Hymnal Committee

July 17, 2008

Attending: Elaine Brownell, Barbara Merrill, Dana Wiggins, Evie Strom, Dolores Broberg, Lynn Howard, Shirley Curry, Betsy Keiter, John McCallExcused: , Barbara Powers, Bruce Lockwood, Deb Theriault, Carrie Skeffington

Recap of progress
-March - we called 10 UCC churches in surrounding communities to discover which hymnal they use and if it was a good choice for them.
-Publishers were called for ordering deadlines and prices to guage affordability
-April - a Music Survey was written to explore preferences of the congregation
-100 surveys were gathered and results reported
-July - Two sessions of question and answer sessions "Book Talks" were held
-Song comparisons were made between the 4 hymnal choices

Book Talks - Dolores reported on the 10:45 Book Talk session. Only 10 attended but many questions were asked with good discussion of the 4 choices of hymnals in consideration

Review - of the hymnals in use by area UCC churches and their opinions. Review of pricing and ordering deadlines. We considered what will serve our congregation best in the next 20 years, looking forward to musical worship that could bring together a more diverse congregation.

Favorite songs - a list of favorites from the music surveys will be cleared for usage rights. CCLI is a church licensing fee paid each year for usage permissions on a number of our hymns.

Concerns discussed - Changing economy in regard to the expense: Consensus was that prices may only get more expensive and the books are priced very affordably at $17 per, a good value. Segregated funds (specified for the worship service) are available in the Memorial Fund. Costs will also be subsidized by members ordering books 'in memory of' or 'in celebration' of a family member.

Considerations, Questions
-Will the new hymnal be used in conjunction with the Songs of the Spirit? It was suggested that we use the new hymnal for a month or two and then update the SOS with any songs missed by the congregation. The reproduction quality and typeface could be made bolder at that time for easier use.
-Check again for pew rack widths before ordering to make sure of a good fit

Move to vote
-Motion to end discussion.
-Motion to vote (Dolores), second motion (lynn), all in favor of voting
-Hymns of Truth and Light nominated (Dolores), motion seconded (Elaine)
-Vote was unanimous for Hymns of Truth and Light

Following
-Energetic exchange of ideas ensued - positive reactions to the decision.
-Dana will hand off informational packets sent by Truth and Light representative
-The standard issue is a red cover with silver stamping – we have a choice to customize (color, name, type font, logo?) on the cover and/or the spine.
-A supplemental bind-in of up to 32 pages is available and if we wish to have that included, selections and permissions are needed by October 15

We will try to finalize next steps by email reviews.

Submitted by Dana Wiggins