Worship Resources

 
       


ECUMENICAL DAY OF WORSHIP

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Michelle Riley Jones, Guest Lectionary Liturgist

Minister of Music, Capitol Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Washington, DC

Worship Planning Notes

We are all familiar with the remark, “Sunday morning (or Sabbath morning) is one of the most segregated hours of the week.” But as we plan worship, do we ever ask what we can do to change this? If not, this is your chance to change your behavior. Work with your pastor and church leaders to plan a service with persons from different denominations or different faith communities. Such a worship service should not exclude persons on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity.

Ecumenical worship tests our ability and commitment to be Christ’s followers, praise God together, and learn to pray and worship in the presence of other Christians or non-Christians. Through this experience, we allow God to mold us into that body which is then capable of demonstrating and proclaiming reconciling love.

An important dimension of that love is our ability to understand and respect the traditions, beliefs, and rituals of those who differ from us. As we find ourselves living in a more pluralistic society, we need to be more purposeful in showing respect and concern for those who are different from us.

In preparing services of ecumenical worship, worship planners should be careful not to borrow haphazardly from various traditions, but rather to use the richness of hymnody, prayers, and forms of liturgy from these traditions to create a service that is internally coherent. Responsible representatives from each tradition should be involved in each part of the worship planning process. Everyone should be made aware of all issues of protocol.

Ecumenical worship services function best when there is an agreed upon central idea that frames or overarches the worship service. The core idea is usually crystallized by the sermon and is supported in various ways by the music and readings (if any) and the other areas of the service. So, all aspects of the service should be coordinated using the central idea.

From Worship to World
Consider forming an interfaith alliance of the worship leaders of each church represented. This group could plan quarterly prayer services to build and maintain connections between the churches and plan community projects in which all of the churches can collaborate.

1. Invocation or Litany


(a) Invocation
Holy One, Loving Creator, Sustainer of the universe, you call your people, who are created in your image, to be reconciled with each other in truth, in justice, and in love. For how pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! When we pay attention, we see signs all around us of your promises for the fullness of time. We see them in friendships that transcend barriers. We see them in hospitality to strangers. We see them in common responses to the needy. We see them in solidarity with the struggles of the oppressed. We see them in shared prayer. But we also see them in our brokenness, our fears, our resistance. Sometimes, even when we want change, we do not know how to create change. Show us, loving God. Conform us ever more fully to your will. For you, the foundation of our faiths are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Draw us toward your purpose and your will for humanity – unity. This we pray in the name of the One who makes us one. Amen.

(b) Litany

Walk, Work, Worship TOGETHER Children!
LEADER The hand of God is upon us to give us unity of mind, following the word of the LORD. (2 Chron. 30:12)
CONGREGATION Walk TOGETHER children!
LEADER For Christ has given us the glory given to Him by God, that we may be one as they are one. (John 17:22)
CONGREGATION Walk TOGETHER children!
LEADER The same One who gives endurance and encouragement will give a spirit of unity among us. (Romans 15:5)
CONGREGATION Work TOGETHER children!
LEADER Let us make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)
CONGREGATION Work TOGETHER children!
LEADER May we be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you love us all. (John 17:23)
CONGREGATION Worship TOGETHER children!
LEADER For it is love, which binds us all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:14)
CONGREGATION Worship TOGETHER children!
LEADER Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to the perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
ALL Walk, Work, Worship TOGETHER children! For how very good and pleasant it is when kindred dwell together in unity!

(c) Processional Music
Come, All You People (Uyai Mose). Zimbabwe folksong. By Alexander Gondo. For SATB, with keyboard, guitar, drums and percussion accompaniment
This simple, festive gathering song can be used as a processional for the clergy, choirs, and dance ministries, with accompanying drums and percussion.


Come all you people
Come and praise your Maker
Come all you people
Come and praise your Maker
Come all you people
Come and praise your Maker
Come now and worship the Lord

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs

(a) Anthem of Unity. By John Ness Beck. For SATB and congregation

(b) Come, Ye Thankful People (Come). By Henry Alford. Tune, (ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR), by George J. Elvey

(c) Let the Peoples Praise You. By John McCann. For SATB and cantor/worship leader
This beautiful and simple song can be used for processional music for choirs and congregation(s).


(d) Unity. Text based on Psalm 133:1. Tune by Glorraine Moore

(e) Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones. By Athelstan Riley. Tune, (LASST UNS ERFREUEN), Geistliche Kirchengesange

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs

(a) Walk Together Children. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton

(b) It’s My Desire. By Freda Pullen Bagley and Horace Boyer

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams

(a) Keep Oil in Your Lamp. By David Curry and Jerry Mannery

(b) Special Place. By Byron Cage

(c) I Need You. By Dana Sorey and Tye Tribbett

5. Liturgical Dance Music

(a) Kwanzaa-Umoja-Uhuru (First Fruits of the Harvest-Unity-Freedom). By Gary Hines

(b) Enter into His Gates/Halleluyah. By Helen Shapiro
This spirited piece, in the Jewish tradition, is a wonderful song of rejoicing! It could also be used for the offertory selection.


6. Anthems

(a) Canticle of Fellowship. By Craig Courtney. For SATB, with optional 3-4 octave handbells

(b) Holy Ground. By Geron Davis

(c) Renew Thy Church, Her Ministries Restore. By Kenneth L. Cober. Tune, (ALL IS WELL).

(d) The Church’s One Foundation. By Samuel Wesley. Arr. by Roger Holland, II. For SATB, organ and optional brass

7. Modern Songs

(a) We Have Come. By Wayne Bucknor

(b) We Are One. By Walt Whitman

(c) I Can Only Imagine. By Bart Millard

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental

(a) Uyai Mose/Come, All You People (Zimbabwe). By Alexander Gondo
If not used for the processional, this is a festive piece for the Offertory in which the congregation can participate.


(b) Enter into His Gates/Hallelujah. By Helen Shapiro
This spirited piece, in the Jewish tradition, is a wonderful song of rejoicing! It could also be used for liturgical dance.


(c) Suite 1 for Organ Offertory. By Florence B. Price
Florence B. Price (1887-1953) was a renaissance woman from Chicago. She was the first commercially successful African American female composer of classical music.

9. Prayer, Song, or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer

Prayer
(a) “We Have Often Perpetuated the Divisions Christ Came to Destroy.” Prayer by Valerie Bridgeman Davis. Adapted by Michelle Riley Jones

Have a representative from each visiting faith community participate in the prayer.


L1 Merciful God, we have not loved you with all our being.
L2 In your kindness you formed the world as one glorious, diverse,
multi-colored place.
L3 In our stubbornness and sinful pride, we have distorted your intention
for humanity and for all creation.
L4 As your church, we have often perpetuated the divisions Christ came
to destroy.
L1 In your grace, forgive us and free us from the grip of sin.
L2 Lord, you have gathered us together today as a shepherd gathers a
flock.
L3 Forgive us Lord for often choosing intolerance and animosity, piety and jealousy, rather than love and respect between churches.
L4 Lord, Magnificent Creator, you are peace and reconciliation!
L1 Forgive us, Lord, for often choosing isolation, and refusing to be a blessing for each other, between churches and faith communities.
L2 Faithful Redeemer, you give us an abundance of blessings in the unity of faith!
L3 Forgive us, Lord, for having often strayed far from you, and pushed you
away, thus underlining our divisions.
Host Pastor For you have sought us, and today, together, we draw near to you. Remind us of our common foundation. Give us a fresh chance to work for unity. We seek the oil of your anointing, your sweet, sweet Spirit. Create in us a fervent longing for the unity of your church and enable us to work towards it. May we grow together in faith and in love, until we attain that unity which is your will. Help us to worship and serve you joyfully for the sake of the salvation of the world. Amen.

Prayer Music
(b) You’re My Glory. By Helen Shapiro

(c) Holy Is Thy Name. By Joel Bruce, Jr. Arr. by Lloyd Mallory, Jr.

10. Sermonic Selection

(a) Who Shall Separate Us? By Glenn Burleigh. For men’s choir, TTBB

(b) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Arr. by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory. For SSATB and children’s choir

11. Invitational Song

(a) The Decision. By V. Michael McKay

(b) Is There Any Room in Your Heart for Jesus? By Wyatt T. Walker. Arr. by Valeria A. Foster

12. Benediction Spoken or Sung
Spoken
(a) Benediction 1. By Rev. Dennis W. Creek, Senior Pastor, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (Assemblies of God). Adapted by Michelle Riley Jones

Thank you, Lord, for the wonder of your Spirit that still hovers over your creation. Ignite, inflame, and kindle our hearts so that we may be unified in our love of you, and each other. Soothe us and be an overflowing fountain welling up within our lives. Purify, strengthen, heal, instruct, and melt our hearts in ways pleasing to you. Capture our thoughts and empower us. Awaken mighty hope and blow your winds of renewal throughout your church and the world. So work in our hearts and lives, our churches, our synagogues, our mosques, and our lands, that our testimony in this millennium will be our unity and not our divisions, community and not our creeds, your power and not our plans, your work and not our earthly wisdom. May our unity in you flow like precious oil on our heads, and like the dew which falls on the mountain of Zion. For through this unity, you may ordain your blessing, life evermore. Amen.

(b) Benediction 2—“God the Sprit, Guide and Guardian”—Great Triune God, so bless the time entrusted to our care, that all our varied ministries may form a common prayer; then, when time ceases, bring us where divisions are undone, that in your presence, joined in praise, at last we may be one. Amen.

Sung
(c) Nothing Can Ever Come Between Us. Taizé. For SSATB and piano
This is a simple choir and congregational song that has solos which can be led by a member from each faith group represented.

(d) We’re Marching to Zion. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (MARCHING TO ZION), by Robert Lowry

(e) Blest Be the Tie That Binds. By John Fawcett. Tune, (DENNIS), by John G. Nageli

(f) A Charge to Keep I Have. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (BOYSTON), by Lowell Mason

(g) The Blessing. By Helen Shapiro

13. Recessional Music

Oh, Happy Day. By Edwin Hawkins

14. Audio Visual Suggestions

(a) Design your bulletin using the faith symbols of various faith communities represented in the worship service.

(b) The following poem can be printed in your church bulletin for congregants to silently reflect upon as they gather.

What lies before us and what lies behind us
are small matters compared to what lies within us.
And when we bring what is within out into the world,
miracles happen.
Henry David Thoreau

(c) Develop a border of denominational symbols, and use the border throughout the service on screen when listing song lyrics, scriptures, and announcements.

15. Other Recommendations

(a) Sources
The ecumenical dimension of worship will vary relative to form, context, and scope. The form and/or text of a service often borrow from existing denominational sources or from significant ecumenical events. These sources might include the World Council of Churches (i.e. With all God's People - Resources for Worship, the National Council of Churches or local councilor bodies). Other models for ecumenical worship may be provided from annual events such as the National Workshop on Christian Unity, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Graymoor, Garrison, New York), and the World Day of Prayer (Church Women United).

(b) Ecumenical Accountability
The General Guidelines of the Massachusetts Council of Churches are a good resource from which to obtain guidelines for planning ecumenical services.

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Invocation or Litany

(a) Invocation. Prayer by Diane Kessler, Executive Director, Massachusetts Council of Churches. www.masscouncilofchurches.org/docs/prayersforunity.pdf Used with permission. Adapted by Michelle Riley Jones.

(b) Litany. Walk, Work, Worship TOGETHER Children! By Michelle Riley Jones

(c) Processional Music. Come, All You People (Uyai Mose). Zimbabwe folksong. By Alexander Gondo. For SATB, with keyboard, guitar, drums and percussion accompaniment
Location:
Sheet Music and Audio Sample Available
GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358

Online location: www.giamusic.com

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) 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: wwww.beckenhorstpress.com

(b) Come, Ye Thankful People (Come). By Henry Alford. Tune, (ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR), by George J. Elvey
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #194

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. #243

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #327

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. #502

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1985. #557

(c) Let the Peoples Praise You. By John McCann. For SATB and cantor
Location:
Sheet Music and Audio Sample Available
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(d) Unity. Text based on Psalm 133:1. Tune by Glorraine Moore
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #338

(e) Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones. By Athelstan Riley. Tune, (LASST UNS ERFREUEN), Geistliche Kirchengesange
Location:
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #9

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #104

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #91

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Walk Together Children. Arr. by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton
Location:
Wise, Raymond. 21 Spirituals for the 21st Century: 21 Concert Spirituals. Columbus, OH: Raise Publishing, 2004.

African American Heritage Hymnal. #541

(b) It’s My Desire. By Freda Pullen Bagley and Horace Boyer
Location:
Abbington, James. Stop by Lord: 14 Selections from the African American Church Music Series. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2002.

Sheet Music and Audio Sample Available
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Keep Oil in Your Lamp. By David Curry and Jerry Mannery
Location:
Mississippi Mass Choir. I’ll See You in the Rapture. Jackson, MS: Malaco Records, 1996.

(b) Special Place. By Byron Cage
Location:
An Invitation to Worship. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric Records, 2005.

(c) I Need You. By Dana Sorey and Tye Tribbett
Location:
Tribbett, Tye. Stand Out. New York, NY: Sony, 2008.

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Kwanzaa-Umoja-Uhuru (First Fruits of the Harvest-Unity-Freedom). By Gary Hines
Location:
Sounds of Blackness. Time for Healing. New York, NY: Perspective/A&M Records, 1997.

(b) Enter into His Gates/Halleluyah. By Helen Shapiro
Location:
The Gospel Collection. East Bourne, East Sussex, UK: ICC Records, 2002.
EssentialChristian.com
Regency Mews
Silverdale Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN20 7AB
United Kingdom

Online location: http://www.essentialchristian.com/

6. Anthems
(a) Canticle of Fellowship. By Craig Courtney. For SATB, with optional 3-4 octave handbells
Location:
Beckenhorst Press
Phone: 614-451-6461
Online location: wwww.beckenhorstpress.com

(b) Holy Ground. By Geron Davis
Location:
NEW-J Publishing
P.O. Box 4599
Washington, DC 20017
Phone: 202-882-8966
Sheet Music available

(c) Renew Thy Church, Her Ministries Restore. By Kenneth L. Cober. Tune, (ALL IS WELL).
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #343

(d) The Church’s One Foundation. By Samuel Wesley. Arr. by Roger Holland, II. For SATB, organ and optional brass
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #337

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #304

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #297

Psalter Hymnal. #502

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

7. Modern Songs
(a) We Have Come. By Wayne Bucknor
Location:
Madison Mission Choir. Open Praise: Madison Mission Choir Live. Huntsville, AL: Madison Avenue Records, 1985.

(b) We Are One. By Walt Whitman
Location:
Various Artists. Generation X Celebration. New York, NY: CGI Platinum, 1999.

(c) I Can Only Imagine. By Bart Millard
Location:
Williams, Myron. Made to Worship. Dallas, TX: Flow Records, 2007.

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Uyai Mose/Come, All You People (Zimbabwe). By Alexander Gondo
Location:
Bell, John L. Come All You People. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1995.

(b) Enter into His Gates/Halleluyah. By Helen Shapiro
Location:
The Gospel Collection. East Bourne, East Sussex, UK: ICC Records, 2002.

(c) Suite 1 for Organ Offertory. By Florence B. Price
Location:
Johnson, Calvert. Chicago Renaissance Women: Organ Works by Florence B. Price. Ithaca, NY: Calcante Recordings, 2002.

CD Available
Organ Historical Society
P.O. Box 26811
Richmond, VA 23261

Online location: www.organsociety.org

Sheet Music available
ClarNan Editions
235 Baxter Lane
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: 479-442-7414
clarnan@ipa.net mailto:clarnan@ipa.net

Mp3 available for download
Online location: www.emusic.com

9. Prayer, Song, or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
Prayer
(a) “We Have Often Perpetuated the Divisions Christ Came to Destroy.” Prayer by Valerie Bridgeman Davis. Adapted by Michelle Riley Jones
Location:
Davis, Valerie Bridgeman and Safiyah Fosua. The Africana Worship Book: Year B. Nashville, TN: Discipleship Resources, 2007, p. 159.

Prayer Music
(b) You’re My Glory. By Helen Shapiro
Location:
The Gospel Collection. East Bourne, East Sussex: ICC Records, 2002.

(c) Holy Is Thy Name. By Joel Bruce, Jr. Arr. by Lloyd Mallory, Jr.
Location:
Sheet Music and Audio Sample Available
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) Who Shall Separate Us? By Glenn Burleigh. For men’s choir, TTBB
Location:
Glenn Burleigh Music
P.O. Box 16091
Oklahoma City, OK 73113
Phone: 405-842-3470

Online location: www.glenmusik.com

(b) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Arr. by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory. For SSATB and children’s choir
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

11. Invitational Song
(a) The Decision. By V. Michael McKay
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #388

(b) Is There Any Room in Your Heart for Jesus? By Wyatt T. Walker. Arr. by Valeria A. Foster
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #353

12. Benediction Spoken or Sung
Spoken
(a) Benediction 1. By Rev. Dennis W. Creek, Senior Pastor, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (Assemblies of God). Adapted by Michelle Riley Jones

(b) Benediction 2. Author Unknown

Sung
(c) Nothing Can Ever Come Between Us. Taizé. For SSATB and piano
“Nothing can ever come between us and the love of God,
the love of God, revealed to us in Christ Jesus.”

(c) Ateliers et Presses de Taizé, 7125 0 Taizé, France.

The texts (lyrics) displayed on the Taize website may be freely copied and distributed on paper for non-commercial use, but only if the source is quoted, with copyright notice given as above.
Location:
Taize. Venite Exultemus. Taize: Atelieres et Presses de Taize, 2002.

GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com

(d) 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 Church 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

(e) Blest Be the Tie That Binds. By John Fawcett. Tune, (DENNIS), by John G. Nageli
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #341

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #493

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

Psalter Hymnal. #315

Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #350

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

(f) A Charge to Keep I Have. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (BOYSTON), by Lowell Mason
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #468

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Hymnal. #439

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #436

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #330

(g) The Blessing. By Helen Shapiro
Location:
The Gospel Collection. East Bourne, East Sussex: ICC Records, 2002.

13. Recessional Music
Oh, Happy Day. By Edwin Hawkins
Location:
Various Artists. House of Gospel Anthology: The 70’s Vol. 1. New York, NY: Sheridan Square Records, 2007.

     

 

2013 Units

Multimedia