Calling all liturgists!
Part of my normal Monday routine includes liturgy planning. This includes assembling an initial draft of the bulletin for the upcoming Sunday, and selecting hymns. I do not simply pick the music randomly. I read through the appointed lessons for the day, and then try to select music that coordinates with and reinforces the scriptural teaching therein.
In addition, there are constraints-- filters though which I work. A significant percentage of the hymns are not on the "A" list.
Today, however, is a challenge. For some reason, nothing is striking my fancy. I feel a bit like I'm standing in front of a full closet, complaining I have nothing to wear; but there it is.
So, I'm taking requests. You can find the Sunday proper readings here: we are using Isaiah and Psalm 22, along with Galatians 3 and Luke (the Gospel is a bit tricky to coordinate-- we seem to have a dearth of drowning swine hymnody). And you can listen to a goodly number of options online, here.
Any suggestions?
In addition, there are constraints-- filters though which I work. A significant percentage of the hymns are not on the "A" list.
- First, I try to skip the "dreck collection" that every hymnal contains (this is not unique to our denomination. Is there some quota system involved, do you suppose?)
- Secondly, there are some hymns that might be possible to sing if one were supported by a sizeable choir. I'm sure the organists at Trinity, Wall Street love them. However, we do not have choirs here. If a hymn is beyond the capability of our small congregations, we skip them.
- Then, a number of hymns are not programmed into "Miss Emily" -- the digital hymnal used by two of my churches. It is a limited list; but if they are not available, they are not available.
- Finally, I cannot use anything beyond the ability of the musicians at my other two churches-- who are quite good, but who are not professional. This includes anything with 4 or more sharps or flats in the time signature.
Today, however, is a challenge. For some reason, nothing is striking my fancy. I feel a bit like I'm standing in front of a full closet, complaining I have nothing to wear; but there it is.
So, I'm taking requests. You can find the Sunday proper readings here: we are using Isaiah and Psalm 22, along with Galatians 3 and Luke (the Gospel is a bit tricky to coordinate-- we seem to have a dearth of drowning swine hymnody). And you can listen to a goodly number of options online, here.
Any suggestions?
posted by Jane Ellen+ at
11:28 AM
2 Comments:
You're asking someone who has a congregation that seems a bit shy about singing... Even after running through "Eat This Bread" (a very simple, repetitive piece) during the offertory, then leading into it at communion, not a single soul sang.
But, that said, "Eat This Bread" is a pretty universal piece for communion. I don't know if it is in Miss Emily, but it can be lead a cappella easily enough. Of course, you might also be working under the "if it isn't in any authorized hymnal it isn't legal" constraint, and I use it from the Gather (RC) hymnal. Not that the lyrics aren't perfectly biblical. There's only about 15 words. :-)
We did use "See Ye First" (711) pretty successfully last Sunday here, and that is compatible with a wide variety of scripture.
Perhaps you could get the Virginia City Players to make a house call. :-)
Yes-- we sang "Seek ye First" last week, and it went well. However, I try not to repeat songs too close together if I can avoid it.
"Eat this Bread" is a possibility, too. Thanks!
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