Music Matters

August 2008
Hymnals—"Bibles in Song"

Many churches have referred to their hymnal as their “second book of Scripture.” (In Community of Christ, it would be the “fourth book” – but that’s for another article!) This illustrates the importance of a hymnal as teacher of beliefs, as strengthener of faith, as proclaimer of good news, as unifier of God’s people. Hymnals are valuable resources for church members and also for visitors to a congregation, who open the hymnal to see what this people believes and are surprised or grateful to find common ground with these “strangers” because they recognize some of the hymns.

We sing what we believe: singing together unites us in our faith. We believe what we sing: our songs shape and strengthen us.

I have just returned from the annual Hymn Society conference, which I’ve attended every year since 1998. For a week each summer, this conference joins together people who love congregational singing – professional and amateur musicians, authors, theologians, educators, and more – from many faith traditions. Our days are filled with hymn festivals, worships, classes, and opportunities for fellowship. Bottom line, we gather to sing and learn together. I always come away educated and inspired, and my faith is strengthened for another year of music ministry. I am frequently moved to tears by the awesome beauty of faith in song during these conferences.

If you love congregational singing of any kind (Hymn Society uses the widest possible definition of the word “hymn” to include all styles, languages, and instruments), you should attend one of these conferences! The next will be held at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, July 12-16, 2009. You can learn more about the Hymn Society and its activities here: www.thehymnsociety.org.

Many new developments are happening in the field of congregational song. At the conference we experienced brand-new hymnals and collections recently released. We sang new texts and tunes created by wonderfully talented authors and musicians. These exciting additions, combined with the rich legacy of song of faith across the ages, will continue to inspire future generations of worshippers, all to the glory of God.

Community of Christ has begun a new hymnal project, with anticipated release of two new hymnals in 2013. You may read more about the project at www.CofChrist.org/hymnal. We need help from all Community of Christ musicians at every step of this project. There is a hymnal survey you could complete now! Check this site often for updates on this important project. Other denominations, including the United Methodists (http://www.gbod.org/homepage/new_home/news_articles/newhymnalgc-apr08.htm) and Presbyterian (PCUSA) (http://presbyterianhymnal.org/HymnalSplash.asp) are also embarking on hymnal projects, with their new books due to be released at about the same time as ours.

Thank God for songs of faith, old and new! Let’s keep on singing together!

—Jan Kraybill

If you have suggestions or ideas for future columns, please contact:
Jan Kraybill
Principal Organist and Director of Music
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA

Please visit our FAQ page.