How to Modernize a Hymn – Part two of a two part series

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” by Michael Schroeder Let’s consider the doxology put to music, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” which is hymn number 334 in “Christian Worship” (the Lutheran Hymnal). By looking at the hymn, it’s apparent that it is written in the key of G because it has one [...]

WELS Worship Poll Results

Dear fellow WELS and ELS members, as promised, here are the results from my recent poll on worship music style within our Synods.  First I would like to thank all of those who have participated and may God bless each of your congregation’s richly through your eagerness to improve your worship and musical offerings – [...]

A Commentary on Hymns

Hymns are great.  However… I believe that one of the issues with hymns is the fact that the style of musical accompaniment has become foreign to our modern ears; especially to those who might not have grown up in the church.  We are accustomed to hearing music that is accompanied by chords – either played [...]

When Peace Like a River … It is Well!

In February, we will be introducing a new hymn to our congregation from the ”Lutheran Worship” Hymnal Supplement.  The hymn is entitled “When Peace Like a River” although the rest of the Christian world knows this hymn as “It is Well.”  By way of introduction, we will be using a “Bluefishtv” video that describes the [...]

Hymned !!!

On 9/14, we used the hymn “Take My Life & Let it Be” as the theme for worship.  All of our music was tightly knitted to this theme.   “Take My Life” by Scott Underwood “Take My Life, and Let it Be” by Henri A. Cesar Malan– Contemporary Arrangement “Take Our Lives” by Andy Park “My [...]

Take My Life and Let it Be!!!

Take my Life and Let it Be!   That’s not what I’d call a good title for a hymn.  However, the very next line puts everything into context:  “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.”  Ahh… Now it makes sense.  In fact the entire song is about surrender, commitment & offering. [...]

Baaaaaaaaaa!

There is a hymn writer, who has written over 40 hymns; one of which you all most-likely know, that has included “lambs” or “sheep” in every one of her hymn lyrics.  Who is the hymn writer and what’s her most famous hymn?   Pastors & Worship Leaders – This is a nice piece of trivia [...]