Published on
February 21, 2017
Video length
47 mins
Alumni of the James Abbington Church Music Academy of the Hampton Ministers' Conference lead a festival of congregation songs.

These psalms, hymns and spiritual songs come from a variety of cultural settings that explore contrasting, but complementary ways that music brings to expression Christian faith and hope.

Outline of the service:

Opening Hymn: Sing a New World into Being

Words: Mary Louise Bringle © 2006 GIA Publications, Inc.
Music (HYMN TO JOY): Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827); arr. Edward Hodges (1796-1867), P.D.

Psalms

Acceptable to You                                                                                                Psalm 91:14

Words and Music: Eli Wilson, Jr. © 1989 Chenaniah Publications, Inc.

With Hands Lifted Up                                                                                         Psalm 113:1-3

Words and Music: Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6; Refrain, Leon C. Roberts (1950-1999) © 1998 OCP Publications

If It Had Not Been for the Lord on My Side                                                      Psalm 124:1-2

Words and Music: Margaret P. Douroux © 1980 Margaret P. Douroux

Hymns

The Solid Rock (My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less)

Words: Edward Mote (1797-1874)
Music (SOLID ROCK): William B. Bradbury (1816-1868)

When Our Confidence is Shaken

Words: Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000) © 1971 Hope Publishing Co.
Music (JULION): David Hurd © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc.

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

Words: Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (1851-1920)
Music: André Grétry (1741-1813); arr. William Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)

Spiritual Songs

Come unto Jesus

Words and Music: Charles H. Nicks, Jr (1941-1988); arr. Brandon Waddles © 2006 Bridgeport Music, Inc.

Jesus Christ Is the Way

Words and Music: Walter Hawkins © 1977 Bud John Music, admin. EMICMGPublishing.com

Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

Words: Jennie Wilson
Music: Franklin L. Eiland (1860-1909); arr. Stephen Key © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc.

Closing Hymn: Be With Us All, Lord

Words and Music: Uzee Brown, Jr © 1995 Roger Dean Publishing Co.

Leaders: James Abbington, alumni from the James Abbington Church Music Academy, Debra Perry,
Emmett G. Price III, and Kathleen Turner

Recent Media Resources

Video Faith Formation Leadership
We Need a Plan! Worship Planning 101

What basic models for worship planning are out there, and which patterns will work best in your context? Join a lively discussion of several worship planning models by the authors and pastors who use them. Bring your questions and suggestions as we learn together. 

September 14, 2026 | 76 min video
Video Faith Formation Leadership
Q&A with Worship Leader Kimberly Williams

Join us after the University worship service (chapel) for a conversation with worship leader Kimberly Williams. We will explore topics related to worship leading and planning for diverse congregations, leading teams, songwriting and recording, and mentoring women in ministry.   

September 14, 2026 | 68 min video
Video Cultural Diversity Faith Formation
The First Nations Version New Testament and its Impact on Worship

In this session Terry Wildman will share the vision, process, and outcomes of the First Nations Version (FNV) New Testament. Why was this translation needed? Who was involved in the translation? What were some of the cultural challenges faced by the translation council? What does it say about the translations done in Native languages in the past? How did the translation council decide on more than 185 key words and terms? What are some of the unique qualities of the FNV versus other English versions? How has the FNV affected the worship expressions of some Native believers? What is the future of the FNV? 

September 14, 2026 | 73 min video