The African American Lectionary

Worship Resources

EARTH DAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Lloyd Mallory, Jr., Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Director, Music and Worship, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Takoma Park, MD

Worship Planning Notes

Include either of these two statements on your bulletin/order of worship cover:

And God stepped out on space,
And He looked around and said,
“I’m lonely—
I’ll make me a world.”
—James Weldon Johnson

“Creation is God’s holy gift to us and as stewards,
we must use this gift for the good of humankind and the glory of God.
The God of creation and the God of salvation are the same God,
and creation and redemption must not be divorced from each other.”
—Warren W. Wiersbe

Earth Day provides a wonderful opportunity to bring together neighboring churches of the same or various faiths for a combined service focused on fostering unity around our responsibility to all of God’s Earth and to ensuring that the poor do not suffer environmental injustices.
Develop a community coalition to spend a day cleaning up the neighborhood nearest your church or a disadvantaged neighborhood.

1. Invocation or Litany
Prelude Music
(a) Earth. By Hans Zimmer. Instrumental. This song can also be used during the Invitational or following the Benediction.

(b) Creation Sings. By Randy Ray. Piano solo. This selection can also be used for the Invitational.

Meditation for Gathering
(c) For the Beauty of the Earth. By Folliott S. Pierpoint
Spoken word:

Lord of all, to Thee we raise
this our grateful [hearts] of praise.
For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies
For the love which from our birth
over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our grateful [hearts] of praise.
Amen.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) All Creatures of Our God and King. By Francis of Assisi. Tune, (Lasst Uns Erfreuen)
by Norman Johnson

(b) A Child of the King. By Harriet E. Buell. Tune, (Binghamton) by John B. Sumner

(d) For the Fruits of His Creation. By Fred Prat Green. Tune, (East Acklam) by Francis Jackson

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Wade in the Water. Spiritual

(b) Deep River. Spiritual

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) The Heavens Are Telling. By Donald Lawrence

(b) Trees. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux

(e) Holy, Holy, Holy. By Byron Cage

(f) Come Let Us Sing/He Is Exalted. By David Baroni and Twila Paris

(g) Majesty. By Carnell Murrell

(h) Heal the Land. By Darwin Hobbs and Aaron Pearce

5. Liturgical Dance or Mime Music
(a) Restore to Me. By Aaron Lindsey and Joann Rosario

(b) Colorful World. By Al Love, III, K. O. Thomas, and CeCe Winans

6. Anthems
(a) Hymn to the Creator of Light. By John Rutter. For SATB a cappella choir

(b) Look at the World. By John Rutter. This is a wonderful anthem for a childrens or youth choir (unison or SATB voice).

(c) All Things Bright and Beautiful. By C. F. Alexander. Tune and Arr. by John Rutter. For SATB choir

7. Modern Songs
(a) Blue Skies. By Grant Cunningham and Matt Huesmann

(b) Touching Heaven, Changing Earth. By Rueben Morgan

8. Song or Instrumental for the Offertory Period
(a) Restoration. By Marvin Winans

(b) The Wonders of His Hands. By Geron Davis

9. Prayer or Song for the Period of Prayer
Prayer, Spoken
(a) Forgive Us for Spoiling the Earth

God, you gave us the earth and divided it from the waters which you also gave. You gave us sunlight and moonlight. You gave grass and moving creatures, fowl that fly, whales and all fish and creatures that inhabit water. You gave us cattle, beast of the earth, and all herb bearing seeds and fruit-bearing trees. When you gave it to us it was all good!

But we have overused and not saved. We have torn down and not replenished. Forgive us for having spoiled the earth.

We have been careless and unconcerned. We have used your resources to satisfy our greed. Forgive us Lord for having spoiled the earth.

We have ignored the signs although you have given them to us in abundance. Instead, we have argued over what should be done, ignored what should be done and done too little of what we could do. Forgive us for having spoiled the earth.

We repent at this moment. We repent because we want to change our ways. We repent because we intend to learn what we can do to show our appreciation as stewards of your earth. We do not want you to be ashamed for having entrusted us with your earth. We repent because we intend to change our ways and become better conservers, replenishers, and advocates for the earth, beginning this day, beginning with where we live. This is our sincere desire. Amen

Sung
(b) A Prayer of St. Patrick. By John Rutter

10. Sermonic Selection
This Is My Father’s World. By Malthie D. Babcock. Tune, (Terra Beata) by Franklin L. Sheppard. This song can sung by the choir or congregation and can also be accompanied by a video (see 13(b)).

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Creation Sings. By Fernando Ortega. Piano solo. This selection can also be used for the Prelude.

(b) Psalm 150. Text from the Holy Bible

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) Lord, Bless Thy Word to Every Heart. By Pearl Waggoner Howard. Tune, (Benediction) by Stanley Ledington

(b) Earth. By Hans Zimmer. Piano solo. This selection can also be used for the Prelude.

13. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) Use screen shots of planet Earth, the sky, trees and greenery, the sun, rivers, oceans, and mountains to run while the instrumentalist is playing the prelude “Earth” (see 1(a)). The images can also be used as a background during announcements. Try these online sources:

SermonSpice.com: www.sermonspice.com. Type in “Earth” in search for videos or video loops.
Faithvisuals.com: www.faithvisuals.com. Type in “creation” in search for video loops. Suggestions: Nature Loop 1, 2, 3.

(b) Video: “This Is My Father’s World.” By Fernando Ortega. This video can be played during the Prelude, during the Offertory, or at the end of the worship service.

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

Worship Planning Notes
(a) Quote from “The Creation.” By James Weldon Johnson
Online location: http://www.poetry-archive.com/j/the_creation.html accessed 29 December 2008

Quote from Warren W. Wiersbe
Location:

Wiersbe, Warren W. Real Worship: Playground, Battleground or Holy Ground? Ada, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2000.

1. Invocation or Litany
Prelude Music
(a) Earth. By Hans Zimmer. Instrumental. This song can also be used during the Invitational or following the Benediction.
Location:

Motion Picture Soundtrack. Gladiator. Santa Monica, CA: Universal Music Group, 2000.

Songbook for Solo Piano available
Sheet Music Plus
1300 64th Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone: 510-420-7121

Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com

(b) Creation Sings. By Randy Ray. Piano solo. This selection can also be used for the Invitational.
Location:

Ortega, Fernando. BEGINNINGS. Irvine, CA: Randolf Productions, Inc., 2005.

Meditation for Gathering
(c) For the Beauty of the Earth. By Folliott S. Pierpoint
Location:

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. Nashville, TN: A.M.E.
Zion Publishing House, 1996. #6

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN:
Triad Publications, 2005. #8

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1985. #565

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) All Creatures of Our God and King. By Francis of Assisi. Tune, (Lasst Uns Erfreuen)
by Norman Johnson
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #147

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #66

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #33

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #2

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. #21

Arr. by John Rutter for SATB choir, brass ensemble, percussion, and organ
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-726-6000

Online location: www.oup.com/us

(b) A Child of the King. By Harriet E. Buell. Tune, (Binghamton) by John B. Sumner
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #125

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #542

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #391

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #468

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #39

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #22

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA
Publications, 1987. #208

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #330

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #559

(d) For the Fruits of His Creation. By Fred Prat Green. Tune, (East Acklam) by Francis Jackson
Location:

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #558

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Wade in the Water. Spiritual
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #676

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #602

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #107

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #494

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #114

(b) Deep River. Spiritual
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #605

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #577

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #150

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #491

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) The Heavens Are Telling. By Donald Lawrence
Location:

Sheard-Clark, Karen. The Heavens Are Telling. New York, NY: Electra/WEA, 2003.

(b) Trees. By Margaret Pleasant Douroux
Location:

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

Gaither, Bill & Gloria and Their Homecoming Friends. Alleluia: Songs of Worship. Alexandria, IN: Spring House Music Group, 2007.

African American Heritage Hymnal. #171

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #246

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #34

(d) Holy, Holy, Holy. By Gary Oliver
Location:

Slaughter, Alvin. God Can! Mobile, AL: Integrity, 1996.

(e) Holy, Holy, Holy. By Byron Cage
Location:

An Invitation to Worship. New York, NY: Zomba Gospel, 2005.

(f) Come Let Us Sing/He Is Exalted. By David Baroni and Twila Paris
Location:

Hobbs, Darwin. Worshipper. New York, NY: EMI Gospel, 2005.

(g) Majesty. By Carnell Murrell
Location:

Cage, Byron. An Invitation to Worship. New York, NY: Zomba Gospel, 2005.

(h) Heal the Land. By Darwin Hobbs and Aaron Pearce
Location:

Hobbs, Darwin. Free. Indianapolis, IN: Tyscot Records, 2008.

5. Liturgical Dance or Mime Music
(a) Restore to Me. By Aaron Lindsey and Joann Rosario
Location:

Rosario, Joann. Joyous Salvation. New York, NY: Zomba Gospel, 2007.

(b) Colorful World. By Al Love, III, K. O. Thomas, and CeCe Winans
Location:

Winans, CeCe. Purified. Brentwood, TN: PureSprings Gospel, 2005.

6. Anthems
(a) Hymn to the Creator of Light. By John Rutter. For SATB a cappella choir
Location:

Oxford University Press
Phone: 212-726-6000
Online location: www.oup.com/us

(b) Look at the World. By John Rutter. This is a wonderful anthem for a childrens or youth choir (unison or SATB voice).
Location:

Hinshaw Music, Inc.
P. O. Box 470
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-0470
Phone: 1-800-568-7805

Online location: www.hinshawmusic.com

Sheet Music Sample: www.sheetmusicplus.com

Hinshaw Music, Inc.
Phone: 1- 800-568-7805
Online location: www.hinshawmusic.com

Sheet Music Sample: http://www.sheetmusicplus.com

7. Modern Songs
(a) Blue Skies. By Grant Cunningham and Matt Huesmann
Location:

Point of Grace. Free to Fly. Nashville, TN: Word Music Group, 2001.

(b) Touching Heaven, Changing Earth. By Rueben Morgan
Location:

Hillsong. Touching Heaven, Changing Earth. Australia: Hillsong Music Australia, 1998.

8. Song or Instrumental for the Offertory Period
(a) Restoration. By Marvin Winans
Location:

Winans. The Very Best of the Winans. New York, NY: Artemis, 2005.

(b) The Wonders of His Hands. By Geron Davis
Location:

Slaughter, Alvin. God Can! Mobile, AL: Integrity, 1996.

African American Heritage Hymnal. #571

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #350

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #195

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #413

9. Prayer or Song for the Period of Prayer
Prayer, Spoken
(a) Forgive Us for Spoiling the Earth. By Martha Simmons

Sung
(b) A Prayer of St. Patrick. By John Rutter
Location:

Rutter, John & The Cambridge Singers. The Choral Works of John Rutter. Chapel Hill, NC: Collegium Records, 2007.

Evans, Anthony. Even More. Nashville, TN: INO Records, 2004.

Ortega, Fernando. BEGINNINGS. Irvine, CA: Randolf Productions, Inc., 2005.

African American Heritage Hymnal. #149

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #14

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #41

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #92

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #49

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Creation Sings. By Fernando Ortega. Piano solo. This selection can also be used for the Prelude.
Location:

BEGINNINGS. Irvine, CA: Randolf Productions, Inc., 2005.

(b) Psalm 150. Text from the Holy Bible
Location:

Caldwell, Kirbyjon & The Windor Village UMC Mass Choir. Welcome to the Village. New York, NY: EMI Gospel, 2002.

12. Benediction Song or Music
(a) Lord, Bless Thy Word to Every Heart. By Pearl Waggoner Howard. Tune, (Benediction) by Stanley Ledington
Location:

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #667

(b) Earth. By Hans Zimmer. Piano solo. This selection can also be used for the Prelude.
Location:

Motion Picture Soundtrack. Gladiator. Santa Monica, CA: Universal Music Group, 2000.

Songbook for Solo Piano available
Sheet Music Plus
Phone: 510-420-7121
Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com

Caedmon’s Call. In the Company of Angels—A Call to Worship. Brentwood, TN: MMI Essential Records, 2001.

13. Audio Visual Suggestions
(a) (See above.)

(b) Video: “This Is My Father’s World.” By Fernando Ortega. This video can be played during the Prelude, during the Offertory, or at the end of the worship service.
Location:

Ortega, Fernando. BEGINNINGS. Irvine, CA: Randolf Productions, Inc., 2005.