Season of Creation Worship Series — HARVEST SUNDAY: Trees and Fruits
September 23, 2018

The following selections are congregational songs (most of which are chosen from this week’s Hymn Suggestions) with notes on key, tempo, and instrumentation, along with some practical and creative considerations in singing.

Trees

Source: Songs of Zion, 191
Recommended Key: D♭
Tempo: 60-76 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ, piano, or gospel rhythm section/band
Notes: This work by Margaret Pleasant Douroux (well known for “Give Me a Clean Heart,” among other works) would be a great possibility as a theme song throughout the Season of Creation. You will notice the range in tempo is quite wide to accommodate the balance of authentic and contextual performance practice. The link in the resources below is to a video of Minister Keith Pringle and the Pentecostal Community Choir, which is a slow, driving setting of this song. Should you choose to use this in your setting on this day or throughout the season, we advocate singing “the God who made the trees” and “the life God wants me to live.”
Resources: Watch a Songs of Zion YouTube video »

A Charge to Keep I Have

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 413
Recommended Key: C
Tempo: 86-90 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: Because the meter of this Charles Wesley text is 66.86, or short meter (SM), there are a number of tune options if BOYLSTON is not preferred. Since it has four stanzas, another option would be using a SMD (short meter double) tune such as TERRA BEATA and combining stanzas together to make two longer stanzas.
Resources: History of Hymns: "A Charge to Keep I Have " »
Download an arrangement of "A Charge to Keep I Have" »

Easter People, Raise Your Voices

Source: Songs of Zion, 6; The United Methodist Hymnal, 304
Recommended Key: B♭
Tempo: 96-104 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano, brass if available
Notes: It is often a good idea to remind Christians they are “Easter people” all year long! Everyday the Christian journey requires walking with God and “meditat[ing] day and night” (Psalm 1). Then a harvest will yield fruits in devotion, praise, and ministry. Sing this tune at a joyful tempo, in an “a la Marcia” character (like a march). Vocal descants and trumpet parts are included in The United Methodist Hymnal Music Supplement.
Resources: History of Hymns: "Easter People, Raise Your Voices" »

If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 142
Recommended Key: G minor
Tempo: 100-108 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: This seventeenth-century hymn and tune combine a text of hope and longing with a haunting melody that can be quite powerful in a congregation’s singing. A choir will also be well suited to sing this in four-part harmony. A large part of the character of this tune is defined by the use of a major III chord (in this case, Bb), which provides an F natural just after the use of a more commonly heard F# in this key.
Resources: History of Hymns: "If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee" »

Love the Lord

Source: Worship & Song, 3116
Recommended Key: G
Tempo: 76-96 bpm
Instrumentation: Full band, guitar, or piano
Notes: One of the best qualities of this song is its singability and relatability to people of all ages. It is a true intergenerational song. You will notice the suggested tempo range above is quite wide, and the reason for this is the variety of possibilities for stylistic presentation. If it is slower (around 76), play and sing it like a reggae song. If it is faster, it can be more of a rock feel. Your children, youth, and adults will enjoy singing this work!

Close to Thee

Source: Songs of Zion, 7; The United Methodist Hymnal, 407
Recommended Key: G
Tempo: 72-76 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: This Fanny Crosby classic hymn is well known in many culturally diverse circles. At its root, this is a hymn of relationship with Jesus. Make the refrain dramatic by singing the first “close to thee” softly, with a gradual crescendo through the final “close to thee,” before singing the conclusion heartily and passionately.
Resources: History of Hymns: "Close to Thee" »

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 694
Recommended Key: F
Tempo: 100-108 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: Often sung around Thanksgiving in many churches, this hymn embraces the vivid imagery of the harvest, both now and in the end days. The imagery begins with a physical harvest of food but eventually turns the focus on the fruitfulness of the people of God and the return of Jesus (“Even so, Lord, quickly come”) to “raise the glorious harvest home.” Keep the tempo moving forward so the choir and congregation can all sing four-measure phrases together in one breath.
Resources: History of Hymns: "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" »