A new official hymnal replacing the now familiar 1989 United Methodist Hymnal is in the works to reflect the ever changing nature of the denomination, according to a recent United Methodist News Service article. It is being proposed for the General Conference to be held next year by the General Board on Discipleship (GBOD).
Rev. Karen Greenwaldt of the GBOD states the case for a new hymnal saying:
"What is the message being sent to young people who come to church and see a hymnal from 1989-a hymnal that is older than they are? We need a new hymnal that picks up new hymns, new texts, new melodies, new words to old tunes that are being created and being sung in our churches."In the process of making a new hymnal the church will, as always, be looking for input from people in the pew. You can start now by taking an on-line poll ranking your most and least favorite hymns.
In an interesting and related article, Dean McIntyre, director of music resources at the GBOD, debunks the widely held myth that the Wesleys used bar room tunes as the basis for some their hymns. A debunking that is sad for me personally.
The GBOD is responsible for many of the publications we use in the church including our current hymnals, Upper Room magazine, Devozine, and other devotionals.