Worship Resources

 
       

SENIORS, ELDERS, AND GRANDPARENTS DAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Raymond Wise, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Composer, Professor of African American Sacred Music and Worship at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Indiana University; music ministry clinician and consultant; and gospel artist

Worship Planning Notes

Seniors, elders, and grandparents provide a necessary function and presence within our communities. Their testimonies, experience, and wisdom are to be treasured, celebrated, and shared with younger generations who will one day be responsible for continuing their rich tradition of faith and service. Their very presence provides an affirmation that God is faithful to sustain one's life. As seniors approach the sunset of their lives, it is important to affirm that God is with them. Today your ministry will have an opportunity to honor and celebrate seniors, elders, and grandparents within your faith community to provide the assurance of God's enduring presence and to demonstrate your community's love and appreciation. The following are some suggestions for this special Sunday.

The planning and preparation for this day should occur one to two months in advance to ensure that the service includes thoughtful ways to celebrate your seniors, elders, and grandparents. The special activities should be announced weeks in advance in order to build excitement and increase participation. A flyer can be created and distributed announcing the special day and the various related activities. Church members should be encouraged to invite their senior friends and family members. Seniors should be encouraged to invite their children, grandchildren, and other senior friends.

The objective for this special day is to create an environment into which seniors, elders, and grandparents can come and feel honored, esteemed, and celebrated. It is important to allow seniors, elders, and grandparents the opportunity to participate in leading the worship experience. By the end of the day, it is the hope and expectation that the younger generations will learn, grow, and be empowered from their connection to and interaction with the seniors, elders, and grandparents within your faith community.

There are common phases like “back in the day,” “the good old days,” or “the olden days” that are expressed by seniors. They often make these comments to indicate that life has changed from the time they were children, youth, or young adults. Find below several activities that can be included in the worship to celebrate days gone by that were integral in the development of your seniors, elders, and grandparents.

Senior Presentations

Seniors on display

Seniors can be asked to bring pictures from their youth and young adult days to be included in a special display. Pictures can be collected a week or two in advance and organized to create a mural/collage of pictures to be displayed in the church lobby or fellowship hall. Church members can try to identify the various seniors, elders, and grandparents featured in the pictures. Seniors, elders, and grandparents can share their testimonies and stories regarding the pictures displayed.

Special gifts can be given to all seniors

As seniors, elders, and grandparents enter the church, they can be presented with flowers.

Seniors, elders, and grandparents can be acknowledged during the service and called to the altar for special prayer. Before leaving the altar they can be given a bookmark or other non-perishable memento (such as a lapel pin) as a keepsake from this special day

The church can have certificates or plaques made to distribute to seniors, elders, or grandparents in the following categories:

  • The oldest senior in church on that day

  • Most grandchildren award

  • Most generations present in church on that day

  • Longest servant in ministry (preaching, singing, etc.)

  • Newest grandparent

Senior Participation

Seniors can be selected to lead in worship in the following ways:

  • A senior can preside over the service.

  • A senior can be called upon to read the scripture, pray, etc.

  • A senior elder may be asked to deliver the sermon on this special day.

The church may consider making arrangements to transport senior members of the church to and from worship (especially those who are unable to attend church on a regular basis due to ongoing personal and physical challenges).

Senior Performances

Seniors can be selected to participate in the worship in the following additional ways:

  • A group of seniors can lead the devotionals/praise and worship time in the old- time way (lined singing, spirituals, congregational spirituals, traditional gospel, etc.).

  • A choir comprised of seniors can be rehearsed to perform for the service.

  • A group of seniors can perform a dance or mime.

  • A gifted senior vocalist can sing a solo during the worship.

Senior Testimonies

One or two seniors can be chosen to share their testimonies and stories of faith as an encouragement to the faith community. They can be shared during worship, at a special reception after church, or during the time and place their pictures are being displayed.

A reception to honor seniors, elders, and grandparents can be hosted after church:

  • Refreshments can be served.

  • Representatives from various organizations that service seniors can be invited to set up tables in the church lobby or fellowship hall to share information regarding the services they provide for seniors (such as health, legal, and social services).

Other Presentations

In addition to the special possibilities listed above, those ministries that regularly participate in the worship may consider adapting the ministry presentations on this day to honor seniors, elders, and grandparents. For example:

  • The Praise Team can sing traditional devotional songs in honor.

  • The Music Ministry/Choir can perform Traditional gospel music in worship.

  • The Liturgical Dance or Mime Ministry can collaborate with the choir to perform a dance in honor of the seniors.

  • The Children's Choir can learn a special song to perform in honor of the seniors.

  • The Children's Ministry/Church can make homemade cards or bookmarks to present to the seniors, elders, and grandparent at a special time in the service or after church.

1. Centering Prayer and Responsive Reading

Centering Prayer/Invocation

Dear Lord, we come into your presence thanking you for this day and for the many days you have given us throughout our life's journey. We thank you for being a loving father who guides, protects, provides for, and nurtures his children. We thank you for being a faithful parent who loves unconditionally and sacrifices for the good of his children. We thank you for being a wise counselor whose words lead us to a full and rewarding life. We thank and praise you for your enduring presence and faithfulness toward us.

On this special day as we celebrate our seniors, elders, and grandparents, we thank you for all the mothers and fathers, uncles and aunts, sisters and brothers you have given to guide, protect, nurture, and provide for us on earth. We thank you for their unconditional love and sacrifices. We thank you for the wise words you have given them to offer unto us to guide us to full and rewarding lives. We praise you for their enduring presence in our lives. We thank you for carrying them through dangers, toils, and snares in the past; for caring for their daily needs in the present; and for promising to keep them in the future.

We thank you for all that you've done for our seniors, elders, and grandparents, but we also thank you for what you've done for us through them. Through our seniors, elders, and grandparents, you've provided an earthly example and witness of your faithfulness. Although their hair has turned to gray and their steps may be slower, their presence demonstrates that you are a sustaining God who will never leave us nor forsake us. It is with this confidence that we worship you today, knowing that you will meet our every need today and tomorrow. For this assurance, we say thank you, and ask these blessings in Jesus' name. Amen.

Responsive Reading

Psalm 71:17-24 (New Revised Standard Version)

Leader: O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

People: So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come.

Leader: Your power and your righteousness, O God, reach the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God; who is like you? You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.

People: You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again.

Leader: I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.

All: My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have rescued.

2. Opening Songs/Processional
(a) Come and Go with Me. Traditional. Arr. by Kenneth Louis

(b) In the Beauty of Holiness. By Nettie L. Sawyer Lester. Arr. by Stephen Key

(c) We've Come This Far by Faith. By Albert Goodson

3. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Amazing Grace. By John Newton. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton

(b) Blessed Assurance. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune, (ASSURANCE), by Phoebe P. Knapp

(c) Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. By William Williams. Tune, (ZION), by Thomas Hastings

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

(e) Higher Ground. By Johnson Oatman, Jr. Tune, (HIGHER GROUND), by Charles H. Gabriel

(f) Just a Little Talk with Jesus. Text and Tune, (JUST A LITTLE TALK), by Cleavant Derricks

(g) Leave It There. By Charles A. Tindley. Tune, (LEAVE IT THERE), Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(h) My Faith Looks Up to Thee. By Ray Palmer. Tune, (OLIVET), by Lowell Mason

(i) No Never Alone. By Anonymous. Tune, (NEVER ALONE), Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(j) No Not One. By Johnson Oatman, Jr. Tune, (HARPER MEMORIAL), by George C. Hugg

(k) What a Friend We Have in Jesus. By Joseph M. Scriven. Tune, (CONVERSE), by Charles C. Converse

(l) Yield Not to Temptation. By Horatio R. Palmer. Tune, (YIELD NOT), Arr. by Carl Haywood

4. Songs That Can Be Performed as a Solo in Honor of Seniors, Elders, and Grandparents
(a) Because He Lives. By Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither. Tune, (RESURRECTION), by William J. Gaither. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(b) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. By Thomas O. Chisolm. Tune, (FAITHFULNESS), by William Runyan

(c) He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Needs. Dottie Rambo. Tune, (LONDONBERRY AIRE).

(d) He'll Understand and Say Well Done. By Lucie Campbell

(e) He Touched Me. By William J. Gaither

(f) His Eye Is on the Sparrow. By Civilla D. Martin. Tune, (SPARROW), by Charles H. Gabriel

(g) I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. By Ira F. Stamphill. Tune, (TOMORROW), Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton

(h) It's Real. By H.L. Cox

(i) My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me. By W.C. Martin. Tune, (HEAVENLY FATHER), by Charles H. Gabriel. Arr. by J. Jefferson Cleveland and Verolga Nix-Allen

(j) My Tribute. By Andraé Crouch

(k) Only What You Do for Christ Will Last. By Raymond Rasberry. Tune, (LASTING TREASURES), Arr. by Valerie A. Foster

(l) Precious Lord. By Thomas Dorsey. Tune, (PRECIOUS LORD), by George N. Allen adapted by Thomas A. Dorsey

(m) The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power. By Andraé Crouch. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(n) The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow, By Thomas A. Dorsey

(o) Yes God Is Real. By Kenneth Morris. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton

5. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) I've Been Buked. Arr. by Hall Johnson

(b) Done Made My Vow to the Lord. Arr. by Nolan Williams

(c) I Opened My Mouth to the Lord. Arr. by Raymond Wise

(d) Give Me Jesus. Arr. by Lela Anderson

(e) I'm Determined to Walk with Jesus. Arr. by Raymond Wise

(f) I Am on the Battlefield for My Lord. By Sylvia Bell and E.V. Banks. Tune, (BATTLEFIELD), Arr. by Joseph Joubert

(g) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Traditional. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(h) Soon-A Will Be Done. Arr. by William Dawson

(i) Soon-A Will Be Done. Arr. by Raymond Wise

(j) I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me. Traditional. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton

(k) So Glad I'm Here. Traditional. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton

6. Traditional Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) I Really Love the Lord. Text and Tune by Jimmy Dowell. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(b) If It Had Not Been for the Lord on My Side. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux

(c) Jesus You Brought Me All the Way. By Kenneth Louis

(d) Jesus You Brought Me. By Raymond Wise

(e) Order My Steps. By Glenn Burleigh

(f) We Just Want to Praise You. By Yvonne Thomas

(g) When I Rose This Morning. Traditional

(h) Your Grace and Mercy. Text and Tune by Franklin D. Williams. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

7. Songs for Praise Teams
(a) Bless the Lord. By Andraé Crouch. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(b) Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus. By Andraé Crouch

(c) God Has Smiled on Me. By Isaiah Jones. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(d) God Is a Good God. By Keith Hunter. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(e) God Is So Good. Traditional

(f) He's Done So Much for Me. By Theodore R. Frye and Lillian Bowles. Arr. by Nolan Williams

(g) He Has Done Great Things for Me. By Jessy Dixon. Arr. by Stephen Key

(h) I Love You, I Love You, I Love You Lord Today. By William F. Hubbard

(i) I Thank You, Jesus. By Kenneth Morris. Arr. by Joseph Joubert

(j) Lord I Love You Yes I Do. By Raymond Wise

(k) Oh Give Thanks Unto the Lord. By Judith Christie

(l) Oh, What He's Done for Me. Traditional. Arr. by Jimmie Abbington

(m) Satisfied with Jesus. By B.B. McKinney. Tune, (ROUTH).

(n) Thank You Lord. Traditional. Arr. by Stephen Key

8. Anthems for Choirs, Ensembles, or Soloists
(a) O Praise the Lord. By Raymond Wise

(b) The Lord Is My Light. By Frances Allitsen. Arr. by Sumner Salter

(c) I Will Look to the Hills. By Charles Garner

9. Liturgical Dance and Mime Ministry Music
(a) For Every Mountain. By Kurt Carr

(b) I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry. By Richard Smallwood. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(c) I've Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken. By Donald Lawrence

(d) Total Praise. By Richard Smallwood

(e) Trust Me. By Richard Smallwood

10. Modern Songs
(a) Dwell in the House. By Gayle Jones Murphy

(b) Even Me. Arr. by Michael Reid

(c) I'll Be with You Always. By Andraé Crouch

(d) I've Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken. By Donald Lawrence

(e) Trust Me. By Richard Smallwood

11. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Hold to God's Unchanging Hand. By Jennie Wilson. Tune, (UNCHANGING HAND).

(b) I Will Trust in the Lord. Negro Spiritual. Arr. by Jeffrey Radford and Nolan Williams, Jr.

(c) Jesus You Brought Me All the Way. By Kenneth Louis

(d) Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus. By Louisa M. R. Stead. Tune, (TRUST IN JESUS), by William Kirkpatrick

(e) What Shall I Render. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux. Arr. by Stephen Key

(f) You Can't Beat God Giving. By Doris Akers. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton

12. Selections Suitable for Instrumental Performance
(a) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. By Thomas O. Chisholm. Tune, (FAITHFULNESS), by William M. Runyan

(b) How Great Thou Art. Text and Tune, (O STORE GUD), by Stuart K. Hine

(c) My Tribute (To God Be the Glory). Text and Tune, (MY TRIBUTE), by Andraé Crouch

13. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) God Will Take Care of You. By Civilla D. Martin. Tune, (GOD CARES), by W. Stillman Martin

(b) He's Sweet I Know. Traditional. Arr. by Kenneth Louis and Nolan Williams, Jr.

(c) I Don't Feel No Ways Tired. By Curtiss Burrell

(d) I Feel Like Going On. By Andre Woods

(e) I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry. By Richard Smallwood. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(f) I Need Thee Every Hour. By Annie S. Hawkes. Tune, (NEED), by Robert Lowry

(g) Lead Me, Guide Me. By Doris M. Akers

(h) Lord Keep Me Day by Day. By Eddie Williams. Arr. by Valerie A. Foster

(i) Never Alone. Anonymous. Tune, (NEVER ALONE).

(j) No Not One. By Johnson Oatman, Jr. Tune, (HARPER MEMORIAL), by George C. Hugg

(l) Oh, Lord Have Mercy. Traditional. Arr. by Joseph Joubert

(m) Remember Me. Traditional. Arr. by Leon C. Roberts

(n) There's a Bright Side Somewhere. By Betty Hollis. Arr. by Joseph Joubert

(o) What a Friend We Have in Jesus. By Joseph M. Scriven. Tune, (ANNIE LOWERY), Traditional Celtic

14. Sermonic Selection
(a) Order My Steps. By Glenn Burleigh

(b) The Lord Is My Light. By Lillian Bouknight. Arr. by Stephen Key

(c) Walk On Keep the Faith. By Raymond Wise

15. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Amazing Grace. By John Newton. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton

(b) Beams of Heaven. By Charles A. Tindley

(c) Come Unto Jesus. By Charles Nicks

(d) Fix Me, Jesus. Traditional. Arr. by Nolan Williams

(e) God Will Take Care of You. By Civilla D. Martin. Tune, (GOD CARES), by W. Stillman Martin

(f) Hold to God's Unchanging Hand. By Jennie Wilson. Tune, (UNCHANGING HAND).

(g) Keep Me Every Day. By F.L. Eiland. Tune, (EVERY DAY), by Emmet S. Dean

(h) Oh to Be Kept by Jesus. By Thurston Frazier. Arr. by Kenneth Morris

(i) Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus. By Louisa M. R. Stead. Tune, (TRUST IN JESUS), by William Kirkpatrick

(j) We'll Understand It Better By and By. By Charles A.Tindley. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

16. Benediction Song
(a) Always Remember. By Andraé Crouch. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton

(b) God Be with You. By Thomas A. Dorsey. Arr. by Horace Clarence Boyer

(c) God Never Fails. By George Jordan. Arr. by Jeffrey Radford

(d) Hold to God's Unchanging Hand. By Jennie Wilson. Tune, (UNCHANGING HAND), by F.L. Eiland, Arr. by Stephen Key

(e) Let the Church Say Amen. By Andraé Crouch

(f) Standing on the Promises. By R. Kelso Carter. Tune, (PROMISES).

(g) Take the Name of Jesus with You. By Lydia Baxter. Tune, (PRECIOUS NAME), by Williams Doane

(h) The Solid Rock. By Edward Mote. Tune, (SOLID ROCK), by William B. Bradbury

(i) This Little Light of Mine. Traditional. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(j) Total Praise. By Richard Smallwood. Arr. by Stephen Key

(k) We Won't Leave Here Like We Came. By Maceo Woods. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

17. Other Recommendation
(Songs for Children's Voices)
Lessons for Life. By Raymond Wise

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Centering Prayer and Responsive Reading by Rev. Dr. Raymond Wise, Pataskala, Ohio

2. Opening Songs/Processional
(a) Come and Go with Me. Traditional. Arr. by Kenneth Louis
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #596

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #250

Total Praise. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2011. #583

(b) In the Beauty of Holiness. By Nettie L. Sawyer Lester. Arr. by Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #106

Total Praise. #111

(c) We've Come This Far by Faith. By Albert Goodson
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #412

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #225

Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal. New York, NY: Church Publishing Inc., 1993. #208

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. #24

3. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Amazing Grace. By John Newton. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #271

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #173

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #181

(b) Blessed Assurance. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune, (ASSURANCE), by Phoebe P. Knapp
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #508

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #199

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #184

(c) Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. By William Williams. Tune, (ZION), by Thomas Hastings
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #140

National Baptist Publishing Board. The New National Baptist Hymnal. Nashville, TN: National Baptist Pub. Board, 1997. #234

Total Praise. #133

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

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

Total Praise. #164

(e) Higher Ground. By Johnson Oatman, Jr. Tune, (HIGHER GROUND), by Charles H. Gabriel
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #419

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #165

Total Praise. #422

(f) Just a Little Talk with Jesus. Text and Tune, (JUST A LITTLE TALK), by Cleavant Derricks
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #378

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #211

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #83

(g) Leave It There. By Charles A. Tindley. Tune, (LEAVE IT THERE), Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #420

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #161

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #197

(h) My Faith Looks Up to Thee. By Ray Palmer. Tune, (OLIVET), by Lowell Mason
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #456

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #221

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #88

(i) No Never Alone. By Anonymous. Tune, (NEVER ALONE), Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #310

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #127

Total Praise. #302

(j) No Not One. By Johnson Oatman, Jr. Tune, (HARPER MEMORIAL), by George C. Hugg
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #308

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #273

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #90

(k) What a Friend We Have in Jesus. By Joseph M. Scriven. Tune, (CONVERSE), by Charles C. Converse
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #431

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #214

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #109

(l) Yield Not to Temptation. By Horatio R. Palmer. Tune, (YIELD NOT), Arr. by Carl Haywood
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #429

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #174

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #170

4. Songs That Can Be Performed as a Solo in Honor of Seniors, Elders, and Grandparents
(a) Because He Lives. By Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither. Tune, (RESURRECTION), by William J. Gaither. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #281

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #43

Total Praise. #276

(b) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. By Thomas O. Chisolm. Tune, (FAITHFULNESS), by William Runyan
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #158

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #242

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #189

(c) He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Needs. By Dottie Rambo. Tune, (LONDONBERRY AIRE).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #249

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #195

Total Praise. #247

(d) He'll Understand and Say Well Done. By Lucie Campbell
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #413

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #190

Total Praise. #423

(e) He Touched Me. By William J. Gaither
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #273

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #167

Total Praise. #268

(f) His Eye Is on the Sparrow. By Civilla D. Martin. Tune, (SPARROW), by Charles H. Gabriel
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #143

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #186

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #191

(g) I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. By Ira F. Stamphill. Tune, (TOMORROW), Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #415

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #187

Total Praise. #420

(h) It's Real. By H.L. Cox
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #417

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #154

Total Praise. #419

(i) My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me. By W.C. Martin. Tune, (HEAVENLY FATHER), by Charles H. Gabriel. Arr. by J. Jefferson Cleveland and Verolga Nix-Allen
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #144

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #231

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #59

(j) My Tribute. By Andraé Crouch
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #111

Total Praise. #101

(k) Only What You Do for Christ Will Last. By Raymond Rasberry. Tune, (LASTING TREASURES), Arr. by Valerie A. Foster
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #548

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #286

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #403

(l) Precious Lord. By Thomas Dorsey. Tune, (PRECIOUS LORD), by George N. Allen adapted by Thomas A. Dorsey
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #471

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #162

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #106

(m) The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power. By Andraé Crouch. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #256

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #97

Total Praise. #253

(n) The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow. By Thomas A. Dorsey
Location:
Precious Lord: Recordings of the Great Gospel Songs of Thomas A. Dorsey. New York, NY: Columbia, 1973.

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #286

(o) Yes God Is Real. By Kenneth Morris. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #162

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #226

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #209

5. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) I've Been Buked. Arr. by Hall Johnson
Location:
J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
2480 Industrial Boulevard
Paoli, PA 19301
Phone: 1-800-345-6296

Online location: www.jwpepper.com

(b) Done Made My Vow to the Lord. Arr. by Nolan Williams
Location:
New-J Publishing
NEWorks
P. O. Box 4599
Washington, DC 20017
Phone: 1-877-293-9734
Online location: www.neworks.us/

(c) I Opened My Mouth to the Lord. Arr. by Raymond Wise
Location:
Raise Publishing Company
197 Monarch Dr.
Pataskala, OH 43062
Phone: 614-268-5056

Online location: www.raiseonline.com

(d) Give Me Jesus. Arr. by Lela Anderson
Location:
Hinshaw Music, Inc.
P.O. Box 470
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Online location: www.hinshawmusic.com

(e) I'm Determined to Walk with Jesus. Arr. by Raymond Wise
Location:
Raise Publishing Company
Phone: 614-268-5056
Online location: www.raiseonline.com

(f) I Am on the Battlefield for My Lord. By Sylvia Bell and E.V. Banks. Tune, (BATTLEFIELD), Arr. by Joseph Joubert
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #480

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #281

Total Praise. #488

(g) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Traditional. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #563

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #253

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #70

(h) Soon-A Will Be Done. Arr. by William Dawson
Location:
J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
Phone: 1-800-345-6296
Online location: www.jwpepper.com

(i) Soon-A Will Be Done. Arr. by Raymond Wise
Location:
Raise Publishing Company
Phone: 614-268-5056
Online location: www.raiseonline.com

(j) I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me. Traditional. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #237

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #171

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #105

(k) So Glad I'm Here. Traditional. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #305

Total Praise. #291

6. Traditional Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) I Really Love the Lord. Text and Tune by Jimmy Dowell. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #577

Total Praise. #571

(b) If It Had Not Been for the Lord on My Side. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux
Location:
Ultimate Gospel Songbook/Traditional
NTIME Music Company
4913 Albemarle Road #103
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-531-8961

Online location: www.ntimemusic.com

(c) Jesus You Brought Me All the Way. By Kenneth Louis
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: 1-800-442-1358

Online location: www.giamusic.com

(d) Jesus You Brought Me. By Raymond Wise
Location:
Raise Publishing Company
Phone: 614-268-5056
Online location: www.raiseonline.com

(e) Order My Steps. By Glenn Burleigh
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #577

Ultimate Gospel Songbook/Traditional
NTIME Music Company
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: www.ntimemusic.com

(f) We Just Want to Praise You. By Yvonne Thomas
Location:
Yvonne Thomas and the Interdenominational Love Choir. Columbus, OH: Von Thomas Ministries, 1998.

Raise Publishing Company
Phone: 614-268-5056
Online location: www.raiseonline.com

(g) When I Rose This Morning. Traditional
Location:
Mississippi Mass Choir. I'll See You in the Rapture. Jackson, MS: Malaco Records, 1996.

(h) Your Grace and Mercy. Text and Tune by Franklin D. Williams. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #270

Total Praise. #265

7. Songs for Praise Teams
(a) Bless the Lord. By Andraé Crouch. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #105

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #200

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #65

(b) Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus. By Andraé Crouch
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #384

Total Praise. #373

(c) God Has Smiled on Me. By Isaiah Jones. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #152

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #185

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #52

(d) God Is a Good God. By Keith Hunter. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #151

Total Praise. #148

(e) God Is So Good. Traditional
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #156

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #188

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #214

(f) He's Done So Much for Me. By Theodore R. Frye and Lillian Bowles. Arr. by Nolan Williams
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #511

Total Praise. #506

(g) He Has Done Great Things for Me. By Jessy Dixon. Arr. by Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #507

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #289

Total Praise. #503

(h) I Love You, I Love You, I Love You Lord Today. By William F. Hubbard
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #580

Total Praise. #577

(i) I Thank You, Jesus. By Kenneth Morris. Arr. by Joseph Joubert
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #532

Total Praise. #526

(j) Lord I Love You Yes I Do. By Raymond Wise
Location:
Raise Publishing Company
Phone: 614-268-5056
Online location: www.raiseonline.com

(k) Oh Give Thanks Unto the Lord. By Judith Christie
Location:
McAlister, Judith Christie. Send Judah First. Los Angeles, CA: Judah Music, 2007

Online location: http://www.myspace.com/judithmcallister

(l) Oh, What He's Done for Me. Traditional. Arr. by Jimmie Abbington
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #154

(m) Satisfied with Jesus. By B.B. McKinney. Tune, (ROUTH).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #372

Total Praise. #374

(n) Thank You Lord. Traditional. Arr. by Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #531

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #206

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #232

8. Anthems for Choirs, Ensembles, or Soloists
(a) O Praise the Lord. By Raymond Wise
Location:
Raise Publishing Company
Phone: 614-268-5056
Online location: www.raiseonline.com

(b) The Lord Is My Light. By Frances Allitsen. Arr. by Sumner Salter
Location:
J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
Phone: 1-800-345-6296
Online location: www.jwpepper.com

(c) I Will Look to the Hills. By Charles Garner
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

9. Liturgical Dance and Mime Ministry Music
(a) For Every Mountain. By Kurt Carr
Location:
Gospo Classics, Vol.1. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric Records, 2005.

(b) I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry. By Richard Smallwood. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #395

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #238

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #67

(c) I've Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken. By Donald Lawrence
Location:
Lawrence, Donald and the Tri-City Singers. Finale: Act One. Brentwood, TN: EMI, 2006.

(d) Total Praise. By Richard Smallwood
Location:
Smallwood, Richard and Vision. Adoration: Live in Atlanta. New York, NY: Verity, 1996.

(e) Trust Me. By Richard Smallwood
Location:
Smallwood, Richard and Vision. Promises. New York, NY: Verity, 2011.

10. Modern Songs
(a) Dwell in the House. By Gayle Jones Murphy
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(b) Even Me. Arr. by Michael Reid
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(c) I'll Be with You Always. By Andraé Crouch
Location:
The Journey. Sherman Oaks, CA: Riverflo, 2012.

(d) I've Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken. By Donald Lawrence
Location:
Lawrence, Donald and the Tri-City Singers. Finale: Act One. Brentwood, TN: EMI, 2006.

(e) Trust Me. By Richard Smallwood
Location:
Smallwood, Richard and Vision. Promises. New York, NY: Verity, 2011.

11. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Hold to God's Unchanging Hand. By Jennie Wilson. Tune, (UNCHANGING HAND).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #404

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #248

Total Praise. #421

(b) I Will Trust in the Lord. Negro Spiritual. Arr. by Jeffrey Radford and Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #391

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #232

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #193

(c) Jesus You Brought Me All the Way. By Kenneth Louis
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(d) Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus. By Louisa M. R. Stead. Tune, (TRUST IN JESUS), by William Kirkpatrick
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #368

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #236

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #108

(e) What Shall I Render. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux. Arr. by Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #389

Total Praise. #403

(f) You Can't Beat God Giving. By Doris Akers. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #671

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #383

Total Praise. #652

12. Selections Suitable for Instrumental Performance
(a) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. By Thomas O. Chisholm. Tune, (FAITHFULNESS), by William M. Runyan
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #158

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #242

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #189

(b) How Great Thou Art. Text and Tune, (O STORE GUD), by Stuart K. Hine
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #148

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #181

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #60

(c) My Tribute (To God Be the Glory). By Andraé Crouch. Tune, (MY TRIBUTE), by Andraé Crouch
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #111

Total Praise. #101

13. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) God Will Take Care of You. By Civilla D. Martin. Tune, (GOD CARES), by W. Stillman Martin
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #137

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #183

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #183

(b) He's Sweet I Know. Traditional. Arr. by Kenneth Louis and Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #510

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #224

Total Praise. #509

(c) I Don't Feel No Ways Tired. By Curtiss Burrell
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #414

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #159

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #199

(d) I Feel Like Going On. By Andre Woods
Location:
Pringle, Keith. I Feel Like On. Newark, NJ: Savoy Records, 1982.

(e) I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry. By Richard Smallwood. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #395

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #238

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #67

(f) I Need Thee Every Hour. By Annie S. Hawkes. Tune, (NEED), by Robert Lowry
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #451

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #192

Total Praise. #441

(g) Lead Me, Guide Me. By Doris M. Akers
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #474

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #168

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #194

(h) Lord Keep Me Day by Day. By Eddie Williams. Arr. by Valerie A. Foster
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #129

Total Praise. #127

(i) Never Alone. By Anonymous. Tune, (NEVER ALONE).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #310

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #127

Total Praise. #302

(j) No Not One. By Johnson Oatman, Jr. Tune, (HARPER MEMORIAL), by George C. Hugg
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #308

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #273

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #90

(l) Oh, Lord Have Mercy. Traditional. Arr. by Joseph Joubert
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #448

Total Praise. #462

(m) Remember Me. Traditional. Arr. by Leon C. Roberts
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #434

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #209

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #179

(n) There's a Bright Side Somewhere. By Betty Hollis. Arr. by Joseph Joubert
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #411

Total Praise. #415

(o) What a Friend We Have in Jesus, By Joseph M. Scriven. Tune, (ANNIE LOWERY), Traditional Celtic
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #430

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #214

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #109

14. Sermonic Selection
(a) Order My Steps. By Glenn Burleigh
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #333

(b) The Lord Is My Light. By Lillian Bouknight. Arr. by Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #160

Total Praise. #328

(c) Walk On Keep the Faith. By Raymond Wise
Location:
Raise Publishing Company
Phone: 614-268-5056
Online location: www.raiseonline.com

15. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Amazing Grace. By John Newton. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #271

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #173

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #181

(b) Beams of Heaven. By Charles A. Tindley
Location:
NTIME Music Company
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: www.ntimemusic.com

(c) Come Unto Jesus. By Charles Nicks
Location:
New Wine in Old Wineskins
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(d) Fix Me, Jesus. Traditional. Arr. by Nolan Williams
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #436

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #314

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #125

(e) God Will Take Care of You. By Civilla D. Martin. Tune, (GOD CARES), by W. Stillman Martin
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #137

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #183

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #183

(f) Hold to God's Unchanging Hand. By Jennie Wilson. Tune, (UNCHANGING HAND).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #404

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #248

Total Praise. #421

(g) Keep Me Every Day. By F.L. Eiland. Tune, (EVERY DAY), by Emmet S. Dean
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #433

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #124

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #173

(h) Oh to Be Kept by Jesus. By Thurston Frazier. Arr. by Kenneth Morris
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #423

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #318

Total Praise. #437

(i) Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus. By Louisa M. R. Stead. Tune, (TRUST IN JESUS), by William Kirkpatrick
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #368

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #236

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #108

(j) We'll Understand It Better By and By. By Charles A.Tindley. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #418

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #207

Total Praise. #417

16. Benediction Song
(a) Always Remember. By Andraé Crouch. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Currenton
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #640

Total Praise. #624

(b) God Be with You. By Thomas A. Dorsey. Arr. by Horace Clarence Boyer
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #639

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #308

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #234

(c) God Never Fails. By George Jordan. Arr. by Jeffrey Radford
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #159

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #224

Total Praise. #151

(d) Hold to God's Unchanging Hand. By Jennie Wilson. Tune, (UNCHANGING HAND), by F.L. Eiland, Arr. by Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #404

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #248

Total Praise. #421

(e) Let the Church Say Amen. By Andraé Crouch
Location:
Crouch, Andraé. The Journey. Sherman Oaks, CA: Riverflo, 2012.

(f) Standing on the Promises. By R. Kelso Carter. Tune, (PROMISES).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #373

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #279

Total Praise. #386

(g) Take the Name of Jesus with You. By Lydia Baxter. Tune, (PRECIOUS NAME), by Williams Doane
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #297

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #261

Total Praise. #299

(h) The Solid Rock. By Edward Mote. Tune, (SOLID ROCK), by William B. Bradbury
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #385

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #99

Total Praise. #377

(i) This Little Light of Mine. Traditional. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #549

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #190

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #222

(j) Total Praise. By Richard Smallwood. Arr. by Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #113

Total Praise. #100

(k) We Won't Leave Here Like We Came. By Maceo Woods. Arr. by Nolan Williams Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #407

Total Praise. #424

17. Other Recommendation
(Songs for Children's Voices)
Lessons for Life. By Raymond Wise
Location:
Raise Kids. More Gospel Songs for Children's Voices. Columbus, OH: Raise Records, 1997.

Raise Publishing Company
Phone: 614-268-5056
Online location: www.raiseonline.com
     

 

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