By The Rev. Susan Balfour
Beloved,
I give thanks to God for you daily, rejoicing in your faithfulness and warmth!
As I announced last Sunday, the Worship Committee has voted to purchase new hymnals, and the Session gave their blessing. The new hymnal is called Glory to God. The 217th General Assembly (2006) authorized the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation to begin work on assembling a new hymnal for our denomination. The Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song was formed, comprised of members of the Office for Theology and Worship and Presbyterian Association of Musicians. Each entry was carefully examined for content and theology, as well as sing-ability (though I admit, some of the hymns are less singable than others!) It was approved in 2012 by the 220th General Assembly.
The collection includes many of the old standards—those hymns used in worship for generations. It also includes many more recent compositions and arrangements and liturgical aids.
As to the Celebration Hymnals that have been dedicated in honor or memory of someone: if your name is in a hymnal as dedicator or dedicatee (or a loved one is), and you would like to keep that copy, you are welcome to do so. We have a volunteer to go through them and determine which copies might be claimed, so hopefully it will be a little easier to find what you’re looking for.
If you have any questions about Glory to God, let me know. I’d be happy to talk about it! I am pleased at the level of excitement you’ve displayed about moving to a new hymnal. I have enjoyed working with it for many years, and I trust that you will find it as enjoyable and inspiring as I have.
In Christ,
Rev. Susan