CHOIR AND WORSHIP ARTS DAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, August 12, 2012

W. Patrick Alston, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Minister of Music, Douglas Memorial Community Church, Baltimore, MD

Worship Planning Notes

Our music ministries have grown into fine arts ministries because they include various performing arts. The lection Scripture at verses seventeen and eighteen reads:

First, for this special worship experience, work with your pastors to create a scripted order of worship that features all of the mediums of your music and arts ministry. Because the order of worship is scripted, it should flow seamlessly as does a stage production.

Next, I challenge you to do something that transcends the normal worship paradigm of your church. For example, if your church does not sing hymns, anthems, or traditional gospel music, let this be the occasion that you do. Incorporate some traditional songs in your praise and worship segment, or try to sing an anthem. There is an anthem in a gospel style in the anthem section of this lectionary entry. It was written by Craig Hayes and would be an effective selection for your choir. If your church is primarily traditional, let this be the occasion where you incorporate some contemporary songs.

The idea for everyone is that your worship be different and yet professional. In too many instances our churches are becoming too segregated because we have so many choices and so much diversity in our worship and arts ministries.

Also, worship should be corporate. It is important that our congregations see young people leading in the singing of the hymns, anthems, spirituals, and traditional songs of our faith while the older members engage in the current mediums of praise and worship, dance, and spoken word too. Our older generations must teach the young, and both generations need to be present and available for the exchange of ideas. In Psalm 33 it says, “The anointing flows when there is unity.” It is then we can praise the Lord in spirit and in truth, and the world will know that we are Christians by our love.

1. Litany

O Lord, we gather today declaring that this is the day that you have made and we are glad.

We rejoice at your divine invitation to come before your presence with singing.

Create a clean heart in all of us, O God, that we may stand to declare that your name is Holy.

For you are Holy, and your name is hallowed in this place.

We thank you for the gifts of song, dance, spoken word, poetry, mime, drama, and instruments.

It is right to give thanks and praise, for you alone are worthy.

As we enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise, we are thankful, and we will bless your name.

From one generation to another we declare that you are good, your mercy is everlasting, and your truth endures to all.

Let us serve the Lord with gladness and declare his marvelous deeds.

Come we who love the Lord, and let our joys be known. Join in a song as a sweet-smelling savor as we dance around the throne, for it is right to give thanks and praise. Hallelujah!

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) In the Beauty of Holiness. By Nettie L. Sawyer. Arr. by Stephen Key

(b) We’ve Come to Worship You. By Stephen Key

(c) God of Wisdom, Truth, and Beauty. By Jane Parker Huber. Tune, (HYMN TO JOY), by Ludwig V. Beethoven

(d) Let All the People Praise Thee. By Mrs. C. H. Morris

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Lead Me, Guide Me. By Doris M. Akers

(b) I Will Trust in the Lord. Traditional. Arr. by Jefferson Cleveland

(c) Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel. Negro Spiritual. Arr. by Moses Hogan

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Who Is Like the Lord. By Israel Houghton

(b) No Weapon. By Fred Hammond

(c) Church Medley. Arr. by Donnie McClurkin

(d) Precious Jesus. By Thomas Whitfield

5. Liturgical Dance or Mime Ministry Music
(a) Alabaster Box. By Janice Sjostan

(b) I Am the One. By Kurt Carr

6. Anthems
(a) Magnify the Lord. By Virgie Carrie DeWitty

(b) O Give Thanks. By Craig Hayes. This song is a gospel song in style and not a traditional classical choral octavo.

(c) The Majesty and Glory of Your Name. By Tom Fettke. For SATB choir and organ or piano

(d) Lord We Give Thanks to Thee. By Undine Smith Moore. For SATB choir a cappella

7. Modern Songs
(a) Hallelujah Is thae Highest Praise. By Marcus Smith

(b) If You Praise Me. By James Hall

(c) Release Your Power. By James Hall

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Lord, I Thank You. By Rudolph Stansfield

(b) Peace and Favor. By Kirk Carr

(c) In Everything Give Thanks. By Lashun Pace

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Thank You for Hearing Our Prayer. By Stephen Key

(b) Thank You, Lord. Arr. by J. Jefferson Cleveland and Verolga Nix

(c) Just a Little Talk with Jesus. By Cleavant Derricks

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) No Weapon. By Franklin Holt

(b) Magnify. By Teresa Hairston

(c) The Heavens Are Telling. By Donald Lawrence

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Thank You Lord. By Seth and Bessie Sykes

(b) Speak to My Heart. By Donnie McClurkin

(c) Come Unto Jesus. By Charles Nicks, Jr.

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) Praise Him. By Donnie Harper

(b) Make Our Church One Joyful Choir. By Thomas Troeger. Tune, (DIX), arr. from Conrad Kocher by William H. Monk

(c) Praise Him! Praise Him! By Fanny J. Crosby

(d) Always Remember. By Andraé Crouch

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Litany By W. Patrick Alston, Sr.