Worship Resources



FATHER'S DAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Michelle Riley Jones, Lectionary Team Liturgist

  "Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family
 is the most important. And we are called to recognize and honor
how critical every father is to that foundation."
—Barack Obama, Father's Day 2008, Apostolic Church of God, Chicago, IL

Worship Planning Notes

Father's Day evokes many different emotions—some good, some negative. This special day is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the gift of our earthly fathers, grandfathers, and father-figures. Consider these ideas as you plan your Father's Day Service:

  • Involve as many fathers as possible in the service—doing readings, leading in prayer, etc.

  • Share experiences. Let members of the congregation speak of their experiences of being a father or of being fathered. Before the sermon (or as part of it) it might be possible and appropriate to include such an element of 'testimony.' This might include, for instance:
  • A panel of three fathers at three different stages on the joyful and challenging journey of fatherhood;

  • Having a new dad describe the difference being a father has made to his life and his faith;

  • Inviting someone to share their experience of having a father who let them down badly, and the difference that knowing God's love has made to them;

  • Inviting a grandfather to speak about what it is like to be a grandparent, including any advice he has for new parents, or any things he wishes he had done differently when his children were young;

  • Inviting a single dad to talk about what support he has received (i.e., men's ministry retreats, seminars, etc.) from the church to help him rear his child/ren.
  • Do a spotlight on a specific group of fathers in the service (i.e. newly baptized/new members who are fathers, oldest father, youngest father, father with the most children, father with adopted/foster children, father who is the longest married, newly married father, men who have played the role of a father in someone's life, etc.).

  • Include a special dedication or consecration of fathers during the service and present each father with a copy of the book God's Man: A Daily Devotional Guide to Christlike Character by Don M. Aycock

  • Combine traditional hymn tunes with newer praise choruses to demonstrate the value of the past and its influence on contemporary music:
  • "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" (2c) with "I Sing Praises to Your Name" (4c)

  • "How Firm a Foundation" (2b) with "Firm Foundation" (4d)

  • "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" (2d) with "Mighty You Are" (4a)

  • "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" (2e) with "Praise the Father, Praise the Son" (4g)
  • Design your bulletin to include quotes from kids saying why their dad is the best or why they want to be like their dad.

  • Incorporate multicultural elements in the service if other cultures are represented in your congregation.

  • Don't forget to remember dads in the military who may currently be deployed.

  • Highlight specific programs, activities, resources, etc. for fathers that are facilitated by your church ministries. Put these in the bulletin and on screens, along with contact information for the ministry leaders.

1. Call to Worship, Litany, or Congregational Reading

Call to Worship

(a) Scriptural Call to Worship for Fathers' Day. By Christine Longhurst*

Scriptural Call to Worship for Fathers' Day

Come, let us worship God our Father,
who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
that comes from heaven: (Eph. 1)

who knew us and chose us before the world began; (1 Pet. 1, Eph. 1)

who loves us so much that he calls us his own children; (1 Jn. 3)

who has brought us from darkness into light
and filled us with his glorious power; (Col. 1)

who has prepared an inheritance for us
that will never spoil or fade; (1 Pet. 1)

who encourages and strengthens us
in every good deed and word; (2 Thes. 2)

who comforts us in our troubles
so that we can comfort others. (2 Cor. 1)

This is our God,
the ultimate source of all good things,
and the One for whom we live. (1 Cor. 8)

Come, let us worship God, our Father, together!

Music for Call to Worship
(b) Welcome to My Father's House. By V. Michael McKay

(c) Fill This House. By John P. Kee

(d) Glorify Thy Name. By Donna Adkins

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Just When I Need Him. By William C. Poole. Tune, (GABRIEL), by Charles H. Gabriel

(b) How Firm a Foundation. Text from "K" in Rippon's Selection of Hymns. Tune, (FOUNDATION).

(c) All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name. By Edward Perronet. Tune, (CORONATION), by Oliver Holden

(d) I Sing the Mighty Power of God. By Isaac Watts. Arr. by Roberto Burton. For SSAATTBB
Audio Sample :http://resources.giamusic.com/mp3s/7529.mp3

(e) Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. By Joachim Neander. Tune, (LOBE DEN HERREN), by W. Sterndale Bennett

(f) O God, Our Help in Ages Past. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (ST. ANNE), by William Croft

3. Spirituals and Traditional Songs
(a) He Is King of Kings. Spiritual

(b) Just a Closer Walk with Thee. Traditional

(c) Guide My Feet. Spiritual

(d) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. By Todd Ledbetter. Instrumental for saxophone

(e) Done Made My Vow. Spiritual. Arr. by Frederick Young. For SATB choir
Audio Sample: http://resources.giamusic.com/mp3s/4857.mp3

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs or Praise Teams
(a) Mighty You Are. By Darrell Walls

(b) Father Me. By Paul Oakley

(c) I Sing Praises to Your Name. By Terry MacAlmon

(d) Firm Foundation. By Jamie Harvill and Nancy Gordon

(e) Just When You Need Him. By Norman Hutchins

(f) God Is Faithful. By Jennifer Holliday, Keith Williams, and Raphael G. Warnock

(g) Praise the Father, Praise the Son. By Chris Tomlin

5. Liturgical Dance or Mime Ministry Music
(a) The Father's Song. By Matt Redman

(b) My Father's House. By Damita Haddon and Deitrick Haddon

6. Anthems
(a) Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. By Robert Robinson. Arr. by R. Bryant Braxton. For TTBB

(b) He Stooped to Bless. By Edward Margetson. For SATB
Audio Sample: http://www.giamusic.com/mp3s/6497.mp3

7. Modern Songs
(a) Our God Strong and Mighty. By Milton Biggham

(b) He Is My God. By James Johnson

(c) Through the Eyes of Faith. By Stephen A. Hurd

(d) Glorify Your Name. By Terrell Hunt

8. Songs for Children
(a) He Knows My Name. By Tommy Walker

(b) Hallelujah/Your Love Is Amazing. By Brian Doerksen

9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Thank You Lord. By Vincent Tharpe

(b) Thank You. By Dale Ciceron

(c) God Is Good. By Jason Nelson and Jevon Hill

(d) The Name. By Kirk Whalum

10. Prayer, Song, or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
Prayer
(a) Our Father. Matthew 6:9-13

Leader: Jesus taught us to call God our Father, so in faith and trust we pray:

All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, and the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Music
(b) It's Me Oh Lord (Acapella Praise). By Tarrian LaShun Pace

(c) Your Grace Still Amazes Me. By Connie Harrington and Shawn Craig.Instrumental, for piano

(d) Glorify Thy Name. By Donna Adkins. Arr. by Mark Payne. For piano

(e) If My People. By Brandon Waddles. For TTBB
Audio Sample: http://resources.giamusic.com/mp3s/7548.mp3

(f) The Overflow (Fill Me Again). By Anthony Brown

(g) Cover Me. By Andrew Merritt

(h) Draw Me Close/Thy Will Be Done. By Marvin Winans

11. Sermonic Selection
(a) Father I Worship You. By Earnest Pugh

(b) The Promise. By PJ Morton

(c) Cast All Your Cares. By Kevin Johnson. For SSA choir, with soprano solo
Audio Sample: http://resources.giamusic.com/mp3s/5626.mp3

(d) Father of the Fatherless. By Jason Upton

(e) Holy Is Thy Name. By Joel Boyce, Jr. Arr. by Lloyd Mallory, Jr. For SATB
Audio Sample: http://resources.giamusic.com/mp3s/6564.mp3

12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Just a Closer Walk with Thee. Arr. by Allen Toussaint. For piano

(b) Wrap Me in Your Arms (Reprise). By Michael Gungor

(c) The Father's Song. By Matt Redman

(d) His Eye Is on the Sparrow. By Civilla D. Martin. Arr. by Tedde Gibson. Instrumental/for organ

(e) Lord in You. By Rudolph Stanfield, Jr.

(f) What Wondrous Love Is This. By Ramsey Lewis Trio. Instrumental

13. Benediction Spoken, Sung, or Instrumental
Benediction Prayer
(a) Benediction for Father's Day. Based on Psalm 103 and Romans 8. By Michelle Riley Jones

As you go from here, remember this:
God's love is from everlasting to everlasting,
as far as the East is from the West,
and from generation to generation.
Our Father has compassion on his children.
We are His sons and daughters;
Made from the dust of the earth,
and adopted into His family.
He has compassion on those who fear Him,
who listen to his voice, and who do His will.
We are His heirs, and fellow heirs with Christ.
Go out in the knowledge
that the everlasting love of God,
our Father, goes with you
wherever you go.
Amen.

Benediction Music
(b) God Is On Our Side. By Andra and Luther "Mano" Hines

(c) My Peace I Leave with You. By Wendell Craig Woods. For SATB choir

(d) You God. By Daniel Weatherspoon

14. Audio Visual Suggestions
Videos
(a) Develop a video tribute to fathers who are deceased. Use "Dance with My Father Again" performed by Nuttin' But Stringz as the background music.

(b) Single Father Documentary.

(c) Color Him Father. By Richard Spencer Lewis
Here's a wonderful music/video resource to honor stepfathers, father-figures, etc., as sung by The Winstons. The D.C.-based group sold over a million copies of this song, which was certified gold, and won a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 1970. The son recounts the consistent way the father provides for the family and shows love and respect to his mother. As the song continues, it's revealed that the man is actually his stepfather who selflessly married a widow with seven children. As a result, the stepson colors him "love."

(d) A Father's Day Welcome. By Floodgate Productions
This video is designed to be displayed before a worship service, during the offering, or as the invocation.

15. Other Suggestions
Have the music team plan a concert for fathers. Intersperse the music with selected Scriptures and readings about fathers using one or more of the following themes:

  • The role of the father
  • Parenting
  • Fathers as spiritual examples
  • Leadership
  • Correction/Discipline
  • Children as a blessing
  • Biblical fathers
  • Creating a legacy
  • Setting a good example
  • Not discouraging children
  • Men of faith
  • Celebration of adoptive/foster and mentor fathers
  • MY DAD IS THE GREATEST!—Celebrating characteristics of great dads

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

Worship Planning Notes

Aycock, Don M. God's Man: A Daily Devotional Guide to Christlike Character. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1998.

1. Call to Worship, Litany or Congregational Reading

Call to Worship
(a) Scriptural Call to Worship for Fathers' Day. By Christine Longhurst; *Edits by Michelle Riley Jones
Location:

Music for Call to Worship
(b) Welcome to My Father's House. By V. Michael McKay
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #340

(c) Fill This House. By John P. Kee
Location:
Kee, John P. & New Life. Life and Favor. Charlotte, NC: Kee Music Group, 2012.

(d) Glorify Thy Name. By Donna Adkins
Location:
Lewis, Crystal. More Live. Newport Beach, CA: Metro One Music, 2002.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Just When I Need Him. By William C. Poole. Tune, (GABRIEL), by Charles H. Gabriel
Location
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #379

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #166

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #390

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2002. #512

(b) How Firm a Foundation. Text from "K" in Rippon's Selection of Hymns. Tune, (FOUNDATION).
Location
African American Heritage Hymnal. #146

African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. Nashville, TN: The African Methodist Episcopal Church, (1984) second printing 1986. #109

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #102

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #21

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #509

Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN: Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in association with the Benson Co., 1982. #54

(c) All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name. By Edward Perronet. Tune, (CORONATION), by Oliver Holden
Location
African American Heritage Hymnal. #292

African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #32

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #88

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #3

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #229

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #10

(d) I Sing the Mighty Power of God. By Isaac Watts. Arr. by Roberto Burton. For SSAATTBB
Location
GIA Music Publishing
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: 1-800-442-1358

Online location: www.giamusic.com

(e) Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. By Joachim Neander. Tune, (LOBE DEN HERREN), by W. Sterndale Bennett
Location
African American Heritage Hymnal. #117

African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #23

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #196

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #2

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #1

(f) O God, Our Help in Ages Past. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (ST. ANNE), by William Croft
Location
African American Heritage Hymnal. #170

African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #81

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #230

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #46

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #103

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #15

3. Spirituals and Traditional Songs
(a) He Is King of Kings. Spiritual
Location:
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #235

(b) Just a Closer Walk with Thee. Traditional
Location:
Pearson, Carlton. Live at Azusa 3. New York, NY: Atlantic Recording/WEA, 1996.

(c) Guide My Feet. Spiritual
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #131

(d) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. By Todd Ledbetter. Instrumental for saxophone
Location:
Meditations: Hymns in the Key of Jazz. Laurel, MD: Todd Ledbetter, 2010.

(e) Done Made My Vow. Spiritual. Arr. by Frederick Young. For SATB choir
Location:
GIA Music Publishing
Phone: 1-800-442-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs or Praise Teams
(a) Mighty You Are. By Darrell Walls
Location:
The Walls Group. The Walls Group. Houston, TX: Wall2Wall Entertainment, 2012.

(b) Father Me. By Paul Oakley
Location:
Shekinah Glory Ministry. Worship. Harvey, IL: Kingdom Records, Inc., 2012.

(c) I Sing Praises to Your Name. By Terry MacAlmon
Location:
Free Chapel. Moving Forward. New York, NY: Integrity Media, 2007.

(d) Firm Foundation. By Jamie Harvill and Nancy Gordon
Location:
Staten, Keith. Worship in the House. New York, NY: Integrity Media, 1996.

(e) Just When You Need Him. By Norman Hutchins
Location:
If You Didn't Know, Now You Know. Dover, DE: Squeeky Music Entertainment/Impact Records, 2011.

(f) God Is Faithful. By Jennifer Holliday, Keith Williams, and Raphael G. Warnock
Location:
Holliday, Jennifer & Rev. Raphael T. Warnock. Goodness and Mercy. Atlanta, GA: Euphonic Records, 2011.

(g) Praise the Father, Praise the Son. By Chris Tomlin
Location:
Hello Love. Brentwood, TN: Sparrow Records/sixstepsrecords, 2008.

5. Liturgical Dance or Mime Ministry Music
(a) The Father's Song. By Matt Redman
Location:
Matt Redman: Ultimate Collection. Colorado Springs, CO: Survivor Records/EMI Christian Music Group, 2010.

(b) My Father's House. By Damita Haddon and Deitrick Haddon
Location:
Haddon, Deitrick & Voices in Unity. Together in Worship. Indianapolis, IN: Tyscot Records, 2007.

6. Anthems
(a) Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. By Robert Robinson. Arr. by R. Bryant Braxton. For TTBB
Location:
The Morehouse College Glee Club. 45 National Seminar—Intercollegiate Men's Chorus Inc. 2012 The Morehouse College Glee Club. Nashville, TN: Soundwaves Recording, 2012.

(b) He Stooped to Bless. By Edward Margetson. For SATB
Location:
GIA Music Publishing
Phone: 1-800-442-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

7. Modern Songs
(a) Our God Strong and Mighty. By Milton Biggham
Location:
The Georgia Mass Choir. I Still Have a Praise. Jackson, MS: Savoy Records, 2012.

(b) He Is My God. By James Johnson
Location:
McKissick, Rudolph Jr. & The Word & Worship Mass Choir. The Recovery. Middleburg, FL: Emtro Gospel, 2012.

(c) Through the Eyes of Faith. By Stephen A. Hurd
Location:
O That Men Would Worship. Clinton, MD: Hurd the Word Music LLC, 2012.

(d) Glorify Your Name. By Terrell Hunt
Location:
Awesome. Washington, DC: RichEscape Music, 2007.

8. Songs for Children
(a) He Knows My Name. By Tommy Walker
Location:
Shout Praises Kids. Shackles. Mobile, AL: Integrity Media, 2006.

(b) Hallelujah/Your Love Is Amazing. By Brian Doerksen
Location:
Kids4Hymn. Pump Up the Praise. Denver, CO: Intersound Records, 2006.

9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Thank You Lord. By Vincent Tharpe
Location:
Tharpe, Vincent & Kenosis. Live in Memphis. Bowie, MD: EPM Music Group, 2012.

(b) Thank You. By Dale Ciceron
Location:
Ciceron, Dale & Optimistic 4 Christ. Breakthrough. Middleburg, FL: Emtro Gospel, 2012.

(c) God Is Good. By Jason Nelson and Jevon Hill
Location:
Nelson, Jason. Shifting the Atmosphere. New York, NY: Verity Gospel Music, 2012.

(d) The Name. By Kirk Whalum
Location:
The Gospel According to Jazz: Chapter 1. Burbank, CA: Warner Bros, 1998.

10. Prayer, Song, or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
Prayer
(a) Our Father. Matthew 9:6-13

Music
(b) It's Me Oh Lord (Acapella Praise). By Tarrian LaShun Pace
Location:
Pace, LaShun. Reborn. Newton, NJ: Shanachie Entertainment, 2011.

(c) Your Grace Still Amazes Me. By Connie Harrington and Shawn Craig.Instrumental, for piano
Location:
Keveren, Phillip. Wondrous Love—Piano and Praise. Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Music, 2010.

(d) Glorify Thy Name. By Donna Adkins. Arr. by Mark Payne. For piano
Location:
Payne, Mark. Secret Place 2. Tampa, FL: c and m records. 2009

(e) If My People. By Brandon Waddles. For TTBB
Location:
GIA Music Publishing
Phone: 1-800-442-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(f) The Overflow (Fill Me Again). By Anthony Brown
Location:
Brown, Anthony & group therAPy. Anthony Brown & group therAPy. Indianapolis, IN: Tyscot Music, 2012.

(g) Cover Me. By Andrew Merritt
Location:
Merritt, Bishop Andrew & The Straight Gate Mass Choir. 30 Years of Music. Detroit, MI: Bajada Records, 2011.

(h) Draw Me Close/Thy Will Be Done. By Marvin Winans
Location:
Marvin L. Winans Presents: The Praise & Worship Experience. Detroit, MI: MLW Productions, 2012.

11. Sermonic Selection
(a) Father I Worship You. By Earnest Pugh
Location:
A Worshipper's Perspective. Detroit, MI: Crystal Rose Records, 2006.

(b) The Promise. By PJ Morton
Location:
Morton, Bishop Paul S. Best Days Yet. Kissimmee, FL: Tehiliah Music/Light Records, 2012.

(c) Cast All Your Cares. By Kevin Johnson. For SSA choir, with soprano solo
Location:
GIA Music Publishing
Phone: 1-800-442-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(d) Father of the Fatherless. By Jason Upton
Location:
Between Earth and Sky. Cedar Grove, WI: Key of David Ministries, 2007.

(e) Holy Is Thy Name. By Joel Boyce, Jr. Arr. by Lloyd Mallory, Jr. For SATB
Location
The Lloyd Mallory Singers. With My Whole Heart. Los Angeles, CA: Breath of Life Records, 2011.

GIA Music Publishing
Phone: 1-800-442-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Just a Closer Walk with Thee. Arr. by Allen Toussaint. For piano
Location:
Toussaint, Allen. The Bright Mississippi. New York, NY: Nonsuch Records/WEA International, 2009.

(b)Wrap Me in Your Arms (Reprise). By Michael Gungor
Location:
McDowell, William. As We Worship (Live). New York, NY: Koch Records, 2009.

(c) The Father's Song. By Matt Redman
Location:
Matt Redman: Ultimate Collection. Colorado Springs, CO: Survivor Records/EMI Christian Music Group, 2010.

(d) His Eye Is on the Sparrow. By Civilla D. Martin. Arr. by Tedde Gibson. Instrumental/for organ
Location:
Gibson, Tedde. At Last. Landover, MD: Tedde Gibson, 2011.

(e) Lord in You. By Rudolph Stanfield, Jr.
Location:
Pace, LaShun. Reborn. Newton, NJ: Shanachie Entertainment, 2011.

(f) What Wondrous Love Is This. By Ramsey Lewis Trio. Instrumental
Location:
Ramsey Lewis Trio. Apassionista! Milwaukee, WI: Narada Productions, 1999.

13. Benediction Spoken, Sung, or Instrumental
Benediction Prayer
(a) Benediction for Father's Day. Based on Psalm 103 and Romans 8. By Michelle Riley Jones

Benediction Music
(b) God Is on Our Side. By Andra and Luther "Mano" Hines
Location:
Crouch, Andraé. The Journey. Los Angeles, CA: Riverphlo Entertainment, 2011.

(c) My Peace I Leave with You. By Wendell Craig Woods. For SATB choir
Location:
GIA Music Publishing
Phone: 1-800-442-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(d) You God. By Daniel Weatherspoon
Location:
Shekinah Glory Ministry. Surrender. Harvey, IL: Shekinah Glory Ministry, 2012.

14. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Dance with My Father Again. By Luther Vandross and Richard Marx
Location:
Nuttin' But Stringz. Struggle from the Subway to the Charts. New York, NY: KOCH, 2006.

(b) Color Him Father. By Richard Spencer Lewis
Location:
The Winstons. Color Him Father. Fuel 2000, 2011.

(c) A Father's Day Welcome. By Floodgate Productions
Location: