In Sorrow and in Rejoicing

ABBREVIATIONS

• UMH - The United Methodist Hymnal
• TFWS - The Faith We Sing
• W&S - Worship & Song
• ZSS - Zion Still Sings

In the notes for the “When the Spirit Moves” worship series (May 23-June 27), the writer states, “When the Spirit moves amazing things happen. But they happen through the people who allow that Spirit to motivate them, to guide and direct them, to empower them for the work of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

As you plan the worship music for these first five weeks of Pentecost, keep in mind how music can aid in the movement of the Spirit. As you plan worship, take time to submit to the Spirit, listen, discern, and then gather to be communities of faith that are ready to go when the Spirit moves.

The final Sunday of this series centers on giving what we have. Songs that work well are “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me,” 2153 TFWS, and “Gather Us In,” 2236 TFWS. These two songs have been referenced in earlier weeks and may be considered as songs that are used each Sunday to tie the series together, or they may be used at the beginning of the series and again here at the end as bookends. Here are a few more songs to consider from the Africana genre: “ “ (Richard Smallwood) 80, ZSS; “Holy Spirit, Come Fill This Place” (Babbie Mason); “Every time I Feel the Spirit,” 404 UMH (African American Spiritual); and “I’m Gonna Move When the Spirit Says Move” (African American Spiritual).

This season of Sundays after Pentecost afford us the opportunity to try new songs and to develop and expand our church’s collection of heart songs. Be bold as you make choices for your congregation and encourage them to grow through new texts and tunes because the Spirit is moving in and through us and our song!