Published on
October 29, 2013
This hymn festival took place at Neland CRC in Grand Rapids, MI on June 23, 2013

The congregation of  Neland CRC in Grand Rapids, MI worshiped with a hymn festival featuring the new hymnal Lift Up Your Hearts. The festival encouraged singing the whole story of God and God’s people through vibrant congregational song.  The theme for this hymn festival was Singing the Whole Story: On Freedom's Shore.

The Hymn Festival was held on Sunday, June 23 at 10:00 AM at Neland CRC in Grand Rapids, MI.

Program

Singing the Whole Story: On Freedom's Shore

Gathering for Worship and Hearing from God’s Word 

   Prelude: “God Is Here” (LUYH 246) (Cherwien)
               “Fantasy in A Minor” (J.S. Bach)

   Welcome and Introduction to the Service

   Opening Prayer:                                                             LUYH 494

      L:  God of grace,
           whom saints and angels
           delight to worship in heaven,
           even as we gather before your face,
           may your will be done on earth
           as it is in heaven.

      C:  By the power of your Spirit,
            help us to lift up our hearts in praise,
            to receive your lavish gifts
            stored up for us in Christ,
            and to live as your faithful children
            and witnesses,
            through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

   Opening Hymns of Praise:

            “Sing Praise to the Lord, You People of Grace”      LUYH 7
                       Choir on verses 1, 2; all on verses 3, 4

            *“Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah”                          LUYH 6
                       Congregation on all verses

 *God’s Greeting and Mutual Greetings

   Prayer

   Meditation from Exodus 15: Hymnfest on Freedom’s Shore

Old Testament Life and Witness

 *Song: “We Give Thanks to You”                LUYH 52:1, 4, 5, 6, 7
      Choir as “Leader;” congregation on sections marked “All” 

Advent Expectation

   Song: “Toda la tierra/All Earth Is Waiting”         LUYH 57
            All on verses 1, 4; choir on verses 2, 3 

Christ’s Life

 *Songs:
           “Jesus, Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child”          LUYH 99

                    Choir and congregation; sing two times

            “Jesus the Light of the World”                             LUYH 100
                  Choir on verse 1; all on verses 2, 3, 4

 

Christ’s Passion and Exaltation

   Song: “My Song Is Love Unknown”                            LUYH 148
         Solo on verse 1; choir on verses 2, 3, 4, 5; all on verse 6

   Song: “Mfurahini, haleluya/Christ Has Arisen”             LUYH 188     
         Choir and congregation on verses 1, 2, 3, 4 

 

Trusting in the Triune God

 *Song: “Because He Lives”                                             LUYH 361
            Choir and congregation

   Prayer  

Joining in the Spirit’s Work

 *Song: “God Is Here”                                                     LUYH 246
          Congregation on verses 1,3, and Neland 75th Anniversary verse             

   Presentation of Offerings for: General Fund
           (Members’ envelopes for Christian Education,
                                       General Fund and Faith Promise)

   Offering Song: “Ten Thousand Reasons”                     LUYH 559
            Choir on first refrain and verse 1;
            all on other refrains and verses 2, 3

 *Offertory Prayer 

 

Hope for Things to Come…

 *Closing Song: “O Day of Peace”                                   LUYH 487
            Solo on verse 1; all on verse 2

 *God's Blessing

 *Sung Blessing:

      “May the Love of the Lord                                       LUYH 939
            Choir the first time; all the second time

 *Postlude: “Hymn to Joy” (LUYH 581) (arr. Cotter)
    All thy works with joy surround thee,
             earth and heaven reflect thy rays;
    Stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise.