NEW HYMNALS….”Glory to God”
A decision was prayerfully brought about by the Music and Worship committee and approved by the Session to obtain new hymnals for our church!
For generations, hymnals have been a primary tool of worship for churches across denominations. Hymnals are a testimony of God’s beauty, goodness, and grace. One of the purposes of this hymnal is to hold together the old and the new, offering to future generations songs and testimonies that we see are worth hanging onto for years to come.
Can you finish the lines of these hymns?
- Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee, ________
- God of the Sparrow, God of ________
- Let Us Talents and ________
- Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? ________
- Lift High ________
When asked, many Presbyterians know not just one following word, but a whole series of phrases. In the last example, indeed, many can unhesitatingly sing the entire refrain by heart. What is so remarkable about this? All five of the hymns in question (and many more) were unfamiliar to Presbyterian congregations through our current hymnal because they were not written when it was published. Had churches never adopted these from other resources, these five songs—and many others just as meaningful and memorable—would have remained outside the shared worship life of our congregation. Traditionally, every generation produces new hymnals for its churches. They incorporate freshly generated music as well as time-tested classics.
Why now?
If there was ever a time that the church needed to be fortified to know who we are as God’s people, and who God is in our midst, it is now. As we seek to grow as a church and appeal to all generations the new hymnal (Glory to God) is a great resource.
Existing hymnals are over sixty (60) years old. It’s time for a new hymnal, as many hymnals in our church have worn bindings and dated hymn selections and presentations.
Not to worry, it is noted that about two-thirds of the previous hymnal made its way into the new version. Furthermore, the new hymnal has approximately 300 more selections than our current hymnal including a handful of sacred songs and spirituals that have never been in a Presbyterian hymnal; containing in it not just hymns to be sung during worship services, but also liturgical readings, sacramental rites, and common prayers.
How will this be funded?
This project is solely based on donations. The price of each hymnal is $25.00 and we are asking everyone to “Buy one, Give one” (or more if you wish!). Also, if you wish to purchase hymnals In Memory of or In Honor of a label indicating the name and donor will be affixed to the inside cover.
The Worship and Music Committee is very excited about this project and will have several informational presentations about the Glory to God Hymnal. If you have any questions, please contact a Worship Committee member. Please have forms turned in by September 3rd – Our goal is 260+ hymnals and to have them here by World Communion Sunday in October.
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