Category: Music

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Closing Hymns/Psalms

One of the main issues I face every week in preparing hymns and psalms for Providence Church is what hymn/psalm is most suitable for closing the service. The Cantus Christi provides several beautiful tunes with richly adorned theological lyrics, and an entire first section with Psalm selections.

But choosing a final hymn/psalm is not always easy. I ask these three questions before coming to a conclusion:

a) Is this hymn/psalm in any way connected to one of the lessons read or expounded during the service?

b) Is this a hymn/psalm that we have already mastered? This question is crucial because certain hymns/psalms can be relatively new to the congregation, but it is reasonable to sing it during one of the earlier portions of the CRW (Call, Confession, or Consecration), but the final hymn/psalm needs to be familiar enough, so it can be sung triumphantly.

c) The final question carries the weight of the second point, and that is, a final hymn/psalm needs to be joyful. It follows the Commission. The gathered army of God goes out with the Son of God to war. Thus, slow paced, Lenten-style hymns are inappropriate on the Lord’s Day, even if it is the Lenten Season.

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Jamies Soles’ Music

I met Jamie at the CREC Council Meeting in 2008.  It was then when I purchased my first Jamie Soles’ CD. Since then, I have added two more to my collection. My daughter listens to him everyday and our family has learned to love and sing the Scriptures, even those less familiar passages listing the sacrificial requirements. Jamie wants to restore a love for the whole Bible, even those “embarrassing” passages evangelicals shy away from. If you want your little ones learning the patriarchs or the kings of Israel, Jamie’s music is exactly what you are looking for. As a parent you may discover that you will benefit just as much.

This evening we will be in Valparaiso at Trinity Presbyterian Church to hear Jamie and family sing. If you want to hear samples or purchase Jamie’s music, visit solmusic.ca.

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Arise, Sons of the Kingdom

This morning at Providence we sang one of the most glorious Advent hymns called: Arise, Sons of the Kingdom. Here is the first verse:

Arise, sons of the kingdom!
The King is drawing nigh;
Arise, and hail with gladness
The Ruler from on high.
Ye Christians, hasten forth!
Your praise and homage bring Him
And glad hosannas sing Him,
Naught else your love is worth.