Often Ascension Day and Pentecost are overlooked by teachers, choir leaders, and others in the church who work with children. After all, these days usually fall late in the spring, when church school programs, choirs, and clubs are winding down.
In 1989, however, these two celebrations occur in the first half of May—making it a good year to include children in these special services. As most music and choir directors have discovered, few children's anthems are available for either day. But after Easter you may want to help the children learn (and memorize!) some hymn texts related to these special days.
Anthems and hymns of praise related to the coming of spring and the faithfulness of God over his creation are also appropriate during this time of year.
I have suggested several hymns to memorize from the Psalter Hymnal (PH) and Rejoice in the Lord (RIL). These are followed by other songs we have taught (in unison) through our church school music program the last several years.
The children offer their gift of music to the Lord in the presence of his people, leading them in worship. "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" (Psalm 8:2 NIV).
HYMNS FOR ASCENSION
Christ the Lord Ascends to Reign
Christ the Lord Is Risen Again
PH 407, RIL 323
Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise
PH 409, RIL 331
HYMNS FOR PENTECOST
Filled with the Spirit's Power
PH 417, RIL 373
On the Day of Pentecost
RIL 374
PRAISE ANTHEMS | |
All Things Bright and Beautiful AMSI348 |
Haan |
A Psalm for Singing Lillenas/Belwin (S/SA) |
Kirby |
Consider the Lilies Choristers Guild CGA-195 (with flute descant) |
Sleeth |
Every Morning's Sun Choristers Guild A-I93 |
Page |
Everywhere I Go Choristers Guild CGA-171 (S/SA) |
Sleeth |
Feed My Lambs Carl Fischer CM 7777 (with flute descant) |
Sleeth |
Fill the House of God Broadman Press 4560-65 |
Leaf |
God of Beauty Choristers Guild A-172 |
Lovelace |
God of Great and God of Small Carl Fisher CM 7808 |
Sleeth |
God Who Made the Earth AMSI 379 |
Haan |
Good News in Good News Belwin 111762 |
Leaf |
I'll Love You Every Day CRC Publications, 1982 |
De Vries |
I Will Give Thanks Beckenhorst Press, Inc. BP-110 |
Jothen |
Jesus Bids Us Shine in Sing and Celebrate for Kids I WORD, Inc. 37772 |
Jones |
Jesus, Name Above All Names in Sing and Celebrate for Kids II WORD, Inc. |
Hearn |
Keep a Joyful Song Ringing in Your Heart Choristers Guild A-136 |
Hopson |
Lord God, We Worship Thee Flammer FA 5006 |
Hopson |
Love Is Patient Choristers Guild A-176 |
Powell |
Love the Lord in We Come to Praise Him Choristers Guild |
Lovelance |
O Praise the Lord, Who Made All Beauty Choristers Guild A-143 |
Hopson |
Sing Ye Praises Augsburg 11-0320 |
Lovelance |
There Is a Joy AMSI-292 |
Leaf |
This Is the Day to Praise the Lord Concordia 98-2426 |
Aufdemberge |
We Praise You for the Sun Choristers Guild A-153 |
Mahnke |