The "hymn festival" continues to be a popular format for special worship services. With the explosion of new songs for worship, the rediscovery of old gems, as well as the joy of singing familiar favorites, the hymn festival provides an opportunity for congregations, choirs, and instruments to join in varied ways of singing hymns together. A hymn festival can celebrate the hymns of a season or of a given tradition, author, composer, or theme. Any good reason will do!
This Pentecost Hymn Festival was prepared for a combined evening service of some congregations in Toronto, Ontario. Several of the texts chosen were written in the twentieth century, reflecting renewed interest in the work of the Holy Spirit. While the choir had learned the new melodies in advance and served mainly as support, the singing was almost entirely congregational.
Psalm
"My Soul, Praise the Lord!" Psalter, 1912 (Psalm 104)
The paraphrases from Psalm 104 are a selection of verses sung to the tune HOUGHTON by Gauntlett, 1861. (Alternative tunes: HANOVER, LAUDATE DOMINUM, or LYONS.)
Dialogue
O Lord God, how great you are!
On the first day of the week
we commemorate your creation of the world
and all that is in it.
Lord, send forth your Spirit
and renew the face of the earth.
O Lord God, how great you are!
On the first day of the week
we commemorate the resurrection of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior, from the dead.
Lord, create in us a pure heart
and renew a steadfast spirit within us.
O Lord God, how great you are!
On the first day of the week
we celebrate in song the presence of your Holy Spirit
in the church and throughout the whole world.
Amen and amen!
Hymn
"For Your Gift of God the Spirit" Clarkson (st. 1-2: all; st. 3: women; st. 4: men; st. 5: all)
"For Your Gift of God the Spirit" comes from Toronto author Margaret Clarkson, who is one of the most theologically astute hymnwriters of our day. Her text is sung to a sturdy Welsh tune, BLAENWERN.
Prayer
Scripture Reading
Genesis 1-2, Psalm 104, and Isaiah 11
Hymns
"Spirit, Working in Creation" Richards
Combining aspects of the Spirit's work from biblical history with prayers for the renewal of the Spirit's work today, "Spirit, Working in Creation" is sung to the tune OMNI DIE from Luxembourg, 1768. The text is by John Richards. (With a meter of 8.7.8.7D several alternative tunes are possible.)
"There's a Spirit in the Air" Wren (st. 1-2: all; St. 3-4: women; st. 5: men; st. 6-7: all)
"There's a Spirit in the Air" is one of the simplest and finest of hymn texts suitable for Pentecost; the text was written by the British pastor Brian Wren, and its carol-like tune, LAUDS, comes from the British hymnologist John Wilson.
Scripture Reading
Romans 8 and Ephesians 4—5
Hymn
"The Spirit Came, as Promised" Seddon (st. 1: all; st. 2: men; st. 3: women; st. 4: all)
"The Spirit Came, as Promised" was written by Jim Seddon (England) after a study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Its tune, ELLACOMBE, comes from Wurtemberg, 1784.
Scripture Song
"Fear Not, Rejoice and Be Glad" Vers. Wright (Prophecy of Joel)
(The choir will introduce the refrain to the congregation. Then the choir will sing the stanzas with the congregation joining on the refrain.)
The Scripture song "Fear Not, Rejoice and Be Glad" is a paraphrase of sections from the Book of Joel; the textual arrangement was made by Priscilla Wright, who also composed the tune CLAY.
Offering of Gifts
Offertory Hymn
"We Have Told the Blessed Tidings" Post
"We Have Told the Blessed Tidings," was written by poet Marie Post, and for this service will be sung to an old Dutch tune, IN BABILONE, 1710.
Scripture Reading & Sermon
Hymn
"Born by the Holy Spirit's Breath" Dudley-Smith
Based on Romans 8, "Born By the Holy Spirit's Breath" was penned by Timothy Dudley-Smith (who also wrote "Tell Out, My Soul") and, for this service, will be sung to WINCHESTER NEW, 1690.
The Biblical Rule of Thanksgiving: A Paraphrase of the Ten Commandments
As we are to walk humbly with our God in lives of gratitude,
let us hear again God's word:
God commands us to serve him alone as God,
to serve God according to the Word,
to speak of God only with deep respect and love,
to attend faithfully the assembly of God's people on the day of rest,
and everyday to let the Lord work in us through his Spirit;
to respect and cooperate with all God-given authority,
to nurture human life as God's precious gift,
to live purely and joyfully with the gift of intimacy,
to use the resources of this earth as stewards of God's creation,
to use the gift of speech for promoting the truth in love,
and to exercise purity of heart in all of life.
May the Spirit of God guide us to be obedient to this word. Amen!
—Rev. Jack Vos, based on text from the Heidelberg Catechism, adapt.
Hymn before Prayer
"I Am the Church, You Are the Church" Avery, Marsh
(The choir will sing the stanzas. You are invited to join on the refrain. )
Richard Avery and Donald Marsh (a pastor/church musician team in the USA) wrote "I Am the Church" (both text and tune) in their series of songs entitled Hymns Hot and Carols Cool.
Prayers of the Church
Conclude with singing, "Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me" Iverson, Baughen
The tune and first stanza of "Spirit of the Living God" were written by Daniel Iverson at Moody Bible Institute. The second stanza was added later by the British Anglican Bishop Michael Baughen.
Hymn
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" Wesley (st. 1: all; st. 2: women st. 3: all)
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is one of Charles Wesley's famous prayer hymns on the work of Christ, work which is operative in the Christian life through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is sung today to another great Welsh tune, HYFRYDOL.
Benediction
"Threefold Amen" Traditional
