Are churches moving away from using hymnals?

[BigBossman]

To rebut Theoldman's statement:

I prefer using the hymnals, but I don't see the hymnal as if it was The Bible. I've just noticed how things have changed in the worship service.

 

[Jon-Marc]

If I buy a projector would you come here? We are in desperate need of musical talent raying:

Sorry, I moved to Florida because I got tired of the frozen north, although it's only in the 40's here at a little past 11:00 AM and getting down to the 20's at night. The winter days are normally in the 50's to the low 70's in this area, but we're having unusually cool weather.

 

[thegospelgeek]

Sorry, I moved to Florida because I got tired of the frozen north, although it's only in the 40's here at a little past 11:00 AM and getting down to the 20's at night. The winter days are normally in the 50's to the low 70's in this area, but we're having unusually cool weather.

It was a balmey 5 here this morning. Spent 6 days last week with no power, and we got almost an inch of ice and 8 inches of snow.

Why did you leave?

 

[SaggyWoman]

I personally haven't used a hymnal since I was in high school long long ago. I can't read music and I memorized all the words because we sang the songs over and over and over and over and over again.

Slap them up on the screen. I can raise my hands that way!

 

[gb93433]

I've just noticed how things have changed in the worship service.

Wait until you get a little older. Things will change even more.

 

[Todd W. White]

Purely subjective comments to follow:

Unless you put the actual music on the screen - the notes, I mean - a hymnal is a better choice when it comes to people singing the harmonies.

Most American schools still teach basic music to their pupils. That learning, even if buried in the back of the mind, comes back when they see the notes on the page. Coupled with people around them who are singing the parts, not just the melody in unison, they usually can pick it up quickly.

Also, people from other churches who are visiting but do not know the song can join in more readily when they have the music AND the words. We've stood in churches for 20 minutes trying to figure out the melodies (to say nothing of the parts) to songs we've not heard thrown up on a screen with no music. It makes you feel left out.

Plus, there's something about having it in your hands that makes it more personal and real than watching it on a screen. I can't explain it, but there's a connection between seeing, reading, and touching that gets lost when everyone is merely "following the bouncing ball."

Not sure I can explain it any more clearly than that, but I think the ability to feel more close to the Word of God also suffers when the people stop using Bibles and just watch the screen. It's a detached sense - like what you get when watching TV: you're there but not there at the same time, if that makes sense.

 

[annsni]

Purely subjective comments to follow:

Unless you put the actual music on the screen - the notes, I mean - a hymnal is a better choice when it comes to people singing the harmonies.

Most American schools still teach basic music to their pupils. That learning, even if buried in the back of the mind, comes back when they see the notes on the page. Coupled with people around them who are singing the parts, not just the melody in unison, they usually can pick it up quickly.

Honestly, modern songs are much more simple and do not have multiple part harmonies. But those that do, most singers are able to properly sing them without the benefit of notes. I know my husband doesn't even like to use notated songs because he much prefers to play by "feel" and not by the strictness of a notated song. He can be a bit more free to just go into another song if he feels led or to repeat something easily and the team follows easily. But then again, most of his worship team are semi to full professionals and are quite talented. When his laptop went kaflooie on him 2 Sundays ago right during the passing of the cup of communion, he was able to turn to the guitarist and say "play" and he picked right up to play with the sax player. There was hardly a pause in the song - most of the congregation didn't realize anything happened.

Also, people from other churches who are visiting but do not know the song can join in more readily when they have the music AND the words. We've stood in churches for 20 minutes trying to figure out the melodies (to say nothing of the parts) to songs we've not heard thrown up on a screen with no music. It makes you feel left out.

I think most of the songs we do are easy enough to grasp the melody but even if it's not, many don't know hymns so it's still hard. While they teach music in schools, it's certainly not reading music well enough to be able to sing to it unless you're in choir or band. *I* never learned to read music and am lucky to carry a note here and there. LOL Too bad I love to sing in worship but fortunately, I'm in the sound booth so most don't hear me.

Plus, there's something about having it in your hands that makes it more personal and real than watching it on a screen. I can't explain it, but there's a connection between seeing, reading, and touching that gets lost when everyone is merely "following the bouncing ball."

See, I find it better to NOT have it in my hand so that I can be free to close my eyes (because we get to know these songs pretty well) and raise my hands in worship. But I know that is a preference sort of thing. I've been to churches that use hymals and that's fine.

Not sure I can explain it any more clearly than that, but I think the ability to feel more close to the Word of God also suffers when the people stop using Bibles and just watch the screen. It's a detached sense - like what you get when watching TV: you're there but not there at the same time, if that makes sense.

As I said, we don't use Scripture on the screen unless it's for a specific purpose like a verse that goes along with a song - or a verse that we want posted during prayer/communion time. But otherwise, everyone needs their own sword.

 

[Spinach]

I prefer the old hymns. In our English church, we sing them for an hour. There is a lot of talent in our little church and we can really raise the roof. I'd never been so touched by Arise My Soul until coming here. What a powerful song!

 

[rbell]

Purely subjective comments to follow:

Unless you put the actual music on the screen - the notes, I mean - a hymnal is a better choice when it comes to people singing the harmonies.

Most American schools still teach basic music to their pupils. That learning, even if buried in the back of the mind, comes back when they see the notes on the page. Coupled with people around them who are singing the parts, not just the melody in unison, they usually can pick it up quickly.

Also, people from other churches who are visiting but do not know the song can join in more readily when they have the music AND the words. We've stood in churches for 20 minutes trying to figure out the melodies (to say nothing of the parts) to songs we've not heard thrown up on a screen with no music. It makes you feel left out.


Not sure I can explain it any more clearly than that, but I think the ability to feel more close to the Word of God also suffers when the people stop using Bibles and just watch the screen. It's a detached sense - like what you get when watching TV: you're there but not there at the same time, if that makes sense.

Todd,

Your statements echo what I said earlier...that it's a shame but our culture is less musically literate (ironic, since music is more integrated into our lives), and that is one of the weaknesses of projected lyrics. Having said that...there are some advantages to lyric projection; you just have to weigh out what is more important for yourself.

And your comments about the Bible is why we don't usually post the entire Scripture on the screen.

For example...last night (Wednesday), I spoke on Psalm 15...the topic was "God's Guest List." I only posted the reference, because I wanted the kids to look up the reference and see it for themselves. (another sensory connection that way).

Other folks differ from me...but since I'm never wrong, it's OK, I'll give them a break (that comment is solely to rile up TinyTim!!!! :laugh: :laugh: ).

But...thanks for your post...as it is obvious, this is a preference issue, and though there are some good points from either side, ultimately it is a "priesthood of the believer" and "local church autonomy" decision.

:thumbs:

 

[tinytim]

Other folks differ from me...but since I'm never wrong, it's OK, I'll give them a break (that comment is solely to rile up TinyTim!!!! :laugh: :laugh: ).

:thumbs:

Well.... Since you asked....

I consider myself nobody....

And since nobody is perfect....

That makes me perfect!!!:tonofbricks:

 

[Jim1999]

I thought I made a mistake once...........but, I was wrong..........

Cheers,

Jim