Bert Polman

Gabe Huck. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1989.101 pages. $5.95.This booklet features a Roman Catholic priest's "thoughts about liturgy for musicians." In a simple but provoking conversational style, Huck muses on such things as what it is we do when we engage in worship, how we do things musically "by heart" in Christian rituals, how the Psalms should be central to our experience, how important silence is, and what kinds of texts and music(s) we should use in contemporary worship.

The following brief song services were prepared for the Sundays after Epiphany in 1993; the topics were chosen to correspond with the Revised Common Lectionary (Year A) for that season. These song services could be used in the morning service during this portion of the church year, as part or all of a second-service hymnsing, or at any other time in Christian worship (independent from the use of the Lectionary). Selections not in your hymnal could be sung by a small group taught by rote and sung from memory, or printed in the bulletin (with proper copyright permission).

This service focuses on the gospel narrative of Thomas' journey from doubt to faith; it is intended for an evening service on the Sunday after Easter. The service incorporates a dramatic reading prepared by Bert Polman, associate professor of music at Redeemer College. It was first held at the Ministers and Spouses Conference held at Redeemer College on March 28,1989. Our Worship Begins Hymn: "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" (1) [PH 113, PsH 388, RL 325, TH 277]

This dramatic reading of John's passion narrative uses the NIV text of John 18-19; small changes were made in the biblical text to encourage greater clarity in this script.The following roles are necessary:Evangelist (Narrator)JesusA Servant GirlPeterAn Official A Bystander A Servant PiluleA Chorus of Priests Several Soldiers The Crowd (congregation)

THE GATHERINGWords of Welcome and IntroductionTonight we rejoice and give thanks for the arrival of summer. We celebrate God's glorious creation, we express gratitude for a season of accomplishments in school and at work, and we offer thanks to God for his gift of leisure that we will enjoy in the vacation days ahead.Call to WorshipGod's GreetingPsalm 148: Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah (PH 188, TH 105) [with organ and trumpet]Prayer for the Service

Making baptism a celebration to remember

Celebrating the worldwide church of ChristOUR WORSHIP BEGINSIntroit: "In the Presence of Your People"1PsH 160Text from Psalm 22 and 145Tune with characteristics of the hora, a Jewish circle dancePsalm 96 [responsively]GreetingsHymn: "All Creatures of Our God and King "2PsH 431

A service in honor of the 250th anniversary of the conversion of Charles and John Wesley (1738) and the 200th anniversary of the death of Charles Wesley (1788).*Everyone who is able, please stand.*Call to Worship*Greetings*Hymn: "Rejoice, the Lord Is King" (PH 408; RIL 596)

The following liturgy was submitted by Rev. Herman Praamsma, pastor of the Fellowship CRC ofRexdale, Ontario. The liturgy was adapted by Dr. Bert Polman from a form prepared by the Liturgical Committee of the Christian Reformed Church for use during an Easter Service; this liturgy can be used for all Sundays in Eastertide. The season of the church year called Eastertide lasts fifty days and includes Ascension, the day when we rejoice in the reign of Christ at God's right hand.*If you are able, please stand

The "hymn festival" is rapidly growing in popularity. 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!