We’re featuring playlists from different individuals across Mennonite Church USA reflecting on their top 10 most important songs. This playlist comes from Doug and Jude Krehbiel. They are Mennonite musicians and pastors who have shared faith through music across the church. You can listen to their full playlist below and stream all past playlists online. 

Jude’s songs

I grew up in the Church of the Brethren and learned music appreciation standing between my dad singing bass and my mom singing alto. We sang as a family, I listened to music daily and have sung in choirs and many other groups from high school through today. I am thankful for that rich musical heritage.

I tend to gravitate toward groups; love those harmonies. There are literally hundreds of songs that have deep meaning for me from hymns to gospel to folk to rock to bluegrass to blues and more….making it nearly impossible to choose only five. I have left out many favorite individuals, groups and at least 100 hymns.  Here is a list of songs in no particular order that have never grown old.

1. Collin Raye, “What if Jesus Comes Back Like That?”: This song makes me think about Matthew 25:40. If Jesus returned today, would we recognize or accept him as one of the “social misfits” that might possibly be the living image of Christ among us?

2. Spirit of the West, “Save This House”: My parents were conservationists, so I learned at an early age the importance of caring for creation. Creation care has been my “soapbox” and the reason I have written songs about it and participated in rallies and protests to encourage us all to do our part.

3. New Grass Revival, “You Plant Your Fields”: No favorite list would be complete without New Grass Revival. They are instrumental giants and John Cowan has my favorite voice. Their albums always go with me when I travel.

4. Holly Near, “The Meek are Getting Ready”: This song became more meaningful when Doug and I performed it at an evening concert at the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary chapel in Elkhart, Indiana. There were lots of kids sitting on the floor in the front. When we started singing this song, a very young child who had been tightly clutching his blanket all night, stood up, threw the blanket aside and began dancing. In no time, the rest of the kids joined. The meek shall inherit the earth.

5. The Eagles, “The Last Resort”: Recycle, reuse, do without, don’t litter, care for the earth and the people that inhabit it. Those were the values my parents and grandparents tried to teach. God has gifted us an incredible earth and given us the responsibility to watch over it and each other. We haven’t always done a good job.

Bonus Track: Southern Raised, “I Need Thee Every Hour”: I sing to celebrate my happiest moments and darkest hours. I especially enjoy some of the old hymns. Those folks back in the 1800’s knew how to turn a meaningful phrase and craft beautiful melodies and harmonies.

Doug’s songs

1. By Townes Van Zandt, as performed by New Grass Revival, “White Freight Liner Blues”: It’s not the lyrics, but the example of stellar “newgrass” instrumentation and vocals.

2. Jude Krehbiel, “A Little Babe Was Born”: A wonderful telling of the Christmas story for children and all ages from the Joyful Ditty CD.

3. “God of Grace and God of Glory”: A rousing prayer hymn that asks for the power to be humble and promote peace in the face of this world’s madness. We also like to do this song bluegrass style.

4. Jim Manley, “Take off Your Shoes”:  A call to creation care from God’s perspective.  Music  available via download at: http://www.manleymusic.com/.

5. Patty Shelly, “Benediction Song”:  A most powerful sending song full of hope and promise. From the Many Gifts LP by Patty Shelly.

Listen to the playlist now: