Hymn Selection



Hymn Selection Plan

Easter 2 through Easter 7 – Year A

Deborah Jorgens

Ecumenical Hymnody – January 2011

Context

For the purpose of this hymn selection plan, I am using my home church, Bethlehem Lutheran in south Minneapolis, a large congregation with an average Sunday worship attendance of roughly 1,500. Although we are not ethnically diverse (almost everyone is white, and the majority are likely to be of Scandinavian descent!), we enjoy great diversity from the perspective of age. A scan of the crowd at the 9:00 or 10:15 worship service, in particular, will reveal newborns, seniors in their 80’s and 90’s and every age in between. Our largest demographic is newborn to age five, a reflection of Bethlehem’s continued growth.

Our congregation is musically very rich, due in large part to the gifted musicians who have provided strong leadership throughout the decades. The first three worship services are more traditional in nature, but even so, a wide variety of hymns are typically represented. These services are led primarily by organ and at least one of the choirs, typically the men’s or youth choir at 8:00, and the adult choir at 9:00 and 10:15. The Choristers (grades 3-6) or the Cherub choir (K-2) also sing at the 9:00 or 10:15 service, once or twice a month. Instrumental and vocal ensembles lead the 11:30 a.m. alternative service as well as the 7:00 p.m. vesper service.

Generally speaking, worshiping members and visitors are very engaged in the music, singing with passion and exuberance. (It no doubt helps that we seem to have a higher-than-average percentage of St. Olaf alumni, many of whom sang in one of the choirs, if not the choir!) The congregation’s repertoire of familiar song is very large, and they are quite receptive to learning new music.

Hymn Selection

The hymns I have chosen for this Hymn Selection Plan are intended for the 8:00, 9:00, and 10:15 worship services for the six Sundays after Easter. My primary goals in selecting these hymns are to:

▪ reinforce the resurrection theme of the Easter season

▪ represent a variety of genres and styles while respecting the traditional nature of the worship service

▪ introduce the congregation to at least one new hymn

Finally, I have tried to ensure that, as much as possible, the selected hymns connect to the day’s biblical texts so that key messages are reinforced and the worshiper’s experience is enhanced.

Notes pertaining to each Sunday’s biblical texts are from Sundays and Seasons.

Second Sunday of Easter

First Reading – Acts 2:14a, 22-32

Peter preaches, telling the crowd that Jesus, who obediently went to his death according to God’s plan, was raised from the dead by God. He quotes Psalm 16:8-11, to show that Jesus is the Messiah: though crucified, the risen Jesus is now enthroned.

Psalm 16

In your presence there is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

Second Reading – I Peter 1:3-9

This epistle was written to encourage Christians experiencing hardships and suffering because of their faith in Christ. The letter opens by blessing God for the living hope we have through Christ’s resurrection even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Gospel – John 20:19-31

The risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benediction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. But one of the disciples is missing, and his unbelief prompts another visit from the Lord.

Hymn Selection

Gathering: Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain (ELW 363)

This is a wonderful, joyous Easter hymn that clearly proclaims today’s Biblical texts throughout. Perhaps they are best summarized by stanza 4 which tells us that nothing was able to hold Jesus in the tomb, a reflection of Acts 2:24: ”But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.” The Gospel reading is also reflected in the fourth stanza of this hymn: ”But today, among your own, you appear, bestowing your deep peace…”

Hymn of the Day: We Walk by Faith (ELW 635)

Today’s Gospel is re-told in this beautiful hymn.

Offering: The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (ELW 531)

This hymn prepares us for the Lord’s Supper and carries the themes of peace and joy. It is new to the congregation, so the first two stanzas will be sung by a soloist and the choir with the congregation joining in on the refrain. Everyone will sing the third stanza.

Communion: By Your Hand You Feed Your People (ELW 469)

I chose this hymn specifically because of the link between John 20:21 (“…as the Father has sent me, so I send you”) and the third stanza: ”Send us now with faith and courage to the hungry, lost, bereaved…”

Sending: Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! (ELW 382)

Another triumphant and joyful hymn! I can’t think of anything more fitting and powerful than to go back out into the world singing, “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Third Sunday of Easter

First Reading – Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Peter proclaims that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

I will call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:13)

Second Reading – I Peter 1:17-23

We were ransomed, “...not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.”

Gospel – Luke 24:13-35

The colorful story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus answers the question of how Jesus is to be recognized among us. Here, he is revealed through the scriptures and in the breaking of bread.

Hymn Selection

Gathering: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! (ELW 377)

I chose this hymn because of its Easter message and ties to today’s texts – the references to Jesus opening our eyes (Luke 24); our life in the Spirit (Acts 2); and Jesus as the lamb (I Peter). I think it is particularly fitting for the gathering because the refrain reminds us of why we come together to worship, not only this Sunday but every Sunday: ”Jesus is risen and we shall arise. Give God the glory! Alleluia!”

Hymn of the Day: Day of Arising (ELW 374)

This hymn beautifully conveys today’s Gospel. We are reminded of Christ’s real presence in the bread and wine of Holy Communion, and we are reassured that Christ walks with each of us throughout our life’s journey.

Offering: We Know that Christ was Raised (ELW 449)

This Easter hymn was selected primarily because of its baptismal theme (stanzas 2, 3, and 4) which ties to the reading from Acts. In the first stanza, the phrase, “our despair he turned to blazing joy,” reminds us that we are like the disciples on the road to Emmaus: our lives are never the same once our eyes have been opened to Jesus’ transforming love.

Communion: Now We Remain (ELW 500)

We meet Jesus in the breaking of the bread, just as in today’s Gospel reading. This hymn is new to the congregation, so the refrain (which opens the hymn) will be introduced with flute. Everyone will sing the refrain; stanzas will be sung by soloists and choir.

Sending: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ (ELW 674)

I selected this hymn because musically, it is a nice contrast to the other hymns today. The congregation loves to sing it, and the message is strong for sending us out!

Fourth Sunday of Easter

First Reading – Acts 2:42-47

Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was outpoured on God’s people. This new community is founded on the teachings of the apostles and sustained in the breaking of the bread.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Psalm 23:1)

Second Reading – I Peter 2:19-25

Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly in the midst of adversity.

Gospel – John 10:1-10

Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Good shepherds bring people to life through Jesus, but those who avoid Jesus are dangerous to the flock.

Hymn Selection

Gathering: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! (ELW 385)

I chose this simply because it is a joyous, triumphant opening hymn that proclaims the resurrection of our Lord.

Hymn of the Day: The King of Love My Shepherd Is (ELW 502)

This beautiful and well-loved hymn is a paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm.

Offering: You Are Mine (ELW 581)

One of the images that come to mind when I sing this hymn is that of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you and you are mine.”

Communion: You Satisfy the Hungry Heart (ELW 484)

I selected this communion hymn because it speaks of Jesus fulfilling our needs (“You satisfy the hungry heart”), and because it uses the metaphor of the shepherd calling his sheep. It ends with a prayer that we would serve one another in Christ’s name.

Sending: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service (ELW 712)

This hymn ties together all of today’s texts. We are to live according to Christ’s example (I Peter), showing care and compassion for others (Acts 2). Jesus as the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23) provides for our every need, fulfilling his purpose to give us an abundant life (John 10) which we are called to share. I think this is very fitting for a sending hymn because it “…moves from the vision worship gives to the service it propels” (Hymnal Companion to the ELW, 570).

Fifth Sunday of Easter

First Reading – Acts 7:55-60

For his preaching of God’s word, Stephen becomes the first martyr of the faith.

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. (Psalm 31:5)

Second Reading – I Peter 2:2-10

Christ is the cornerstone of God’s saving work and the foundation of our lives. We are God’s chosen, holy people who continuously celebrate and declare the mercy of God we experience through Jesus Christ.

Gospel – John 14:1-14

On the night that he is arrested, Jesus shares final words with his disciples. As the one through whom God is known, he promises to go before them and act on their behalf.

Hymn Selection

Gathering: We Are God’s People* (Song of Bethlehem 68)

This is a celebratory hymn of proclamation: “We are God’s people, the chosen of the Lord, born of His Spirit, established by His word; our cornerstone is Christ alone, and strong in Him we stand…” This hymn is also a foretaste of today’s second reading.

Hymn of the Day: You Are the Way (ELW 758)

I chose this hymn because of its direct reference to today’s Gospel in which Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Offering: My Life Flows On in Endless Song (ELW 763)

In John 14:1-3, Jesus reassures his disciples that they need not be troubled and that he is going to prepare a place for them “…so that where I am, there you may be also.” This hymn reminds us that ultimately, nothing matters except that we belong to the living Lord of heaven and earth. Therefore, how can we keep from singing?

Communion: Now We Remain (ELW 500)

This is the Communion hymn for the third Sunday of Easter, which will be the first time that the congregation has sung it. It is a beautiful but rather challenging hymn, so this will provide an opportunity for the congregation to become more comfortable with it.

Sending: Lead Me, Guide Me (ELW 768)

This hymn, although sung collectively, is really the prayer of each individual: “Lead me, guide me…Let me walk each day with thee.” We ask for God’s strength and guidance as we are sent back into the world to be His servants.

* Text provided on page 8

Sixth Sunday of Easter

First Reading – Acts 17:22-31

In Athens, Paul faces the challenge of proclaiming the gospel to Greeks who know nothing of either Jewish or Christian tradition. He proclaims that the “unknown god” whom they worship is the true Lord of heaven and earth who will judge the world with justice through Jesus, whom God has raised from the dead.

Psalm 66:8-20

Bless our God, you peoples; let the sound of praise be heard. (Psalm 66:8)

Second Reading – I Peter 3:13-22

Christians have a zeal for doing what is right in God’s eyes no matter what the circumstances because in baptism we are saved and made alive. Thus our Christian beliefs and behavior are to be a matter of public record just as our baptism is.

Gospel – John 14:15-21

In final words to his disciples on the night of his arrest, Jesus encourages obedience to his commandments and speaks of the Spirit, who will be with them forever.

Hymn Selection

Gathering: As We Gather at Your Table (ELW 522)

I chose this simply because as we gather to worship, it is an inviting hymn and beautiful prayer: Nourish us with sacred story till we claim it as our own; teach us through this holy banquet how to make Love’s vict’ry known.

Hymn of the Day: Come Down, O Love Divine (ELW 804)

The Holy Spirit is the focus of this hymn, which ties nicely to today’s texts, First Peter which speaks of Christ being “…made alive in the spirit,” and John 14 in which Jesus tells the disciples that the Father will give them another Advocate, the “Spirit of truth.”

Offering: He Comes to Us as One Unknown (ELW 737)

In the first reading today, Paul proclaims that the “unknown god” whom the Greeks worship is the true Lord of heaven and earth and that “…indeed, he is not far from each one of us…for in him we live and move and have our being…” (Acts 17:27-28). I chose this hymn because of the connection to this reading as well as to the Gospel.

Communion: Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters (ELW 445)

This baptismal hymn reflects today’s texts and also references the Sacrament of Holy Communion: “Let us join your feast, partaking cup of blessing, living bread.”

Sending: O Beautiful for Spacious Skies (ELW 888)

The sixth Sunday of Easter falls on Memorial Day weekend this year. Therefore, we will end today’s worship service by singing this national song.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

First Reading – Acts 1:6-14

Today’s reading tells of the risen Lord’s conversation with his disciples on the eve of his ascension. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Psalm 68:4)

Second Reading – I Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Our faith in Christ does not make us immune from the scorn of others. Nevertheless, we are to resist the designs of evil when we experience disparagement from others because we trust God’s grace will strengthen and guide us.

Gospel – John 17:1-11

On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prays to his heavenly Father, asking that those who continue his work in this world will live in unity.

Hymn Selection

Gathering: Christ Is the King! (ELW 662)

This triumphant hymn speaks of unity and witness: “With one voice let the world know he is your choice…” I chose it because it ties to today’s readings from Acts 1 and John 17.

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (ELW 517)

“[This hymn] is a Trinitarian petition – to the Father to keep us steadfast in the word of God…to the Son to defend the church that we may sing Christ’s praise, and to the Holy Spirit to send peace and unity on earth and lead us from death to life” (Hymnal Companion to the ELW, 348). As such, it connects us to today’s texts, particularly to First Peter 5:8-9 and John 17:6-11.

Offering: I Come with Joy (ELW 482)

This hymn was selected because the theme of unity is strongly woven throughout it. Initially, I had placed it as the Communion hymn. However, the text is so rich that I didn’t want anyone to miss singing any of it!

Communion: Let Us Break Bread Together (ELW 471)

I chose this particular hymn because it further underscores the idea of unity, as it is together that we break bread, drink wine, and praise God, even while the prayer for God’s mercy is very personal (“O Lord, have mercy on me”).

Sending: Listen, God Is Calling (ELW 513)

This hymn reminds us that we are called to go out and share God’s redeeming love with the world (Acts 1:8). We also pray that God will help us to be faithful to His call.

We Are God’s People

1. We are God’s people, the chosen of the Lord,

Born of His Spirit, established by His Word;

Our cornerstone is Christ alone, and strong in Him we stand:

O let us live transparently, and walk heart to heart and hand in hand.

2. We are God’s loved ones, the Bride of Christ our Lord,

For we have known it, the love of God outpoured;

Now let us learn how to return the gift of love once given:

O let us share each joy and care, and live with a zeal that pleases Heaven.

3. We are the Body of which the Lord is Head,

Called to obey Him, now risen from the dead;

He wills us be a family, diverse yet truly one:

O let us give our gifts to God, and so shall His work on earth be done.

4. We are a Temple, the Spirit’s dwelling place,

Formed in great weakness, a cup to hold God’s grace;

We die alone, for on its own each ember loses fire:

Yet joined in one the flame burns on to give warmth and light, and to inspire.

Text: Bryan Jeffery Leech SYMPHONY

Music: Johannes Brahms, 1876; arr. Fred Bock 11 11 8 6 8 9 Copyright 1976, Fred Bock Music Company

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