MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Avis D. Graves, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Minister of Worship, The Park Church, Charlotte, NC

Worship Planning Notes

The observance of the Pastoral Anniversary provides the church with a unique opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation for its shepherd, leader: The pastor. It usually commemorates the day on which the pastor began his or her labor in the church vineyard, serving this present age and fulfilling his or her divine calling and assignment. The anniversary celebration also includes the family of the pastor, and allows the congregation to utilize a variety of means to show their love for them as well.

My memories of past anniversary celebrations include banquets, with invitations to the leaders of the community as well as associates within the Body of Christ. The Pastor’s anniversary is also often highlighted through the presence of “sons and daughters” of the ministry who share in the celebration due to the work of the pastor in their personal spiritual development, and the investment of wise counsel and mentorship in their ministries, which demonstrates the inherited legacy of the pastor beyond the immediate church to the global church.

Every facet of the ministry of the church has the opportunity to share through gifts, testimonials, and fellowship with the pastor and family. From the children and youth to the seasoned saints, an attitude of gratitude and thoughtful preparation should be seen in every aspect of the planning and execution of festivities. With each year, the celebration grows, as does the depth of love and appreciation. This also speaks to the realization of the vision cast by the pastor for the church, and celebrates the presence and power of God in the life of the pastor. It is a time of celebration, appreciation, and gratitude for the faithfulness of God.

The Worship and Arts team always plays a major role in the anniversary of a pastor. Be sure that on this special occasion you lift favorite songs and/or instrumental, dance, or spoken word performances of the pastor. Wear appropriate colors, especially if special colors have been determined by an anniversary committee, or if this is the 20th (or longer) anniversary of the pastor.

The Worship and Arts team should also select a special gift for the pastor and/or his or her family. Do something different and fun: purchase a month of haircuts or stylist appointments for your pastor; send them to a great hotel for a weekend; write a song in their honor; etc.

1. Responsive Reading

Will of God

2. Opening Hymns
(a) To God Be the Glory. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William H. Doane

(b) How Firm a Foundation. By Rippon’s A Selection of Hymns. Tune, (CALDWELL’S UNISON HARMONY).

(c) Glorious Is the Name of Jesus. By Robert J. Fryson

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

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Guide My Feet. Negro Spiritual. Arr. by Avis D. Graves

(b) I Know the Lord Has Laid His Hands on Me. Negro Spiritual. Arr. by Valeria A. Foster

(c) Standin’ in the Need of Prayer. Negro Spiritual

(d) Satan, We’re Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down. Traditional. Arr. by James Abbington

4. Traditional Gospel Selections
(a) The Corinthian Song. By V. Michael McKay

(b) I Will Make the Darkness Light (High Places). By C.P. Jones. Arr. by Sigmund Morriar

(c) Give Me a Clean Heart. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux

(d) Lord Prepare Me. By John Thompson and Randy Scruggs. Arr. by Jason White

5. Worship through Dance
(a) How Great Thou Art. Arr. by Omar Dickenson

(b) Simply Yes. By Darrell Ford, Byron Cage, and Aaron Lindsay

(c) Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow. By Isaac Watts. Tune by George Coles and Roberta Martin

6. Anthems
(a) All for Thee. By Oscar Williams

(b) Let Mt. Zion Rejoice. By Dr. J. B. Herbert

(c) Lord You’re Holy. By Eddie James

7. Modern Songs
(a) Hosanna. By Israel Houghton

(b) Awesome. By Charles Jenkins

(c) You’re All I Need. By Jason Clayborn

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) You Are My Joy. By Alvin Slaughter

(b) Glorious. By Eric Reed

(c) Lord of All. By J. J. Hairston

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Renew. By Charles Watkins

(b) I Am Thine. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William H. Doane

(c) Precious Jesus. By Thomas A. Whitfield

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) My Tribute. By Andraé Crouch

(b) My Gratitude. By Walter Hawkins

(c) You Are God Alone. By William McDowell

(d) Indescribable. By Chris Tomlin

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) No Turning Back. By Chris Tomlin

(b) We Offer Christ. By Joel Britton

(c) Jesus Christ Is the Way. By Walter Hawkins

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) Let the Church Say Amen. By Andraé Crouch

(b) How Great Is Our God. By Chris Tomlin

(c) Total Praise. By Richard Smallwood

(d) Lord, Make Me More Holy. Arr. by Roland M. Carter

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Materials Listed