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(Ours Is a) Living Faith
Hymn composed by
David TamulevichContextual information
This song, which celebrates common ground beyond politics and religion, was written after the 2004 Presidential election with the title “(Ours Is a) Simple Faith.” Since that time, many UU congregations have used it as part of their services. The composer agreed to change the hymn's first line to “(Ours Is a) Living Faith” to reflect the ways that our faith has evolved to meet new challenges, and to name our values more boldly.
Fans of David's song will note the lyric "No room in this heart for fear" has replaced his original line: "There is no hell to fear."
While touring, David discovered that "There is no hell to fear" can be distracting to some of his audiences, and therefore rewrote the line to cast the widest net possible. However, he likes that lyric and invites UU congregations to sing either version.
This song, which celebrates common ground beyond politics and religion, was written after the 2004 Presidential election with the title “(Ours Is a) Simple Faith.” Since that time, many UU congregations have used it as part of their services. The composer agreed to change the hymn's first line to “(Ours Is a) Living Faith” to reflect the ways that our faith has evolved to meet new challenges, and to name our values more boldly.
Fans of David's song will note the lyric "No room in this heart for fear" has replaced his original line: "There is no hell to fear."
While touring, David discovered that "There is no hell to fear" can be distracting to some of his audiences, and therefore rewrote the line to cast the widest net possible. However, he likes that lyric and invites UU congregations to sing either version.
Tune Name
[Living Faith]
Tune Name
Text Meter
6.6.9.D.
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
David TamulevichHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
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David Tamulevich (he/him) has been performing professionally with his group Mustard’s Retreat, which he cofounded in 1975. He is a highly respected performer and songwriter, and his song “(Ours Is a) Simple Faith” was included in the Rise Again songbook.
Spiritual tags
Other tags
Lyricist Background information
David Tamulevich (he/him) has been performing professionally with his group Mustard’s Retreat, which he cofounded in 1975. He is a highly respected performer and songwriter, and his song “(Ours Is a) Simple Faith” was included in the Rise Again songbook.
Arranger Background information
Arranger Website LinkLyrics
Ours is a living faith,
Life is a short embrace,
Heaven is in this place
Ev’ry day!
Hope is the ground we till,
Make each day what you will,
Thankful for dreams fulfilled
Ev’ry day!
No room in this heart for fear,
No judgement day drawing near,
Trust that inner voice you hear
Ev’ry day!
Life’s not a goal or race,
It’s about heart and faith,
And living a life of grace
Ev’ry day!
Trust is an open hand,
Making an honest stand,
Rooted here in the land
Ev’ry day!
Live in the mystery,
Seeking the harmony,
Here between you and me
Ev’ry day!
Resources
Music XML and MEI and MIDI and Musescore files
Slides
Google Slides (View Only)