The Weight of the Word

Abbreviations:

• UMH - United Methodist Hymnal
• TFWS - The Faith We Sing

The worship series “Geared Up for Life” centers on the lectionary passages from Ephesians and thus provides a wonderful selection of traditional hymns as well as contemporary worship selections for these seven weeks. This letter centers on describing the Christian church and the character of the body of believers. If ever we needed a series to help us refocus our attention on who we are as members of God’s family, it is now! As you choose music for worship, whether it’s online or in-person worship, consider the movement and progression from Sunday to Sunday and how singing the words of the hymns can help build up the community and reinforce our unity and the rich diversity of God’s people. These hymns can also reinforce how being a part of God’s family means that we grow in discerning how best to love our kindred, protect them, and nurture their faith as if they were our very own blood.

Hymns that can be used throughout the series to create thematic support may be either traditional old standards (and there are many referenced in the hymn suggestions for this series), or they may be newer, more modern songs that can be learned over the seven weeks. As mentioned in the worship planning notes for this series, the seven weeks may also be divided into two miniseries; a thematic hymn or song can also support the central image of each series.

Songs to consider as thematic for a seven-week series are:

Traditional and Blended Selections for Opening and Sending Forth:

• “God of Grace and God of Glory,” UMH 577
• “The Church’s One Foundation,” UMH 545
• “How Firm a Foundation,” UMH 529
• “Hope of the World,” UMH 178
• “Somos Uno en Cristo,” TFWS 2229
• “Together We Serve,” TFWS 2175
• “Be Thou My Vision,” UMH 451
• “Gather Us In,” TFWS 2236
• “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me,” TFWS 2153

Centering Songs:

• “Pues si Vivimos,” UMH 356
• “Jesus Loves Me,” UMH 191
• “Come, Share the Lord” (Communion), TFWS 2269

Modern Selections:

• “Through It All”
• “Hallelujah” (“Your Love is Amazing”)
• “Cornerstone”
• “I Can Sing of Your Love Forever”
• “Forever”
• “Grace Alone”
• “Give Thanks”

Anthems for choir, ensemble or soloist

• “Christ Has Broken Down the Wall”
• “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”
• “If We Ever Needed the Lord Before”
  
• “Grace Alone”

Here are song suggestions for two separate miniseries.

Series 1: July 11, July 18 and July 25

Gearing Up for LIFE. This would cover the first three chapters of Ephesians and the theological foundations of our faith. This is the why part of the epistle. Why do we embrace this life of faith? Why have we been given this blessing, this opportunity, this grace? It is an introduction io the core themes of our faith. This would be weeks one, two, and three of the whole series.

• “The Church’s One Foundation,” UMH 545
• “How Firm a Foundation,” UMH 529
• “Cornerstone”

Series 2: August 1, August 8, August 15, and August 22

The second miniseries within the series would be weeks four through seven and would focus on the first part of the theme GEARING UP for Life. This is the how part of the letter. Because of the grace we examined in the first half of the letter, this “how-to” section is a call to living a theologically ethical life. —the how part of the epistle.

• “Hope of the World,” UMH 178
• “Somos Uno en Cristo,” TFWS 2229
• “Together We Serve,” TFWS 2175
• “Through It All”
• “Hallelujah” (“Your Love is Amazing”)

Here are a few songs from the CCLI Top 100+Beyond Project that would work well with either the seven-week series or the two miniseries. Click here for more information on how to use the songs in worship and ideas for performance practice.

• “Bless the Name of the Lord” (Earl Bynum and the Mount Unity Choir)
• “Build My Life” (Pat Barrett)
• “God Is Love” (Chris Renzema)
• “Jesus at the Center” (Israel Houghton)
• “Promises” (Maverick City Music)
• “Reamo Leboga” (traditional Botswana)
• “Trinity Song” (Sandra McCracken, feat. All Sons & Daughters)
• “Way Maker” (SINACH)

You may have other ideas for creating a cohesive series with other music and liturgical acts of worship. These are here to help you think creatively and perhaps stretch you to consider some things that are out of your normal repertoire. Use the gifts and talents of those in your community to enhance your offerings and enjoy this new beginning!