love) (VU #282) words and music: Carolyn McDade arrangement: David Kai
Make a Joyful Noise (Psalm 100) (VU #820) words and music: Linnea Good arrangement: David Kai also available from Borealis Music: www.linneagood.com
Midnight Sharpness, Starfields, Fading (VU #181) tune: Tashme* words: Neil Lemke music: David Kai
Out of the Depths (VU #611) words: Ruth Duck music: Jeeva Sam arrangement: David Kai
Praise to God* (VU #243) words: Nobuaki Hanaoka music: traditional tune: Sakura arrangement: David Kai arrangement of the tune, "Sakura" available from David Kai
Shadows Gather, Deep and Cold (VU #134 ) tune: Kaslo* words: Sylvia Dunstan music: David Kai Copyright held by Hope Publishing. Also published in “Hymns of Universal Praise”: Chinese Christian Literature Council Hong Kong 2005.
Sheep Fast Asleep (VU #52) words: Genzo Miwa (trans. John Moss) music: Churgoro Torii arrangement: David Kai
We Are One (VU #402 ) words: Doreen Lankshear-Smith music: Jeeva Sam arrangement: David Kai hymn and anthem are available from David Kai