The Methodist Church - Leeds (North East) Circuit

Preacher Development

Local Preachers’ Group on Hymns and Worship Songs


Notes of meeting held 17th November 2008

Six of us met; one sent apologies.

At the last meeting it was suggested that we each bring a recent service and look at the relevance of the hymns/songs within the service.

Choices of hymns were made based on the words, the relevance to the readings, the length of the hymns and what was familiar. If a hymn that was not familiar was required, it was helpful to choose a suitable tune, which was familiar. Having a good organist, who is familiar with the congregation, helps.

Some look at the suggestions at the back of the hymn book for particular readings but care is needed or one can be led astray. Many choose mainly because of the words but also consider the date of the hymn, the metre, high notes and the length of hymn/verses. We try to have good balance and variety to appeal to everyone. It is important to have hymns that people can sing, particularly with small congregations and perhaps no organist. The position of the hymn within the service is important. It is good to start with a rousing one and the first and last should be familiar. The mood of the hymns can change within the service.

We were anxious that the same two or three hymns came up with two or three different preachers. We are concerned that the choice of hymns has narrowed. It may be a good idea to ask if a certain hymn has been used recently and to keep a check on the hymns we use to make sure we don’t repeat ourselves too much.

There was concern that sometimes congregations comment on the hymns and nothing else. This may be that it is one thing in the service in which they have taken part. It could be that, while singing one has the chance to contemplate the words. Music can be a very moving part of the service. It is not a criticism of the rest of the service so much as an indication of the importance of hymns.

PD

We meet next at John Summerwill’s on Monday 1st December at 7.30 pm. Please bring along any collection(s) of new hymns you use.

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