The Words We Sing

Though there are various genres of music--country, rap, rock, and pop, to name a few--the Christian music genre is the only genre defined by its lyric. But, how understanding are we as we write, sing, and lead others in worship with these words?The Words We Sing is an exploration of 49 words and phrases found in both modern worship songs and hymns written years--even centuries--ago. With insight and inspiration, author Nan Corbitt Allen identifies the definition, biblical context, and historical background that make each term come to life with power and meaning. Through Allen's refreshing take on these lyrics, readers will find themselves immersed in the struggles and stories behind the words we sing.

"I wonder, then, what freedom is. Is it a place? Is it a thought? Can it be stolen? Can it be bought?" As powerful as it is beautiful, Freedom, We Sing is a lyrical picture book designed to inspire and give hope to readers around the world. Molly Mendoza's immersive, lush illustrations invite kids to ponder singer/songwriter Amyra León's poem about what it means to be free. It's the perfect book for parents who want a way to gently start the conversation with their kids about finding hope in these very tense times we are living in.

Sing! has grown from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s passion for congregational singing; it’s been formed by their traveling and playing and listening and discussing and learning and teaching all over the world. And in writing it, they have five key aims: • to discover why we sing and the overwhelming joy and holy privilege that comes with singing • to consider how singing impacts our hearts and minds and all of our lives • to cultivate a culture of family singing in our daily home life • to equip our churches for wholeheartedly singing to the Lord and one another as an expression of unity • to inspire us to see congregational singing as a radical witness to the world They have also added a few “bonus tracks” at the end with some more practical suggestions for different groups who are more deeply involved with church singing. God intends for this compelling vision of His people singing—a people joyfully joining together in song with brothers and sisters around the world and around his heavenly throne—to include you. He wants you,he wants us, to sing.

Contemporary worship music is ubiquitous in many Protestant Christian communities today. Rather than debating or decrying this post–worship-wars reality, David Lemley accepts it as a premise and examines what it means for us to be singing along with songs that aren’t so different from the pop genre. How do we cope with the consumerism embedded in the mentality that catchy is good? How do we stay committed to subverting cultural norms, as Christians are called to do, when our music is modeled after those cultural norms? How do we ensure that the way we participate in the liturgy of contemporary worship music rehearses a cruciform identity? Becoming What We Sing draws on cultural criticism, ethnomusicology, and liturgical and sacramental theology to process the deluge of the contemporary in today’s worship music. Lemley probes the thought of historical figures, such as Augustine, Hildegard of Bingen, Martin Luther, and the Wesleys, while also staying situated in the current moment by engaging with cultural philosophers such as James K. A. Smith and popular artists such as U2. The result is a thorough assessment of contemporary worship music’s cultural economy that will guide readers toward greater consciousness of who we are becoming as we sing “our way into selves, societies, and cosmic perspectives.”

Favorite stories from the Bible are told and sung in this package now tailored for the most modern Wee Sing fans, with a 64-page, full-color book and a one-hour audio CD. Pkg.

Far too often, life’s challenges and questions cause people to fight feelings of doubt and despair, as they search endlessly for hope. In Singing in the Dark, Ginny Owens introduces the reader to powerful ways of drawing closer to God and how the elements of music, prayer, and lament offer rich, vibrant, and joyful communion with Him, especially on the darkest days. Ginny has gained a unique life perspective, as she has lived without sight since age three. She brings rich, biblical teaching that will encourage readers and compel them to dig deep into the beautiful songs, prayers, and poetry of Scripture—the same words through which the people of the Bible flourished in impossible circumstances. Singing in the Dark includes reflection and journaling prompts at the end of each chapter.

He's olderHe's takenHe's off limitsHe's my best friend's brotherBut when Damon asks me to help him with his songwriting I'm happy to give him a hand.It might just be what I need to find my passion for music again.I know he only sees me as his little sister's friend.But something happens...the music and lyrics connect usCould we share more than just a song?

This book gives insight into many of the hymns we sing. To help worshipers sing with "the spirit and understanding," Wayne Pascall provides word definitions and scriptural background for many expressions in the hymns. You will understand lines we sing such as "Here I raise my Ebenezer," "He hideth my soul in the cleft of The Rock," "Beulah Land," "Balm of Gilead did you borrow," "Sing the Song of Moses and The Lamb" and many more. This book also shows how history and culture have influenced the lyrics of the hymns and it provides explanations for words such as "barque," "beacon," "sheaves," "panoply" and many archaic words used in the hymns . Use this book to enrich your worship experience or as a study guide for Bible classes. A great tool for song leaders, choir directors, ministry leaders and preachers.

Educational and entertaining, these classic Wee Sing book and CD titles are now tailored for the most modern Wee Sing fans. Each 64-page book and one-hour audio CD are contained in reusable blister packages.