Hymnal Project FAQ
Why do we need a new hymnal?
- Since Hymns of the Saints was published in 1981 and has been supplemented three times with Sing For Peace (1994), Sing a New Song (1999), and By Request (2004), it is time for resources that will incorporate new songs and include, as best as possible, the languages, cultures, and understandings of a global church.
- Our songs may well be the single most important resource for expressing the evolving theology of Community of Christ and reinforcing our identity, mission, message, and beliefs.
What are the criteria to be used in selecting new hymns and retaining older, more familiar ones?
We will follow a set of Conceptual Guidelines which outline the foundational principles for hymn selection. We will select and retain hymns that:
- Represent the diversity and global nature of Community of Christ.
- Honor and affirm our rich heritage as members of a universal body of Christ and our identity in the Restoration Movement, mindful that the enduring values of the church will undergird this project.
- Speak clearly to the current context of human life, using metaphors and rhythms of the 21st century.
- Capture our calling as a prophetic people.
- Incorporate topics pertaining to justice and peace, our global mission, the sacraments, Community of Christ’s heritage, witness and invitation, and our place in contemporary society.
- Achieve a balance of old and new, celebration and contemplation, and variety in styles.
What process is in place to produce this Hymnal set?
- The steering team is purposefully small to able to manage the process more efficiently with the assistance of sub-teams.
- Through technology, many voices and opinions are providing input through methods such as an online survey of the church’s hymnals (see results), electronic coordination of volunteers to assist with evaluation, and submissions of texts through electronic files.
- A unique partnership has been formed with Hope Publishing Company to provide services in all phases of production: typesetting, editing, arranging copyright permissions, printing, storage, and distribution; services we can no longer provide because of limited resources and staff.
- The church will be responsible for selection of texts, tunes, indexes, numerical order, organization, title, color, etc.
- The hymnal set will be published using the Herald House name.
- Jane Gardner, team leader
- Lauren Hall, project manager
- Jan Kraybill
- Joey Williams
- Peter Judd
- Bruce Lindgren
What will the hymnal be named?
- The hymnal is called Community of Christ Sings.
What will the hymnal look like?
- A single hardbound book of approximately 650 songs and hymns sized to fit in a pew rack (complete project description)
- Other products will include recorded accompaniments suitable for congregational playback, and a musician’s edition for both books with guitar chords.
What can I do?
- If interested in volunteering to help with any aspect of the project, please enroll online through the “Volunteer to help” link.