“Sing Aloud, O Daughters!” and “What Song Shall We Sing?“
By Kathryn Baker
The new Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God, has been available for nearly two years. And in that time, hundreds of PC(USA) churches have started to delve into all that the rich resource has to offer. Its content includes hymns from previous denominational hymnals, such as Sing The Faith, and hymns from other denominations and from around the world. Glory to God includes 853 hymns, songs and psalms, plus several pages of service music, orders of worship and daily prayers.
All of this content was overviewed at two Gathering workshops led by Deborah Lind-Schmitz with piano accompaniment by Virginia Champlin. One workshop was entitled "Sing Aloud, O Daughters!" and the other, "What Song Shall We sing?" Deborah has an undergraduate degree in music performance, and after being ordained in 1989 began serving as a teaching elder. She currently serves The Presbyterian Church in Geneva, New York. Accompanist Virginia Champlin served as organist in that church for many years.
Deborah explained the layout for the hymnal. The hymns and songs are divided into three sections—God’s Mighty Acts, the Church at Worship, and Our Response to God. The content of previous hymnals has followed the liturgical year, but this resource is organized for a new generation, for people seeking faith who may not be interested or well-versed in the ways that the church organizes itself. It is meant to inspire all believers, new and experienced.
A good deal of workshop time was spent understanding the nine different indexes to enable participants to find worship music and use the hymnal easily and effectively. She encouraged workshop participants to review the appendixes, which include the vision statement of the hymnal committee and one on language. The language of materials honors tradition, but gives opportunity for new imagery for God. There are more hymns telling women’s stories from the Bible, and all languages run along with the melody line rather than be printed on the bottom of the page.
When asked about what she most likes about Glory to God, Deborah mentioned its theological depth, the way that the hymns can draw a person into the scripture. She also applauded the many beautiful hymns that are new to her and to many others in the PC(USA). She is excited about the discovery and inspiration she finds in the hymnal and the opportunity to bring people into a broader understanding of God and their faith. She said, “When I get excited, my congregation gets excited.”
Download Deborah’s script for the workshop "What Song Shall We Sing?"
