CELEBRATING - First Baptist Church

From the Minister of Music and Worship“Hymns stir the soul and breach the barriers between our knowledge of God and our inner experience of God. In the singing ofhymns, we are able to exalt the mystery of God’s abundant grace and, at the same moment, find our own spirits becoming attuned toGod’s spirit.”These words from the Foreword to our new hymnal express beautifully why we find such fulfillment in the singing ofhymns. Tonight’s worship experience serves as an opportunity for us not only to dedicate new hymnals for use to theglory of God but also to celebrate the meaning of hymns in the life of believers. Hymns instruct and inspire. Hymnscommunicate eternal truths to us and through us. Hymns are an effective means of joining together with others whoshare our faith. Hymns are a way for us to be involved in worship, fellowship, ministry and mission.I love the phrase used in the title of our new hymnal—Celebrating Grace. What is more amazing than God’s grace?This worship book will help our congregation learn to celebrate God’s grace with vibrancy and great effectiveness as wesing songs we already know and love and also as we find new expressions of our faith.Our hearts are full of gratitude for the many persons who have helped bring us to the point of tonight’s dedicationservice. Thank you, donors, for the meaningful ways you have chosen to honor or memorialize persons you love.Thank you, Music and Worship Committee, for the many hours spent praying, planning and working as you led ourcongregation to choose this hymnal and make it functional in our church. Thank you, music ministry participants, foryour strong presence and beautiful music tonight. And, thank you, First Baptist Church, for the resources you providein helping to touch our world with the presence and message of Christ.Tonight’s celebration begins a wonderful new chapter in the worship life of our congregation. “Let the word of Christdwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs withgratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3: 16).Celebrating Grace,Billy OrtonTHE HYMNALS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHThe Modern Hymnal (1926) – We do not know exactly when the church began to use it but we knowfrom historical documents that it was used for certain between 1934-1955.Baptist Hymnal (1956) – This hymnal was in use by January, 1957.Hymns for the Family of God (1976) – The church began using this hymnal in 1981.Baptist Hymnal (1991) – This book was dedicated May 12, 1991 and used throughFebruary 19, 2012.Celebrating Grace: Hymnal for Baptist Worship (2010) – Dedicated February 26, 2012.