Stephen Newell and Naomi Sharp on hymn writing as a team

Good things are coming out of north east Bristol! Stephen Newell, URC minister and guitarist, and Naomi Sharp, Methodist lay worker and musician, are collaborating on ‘New Praise Hymns’. ‘We want to offer our efforts for others to use in personal reflection or as part of worship,’ they explain.

While both had previously composed songs individually, an ecumenical event created the opportunity for a new hymn, and they joined forces. When the team of eight churches in which they both served created the Fromeside Partnership, they composed ‘Together through the Father’s love’ for the covenant service. The hymn was entered into the URC’s 50th anniversary hymn writing competition and won for original melody and lyrics. Stephen and Naomi have been writing worship songs together ever since….

Songs of faith is edited by Ana Gobledale, a retired URC minister and editor of worshipwords.co.uk

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This is an extract from an article published in the Issue 3 – 2025 edition of Reform

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