Norma de Waal Malefyt

This resource provides three hymn suggestions for the fall, one for each month. Norma de Waal Malefyt offers background information on the hymns and suggestions for their use in a service.

The moment is charged with excitement and anticipation—the beginning of the most important hour of the week. The council has had their time of prayer for this worship service. The prelude is well underway. The worshipers are in their seats, and the pastor is seated on the platform. Everything is planned and prepared and ready for worship.

Many churches send out the message that the morning worship service is the most important one by including most special events in that service. We do the opposite. Baptisms, professions, and our choral music ministry are usually part of the evening service. In addition, every six to eight weeks we try to schedule a special service of praise that focuses on lifting the congregation into a celebration of joy.

WE MEET GOD Prelude and Processional: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," arr. M. Shaw, H. Hopson [PsH 253] [The congregation is asked to join the choir in singing in unison stanzas 1,2, and 4 at the conclusion of the processional] Reading: Psalm 95:1-2 Psalm 98: "Sing, Sing a New Song," arr. D. Grotenhuis [PsH 98] Stanza 1—All Stanza 2—Choir Stanza 3—All Welcome