New Presbyterian hymnal — a labor of love — was published in 2013
News from Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
The choir at Stewartsville Presbyterian Church, Stewartsville, N.J., uses the Glory to God hymnal. Photo by Stephen Choi
LOUISVILLE – It is hard to believe that it has been five years since the release of the Glory of God hymnal to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Ever since its release in 2013, the “new hymnal” has become very popular across the denomination.
“In just five years, Glory to God has made remarkable contributions to the worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”, says the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell, associate for worship in the PC(USA) Office of Theology and Worship, and a member of the Hymnal Committee. “From local congregations to national conferences, I have witnessed the work of the Spirit breathing new life into our common song. With this outstanding and multifaceted collection at our fingertips, planning faithful and vibrant worship is easier than ever before.”
Glory to God was developed by the fifteen-person Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song (PCOCS), a volunteer committee of musicians, scholars, pastors and theologians. The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC), the Office of Theology and Worship of the PC(USA), and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians collaborated to develop the project. The General Assembly commended Glory to God for use in the PC(USA) in 2012.
Glory to God Cover Image
The hymnal includes 853 hymns, psalms and spiritual songs covering all major historical and contemporary sacred genres. Several printed, electronic, and online editions offer churches many ways to plan and worship with Glory to God.
Gambrell adds, “The big tent vision of this collection of congregational song confounds outdated categories and breaks down dividing walls. Through its musical depth and breadth — including classic, contemporary, global and ecumenical repertoire — Glory to God helps us to join our voices with the faithful in every time and place. Through its theological organization — highlighting the themes of salvation history and the pattern of God’s action and our response — Glory to God immerses us in the great story of God’s saving work. Through its fresh design and engaging features — including brief commentary and expanded indexes — Glory to God introduces new generations to the treasury of the church’s song.”
To commemorate this milestone, PPC is offering churches a special deal on the pew editions: $18 (formerly $20) and free shipping on orders of 36 or more copies of the pew edition, through December 31, 2018. The new price and free shipping are available to all PC(USA) churches whether they have yet to adopt Glory to God or they need to acquire additional copies.
Churches can get more information and place orders by calling PC(USA) Store customer service at 800-533-4371 or by ordering directly at www.pcusastore.com. When purchasing a qualifying order online, churches can receive the free shipping by using the promo code HYMNALSHIP.
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