PPC announces new hymnal title, colors, prices
‘Glory to God’ will be published in red, purple
September 14, 2011
LOUISVILLE
The new Presbyterian hymnal, to be published in the fall of 2013, has a title.
“Glory to God: the Presbyterian Hymnal” will be the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s first new hymnal since 1990. The Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song, formed in 2008, will submit a final list of hymns to the 220th General Assembly in 2012.
The committee distributed surveys to Presbyterians, hymnal advocates and staff to gather feedback and ideas about a title, said the Rev. Meg Flannagan, hymnal advocacy and relations coordinator.
“We wanted a title that would be inclusive and celebratory,” she said. “The hymnal is about God and, subsequently, about our response to God.”
The hymnal will be printed in two editions — one for Presbyterian congregations and one for ecumenical use. One edition will have a red cover and one will have purple, but it hasn’t been determined which edition will have which color. Color swatches are available here.
The ecumenical hymnal can be used by other denominations or in Presbyterian congregations linked with other denominations.
“Our hymns are not just Presbyterian songs,” Flannagan said.
Pre-orders for the new hymnal will begin July 1, 2012. The following prices are in effect:
- $15.00 for orders and pre-payment by June 30, 2013
- $17.50 for orders by June 30, 2013, with payment due upon publication
- $20.00 for post-publication orders and payment
- Tags: hymnal
- Agency: Presbyterian Mission Agency
I have been unable to find out how to view a sample copy of this hymnal. Do you expect people to order this sight unseen?
by Rev. Barbara E. lMosch
July 25, 2012
You left out #525 in the Blue Book--"Here I am Lord." Bad, bad, bad!!!
by Harold Wessels
July 8, 2012
Why is the PCUSA spending all this time and money to develop a new hymnbook? Innovative, 21st century congregations have come up with far more effective, contemporary ways of worship than hymnbooks which get published and then sit in the pews for 30 years at a time. No one is trying to develop a better pay telephone. People use cell phones in the 21st century, not pay phones. Just one more example of the way in which PCUSA churches have the look and feel of museums for the way people did church in the 19th and 20th century.
by Jim Caraher
September 24, 2011
Every new hymnal inevitably leaves out a bunch of hymns that are favorites to many people. So why not include about twenty numbered but blank pages at the end of the hymns section, and print a supply of favorite old hymns that missed the cut, but that could be purchased as "stick-in" hymns for the blank pages, allowing congregations to do some modest tailoring of their new hymnals? This would solve a lot of the usual grumbling.
by Stephen A. Moss, H.R.
September 23, 2011
I have to say, I am not at all concerned about the title or the color of the cover. I am much more concerned with the contents. I hope that there will be a nice mix of traditional hymns and new praise songs. I also hope we can return to the original lyrics on the old hymns, not the PC version-for example: we really prefer "Good Christian MEN rejoice"
by Carla Thompson
September 20, 2011
I REALLY hope the new hymnal is lighter in weight than the blue one! It's been uncomfortable for many people to hold, especially elderly. And, some can't hold it at all. Our church seems to use the red one more than the blue...and definitely prefers it.
by Joanne Rice Coltrain
September 16, 2011
I'm a church musician and am thrilled that there's finally a date for dompleteion. I'm also excited that it will be available for GA in Pittsburgh. In response to the question about the ecumenical version. I like to travel, and I have seen the ecumenical version of our present hymnal in several non-Presbyterian churches which I think is a testament to the Hymnal itself.
by Barbara McKelway
September 15, 2011
Churches should also consider donating some of the "older" copies to churches that do not or cannot afford these hymnals.
by Samson Tso
September 15, 2011
Thank you for your ideas and excitement! Read more about the project on our website (www.presbyterianhymnal.org) or blog (http://blog.presbyterianhymnalproject.com). Samplers are avilable in single-copy requests from Presbyterian Publishing Corporation's customer service. Our blog will have future posts about design, contents, the ecumenical edition, and other answers to your questions.
by Rev. Meg Flannagan
September 15, 2011
Color is a small thing, but perhaps the PC(USA) edition could be purple as a sign of reconciliation for congregations using the "new" Blue hymnal but still pining for the old Red hymnal (The Hymnbook). The hymnal issue is more divisive in our congregation than 10-A. Lord, hear our prayer. And thanks to the committee for their faithful, prayerful work. I can't wait to see it!
by Stephanie Wing
September 15, 2011
Amen! Delighted by the title - captures the essence of our invited response to God's grace - in worship and the life that lives out of our worshipful response.
by Sarah Erickson
September 14, 2011
I'm not understanding why an ecumenical version is necessary--what is so particularly Presbyterian about the current hymnal? or about the new one?
by Sarah
September 14, 2011
Will this be a full hymnal or similar to the supplements that we've seen in the last few years? Is there a way to get a sample copy, so we can see it before ordering (at the lowest price), or, at least, get a copy of the list of hymns?
by Rev. Lynne Myers
September 14, 2011
Any word on whether there will be an electronic version with alternate licensing possibilities for small congregations with limited budgets?
by Debra Avery
September 14, 2011
I am excited. Two things that would make it great. An App that both let's you use your tablet (iPad) as a hymnal but also lets you here the tune. Second a CD set of the hymnal with split tracks.
by Rev. Bob Hill
September 14, 2011