Hymnal

Familiar & Fresh

Hymns enjoyed for generations while giving voice to new ones

You will discover a rich, vibrant library of hymns and songs for today's church congregation in the Celebrating Grace Hymnal. This comprehensive collection offers a wide range of materials that are both familiar and fresh, each reflecting the roots of our Christian faith while giving voice to the next generation's Christian worship.

We began our selection process of the hymns and songs by listening to hundreds of churches across the nation. Ministers of music and pastors were invited to name the top 100 hymns of their churches. These lists were used to develop the initial core collection for consideration. A second invitation went to churches, composers, arrangers and musicians to seek new materials. The response was thousands of submissions. After countless hours of careful review and thoughtful discussion, more than 700 pieces were selected.

Celebrating Grace Hymnal, offers many of the classic and traditional hymns that congregations have sung for generations. These familiar treasures continue to enhance the spiritual journey of congregations through their music and text. Along with many favorites will be fresh hymns and songs. A number are original works, written specifically for this hymnal, and some are familiar to churches, but have never been included in a hymnal. Others are familiar songs and hymns that have been updated with new harmonizations that renew the wonderful text in the older versions.

Thoughtful & Theological

Providing scriptures, prayers and responsive readings for worship

We believe a hymnal should be a comprehensive, practical worship resource for churches and congregations. The Editors set high standards for the music, the texts, the support materials, the organization and the production.

Each hymn and song selected was reviewed both for its musical contributions and its theological soundness. The text of each hymn, along with the arrangement, was carefully considered before being accepted for inclusion. The Editors were committed to providing songs that encouraged congregational singing.

Interspersed throughout Celebrating Grace Hymnal are scripture, responsive readings and litanies that draw from the revelation of God's Word and offer opportunities for response from God's people. Serving to enrich congregational worship, enhance hymn singing, and engage the individual worshiper with scripture, these writings were prepared by pastors, church music ministers and theological scholars who share a deep love for the scripture and for the words that congregations speak and contemplate together in worship. The format is designed to provide depth as well as flexibility to congregations and worship planners who seek fresh ways to tell the Gospel story.

Celebrating Grace Hymnal makes a theological statement of belief and practice even in its organization. The book is divided into two sections of hymns and songs:

I Will Be Your God	You Shall Be My People
God the Trinity - The Mystery of Three-in-One God the Father - The Source of All Being God the Son - The Incarnate One God the Spirit - The Transforming Presence	The Church as Community The Church at Worship The Church on Mission

The Hymnal includes an essay in the pew edition about the seasons of the Christian Year.