HYMNS ETC. - Hymn Festivals & Hymn Sings
In the past we have been available to design and/or lead hymn festivals and hymn sings in local congregations around a theme of their choice. The emphasis was on congregational song, with the possible addition of anthem settings of hymns, extra instruments, soloists or ensembles, and scripture or other readings read by individuals or ensembles. Visual effects, dance, and drama were sometimes added. We have worked with church staff and/or worship planners in Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee to develop scripts around a theme, select scripture and other readings, choose hymns and suggest ways to use them, and provide commentaries on the hymn texts and tunes, all within the context of the host church's worship order. John would serve as organist and Mary as the lector for these events which were sometimes funded by memorial gifts.
Although we are no longer able to offer our services for ecumenical or local church hymn festivals and hymn sings in other areas, we hope other church musicians will encourage and help congregations plan such events to celebrate a church anniversary or support special events such as a stewardship campaign or a Holy Land tour. Here are some ideas for themes:
• Lectionary readings for the day or seasons of the liturgical year, for example:
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs (Familiar and new music for the day's readings)
Hymns for the Season after Epiphany (Events in Jesus' life celebrated in Ordinary Time)
The Feast of St. Francis (A mini-hymn festival based on the canticle and prayer of St. Francis)
• Hymn Writers from a certain time or perspective, for example:
Methodist Hymn Writers (Contemporary, as well as traditional)
Hymns Old and New (Pairing traditional and new hymns on similar themes)
Restoring Emotion to Reformed Worship (New hymns that allow us to express our feelings to God)
• Congregational Life, for example:
Singing the Seasons of Life (Hymns for life events celebrated by a congregation)
Celebrate Our Journey (Hymns related to the life of the congregation)
Making A Difference (Focus on a denominational stewardship campaign)
• Human Needs, for example:
God Gives Songs in the Night (Old and new hymns for "night seasons" in life)
Singing God’s Song in A Strange Land (Psalm 137)
The Healing Power of Hope ( A multi-generational service of hymns, anthems, readings, and prayers)
• Other themes
Journey to the Holy Land (Hymns that mention biblical sites and events)
Love Is Faith at Work (Hymns on how God works through people of faith.)
WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT HYMN FESTIVALS LED BY JOHN AND MARY
"A highlight of our centennial year."-Kristin Schultz, Centennial Chairperson at the United Church of Christ in Gaylord, MN. "If I listen carefully, I can still hear the sanctuary reverberating with the blessed sounds of Sunday. So many here have told me how much the hymn festival meant to them. One even said it was one of the most significant spiritual events of her life."-William W. Williamson, Jr., pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, TN.
For more information about hymn festivals and hymn sings, Contact Us.
