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 Cultural Diversity Psalms/Scripture
Psalms for Every Tribe and Tongue

Drawing inspiration from Revelation 7:9, Terry and Darlene Wildman will lead this workshop exploring how the First Nations Version: Psalms speaks into—and flows out from—the hearts of Indigenous North American cultures today through storytelling, songs, and interactive activities. Participants will experience how these ancient prayers continue to inspire worship that celebrates cultural diversity and unity in Creator’s Sacred Family.

June 4, 2026 | 79 min video
Video Music/Song Psalms/Scripture
Local Songwriting as CSA: Support Your Local Psalm Grower!

Riffing on the themes of community-supported agriculture (CSA), Cardiphonia and Bellwether Arts have been partnering with homegrown liturgical artists to create local, organically produced fruits of the psalms through song, art, and prayer—community-supported artistry. Since 2015 they’ve been on a journey of seasonal engagement through which they have lovingly harvested almost two hundred songs, dozens of original artworks, and other liturgical produce. In this workshop you will hear from a variety of growers who sow and reap in West Michigan in various soils and sediments.

May 28, 2026 | 81 min video
Video Music/Song Visual Arts
What Visual Artists See in the Psalms

The psalms present a world full of color, texture, and depth. Join us for this panel discussion in which participants explore the contribution of visual artists to our experience of the psalms. What do visual artists see when they approach the psalms? How can visual artists help form our theological imaginations? What role do the visual arts play in interpretation? This stimulating discussion aims to equip worshipers and leaders with resources for engaging the rich visual imagery of the psalms. 

May 28, 2026 | 90 min video