Jerusalem the Golden, with milk and honey blest: Gordon Giles

Hymn of the day July 2021

Jerusalem the Golden, with milk and honey blest ‘Urbs Sion aurea’ from Hora novissima, Bernard of Cluny 12th century and Hymns A & M editors 1861 Public Domain Tune: EWING adapted from a tune by Alexander Ewing (1830-95), 1853 Public Domain Gordon GilesJerusalem the golden, with milk and honey blest, Beneath thy contemplation sink heart and voice opprest. I know … Read More

Angel voices ever singing: Gordon Giles

Hymn of the day July 2021

Angel voices ever singing Francis Pott (1832-1909) Public Domain Tune: ANGEL VOICES, Edwin George Monk (1819-1900) Public Domain Gordon Giles            Angel voices ever singing             round thy throne of light,             angel-harps for ever ringing,             rest not day nor night;             thousands only live to bless thee             and confess thee             Lord of might.             Thou who art … Read More

What child is this? – Gordon Giles

What child is this? William Chatterton Dix (1837-98) Public Domain Tune: GREENSLEEVES, Anonymous Public Domain Gordon GilesWhat child is this, who, laid to rest    On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,    While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King,    Whom shepherds worship and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him … Read More

Short Guide No 25: Ordination and Commissioning Hymns

Ordinations and commissioning services happen in a variety of contexts, and are a cause of great celebration and spiritual power. Liturgies and traditions notwith-standing, the singing of hymns on these occasions plays a crucial role, and their selection is, therefore, not to be undertaken lightly. Contexts Approaches taken towards the discernment, vocation and formal commencement of a person’s authorised ministry … Read More

Short Guide No 24: Confirmation Hymns

‘Confirmation’ covers various approaches to Christian initiation and commitment. When adults make a commitment and are received into membership of the church, the act of worship surrounding it can be a celebratory, evangelistic, sacramental expression of unity, and the hymns have a vital role to play in the blend of joy, hope and affirmation that a Confirmation should be. Adult … Read More

Short Guide No 23: Baptism Hymns

Baptism can occur in different contexts and at different stages in life, yet the fundamental spiritual and ecclesiological purpose and outcome of such initiation is the same. Nevertheless, each context and understanding of baptism demands its own approach if they are going to be not only welcoming celebrations of commitment but opportunities to preach and sing the faith of Christ … Read More

Short Guide No 22: Funeral Hymns

Christian funerals take place either in a church or at a crematorium or cemetery chapel. While the circumstances are different the issues surrounding the picking of hymns are similar. Hymn singing at funerals is in decline, so even greater care needs to be taken in using hymns to enhance the hope of a funeral, rather than increase the discomfort. The … Read More

Short Guide No 21: Wedding Hymns

Many couples still choose to marry in church, yet the combined impact of more choice and the increasing lack of prior knowledge of hymnody has made it increasingly more difficult to accommodate their needs and desires with Christian integrity and wisdom. Tunes are the key to wedding hymns. The current state of affairs Notwithstanding the decline in the number of … Read More