 
ELECTION DAY
MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Kimberly Knight, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Worship Leader, Capitol Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, Washington, D.C.
Worship Planning Notes
Our goal as worship leaders is to extol the character of God as the litmus test for every aspect of our lives, including how we select our leaders. The end result of our worship planning for this and all services must be that God is presented as the only way, our Sovereign Creator, and the one unto whom we give our highest allegiance.
1. Invocation or Litany
(a) Invocation: A Prayer for Election Day
Lord God of all creation, you rule and judge all nations, you scatter the arrogant of mind and heart, you cast down rulers from their thrones and raise up the lowly. It is time to elect those who will serve in our government. The signs of these times that we must discern are tragic and unjust; the culture of death that afflicts all people is powerful.
Open our eyes to see your reign in history, our hearts to share your love with all people,
and our ears to hear the cry of the widow, the orphan, and the stranger among us. We thank you for all who lead in caring for poor and the rejected; give us more compassion. Send your Holy Spirit upon the people of this land. Teach us to make wise and prudent decisions. Increase our faith and hope. Help us to live the Gospel we profess.
May all who are elected in this season do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly before you and all people. We ask for these blessings, confident in your providence through all time, through your son, Jesus Christ, Redeemer and Savior. Amen.
(b) Litany: So You Wanna Be First – First Seek THE ONE
| Leader: |
Today we cast our votes for the highest office of this land. But we look to the hills from whence cometh our help, to our Jehovah Elohim—Lord God of heaven and earth—and we say to our candidates: |
| Congregation: |
So you wanna be first – first seek THE ONE!
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| Leader: |
We seek candidates with godly integrity, honor, wisdom, strength of character, discernment, and compassion towards the poor and oppressed. And we know that all good things come of thee, O Lord. |
| Congregation: |
So you wanna be first – first seek THE ONE!
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| Leader: |
We look to our leaders for policies that are consistent with the principles of God’s grace and justice, and we admonish them to seek the face of God and wisdom that comes only from God. |
| Congregation: |
So you wanna be first – first seek THE ONE!
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| Leader: |
We say to our leaders, Let this mind be in you which also was in Christ Jesus. Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all that he has in store for you will be added. |
| Congregation: |
So you wanna be first – first seek THE ONE!
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| Leader: |
As Christians and disciples of Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to make our voting decisions in light of his teachings and commandments. |
| Congregation: |
So you wanna be first – first seek THE ONE!
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| Leader: |
As followers of Christ, we participate in the political process with a view toward eternity. For the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein. |
| All: |
So you wanna be first – first seek THE ONE!
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| Leader: |
As inhabitors of the earth, we will render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. |
| Congregation: |
So you wanna be first – first seek THE ONE!
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| Leader: |
We will not leave here today without offering our sacrifice of time, tithe, and praise to the One to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that you are Lord! |
| All: |
So we say to our electoral candidates, and to all creatures made by the Creator: So you wanna be first – first seek THE ONE! |
Choral Processional
(a) He Is King of Kings. By Undine Smith Moore. For SATB (with divisi), solo, optional brass sextet, and percussion
(b)Procession of the Levites (Orchestral Prelude) and Anthem of Praise. By Richard Smallwood
2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) In Times of Great Decision: A Hymn Before Election Day. By Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune, (AURELIA), by Samuel Sebastian Wesley
(b) Father, Help Your People. By Fred Kaan. Tune, (WHITWORTH), by Walter MacNutt
(c) Come, Ye Thankful People (Come). By Henry Alford. Tune, (ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR), by George J. Elvey
(d) Anthem of Unity. By John Ness Beck. For SATB and congregation
(e) The Church’s One Foundation. By Samuel J. Stone. Tune, (AURELIA), by Samuel S. Wesley
3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Go Where I Send Thee. By Uzee Brown, Jr. For SATB
(b) Seek the Lord. By Glenn L. Jones. For SATB and soprano solo
(c) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. By Colin Lett. For SSAATTBB, solo
4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) I’m Willing Lord. By Emmett S. Dean
(b) Lord, Make Me an Instrument. By M. Roger Holland, II. For SATB
5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Coronation Overture (Orchestral Prelude) and Coronation. By Richard Smallwood
(b) You Alone Are God. By Rodney Hubbard
6. Anthems
(a) Once to Every Man and Nation. By James Russell Lowell. Arr. By David Stanley York. For SATB and organ
(b) The Name of Jesus. By Craig Courtney. For SATB, a capella, and features hand drum and clapping. This song would also be great for a processional.
(c) Coronation. By Craig Courtney. For SATB, with optional french horn, trumpet/trombone, or full orchestration
(d) The Church’s One Foundation. By Samuel Wesley. Arr. By Roger Holland, II. For SATB, Organ and optional Brass
7. Modern Songs
(a) Coronation. By Richard Smallwood
(b) God Is in Control. By James Hall 
8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) What Shall I Render? By Margaret Pleasant Douroux
(b) All Good Things Will Be Added unto You. By Shelton Becton
9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Prayer for Leadership (On Election Day and Other Times). By Joan D. Chittister, OSB
Give us, O God,
leaders whose hearts are large enough
to match the breadth of our own souls,
and give us souls strong enough
to follow leaders of vision and wisdom.
In seeking a leader,
let us seek more than development for ourselves —
though development we hope for,
more than security for our own land —
though security we need,
more than satisfaction for our wants —
though many things we desire.
Give us the hearts to choose
the leader who will work with other
leaders to bring safety to the whole world.
Give us leaders
who lead this nation to virtue
without seeking to impose our kind of virtue
on the virtue of others.
Give us a government
that provides for the advancement of this country
without taking resources from others
to achieve it.
Give us insight enough to choose
leaders those who can tell strength from power,
growth from greed, leadership from dominance,
and real greatness from the trappings of grandiosity.
We trust you, Great God,
to open our hearts to learn from those
to whom you speak in different tongues
and to respect the life and words
of those to whom you entrusted
the good of other parts of this globe.
We beg you, Great God,
give us the vision as a people
to know where global leadership truly lies,
to pursue it diligently,
and to require it to protect human rights
for everyone everywhere.
We ask these things, Great God,
with minds open to your word
and hearts that trust in your eternal care.
Amen.
Prayer Music
(b) Show Me the Way. By Willie Neal Johnson
This is a wonderful quartet selection, or song for a male chorus.
(c) Choose Me. By Daniel Austin
10. Sermonic Selection
(a) More Love to Thee (Medley). By Joseph Joubert
(b) In My Father’s House. By Craig Courtney. For SATB
11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Give Yourself to Jesus. By Robert Fryson
(b) Give Me Jesus. Spiritual. Arr. By Howard Helvy. For SATB, with flute
12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) (We’re) Marching to Zion. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (MARCHING TO ZION), by Robert Lowry
(b) A Charge to Keep I Have. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (BOYSTON), by Lowell Mason
13. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Voting poll signs can be shown on screens. Images of voting booths, voting conventions, sample ballots, ballot boxes, African Americans voting, etc., would also be good to use.
(b) A humorous quotation: The following can be displayed on screens or in the bulletin:
An African American divine was once asked to explain the doctrine of election.
Said he, “Brethren it is this way: The Lord is always voting for man; and the Devil is always voting against man; then the man himself votes and that breaks the tie.
- Author unknown
(c) During the Offertory Period, while holding signs (see d below), members of the drama team can canvass the congregation and pass out ballots (see 14.a) if ballots were not passed out as people entered.
(d) Other ideas for signs/screens are slogans followed by scriptural references:
VOTE NOW!
Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for
me and my house we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
GIVE AN OFFERING
Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. (Matthew 22:21)
LET HIS VOICE BE HEARD!
Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your heart. (Hebrews 4:7)
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?
If God be for us, who can be against us! (Romans 8:31)
14. Other Recommendations
Candidate Ballot - Sample ballots can be created and distributed (by ushers and greeters) as people arrive or during the Offertory Period. These candidate ballots can list the qualities we as followers of Christ should consider when selecting leaders. Develop a half-page “candidate ballot” using the list below:
- Attentive to God’s Voice
John 10:3 - The watchman opens the door for this man, and the sheep listen to his voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings them out.
- Blameless and Harmless
Philippians 2:15 - That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guiltless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights in the [dark] world…
- Bold
Proverbs 28:1 - The wicked shall flee when no man pursues them, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
- Contrite
Isaiah 57:15; 66:2 - For thus says the high and lofty One--he who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, but with him also who is of a thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the thoroughly penitent…
- Faithful
Revelation 17:14 - They will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them; for he is Lord of lords and King of kings- -and those with him and on his side are chosen and called [elected] and loyal and faithful followers.
- Fears the Lord
Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
- Follows Christ
John 10:27 - The sheep that are my own hear and are listening to my voice; and I know them, and they follow me.
- Prays
Ephesians 6:17-18 - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and
supplication for all saints;
- Guileless
John 1:47 - Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said concerning him,
See! Here is an Israelite indeed [a true descendant of Jacob], in whom there is no
guile nor deceit nor falsehood nor duplicity.
- Holy
Deuteronomy 7:6 - For you are a holy and set-apart people to the Lord your God;
the Lord your God has chosen you to be a special people to himself out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.
Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed
*Special thanks to Reverend Leroy Elliott of Chicago, Illinois for the use of his version of “A Change Is Going to Come.”
1. Invocation or Litany
(a) Invocation: – A Prayer for Election Day. This prayer is a paraphrased version of A Prayer for Election Day obtained from Access to Catholic Social Justice Teaching. Publisher: Archbishop Oscar Romero Catholic Worker House, 1524 NW 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. www.justpeace.org accessed 10 July, 2008. Used with permission.
(b) Litany: So You Wanna Be First – First Seek THE ONE! By Michelle Riley Jones, Washington, D.C.
Choral Processional
(a) He Is King of Kings. By Undine Smith Moore. For SATB (with divisi), solo, optional brass sextet, and percussion
Location: GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
(b) Procession of the Levites (Orchestral Prelude) and Anthem of Praise. By Richard Smallwood
Location: Smallwood, Richard & Vision. Persuaded - Live in DC. New York, NY: Zomba Recording Corporation, 2001.
2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) In Times of Great Decision: A Hymn Before Election Day. By Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune, (AURELIA), by Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Location:
The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship
P.O. Box 340003
Nashville TN 37203-0003
Phone: 615-340-7070
Online location: www.umcworship.org
(b) Father, Help Your People. By Fred Kaan. Tune, (WHITWORTH), by Walter MacNutt
Location:
Christian Reformed Church. Psalter Hymnal: Including the Psalms, Bible Songs, Hymns, Ecumenical Creeds, Doctrinal Standards, and Liturgical Forms of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Grand Rapids, MI: CRC Publications, 1987. #607
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1985. #353
(c) Come, Ye Thankful People (Come). By Henry Alford. Tune, (ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR), by s George J. Elvey
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #194
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. Charlotte, NC: A.M.E. Zion Publishing House, 1957. #243
Christian Reformed Church. Psalter Hymnal. #502
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #327
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #557
(d) Anthem of Unity. By John Ness Beck. For SATB and congregation
Location:
Beckenhorst Press
960 Old Henderson Road
Columbus, OH 43220
Phone: 614-451-6461
Online location: www.beckenhorstpress.com
(e) The Church’s One Foundation. By Samuel J. Stone. Tune, (AURELIA), by Samuel S. Wesley
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #337
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #304
Christian Reformed Church. Psalter Hymnal. #502
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #297
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #348
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. #88
3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Go Where I Send Thee. By Uzee Brown, Jr. For SATB
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Sample Score for TTBB: http://www.giamusic.com/searchPDFS/G5778.pdf
(b) Seek the Lord. By Glenn L. Jones. For SATB and soprano solo
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Sample Score: http://www.giamusic.com/searchPDFS/G6025.pdf
(c) I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. By Colin Lett. For SSAATTBB, solo
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Sample Score: http://www.giamusic.com/searchPDFS/G6242.pdf
4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) I’m Willing Lord. By Emmett S. Dean
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Sample Score: http://www.giamusic.com/searchPDFS/G6130.pdf
(b) Lord, Make Me an Instrument. By M. Roger Holland, II. For SATB
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) He Is King of Kings. By Undine Smith Moore. For SATB (with divisi), solo, optional brass sextet, and percussion
Location:
Smallwood, Richard & Vision. Persuaded - Live in DC. New York, NY: Zomba Recording Corporation, 2001.
(b) You Alone Are God. By Rodney Hubbard
Location:
Sapp, Marvin. Diary of a Psalmist. New York, NY: Verity, 2003.
6. Anthems
(a) Once to Every Man and Nation. By James Russell Lowell. Arr. By David Stanley York. For SATB and organ
Location:
Sheet Music Plus
300 64th Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone: 1-800-743-3868
Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com
Sample Score: http://gfxc.smpgfx.com/Look-Inside/large/1838427_01.jpg
(b) The Name of Jesus. By Craig Courtney. For SATB, a capella, and features hand drum and clapping. This song would also be great for a processional.
Location:
Beckenhorst Press
Phone: 614-451-6461
Online location: www.beckenhorstpress.com
(c) Coronation. By Craig Courtney. For SATB, with optional french horn, trumpet/trombone, or full orchestration
Location:
Beckenhorst Press
Phone: 614-451-6461
Online location: www.beckenhorstpress.com
Audio Sample: http://www.beckenhorstpress.com/audio/1273.mp3
(d) The Church’s One Foundation. By Samuel Wesley. Arr. By Roger Holland, II. For SATB, Organ and optional Brass
Location:
Sheet Music Plus
Phone: 1-800-743-3868
Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com
7. Modern Songs
(a) Coronation. By Richard Smallwood
Location:
Smallwood, Richard & Vision. Persuaded - Live in DC. New York, NY: Zomba Recording Corporation, 2001.
(b) God Is in Control. By James Hall
Location:
The Best of James Hall & Worship and Praise. Nashville, TN: Compendia, 2000.
8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) He Is King of Kings. By Undine Smith Moore. For SATB (with divisi), solo, optional brass sextet, and percussion
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #389
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #346
(b) All Good Things Will Be Added unto You. By Shelton Becton
Location:
RaeBec Publishing Corporation
c/o Shelton Becton
919 Park Place
Suite 5 F
Brooklyn, NY 11213-1809
9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
Prayer
(a) Prayer for Leadership (On Election Day and Other Times). By Joan D. Chittister, OSB
Prayer Music
(b) Show Me the Way. By Willie Neal Johnson
Location:
7 Sons of Soul. New York, NY: Zomba Recording Corporation, 2004.
(c) Choose Me. By Daniel Austin
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Sample Audio: http://www.giamusic.com/mp3s/5843.mp3
Sample Score: http://www.giamusic.com/searchPDFS/G5843.pdf
10. Sermonic Selection
(a) More Love to Thee (Medley). By Joseph Joubert
Medley of "More Love to Thee," "O How I Love Jesus," "My Jesus, I Love Thee," "Is There Anybody Here," and " My Soul Loves Jesus."
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Sample Score: http://www.giamusic.com/searchPDFS/G5843.pdf
(b) In My Father’s House. By Craig Courtney. For SATB
Location:
Beckenhorst Press
Phone: 614-451-6461
Online location: www.beckenhorstpress.com
11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Give Yourself to Jesus. By Robert Fryson
Location:
Franklin, Aretha. Amazing Grace -The Complete Recordings. New York, NY: Atlantic Records, 1999.
(b) Give Me Jesus. Spiritual. Arr. By Howard Helvy. For SATB, with flute
Location:
Beckenhorst Press
Phone: 614-451-6461
Online location: www.beckenhorstpress.com
12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) (We’re) Marching to Zion. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (MARCHING TO ZION), by Robert Lowry
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #590
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #648
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #366
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #422
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #21
(b) A Charge to Keep I Have. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (BOYSTON), by Lowell Mason
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #468
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Hymnal. #439
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #436
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #330
13. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Voting site signs for screens - A good source for photos and images for screens is:
IStockPhoto - www.istockphoto.com.
(b) Humorous. Author unknown. The Sunday School Times and Gospel Herald. Cleveland, OH: Union Gospel Press, Winter, 1968.
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