On Sunday, April 22nd Grace will dedicate Missouri Synod’s newest hymnal, Lutheran Service Book. Following that date the new hymnals will be used regularly in worship.

Q & A for Grace Lutheran Church

Why is a new hymnal being produced ? At two conventions (1992 & 1995) of the LCMS, the voting body urged the Commission on Worship to give consideration to beginning work on a new hymnal. During its 1996 fall meetings, the Commission on Worship resolved to begin work on preparing a new hymnal for the LCMS. Anticipating that this work would take close to a decade to complete, the Commission began work by preparing the Hymnal Supplement 98, the first step in the long process of new hymnal development.

Aren’t our present hymnals good enough?

Good enough is not the issue. Our present synodical hymnals are excellent worship books. They are both top quality productions. However, The Lutheran Hymnal is already 65 years old, and Lutheran Worship is almost 25 years old. The average life of a hymnal is around 25 years.

Has the new hymnal been approved by our church body?

On July 14, 2004, delegates to the 62nd regular convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod overwhelmingly approved Lutheran Service Book as an “official service book and hymnal” of the Synod. The goal throughout the project has been to prepare a faithful resource that will serve as a successor to both The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) and Lutheran Worship (1982).

Why would Grace want to adopt the new hymnal?

1. The intent of The Lutheran Service Book, which combines the best of TLH and LW and even adds a few new things can provide in one book what we presently do with two.
2. Being current with the synod makes a statement about Grace to members, visitors, and guests. Having Lutheran Service Book in our pews demonstrates that Grace supports LCMS recommendations and is forward thinking.
3. When the LCMS moved from TLH to LW, many singers regretted the changes to the melody, harmony, and text of certain favorite hymns. In the new hymnal, many of these hymns will be restored to their original melodies, harmonizations, and language forms.
4. Many of Grace’s current hymnals are in need of repair. Some members have volunteered to spend money on repairs or to purchase replacement copies. However, it seems reasonable to put that money towards the new hymnal instead.
5. The electronic version of the new hymnal has many advantages for pastors, musicians, and service planners. The electronic version is available at a significantly reduced price when hymnals are purchased for placement in the pews.

How much does the new hymnal cost?

Concordia Publishing House is providing an $18.50 per copy introductory price for the pew edition.

How will we pay for the new hymnal?

We are using Thrivent money plus donations.

What liturgies will the new hymnal contain?

Divine Service, Setting One (LW, p. 158) Divine Service, Setting Two (LW, p. 178)

Divine Service, Setting Three (TLH, p. 15) Divine Service, Setting Four (HS, p. 6)

Service of Prayer and Preaching (similar to the Service of the Word)

How many hymns will be in the new hymnal and how were they chosen?

Six hundred will be included in Lutheran Service Book. Hymns and songs were chosen for faithfulness to scripture and the confessions, biblical imagery, poetic quality, and the frequency of usage.

Will hymn texts be updated or will the traditional language be used?

Every hymn is being examined on its own merit. In some cases, an updated text will be restored to its more familiar version. Hence, "My Faith Looks Trustingly" (LW 378) will return to the familiar "My Faith Looks Up to Thee." Likewise, "I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus" (LW 408) will be "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus," and "In You Is Gladness (LW 442) will be "In Thee Is Gladness." Many hymns, however, will have some gentle updating of language, especially in situations where obsolete words are used that no longer retain their earlier meanings.

Will the hymns have singable, four-part harmonies?

Yes. Standard harmonizations not only permit singing in parts but also provide organists with basic settings that are not difficult to play. On a few hymns that simply cannot be sung in parts (chant hymns and some newer hymns), only the melody line will be provided. This will actually make it easier for congregations to sing these hymns.

Will hymns from other ethnic groups be included?

Yes. As the Gospel is taken to the ends of the earth, it is not surprising that churches from around the world are beginning to write their own hymns. Many of these are beginning to be translated into English and are making their way to our country. The Commission on Worship looked carefully at the growing number of hymns from other cultures and chose some that are faithful expressions of God’s Word.

Will the new hymnal still use the three-year lectionary?

Yes, a revision of the current LW three-year lectionary has been developed. In its revisions, the committee has given special attention to the Old Testament readings. The goal has been to choose readings that best relate to the Holy Gospel for the day. In addition, careful attention has been paid to the types of Old Testament readings, with the goal being to include a larger number of the great stories of the faith.

Which Bible translation will be used?

After much study and discussion throughout Synod, the English Standard Version (ESV) was approved for use in Lutheran Service Book at the 2004 Synodical Convention. The ESV is a conservative revision of the Revised Standard Version. Published in 2001, several of our Synod’s biblical scholars were involved in the project, serving as reviewers and offering their suggestions.

Will the hymnal be available electronically?

Yes. Hymn and liturgy texts, as well as melodies, will all be accessible. The propers will be available as well. MIDI files will allow pastors to listen to hymn tunes to determine if the hymn is well known or not. Other resources will be included to assist in preparing worship folders. The goal is to make as much of the hymnal and its various resources available electronically as possible.

What color is the hymnal?

After a careful consideration of the various options, a rich burgundy color as been selected, along with a stunning, embossed cover design. This will serve to readily distinguish the new hymnal from its predecessors: The Lutheran Hymnal (TLH) and Lutheran Worship (LW).

Where can I find more information about the new hymnal?

To view an animated presentation about Lutheran Service Book, go to http://lsb.cph.org/rep

For all other questions, go to the Lutheran Service Book website at www.lcms.org/ and look under the ministry area worship. There you will find a section labeled Lutheran Service Book.