This is a new hymnal compiled by Baptists, specifically for churches that still value the use of hymnals in their congregational singing.  It contains all our favorite old hymns, but also includes more recent contributions to our hymnic tradition.  The hymnal is organized in two major sections:  "I Will Be Your God," containing hymns to and about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), and "You Shall Be My People," with hymns about the church and its mission.  Each hymnal costs $15.00.  Our goal is to have 300 hymnals in place on Easter Sunday morning.  For more information, contact the church office.

 On Palm Sunday (March 28), our Adult Choir will be presenting music during the morning service from The Lenten Sketches, which will be performed in its entirety on Maundy Thursday (April 1).  You will not want to miss hearing this beautiful and moving music about the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion.

 To God be the glory,

 Ralph

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 The text of the hymn "We Are Called to Be God's People" was written in 1973 by Thomas A. Jackson for McLean Baptist Church, McLean, Virginia, of which he was pastor.  He had expressed to a friend his frustration over not finding a hymn expressing the concept that God calls persons to be His people in the church.  His friend suggested that he fill this need by writing such a hymn himself, so he did!  Later Rev. Jackson wrote some additional stanzas, one of which is included below.  This stanza is particularly appropriate during this Lenten season, as we contemplate Christ's path to the cross. 

We are called to be God's people, showing by our lives His grace,

One in heart and one in spirit, sign of hope for all the race.

Let us show how He has changed us, and remade us as His own,

Let us share our life together as we shall around His throne.

 We are called to be God's servants, working in His world today;

Taking His own task upon us, all His sacred words obey.

Let us rise, then, to His summons, dedicate to Him our all,

That we may be faithful servants, quick to answer now His call.

 [New stanza written by the author, not in the hymnal:]

 We are called to be disciples, followers of the Christ, our Lord:

Trusting Him where'er He leads us, guided by the Living Word.

Let us give Him our allegiance, fearing not our cross to bear;

Walking in our Master's footsteps, knowing that He's ever near.