The African American Lectionary

Worship Resources

^*Langston Hughes (1902-1963) reading his poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"

ARTS DAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Sharon L. Fuller, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Minister of Music, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC, and founder, B.O.S.S. Ministries Incorporated

Worship Planning Notes

By employing art in worship, congregations may learn to:

- comprehend, appreciate, and value theological proclamation through the visual;
- participate in the creation of a work, where the artist designs, but the members complete (needlepoint tapestry, for example);
- discover deeper meanings of liturgical seasons and other special times (learn history through an Advent Banner for example);
- accept and expect cutting-edge, prophetic, artistic work.

Churches may employ various arts in worship, including:

- music
- drama
- spoken word, choral readings, and reader’s theatre, etc.
- dance (liturgical, hip hop, step teams, etc.)
- mime and signing arts (sign choirs)
- graphic arts
- flags and banners
- the use of sculpture or ornamental wood or stone
- the use of dossal cloth (ornamental cloth hung behind and above an altar)
- liturgical paraments (tapestries or wall hangings)
- processional or chancel cross
- use of scents (i.e., frankincense and myrrh at Christmas, etc.)

Churches may also consider supporting an artist-in-residence who, in exchange for studio space and a small stipend, could implement special visuals in worship one time each liturgical season. Such an artist designs the work, organizes the project, works out the mechanics of installation, and instructs people in the medium. (For a fuller description of an artist-in-residence relationship, contact Wesley Theological Seminary's Center for the Arts and Religion at car@wesleysem.edu.)

1. Call to Worship
The Call to Worship can be accompanied by a processional.

You have filled each one of us with the skill to do all kinds of work for Kingdom building purposes. Let us arise and take our respectful places—all who are master craftsmen and designers, teachers and students alike. The Lord has need of you.

2. Processional
Flag and Liturgical Dance ministries can be incorporated into the processional following the invocation or succeeding the litany.

(a) Glorious. By Martha Munizzi and Israel Houghton

(b) To Our God. By Robert Christie and Judith Christie McAllister

3. Litany
This litany can also be presented in “choral reading” style—with multiple readers, in lieu of congregational responsive reading.

The Lord Has Need of You

Leader:	Lord, as in the days of Moses help us to know that You have called each of us to a special work.
Congregation:	The Lord has need of you.
Leader:	As You have rescued us for the grips of our sinful nature and provided Salvation through Your tender mercies, allow us to be filled with the Spirit of God as we gather together yielding special works of service.
Congregation:	The Lord has need of you.
Leader:	Allow us to be as zealous in our efforts as we are skillful in our crafts.
Congregation:	The Lord has need of you.
Leader:	Teach us how to be teachers in our respective areas for Kingdom-building purposes.
Congregation:	The Lord has need of you.
Leader:	Protect and bind us as we render special works of service.
Congregation:	The Lord has need of you.
Leader:	Allow your servants to always offer their knowledge, skills, and abilities with a positive attitude.
Congregation:	The Lord has need of you.
Leader:	We have to know how to work in the areas of artistic craftsmanship: designing, embroidering, and weaving.
Congregation:	The Lord has need of you.
Leader:	God has filled each of us with the skill to do all kinds of work for Kingdom-building purposes. Let us arise and take our respective places—all who are master craftspersons and designers, teachers and students alike.
All:	The Lord has need of you and me.

4. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) To the Work. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William H. Doane

(b) Without Him I Could Do Nothing. By Mylon B. LeFevre

(c) I’ll Be Somewhere Listening for My Name. By Eduardo J. Lango. Tune, (SERVICE).

(d) They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love. By Peter Scholtes

5. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Walk Together Children. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton

(b) Once More We Come before Our God. By Joseph Hart. Tune by John B. Dykes

(c) May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me. By Sullivan Pugh. Arr. by K. Morris

6. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) We Are One. By Peter Scholtes, Walt Whitman, and Kim McFarland

(b) We’re in Your House. By Derek Triplett

(c) Lift the Savior Up. By Damian Price

(d) Sing. By Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey

7. Liturgical Dance Music
These selections can also be effectively ministered by a sign choir or mime ministry.

(a) I’m Available to You. By Carlis Moody, Jr.

(b) My Prayer (Use Me). By George Rowe

(c) Use Me. By Jeanie McQuinn and Jacquelyn Reddick

(d) Let God Use You. By Walter E. L. Scrutchings

8. Anthems
(a) Born to Serve the Lord. By Craig Adams. For SATB

(b) God’s Building a Church. By Bradley Knight. For SATB

(c) Find Us Faithful. By Tom Fettke. For SATB

(d) Giving My Best. By Michael Frazier. For SATB

9. Modern Songs
(a) I Need You to Survive. By David Frazier

(b) Servant’s Prayer. By Kevin Bond

(c) Use Me. By Lynette Hammond

10. Songs for Children and Youth
(a) Do It All in the Name of the Lord. By Donna Jones

(b) There’s No Me, There’s No You. By Evelyn Reynolds. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.

(c) Trees. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux

11. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Bless Thou the Gifts. By Samuel Longfellow. Tune by Robert Schumann

(b) Running Over. By Joe Pace II

12. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
See 15(a) for ideas and an example of a prayer petition inspired by art.

(a) Servant’s Prayer. By Kevin Bond

(b) Have Thine Own Way. By Adelaide A. Pollard. Tune, (ADELAIDE), by George C. Stebbins

(c) Lord You Are the Potter. By Norman Hutchins

(d) A Praying Spirit. By Elbernita Clark

13. Sermonic Selection
(a) Where He Leads Me. By E. W. Blandy. Tune, (NORRIS), by John S. Norris

(b) Trust and Obey. By John H. Sammis. Tune by Daniel B. Towner

(c) Where He Leads. By B. B. McKinney

(d) Never Too Busy. By Brent Jones

14. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Softly and Tenderly. By Will L. Thompson

(b) The Lord Is Speaking. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux

(c) Unity. By Glorraine Moone

15. Benediction Spoken or Sung
Spoken
(a) By Warren Wiersbe

Gracious God,
Forgive us for being so blind and deaf. Your universe is one vast cathedral of praise, and yet we have not seen it or heard it as we should, and we have been the poorer because of [our] ignorance. All things you have created; praise Your name. And all of creation can be used by Your church to worship You. Thank You for this treasury of blessing. Thank You too, for the gifted people You have given us, Your church, to help us use the arts to worship and serve You. May it be the Creator, not the creature, who receives the glory. May we truly worship You in beauty. You are infinitely original and the variety of Your creation amazes us. Deliver us from sameness as we praise Your name. Be pleased to guide us into true creativity, and save us from novelty.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sung
(b) Blest Be the Ties That Bind. By John Fawcett. Tune, (DENNIS), by John G. Nageli. Arr. by Lowell Mason

(c) Till We Meet Again. By Kirk Franklin

16. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Music and Fine Arts Ministry—Create a video clip which includes your music and arts ministry and reflects how the arts edify believers and point the unsaved to Christ. The video may be sent as an “eCommerical” to members throughout the week before, and/or after the sermon is given. It can also be used as a recruitment tool for the music and arts ministries. The eCommercials may be uploaded to www.YouTube.com for evangelism purposes as well.

Some sample tunes to incorporate with the video include:

(i) Use Me. By Dewitt Jones and Ron Kenoly
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me
Take my hands, Lord, And my feet,
Touch my heart, Lord, And speak through me
If You can use anything Lord
You can use me.

(ii) We Are Family. By B. H. Rogers and N. Rogers
We are family
I got all my [brothers] and sisters with me
We are family
Get up ev’rybody and sing.

(b) http://www.YouTube.com Clips:
1. “Father Can You Hear Me.” From Tyler Perry’s movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman

2. “Pray.” From Tyler Perry’s movie Madea’s Family Reunion (This song depicts the importance of the servant’s prayer being understood and accepted throughout the entire congregational setting.)

17. Other Recommendations
(a) Have a graphic artist design a bulletin cover that reflects all of the arts. This design can also be utilized on screens.

The following resources provide information on the use of arts in worship:

(b) Visual Arts in Worship: From either/or to both/and. By Joan Huyser-Honig

(c) Real Worship: Battleground, Playground, or Holy Ground? By Warren Wiersbe (Of special interest will be Chapter 12, “Worship Involves Witness,” in which Wiersbe relates worship and the arts, trusting God to enrich both.)

(d) Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue. By William A. Dyrness

(e) Art to Heart™. http://www.arttoheartweb.com This site provides devotionals that illustrate how powerfully great art can express Biblical truths.

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Call to Worship by Sharon L. Fuller. Used with permission.

2. Processional
(a) Glorious. By Martha Munizzi and Israel Houghton
Location:

Munizzi, Martha. The Best Is Yet to Come. Goldenrod, FL: Martha Munizzi Music/BMI & New Breed, 2002.

(b) To Our God. By Robert Christie and Judith Christie McAllister
Location:

Christie McAllister, Judith. In His Presence: Live! New York, NY: Artemis, 2007.

3. Litany “The Lord Has Need of You.” By Minister Sharon L. Fuller.

4. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) To the Work. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune by William H. Doane
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #560

(b) Without Him I Could Do Nothing. By Mylon B. LeFevre
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #515

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #260

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #58

African American Heritage Hymnal. #560

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #260

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. #321

(d) They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love. By Peter Scholtes
Location:

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal Official Hymnal of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Charlotte, NC: A.M.E. Zion Pub. House, 1996. #683

Sheet Music Plus
1300 64th Street
Emeryville, CA 94608

Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com

Lyrics and sample:
www.carolynarends.com/music/lyrics/tkwac.html

5. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Walk Together Children. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #541

(b) Once More We Come before Our God. By Joseph Hart. Tune by John B. Dykes
Location:

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #7

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #543

6. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) We Are One. By Peter Scholtes, Walt Whitman, and Kim McFarland
Location:

Walt Whitman and the Soul Children Choir of Chicago. We Are One. Chicago, IL: I Am Records, 1996.

(b) We’re in Your House. By Derek Triplett
Location:

Various Artists. Ebony Praise. Lawrenceville, GA: Joyful Noise Records/World Wide Gospel, 2000.

God Meant it for My Good. Houston, TX: Price-N-Praise Music, 2004.

NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
4913 Albemarle Road #103
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-531-8961

Online location: www.ntimemusic.com

Sheet Music Available at
Burns Music Company
P.O. Box 16978
Houston, TX 77222
Phone: 713-807-9082

(d) Sing. By Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey
Location:

Munizzi, Martha. The Best Is Yet to Come. Orlando, FL: Martha Munizzi Music, 2003.

NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: www.ntimemusic.com

7. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) I’m Available to You. By Carlis Moody, Jr.
Location:

Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Choir. Available to You. New York, NY: Word Records, 2002.

NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: www.ntimemusic.com

(b) My Prayer (Use Me). By George Rowe
Location:

Think About That. Franklin, TN: Rocketown Records, 2003.

Draper, O’Landa. Live--A Celebration of Praise. Nashville, TN: Word, 2004.

(d) Let God Use You. By Walter E. L. Scrutchings
Location:

Just Call On Jesus. Akron, OH: Scrutchings Music/BMI, 1997.

8. Anthems
(a) Born to Serve the Lord. By Craig Adams. For SATB
Location:

Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
960 East Mark St .
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 1-800-846-7664

Online location: www.brentwood-bensonmusic.com
Vocal score and orchestration for anthem available.

(b) God’s Building a Church. By Bradley Knight. For SATB
Location:

Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Phone: 1-800-846-7664
Online location: www.brentwood-bensonmusic.com
Vocal score and orchestration for anthem available.

(d) Giving My Best. By Michael Frazier. For SATB
Location:

Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Phone: 1-800-846-7664
Online location: www.brentwood-bensonmusic.com
Vocal score and orchestration for anthem available.

9. Modern Songs
(a) I Need You to Survive. By David Frazier
Location:

Walker, Hezekiah. Family Affair II Live at Radio City Music Hall. New York, NY: Zomba Recording Corp., 2002.

NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: http://www.ntimemusic.com

(b) Servant’s Prayer. By Kevin Bond
Location:

New Birth Total Praise Choir, and Eddie Long. Spirit & Truth. Brentwood, TN: EMI Gospel, 1999.

NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: http://www.ntimemusic.com

Commonwealth of PA Church of God in Christ Mass Choir. Live @ 81st Annual Holy Convocation. Philadelphia, PA: Dmaestro’s Productions, 2001.

10. Songs for Children and Youth
(a) Do It All in the Name of the Lord. By Donna Jones
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #621

(b) There’s No Me, There’s No You. By Evelyn Reynolds. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #619

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #318

11. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Bless Thou the Gifts. By Samuel Longfellow. Tune by Robert Schumann
Location:

New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #355

(b) Running Over. By Joe Pace II
Location:

Pace, Joe. Joe Pace Presents Sunday Morning Service. New York, NY: Integrity Gospel, 2004.

12. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
See 15(a) for ideas and an example of a prayer petition inspired by art.

(a) Servant’s Prayer. By Kevin Bond
Location:

New Birth Total Praise Choir, and Eddie Long. Spirit & Truth. Brentwood, TN: EMI Gospel, 1999.

NTIME MUSIC COMPANY
Phone: 704-531-8961
Online location: http://www.ntimemusic.com

(b) Have Thine Own Way. By Adelaide A. Pollard. Tune, (ADELAIDE), by George C. Stebbins
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #449

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #492

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #206

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #313

Nobody But You. Inglewood, CA: JDI Records, 1999.

(d) A Praying Spirit. By Elbernita Clark
Location:

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #213

13. Sermonic Selection
(a) Where He Leads Me. By E. W. Blandy. Tune, (NORRIS), by John S. Norris
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #550

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #631

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #120

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #229

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #409

(b) Trust and Obey. By John H. Sammis. Tune by Daniel B. Towner
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #380

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #443

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #322

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #334

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #199

(d) Never Too Busy. By Brent Jones
Location:

Cage, Byron. Byron Cage. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric Records, 2003.

14. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Softly and Tenderly. By Will L. Thompson
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #347

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #175

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #168

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #281

(b) The Lord Is Speaking. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux
Location:

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #169

African American Heritage Hymnal. #338

15. Benediction
Spoken
(a) Wiersbe, Warren W. Real Worship: Playground, Battleground, or Holy Ground? Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000.
Location:

Baker Books
A Division of Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton Road
Ada, MI 49301
Phone: 1-800-877-2665

Online location: www.bakerbooks.com

Sung
(b) Blest Be the Ties That Bind. By John Fawcett. Tune, (DENNIS), by John G. Nageli. Arr. by Lowell Mason
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. # 341

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #298

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #34

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #561

16. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) (i) Use Me. By Dewitt Jones and Ron Kenoly
Location:

Hope College and Darnisha Taylor. High Praise. Holland, MI: DWAM! Pub., 1999.

(a) (ii) We Are Family. By B. H. Rogers and N. Rogers
Location:

Edwards, Bernard, Nile Rogers and Sister Sledge. We Are Family. London: Warner Chappell Music, 1993.

17. Other Recommendations
(a) See #17 above

(b) Huyser-Honig, Joan. Visual Arts in Worship: From either/or to both/and.
Location:

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402
Phone: 616-526-6088

Online location: www.calvin.edu/worship/stories/visual_worship.php

(c) Wiersbe, Warren W. Real Worship: Playground, Battleground, or Holy Ground? Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000.

(d) Dyrness, William A. Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue. Engaging Culture. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001.

(e) Art to Heart™. www.arttoheartweb.com