Hymn Title
Hymn Composer
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Coming Home

Hymn composed by

Shari Woodbury

Contextual information

From Shari:

This song was intended for liturgical use in Unitarian Universalist settings. It has been used as a chalice-lighting song, gathering song, or centering song. Among the many possible interpretations of the lyrics are that of coming home to a church where one’s whole self finds belonging, and that of coming home to the Spirit of Love that is nurtured in that place (or whatever name one uses for the divine / ultimate Force).

From Yuki:

“Coming Home,” composed as a chant by Rev. Shari Woodbury, carries a message of spiritual grounding and inner belonging.

In arranging this piece, I drew from both my cultural background as an Asian living in the United States and my personal experience of navigating between identities and homes. The addition of nostalgic chord progressions and flowing arpeggios was intentional, echoing the emotional arc of returning to a place of safety and wholeness—much like a bird returning to its nest or a river to its origin as the lyrics sing. This musical arrangement seeks to deepen the contemplative quality of the chant, creating a sonic landscape that honors both its spiritual roots and a universal longing for home.

From Shari:

This song was intended for liturgical use in Unitarian Universalist settings. It has been used as a chalice-lighting song, gathering song, or centering song. Among the many possible interpretations of the lyrics are that of coming home to a church where one’s whole self finds belonging, and that of coming home to the Spirit of Love that is nurtured in that place (or whatever name one uses for the divine / ultimate Force).

From Yuki:

“Coming Home,” composed as a chant by Rev. Shari Woodbury, carries a message of spiritual grounding and inner belonging.

In arranging this piece, I drew from both my cultural background as an Asian living in the United States and my personal experience of navigating between identities and homes. The addition of nostalgic chord progressions and flowing arpeggios was intentional, echoing the emotional arc of returning to a place of safety and wholeness—much like a bird returning to its nest or a river to its origin as the lyrics sing. This musical arrangement seeks to deepen the contemplative quality of the chant, creating a sonic landscape that honors both its spiritual roots and a universal longing for home.

Tune Name

[Coming Home]

Tune Name

Text Meter

6.5.5.6.8.5.

10.9.10.9

Song Composer

Shari Woodbury

Hymn Arranger

Yuki Kumamoto

Composer Background information

Shari Woodbury (she/her) is a lifelong choral singer and a Unitarian Universalist minister. An Iowa native, she has previously served UU congregations in Bloomington, IN (young adult and membership ministries); Columbus, IN (intern minister and summer minister); and Fort Worth, TX (called minister at Westside). She is currently the called minister at First Unitarian in Omaha, NE.

Lyricist Background information

Shari Woodbury (she/her) is a lifelong choral singer and a Unitarian Universalist minister. An Iowa native, she has previously served UU congregations in Bloomington, IN (young adult and membership ministries); Columbus, IN (intern minister and summer minister); and Fort Worth, TX (called minister at Westside). She is currently the called minister at First Unitarian in Omaha, NE.

Arranger Background information

Yuki Kumamoto (she/her) is an active pianist, chamber musician, and music pedagogue. After earning her Bachelor of Music in piano performance from a conservatory in Tokyo, Japan, she pursued further studies in the United States, completing both her Master’s and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in piano performance. She has served as the pianist at Westside Unitarian Universalist Church in Ft. Worth, TX, where she also leads the music task force. Her current passion lies in nurturing the next generation of musicians and creating platforms that empower young artists to express their individuality. She is the chairperson and organizer of the annual Dallas Piano Solo Competition, which draws nearly 400 student participants each year.

Transposed Copies

Lyrics

I return to myself. 

Here where I belong 

I am coming home. 

Like a bird to its nest, 

Like a river to the ocean, 

I am coming home.

Resources

Braille

Music XML and MEI and MIDI and Musescore files

Slides

Google Slides (View Only)

Other

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Song PDF

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