Still another Lutheran hymnal in the works
Group related to the WordAlone Network says its new book will be superior to ELCA’s next hymnal
In a previous issue, Metro Lutheran reported on plans by ELCA and LCMS to offer new worship books during 2006. Now comes word that a reform group within the ELCA plans a hymnal of its own, also due out this year.
The WordAlone Network has created a task force to create a worship book to be called Lutheran Hymnal for Church and Home (LHCH). A 100-page transitional book will appear in May of this year, followed by a full-blown resource with 600 hymns, due out in 2007.
Between 30-40 of the hymns in the new resource will be favorites selected by popular request.
A press release issued by the task force takes a jab at the ELCA’s soon-to-appear Evangelical Lutheran Worship: “Why reinvent the wheel by trying to create something chic and politically correct?”
The task force plans to use the Common Service as a liturgical framework. It was used a century ago by virtually all North American Lutherans, including LCMS and WELS.
The proposed LHCH will also include worship liturgies, Luther’s Small Catechism and the Augsburg Confession.
Plans are to distribute the transitional book at the Word Alone spring convention, April 30—May 2, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Bob Amundson, treasurer for the task force, says the publishing project is a grass-roots effort and will require financial contributions in order to succeed. Contributions may be sent to Amundson at 23665 – 610th Avenue, Chokio, MN 56221.
