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MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Roberto L. Burton, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Band Director/Adjunct Professor, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL
Lection – Proverbs 2:1-11
1 My child, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
From the LORD’S mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 The LORD stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
THE LORD is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 THE LORD guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of the saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.
10 When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you.
Worship Planning Notes
Wisdom is a God-given gift and also comes as the result of an energetic search. Today we recognize those who, with God’s help, have pursued academic excellence and have persevered.
We acknowledge that wisdom’s starting point is God and that the revealed Word of God is the source of “knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Yes, wisdom is God’s gift to us. But God gives it only to those who earnestly seek it. The pathway to wisdom is strenuous. When we are on the path, we discover that to find wisdom God must guide us and will reward our sincere and persistent search.
We gain wisdom through a constant process of growth. People do not develop all aspects of wisdom at once. For example, some people have more insight than discretion; others have more formal knowledge than common sense. But we can pray for all aspects of wisdom and take the steps to develop them in our lives.
Suggestions for worship:
- Post royal blue banners around the sanctuary that include selected texts/phrases from Proverbs 2:1-11.
- As a great visual aid, adorn either side of your communion table with trailing greenery, and place a graduation cap, academic cords, and a diploma on top.
- Post the names of the graduates, along with their degree titles or certificate titles and special commendations, on screens and in your order of worship/bulletin.
- Have the Director of Christian Education select (2–4 weeks in advance) a Valedictorian and a Salutatorian to lead the opening and closing litanies or to participate in other ways during this worship service.
1. Litany or Congregational Readings
Responsive Reading. The opening Congregational reading or litany can be led by the Valedictorian (selected in advance of the service).
Will of God. Old Testament reading taken from Psalms 119:33-34, 143:10, 37:23-24; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 14:12, 3:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11
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Will of God |
| Valedictorian: |
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. |
| ALL: |
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. |
| Valedictorian: |
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path. |
| ALL: |
Our steps are made firm by the LORD, when he delights in our way. |
| Valedictorian: |
Though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the LORD holds us by the hand. |
| ALL: |
What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? |
| Valedictorian: |
There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death. |
| ALL: |
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. |
| Valedictorian: |
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. |
| ALL: |
For surely I know the plans that I have for you, says the
LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. |
2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Be Still My Soul. By Katherine von Schlagel. Tune, (FINLANDIA), by Jean Sibelius
(b) It Is Well with My Soul. By Horatio G. Stafford. Tune, (VILLE DU HAVRE), by Philip P. Bliss
(c) O Come, O Come Emmanuel. By John Mason Neale. Tune, (VENI EMMANUEL), by Thomas Helmore
(d) Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow. Negro Spiritual
3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Negro Spiritual. Tune, (WALK WITH ME).
(b) I Will Trust in the Lord. Negro Spiritual. Tune, (TRUST IN THE LORD).
(c) Fix Me Jesus. Traditional. Tune, (FIX ME).
4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) I Passed. By Kyle E. Kelley
(b) Trust Him. By Jamel Strong
5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Trust and Believe. By Yolanda Adams and Ben Tankard
(b) Speak the Word. By Jonathan Dunn
6. Anthems
(a) Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. By Helen H. Lemuel. Arr. by Roberto Burton. For SSAATTBB
(b) Be Thou Exalted. By Diane White-Clayton. For SSATB or SSAA
7. Modern Songs
(a) I’ll Trust You Lord. By Donnie McClurkin
(b) I’ll Trust. By Vashawn Mitchell
8. Songs for Children
(a) Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock. Traditional
(b) Highway to Heaven. Traditional
(c) Trust. By Carol Maillard
9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Church Medley: We’ve Come This Far by Faith/I Will Trust in the Lord. By Albert A. Goodson. Traditional
b) …And He Blessed My Soul. By Anita Watkins Stevens
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) He Knows Just What I Need. Text and Tune, (HE KNOWS), by Robert J. Fryson
(b) Lead Me, Lord. Text, Psalm 5:8. Tune by Samuel S. Wesley
11. Sermonic Selection
(a) Heaven on My Mind. By Luther Barnes
(b) Lead Me, Guide Me. Text and Tune by Doris Akers
12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Follow Jesus (Landa Yesu). By Chad Cates, Todd D. Smith, James Smith, and Tony Wood
(b) I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Traditional
13. Benediction Sung or Spoken
Benediction Music
(a) He Hideth My Soul. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune, (KIRKPATRICK), by William J. Kirkpatrick
(b) Where Shall I Be? Text and Tune, (JUDGEMENT DAY), by Charles P. Jones
(c) Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters. By Ruth Duck. Tune, (BEACH SPRING), by B. F. White
Benediction Litany
(d) Education. Have the benediction be led by your Salutatorian (selected in advance of the worship service).
Education |
| Salutatorian: |
Let us remember that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.” (Psalm 110:10) |
| ALL: |
Lord God, Giver of wisdom, hear our prayer. |
| Salutatorian: |
Thank you, God, for the education we have received and for opportunities to increase our knowledge. We bless our parents who introduced us to learning. |
| ALL: |
“Train children in the right way and when old, they will not
stray.” (Proverbs 22:6) |
| Salutatorian: |
We thank you, God, for good teachers, good books, public libraries, and all educational resources. |
| ALL: |
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1) |
| Salutatorian: |
We pray for our pre-schools, for the teachers, the students and the workers. |
| ALL: |
God of steadfast love, hear our prayer. |
| Salutatorian: |
We pray for the members of this congregation who are involved in all aspects of education: teachers, counselors, principals and other administrators, board members, secretaries, custodians, and nurses. |
| ALL: |
“Trust in the Lord will all your heart and do not rely on your
own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) |
| Salutatorian: |
We pray for universities, colleges, and other institutions of adult learning. We pray for their students. Help this church to be a vehicle that stops the sources that prevent children from gaining the education they seek. |
| ALL: |
We pray for those in developing countries who do not enjoy the educational opportunities of this nation. Let our mission efforts be used to expand their educational opportunities |
| Salutatorian: |
We pray for literacy programs, for Bible societies, and distributors of Christian literature at home and abroad. |
| ALL: |
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an
abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a lying witness who testifies falsely, and one who sows discord in a family.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) |
| Salutatorian: |
We pray for the teaching ministries of our congregation. Create in those who are called to instruct your people a mind and a heart committed to studying your Word. |
| ALL: |
May these ministries improve the ability of persons to study the Word for themselves, to think for themselves, and to be of benefit to their families and communities. |
| Salutatorian: |
We pray that the increase of knowledge and education may not make us intellectually proud or spiritually barren. |
| ALL: |
God, Creator of all wisdom and knowledge, [as we leave here today] make us responsible stewards of your gifts and graces. Amen. |
14. Other Recommendations
Review the White House fact sheet on President Barack Obama’s American Graduation Initiative (announced June 14, 2009 at Macomb Community College, Warren, MI) and determine how your church can support your members who pursue community college education.
Fact Sheet location: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Excerpts-of-the-Presidents-remarks-in-Warren-Michigan-and-fact-sheet-on-the-American-Graduation-Initiative/
Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed
1. Litany or Congregational Readings
Will of God. Old Testament reading taken from Psalm 119:33-34, 143:10, 37:23-24; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 14:12, 3:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #51
2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Be Still My Soul. By Katherine von Schlagel. Tune, (FINLANDIA), by Jean Sibelius
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #135
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. Nashville, TN: A.M.E. Zion Publishing House, 1996. #458
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #163
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #263
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1985. #461
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. #96
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #377
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #507
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #256
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #255
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #530
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #376
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #188
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #92
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #3
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #82
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #115
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #212
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #12
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #91
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #138
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #212
(a) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Negro Spiritual. Tune, (WALK WITH ME).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #563
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #514
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #263
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #500
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #624
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #381
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #391
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #75
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #232
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #285
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #333
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #436
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #314
(a) I Passed. By Kyle E. Kelley
Location:
Chris and Kyle, with True Spirit. Comin’ Out From Under. Detroit, MI: Crystal Rose, 2002.
(b) Trust Him. By Jamel Strong
Location:
Strong, Jamel & Triple Mass Choir. It’s Your Time. Huntsville, AL: Strong Tower Records, 2004.
5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Trust and Believe. By Yolanda Adams and Ben Tankard
Location:
Adams, Yolanda. More Than a Melody. Murfreesboro, TN: Tribute, 1995.
(b) Speak the Word. By Jonathan Dunn
Location:
And Another Level. Springfield, OH: Glonklin Music, 2005.
6. Anthems
(a) Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. By Helen H. Lemuel. Arr. by Roberto Burton. For SSAATTBB
Location:
Scubed Publishing
P.O. Box 22644
Huntsville, AL 25814
Phone: 256-603-8927
(b) Be Thou Exalted. By Diane White-Clayton. For SSATB or SSAA
Location:
7. Modern Songs
(a) I’ll Trust You Lord. By Donnie McClurkin
Location:
Live in London and More. New York, NY: Verity, 2000.
(b) I’ll Trust. By Vashawn Mitchell
Location:
Bishop Larry Trotter & Sweet Holy Spirit Combined Choirs. Tell the Devil I’m Back. Indianapolis, IN: Tyscott, 2001.
8. Songs for Children
(a) Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock. Traditional
Location:
Veggie Tales (Veggie Tunes). 25 Favorite Sunday School Songs. Franklin, TN: Big Ideas Inc., 2009.
(b) Highway to Heaven. Traditional
Location:
African Children’s Choir. African Children’s Choir Live! In Concert—Because You Loved Me. London, UK: Pale Blue Ltd., 2007.
(c) Trust. By Carol Maillard
Location:
Sweet Honey in the Rock. Experience 101. West Chester, PA: Appleseed, 2007.
9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Church Medley: We’ve Come This Far by Faith/I Will Trust in the Lord. By Albert A. Goodson. Traditional
Location:
McClurkin, Donnie. Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs. New York, NY: Verity, 2004.
(b) …And He Blessed My Soul. By Anita Watkins Stevens
Location:
Chris and Kyle, with True Spirit. Comin’ Out From Under. Detroit, MI: Crystal Rose, 2002.
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) He Knows Just What I Need. Text and Tune, (HE KNOWS), by Robert J. Fryson
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #358
(b) Lead Me, Lord. Text, Psalm 5:8. Tune by Samuel S. Wesley
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #145
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #462
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #219
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #341
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #691
(a) Heaven On My Mind. By Luther Barnes
Location:
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I’m Amazed…LIVE. Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, 2005.
(b) Lead Me, Guide Me. Text and Tune by Doris Akers
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #474
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #167
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #233
(a) Follow Jesus (Landa Yesu). By Chad Cates, Todd D. Smith, James Smith, and Tony Wood
Location:
Selah. Bless the Broken Road—The Duets Album. Northridge, CA: Curb Records, 2006.
(b) I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Traditional
Location:
Brown Clark, Maurette. The Dream. Atlanta, GA: Atlanta International, 2007.
13. Benediction Sung or Spoken
Benediction Music
(a) He Hideth My Soul. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune, (KIRKPATRICK), by William J. Kirkpatrick
Location:
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #251
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #520
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #150
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #196
(c) Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters. By Ruth Duck. Tune, (BEACH SPRING), by B. F. White
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #674
Benediction Litany
(d) Education.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #88 (Paraphrased for this worship service)
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