Worship Resources



The Harlem Gospel Choir The Gospel in 4 Minutes by
Sho Baraka
Unashamed Mime Troupe

CHOIR AND WORSHIP ARTS DAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, August 12, 2012

W. Patrick Alston, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Minister of Music, Douglas Memorial Community Church, Baltimore, MD

Worship Planning Notes

Our music ministries have grown into fine arts ministries because they include various performing arts. The lection Scripture at verses seventeen and eighteen reads:

(v. 17) O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. (v. 18) So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come.

This Scripture presents an opportunity for a corporate worship experience that crosses generational boundaries. On Choir and Worship Arts Day your congregation should see a unified multi-generational fine arts ministry in action.

First, for this special worship experience, work with your pastors to create a scripted order of worship that features all of the mediums of your music and arts ministry. Because the order of worship is scripted, it should flow seamlessly as does a stage production.

Next, I challenge you to do something that transcends the normal worship paradigm of your church. For example, if your church does not sing hymns, anthems, or traditional gospel music, let this be the occasion that you do. Incorporate some traditional songs in your praise and worship segment, or try to sing an anthem. There is an anthem in a gospel style in the anthem section of this lectionary entry. It was written by Craig Hayes and would be an effective selection for your choir. If your church is primarily traditional, let this be the occasion where you incorporate some contemporary songs.

The idea for everyone is that your worship be different and yet professional. In too many instances our churches are becoming too segregated because we have so many choices and so much diversity in our worship and arts ministries.

Also, worship should be corporate. It is important that our congregations see young people leading in the singing of the hymns, anthems, spirituals, and traditional songs of our faith while the older members engage in the current mediums of praise and worship, dance, and spoken word too. Our older generations must teach the young, and both generations need to be present and available for the exchange of ideas. In Psalm 33 it says, “The anointing flows when there is unity.” It is then we can praise the Lord in spirit and in truth, and the world will know that we are Christians by our love.

1. Litany

O Lord, we gather today declaring that this is the day that you have made and we are glad.

We rejoice at your divine invitation to come before your presence with singing.

Create a clean heart in all of us, O God, that we may stand to declare that your name is Holy.

For you are Holy, and your name is hallowed in this place.

We thank you for the gifts of song, dance, spoken word, poetry, mime, drama, and instruments.

It is right to give thanks and praise, for you alone are worthy.

As we enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise, we are thankful, and we will bless your name.

From one generation to another we declare that you are good, your mercy is everlasting, and your truth endures to all.

Let us serve the Lord with gladness and declare his marvelous deeds.

Come we who love the Lord, and let our joys be known. Join in a song as a sweet-smelling savor as we dance around the throne, for it is right to give thanks and praise. Hallelujah!

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) In the Beauty of Holiness. By Nettie L. Sawyer. Arr. by Stephen Key

(b) We’ve Come to Worship You. By Stephen Key

(c) God of Wisdom, Truth, and Beauty. By Jane Parker Huber. Tune, (HYMN TO JOY), by Ludwig V. Beethoven

(d) Let All the People Praise Thee. By Mrs. C. H. Morris

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Lead Me, Guide Me. By Doris M. Akers

(b) I Will Trust in the Lord. Traditional. Arr. by Jefferson Cleveland

(c) Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel. Negro Spiritual. Arr. by Moses Hogan

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Who Is Like the Lord. By Israel Houghton

(b) No Weapon. By Fred Hammond

(c) Church Medley. Arr. by Donnie McClurkin

(d) Precious Jesus. By Thomas Whitfield

5. Liturgical Dance or Mime Ministry Music
(a) Alabaster Box. By Janice Sjostan

(b) I Am the One. By Kurt Carr

6. Anthems
(a) Magnify the Lord. By Virgie Carrie DeWitty

(b) O Give Thanks. By Craig Hayes. This song is a gospel song in style and not a traditional classical choral octavo.

(c) The Majesty and Glory of Your Name. By Tom Fettke. For SATB choir and organ or piano

(d) Lord We Give Thanks to Thee. By Undine Smith Moore. For SATB choir a cappella

7. Modern Songs
(a) Hallelujah Is thae Highest Praise. By Marcus Smith

(b) If You Praise Me. By James Hall

(c) Release Your Power. By James Hall

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Lord, I Thank You. By Rudolph Stansfield

(b) Peace and Favor. By Kirk Carr

(c) In Everything Give Thanks. By Lashun Pace

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Thank You for Hearing Our Prayer. By Stephen Key

(b) Thank You, Lord. Arr. by J. Jefferson Cleveland and Verolga Nix

(c) Just a Little Talk with Jesus. By Cleavant Derricks

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) No Weapon. By Franklin Holt

(b) Magnify. By Teresa Hairston

(c) The Heavens Are Telling. By Donald Lawrence

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Thank You Lord. By Seth and Bessie Sykes

(b) Speak to My Heart. By Donnie McClurkin

(c) Come Unto Jesus. By Charles Nicks, Jr.

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) Praise Him. By Donnie Harper

(b) Make Our Church One Joyful Choir. By Thomas Troeger. Tune, (DIX), arr. from Conrad Kocher by William H. Monk

(c) Praise Him! Praise Him! By Fanny J. Crosby

(d) Always Remember. By Andraé Crouch

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Litany By W. Patrick Alston, Sr.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) In the Beauty of Holiness. By Nettie L. Sawyer Lester. Arr. by Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #106

(b) We’ve Come to Worship You. By Stephen Key
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #107

(c) God of Wisdom, Truth, and Beauty. By Jane Parker Huber. Tune, (HYMN TO JOY), by Ludwig V. Beethoven
Location:
Abbington, James W., ed. New Wine in Old Wineskins: A Contemporary Congregational Song Supplement, vol. 1. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2007. #23

(d) Let All the People Praise Thee. by Mrs. C. H. Morris
Location:
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. #14

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #83

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2001. #11

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Lead Me, Guide Me. by Doris M. Akers
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #474

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

Boyer, Horace Clarence. Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal. New York, NY: Church Pub., 1993. #194

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #233

(b) I Will Trust in the Lord. Traditional. Arr. by Jefferson Cleveland
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #391

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #285

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #333

(c) Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel. Negro Spiritual. Arr. by Moses Hogan
Location:
Distributed by Hal Leonard Corporation
J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
2480 Industrial Boulevard
Paoli, PA 19301
Phone: 1-800-345-6296
Online location: www.jwpepper.com

Sheet Music Plus
1300 64th Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone: 1-800-743-3868
Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Who Is Like the Lord. by Israel Houghton
Location:
Houghton, Israel. New Season with Israel Houghton and New Breed. New York, NY: Sony, 2001.

(b) No Weapon. By Fred Hammond
Location:
Spirit of David. New York, NY: Verity, 1997.

(c) Church Medley. Arr. by Donnie McClurkin
Location:
Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs. New York, NY: Zomba, 2005.

(d) Precious Jesus. By Thomas Whitfield
Location:
Overture to Worship. New York, NY: Verity, 1999.

5. Liturgical Dance or Mime Ministry Music
(a) Alabaster Box. By Janice Sjostan
Location:
Winans, CeCe. For Always: The Best of CeCe Winans. Brentwood, TN: EMI Gospel, 2010.

(b) I Am the One. By Kurt Carr
Location:
Carr, Kurt and the Kurt Carr Singers. Just the Beginning. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 2008.

6. Anthems
(a) Magnify the Lord. By Virgie Carrie DeWitty
Location:
National Baptist Publishing Board. The New National Baptist Hymnal. Nashville, TN:
National Baptist Pub. Board, 1981. #520

(b) O Give Thanks. By Craig Hayes. This song is a gospel song in style and not a traditional classical choral octavo.
Location:
Walker, Hezekiah and LFC. Souled Out. New York, NY: Verity, 2008.

Sheet music and album music book available from Norwood Publishing
NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
4913 Albemarle Road #103
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-531-8961

Online location: www.ntimemusic.com

(c) The Majesty and Glory of Your Name. By Tom Fettke. For SATB choir and organ or piano
Location:
Published by Word Music
Sheet Music Plus
Phone: 1-800-743-3868
Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com

J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
Phone: 1-800-345-6296
Online location: www.jwpepper.com

(d) Lord We Give Thanks to Thee. By Undine Smith Moore. For SATB choir a cappella
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358

Online location: www.giamusic.com

7. Modern Songs
(a) Hallelujah Is the Highest Praise. By Marcus Smith
Location:
Divine Voices of Praise. Be Still and Know. Baltimore, MD: Arc Church, 2008.

(b) If You Praise Me. By James Hall
Location:
Hall, James and The Voices of Citadel. Won’t It Be Wonderful. New York, NY: Music blend, 2009.

(c) Release Your Power. By James Hall
Location:
Hall, James and The Voices of Citadel. Won’t It Be Wonderful. New York, NY: Music blend, 2009.

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Lord, I Thank You. By Rudolph Stansfield
Location:
Anderson Sanctuary Choir. Joyful Praise. Jackson, MS: Malaco, 2004.

(b) Peace and Favor. By Kurt Carr
Location:
Carr, Kurt and the Kurt Carr Singers. Just the Beginning. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 2008.

Sheet Music Available from Norwood Music Publishing
NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: www.ntimemusic.com

(c) In Everything Give Thanks. By Lashun Pace
Location:
Shekinah Glory. Jackson, TN: Savoy, 1993.

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Thank You for Hearing Our Prayer. By Stephen Key
Location:
Abbington, James W., ed. New Wine in Old Wineskins: A Contemporary Congregational Song Supplement, vol. 2. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2010. #57

(b) Thank You, Lord. Arr. by J. Jefferson Cleveland and Verolga Nix
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #531

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

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #232

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #324

(c) Just a Little Talk with Jesus. By Cleavant Derricks
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #378

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #339

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #83

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) No Weapon. By Franklin Holt
Location:
Williams, Zak and 1 Akord. The Declaration: Live from Philly. Philadelphia, PA: 1/A Muzik Group, 2006.

New Wine in Old Wineskins, vol. 2. #59

(b) Magnify. By Teresa Hairston
Location:
Hairston, Teresa. Gospel Today Magazine Presents: Praise and Worship 2002. New York, NY: Verity, 2002.

(c) The Heavens Are Telling. By Donald Lawrence
Location:
Clark-Sheard, Karen. The Heavens Are Telling. New York, NY: Elektra, 2003.

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Thank You Lord. By Seth and Bessie Sykes
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #536

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #323

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #474

(b) Speak to My Heart. By Donnie McClurkin
Location:
The Essential Donnie. New York, NY: Verity, 2007.

(c) Come Unto Jesus. By Charles Nicks, Jr.
Location:
New Wine in Old Wineskins, vol. 2. #9

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) Praise Him. By Donnie Harper
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #172

Lift Every Voice and Sing II. #98

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #24

(b) Make Our Church One Joyful Choir. By Thomas Troeger. Tune, (DIX), arr. from Conrad Kocher by William H. Monk
Location:
New Wine in Old Wineskins, vol. 2. #38

(c) Praise Him! Praise Him! By Fanny J. Crosby
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #178

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #19

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #4

(d) Always Remember. By Andraé Crouch
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #640