I have worshipped in the United Church of Canada for most of my life as a choir
member or as church musician. At age 14 I added organ to my piano studies and
filled in for several months as Music Director while still in high school. Then in
University, I played organ and conducted choirs in Anglican and Lutheran
churches. I will outline some of my memories of the variety of hymn and song
books of the UCC with which I have had experiences. You will see that I remember
them by the colour of their covers!
The ’Blue’ Hymn Book was my first United Church hymnary, followed by the ‘Red’
Hymn Book, in 1971. It was a collaboration between the Anglican Church and the
United Church of Canada. I joyfully discovered ‘Lord of the Dance’ in that hymn
book which has remained a favourite throughout my life.
While Music Minister at Tansley United Church in Burlington, I was part of a focus
group to give suggestions as we looked forward to a new hymnary for our church.
We had been enthusiastically singing many new styles of songs for worship found
in the ‘Green’ Songs for a Gospel People, a grass-roots project of the Alberta,
Northwest and BC Conferences in the United Church. “Spirit, spirit of gentleness”
became a Tansley favourite and we were delighted to find it in our next
hymnbook ‘Burgundy’ Voices United. It was published in 1996, and I know you
were blessed to have the editor, Rev. John Ambrose leading you at Christ United
through that exciting time. I had the honour and privilege of presenting
introductory workshops for United Church clergy and congregations, and I often
collaborated with David Ambrose for those presentations. My first workshop with
Voices United was led by Rev. Don Parsons and myself right here in Clarkson in
the Chapel. It was my first time at Christ United—who knew it would become my
spiritual home a few years later!
I was quite happy with a hymn book that included so many styles of music, and
also that the committee, who prepared the hymnbook, updated some of the lyrics
to reflect present United Church theology and inclusive language. Because I have
always loved spiritiuals, I was thrilled to see so many included here, as well as
pieces from the Iona and Taizé traditions, and from other Christian communities
around the world.
Ten years after Voices United was published, More Voices responded to evolving
theology, liturgy, plus musical needs and expectations. We use many selections
from More Voices in worship at Christ First through a licensing process.
On the horizon is a new United Church resource for worship Then Let Us Sing!
Writer Oliva Vaughan published an article in our magazine ‘Broadview’: “After
years of work, UCC plans to release a new digital hymn resource in time for the
denomination’s 100 th anniversary in 2025. Then Let Us Sing! aims to reflect how
worship and the church community have changed in the last century.” Familiar
hymns and songs will be included as well as new content. A brochure from UCC
describes the project: “The new hymns will bring us fresh language for God as
well as accessible musical styles. They will lift up and prioritize racialized,
Indigenous, francophone, and LGBTQQITTPA+ and Two Spirit voices, people with
disabilities, and people of diverse linguistic communities.”
Hymnody in the United Church of Canada has greatly evolved throughout its 100
years, and I am always in awe of the progressive growth of our hymns and songs
for worship. Personally, I sing and play on my own spiritual journey, and feel
blessed to do so within a church where music plays a significant role in our deep
worship experiences.