Hymnal Committee

Septebmer 18, 2008

Attending: Bruce Lockwood, Dolores Broberg, Elaine Brownell, Shirley Curry, Lynn Howard, John McCall, Barbara Merrill, Barbara Powers, Evie Strom, Dana Wiggins

The contract for the new hymnals was given to Cyndi Alden— authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the church. Dana will provide Cyndi with information needed to complete the contract as that information becomes available.

Possible cover colors available are red, green, and blue. There is a preference for the red that seems go to best with the reds in the Sanctuary. Different textures are available in each of the colors. Gold lettering is preferred.

One option is a gold cross in the upper right of the cover with the church's name at the bottom of the cover- like the current Pilgrim. A second option is to have the church's logo centered toward the middle of the cover with "First Congregational Church United Church of Christ" either under the logo or at the bottom of the cover. It was suggested that the size of the logo and the printing be increased. "United Church of Christ" should be spelled out. Dana will provide us with new images of cover choices based on our discussion. November 1 is the deadline for a camera-ready copy.

The words "Hymns of Truth and Light" are required to appear on the spine. We may select the font and may choose to add a logo or the name of our church.

Dolores asked about our purchasing extra copies of the hymnals so people could buy them for personal use. It was decided that we couldn't afford to extend the quantity on our custom order but people could purchase the standard copy of "Truth and Light" if they so desired.

Shirley would like to have two spiral bound copies of the hymnal--one for the Sanctuary and one for the Chapel.

Work was done on a page draft of the hymns to be included in the supplement, which has 16 pages (32 sides), and our church covenant on the first page. Hymns included were suggested by congregation members on the hymnal survey, from Shirley, John and some selections from Songs of the Spirit as space permitted. We began to place in alphabetical order but page efficiencies were made by moving some shorter songs under a longer song to complete a spread.
More hymns have been suggested for the supplement than we have room. A list will be made of those not included so they can be captured in the next revision of "Songs of the Spirit" making sure those requests are honored.

Lynn compiled additional information for her supplement draft in which she lists the hymns and information known to us about each one. A sub group is working on identifying song sources and obtaining usage rights from owners of work that is not in public domain.


Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Merrill and Dana Wiggins

New Hymnal Committee

August 13, 2008

Sub group: Lynn Howard, Deb Therriault, Carrie Skeffington, Dana Wiggins

Recap

Hymns of Truth and Light has been selected to replace the Pilgrim Hymnal which is out of print. The Truth and Light book has many of our favorite hymns already and also offers a custom bind-in supplement that can include responsive readings, church history or other songs not included in the hymnal. A sub-group was formed to list selections for the supplement, secure usage rights and provide computerized copies of the songs for publishing.

Progress
1. Lynn documented the favorite hymns requested in the survey results and organized copyright info within a spreadsheet— she has offered to finalize the list of selections and responsive readings after checking with Shirley and John
2. Usage rights were discussed and how to go about clearing all for publication
3. Responsive readings may be added. Where do we find those?
4. Carrie will contact Bob Currier to initiate conversation about making computerized copies of the songs available in his database.
5. Deb will contact Shirley for thoughts on most important songs to go into the bind-in– and will contact Joan for background on copyright process done for the Songs of the Spirit.
6. Dana contacted Maggi Tucker and confirmed that the sample book we are using for reference does indeed have the same selections in it as the one we will be ordering–
7. Cover designs to be circulated for consideration by larger committee

Truth and Light representative Maggi Tucker will advise and shepherd us through the process of our upcoming order and the publishing requirements. She has the following directions:

8. we should send our list of selected songs because she has background info and can help with usage permissions
9. any copyright info we have and which hymnal we found it in should also be sent to her along with our list of songs
10. she will advise us on which songs have recently gone into public domain and which will need permissions –obtaining permissions for the lowest price –she informs us that CCLI license requires payment each year whereas onelicense.net offers usage rights for a one-time only fee which may be less expensive
11. Make a copy of same list for Bob Currier for computerized copies of songs
12. Proof and prepare a mock up so page numbering can be assigned
13. Final proof

Submitted by Dana Wiggins

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

New Hymnal Committee

June 26, 2008

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

We met to organize information for the upcoming Book Talks with the congregation. We listed "Frequently Asked Questions", searched for hymns (requested by the survey participants) and made notes on formats within the 4 hymnals of choice. We made a poster showing the key strengths and weaknesses of the books in regard to durability, authenticity of lyrics and favorites within the books.

Music surveys continue to come in and are being included in the results.

Book talks were offered to the congregation on June 29 at 8:30 and 10:45
We had no participants for the early session but the 10:45 was well-attended and filled with lively discussion. Very good questions asked and information shared.

Next steps — Discuss Book Talk results and survey results — Look at 4 publishing options again— Designate a sub group to list favorite songs (from our survey) for an updated Songs of the Spirit if used in conjunction with the new hymnal — Confirm the fee we pay as a church, to use music, will extend copyright permissions for the songs we may bind into the Truth and Light Hymnal.

4 published options:
New Century - $14.50 plus shipping- black cover
- order anytime for delivery within 2 weeks
Truth & Light - $17 per including delivery in March 2009
- standard issue, 9th printing (red w/silver type) order by Dec. 1
- with custom cover on standard issue book by Nov.1
- with custom binding of our favorites within the standard book by Oct.15**
Chalice Hymnal - $16.19 with red cover, church name imprinted
- delivery within 1 month
Worship and Rejoice - $15 - church name imprinted
-delivery within 1 month; blue, red or green cover

** custom bind-in within The Hymnal of Truth and Light requires copyright permissions on included music. Our church has paid a fee that grants rights for music used in the church and we will confirm that this fee extends to new SOS selections.

Next meeting is July 10 at 5PM.

Submitted by Dana Wiggins

New Hymnal Committee

May 8, 2008

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

The committee reviewed many hymnals, observing differences in music selections, unison readings, and prayers. 4 hymnals stand out and are most readily used by other UCC churches at this time. Pricing and ordering deadlines were a consideration– information follows:
New Century - $14.50 plus shipping- black cover - order anytime for delivery within 2 weeks
Truth & Light - $17 per including delivery in March 2009
- standard issue, 9th printing (red w/silver type) order by Dec. 1
- with custom cover on standard issue book by Nov.1
- with custom selection of songs bound in by Oct.15
Chalice Hymnal - $16.19 with red cover, church name imprinted - delivery within 1 month
Worship and Rejoice - $15 - church name imprinted - delivery within 1 month; blue, red or green cover
One option discussed - The Hymnal of Truth and Light - is available with a bound in custom supplement with our favorite songs, prayers, church history. To consider this option we will clear copyright permissions on included music. Our church has paid a fee that grants rights for music used in the church and we will confirm that this fee extends to new SOS selections.

Music survey, written by Bruce, was reviewed, edited and reformatted to one page. Survey will be included in the next Beacon and will be handed out by ushers to the congregation on 5/18. John will distribute at chapel. Betsey will email the survey to Council and Church teams. 3 week duration (5/18 – 6/8) was decided upon for gathering input from the congregation.

Book talks offered with the congregation were set for June 29 before and after summer service in Davidson Lounge. Dana will write Beacon invitation dates, times and opportunity to see book samples, list of attributes we would like in a hymnal and how each meets the goals.

Next steps will be in gathering input from congregation on music selections, choosing songs for the updated Songs of the Spirit (or the custom bind-in hymnal), verifying copyright permissions.
Additional help is needed in the selection process of cherished hymns. Next meeting is May 29 at 5PM.

Submitted by Dana Wiggins

New Hymnal Committee

Present: Dolores Broberg, Barbara Merrill, Shirley Curry, Elaine Brownell, Bruce Lockwood, Evie Strom, and Barbara Powers. (Thanks for your note, John!)

Next Meeting: Thursday, May 8, 5:30
1. Delores reported on Westbrook Warren. She reiterated highlights of the minutes that she already submitted. The director she spoke with reported the three views of the pastor, herself, and her daughter, who is stepping in as director. Their congregation has a lot of older people in it, who appreciated the older Pilgrim Hymnal. Ray Cornils really influenced the discussion in terms of the music and their move to New Century, but they do miss the traditional wording and DON’T like to deal with two hymnals so no supplement has been added. They are happy with the decision to go with the New Century Hymnal 90% of the time. The proposal was brought to their congregational meeting where they listened to two consultants and then voted.
2. Barbara M. reported on her discussion with the conference office. She corrected one aspect of her report, which is that the Maine Conference will not make recommendations. Anne Hodgeman is the correct spelling for the woman she spoke with in the resource center. They suggested the Worship and Rejoice as an option we should consider and offered to mail us a copy, but we already had two so it was declined. A couple of us expressed curiosity over their unwillingness to be more helpful!
3. Evie heard from Saco. They chose Hymns of Truth and Light but she missed the phone call with the explanation we’re seeking.
4. Elaine and Shirley reported on their congregational questionnaire draft. Elaine explained that they looked at one from another congregation John had given them. They made corrections, wrote five questions, and added some demographic information requests. The survey would appear as follows…As an introduction, information about the current Pilgrim Hymnal was first explained with reasons why it was time for a replacement. The request for survey participation was then made.
Shirley reviewed the questions she and Elaine elected to keep or modify:
1) What are your three favorite hymns?
2) As we choose our new hymnal, what types of music would you like to see included in it?
3) Many new hymnals use inclusive and updated language. As we consider purchasing updated hymnals, how important is this to you?
4) Is music an important part of the worship service for you?
5) In what ways is your participation in the music during worship important to you?
6) How many hymns and choral responses should be sung by the congregation during the worship service? Note: Bruce suggested an open ended question or two, like, What do you particularly like about the hymns and choral responses that the congregation sings? What would you change?
7) Do you regularly sing the hymns? Yes, why? No, why not?
8) How familiar are you with the hymns included in the Pilgrim Hymnal or in the Songs of the Spirit?
9) As we consider a new hymnal, what features would you like to see included? Options: Useful indexes, variety of hymns old and new, updated texts, hymns from other cultures, responsive readings, liturgies, creeds, other, additional comments.
10) Your age category.
11) How often do you attend church?
12) The committee added this one: Would you be willing to donate a hymnal with a memorial or celebration bookplate if the cost is moderate -- $20 to $30?
The group was comfortable charging Bruce with 2nd draft wordsmithing and getting it ready to go. He will send it to everyone on the committee for a last look before finalizing it. It was proposed that the survey be placed in a May 5th BEACON as well as introduced during the announcements portion of the worship service on May 11, or some other convenient time, to insure in-depth feedback and on-the-spot completion. The chapel service should be included as well. Barbara will ask John how this might work best.
5. FAQs – We discussed some of the frequently asked questions we should anticipate and came up with the following: Why do we need new hymnals now? The Pilgrim Hymnal was last published in the 1980s, etc., and are getting well worn. See the BEACON article for more details. Who will be deciding on the choice? The Hymnal Committee will make the decision following input via surveys and congregational discussions, as well as an opportunity for all interested to view the hymnals being considered. What will be the total cost? At $20 per hymnal, the total cost to the church will be $10,000 if 500 are ordered.What are the main features of each of the options being considered? See the summaries begun below. Timing wise, it was suggested that the Davison Lounge informational discussions happen just AFTER the surveys are completed and tallied so that the congregation’s response can be included in discussion. It was also suggested that the committee develop a decision matrix to help zero in on the best choice.
HYMNS OF TRUTH AND LIGHT: This hymnal stands between the conventional and the more progressive New Century in terms of language. Some of us really like the hymns that are included. It reflects more diverse denominations, since several congregations took part in its development. (GUILFORD is the cover of the example hymnal that was supplemented by that congregation’s hymnal committee.) There are many good Advent hymns, which Shirley described as a goal for the ministers and her. Thought: Add responsive readings to the Songs of the Spirit-type bound supplement instead of more expensive supplemental binding. There are some creeds, etc., throughout the book, however. Guilford’s hymnal lists the “supplements.” It also has a wonderful description of the process used to make their selections, the language of which we may wish to include in our own work.
CHALICE HYMNAL: Lots of good responsive readings are included. Delores thought it seemed heavier with gospel music. Psalms sung responses are in the back; Shirley said our congregation hasn’t been interested in that option. Affirmations of faith, prayers, reflections are appropriately mixed within the book. The daily devotion cycle is also in the back. Lots of communion hymns are included.
NEW CENTURY: It will be the most controversial, but has a lot to offer. The language is inclusive, there are interesting orders of worship, there are several hymns from other cultures. Bruce noted that this hymnal’s Advent and Christmas hymns are NOT well received in other congregations given the inclusive language manipulation. Sometimes it has been found that the language improves comprehension, Delores noted, even while the poetry of the music is disrupted.
WORSHIP AND REJOICE: Do we want strictly hymns or do we want responsive readings? There is no inclusive language, or internationally diverse music. It’s a great collection of traditional hymns, however, and also includes a good number of advent hymns. It’s just lacking responsive readings or any liturgical information at the end or contemporary selections, and doesn’t appear to be an improvement to our current collection.Barbara M. found a short list of “what to look for” when selecting a hymnal:Needs to be music that glorifies God and reflects the church communities’ values.Are songs musically satisfying? Playable? Readable?Are there a variety of themes to coordinate with the liturgical year?Is the style of music that which is desired by the congregation?Is denomination important?Make a list of hymns you are now using. What else is desired?King James or inclusive?Best to choose with hymn books in hand and not just reading the promotional material.We concluded that our committee is on the right track!Next meeting: Thursday, May 8, 5:30 – Let’s choose the congregational discussion dates and plan backwards from the order dates.
NOTE: Dana, we’d like to know from the publishers by WHAT DATE 500 hymnals would need to be ordered so that they are available for processing and Homecoming Sunday so we can set up our timeline. If you’d like help making some calls before the next meeting, please send out an email plea! We’ll then choose a date later in May to review the congregational survey data prior to the first discussions we’ll host, hopefully in early June.Respectfully submitted by: Barbara Powers (who was asked to simply include the minutes as the body of an email as some are having difficulty downloading documents

Barbara Powers