Growing Life Together with You (2021)

for SAB choir and piano (with opt. congregation)

Published by Cypress Choral Music
Visit their website below to see a
persual score & purchase copies!

Text: James Ostime (b. 1983)
Duration: 4 minutes
Difficulty: 1/4

Commissioned by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Calgary, AB) to commemorate their new vision statement. First presented May 2021 by the Choir of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Evan Mounce, dir.) in a virtual choir rendition.

In 2019, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Calgary embarked on a journey to discern God’s direction for their church. Their new vision was finally dedicated in December of that year: Growing. Life. Together. With God. I was honoured to be commissioned by Evan Mounce, Director of Music Ministries, to memorialize this new statement in song. The text, written especially for this piece by Edmonton writer James Ostime, builds on each aspect of this phrase, creating a beautiful message of life, love, and faith. My music is simple and folk-like, almost like a lullaby, but builds in strength throughout. The repeating refrain, first appearing at m. 21, can be sung with or without the congregation.

Click here to see the complete score.

The video below is the original virtual choir rendition by the Choir of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in May 2021.

Full Text


One breath from a baby, one seed underground
The first rays of sunshine
The dimmest light, the softest sound
In all I behold, Lord, this much do I know
There is little so sacred, as watching life grow

Help me, Lord, use me, to grow in your grace
To have peaceful mind, to hold sacred space
As we gather together, I see life anew
Growing Life Together with You

There isn't a hardship, challenge, or strife
A choice thrust upon me 
Or turn of my life 
That would rock the foundation upon which I stand 
The warmth of your Love is the soft place to land 

Help me, Lord, use me, to live out your grace  
To have peaceful mind, to hold sacred space
As we gather together, I see life anew
Growing Life Together with You

Tear down the walls, open the doors
As we stand united
An unstoppable force
Your love is a beacon, a light on a hill
Guiding us closer, bonding us still

Help us, Lord, use us, together in grace
To have peaceful mind, to hold sacred space
As we gather together, I see life anew
Growing Life Together with You

© James Ostime, 2021. Used with permission.