Presbyterian Hymnal Project Blog

Covers of "Glory to God" released

The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation is proud to release the cover design of our new hymnal, Glory to God.

Pew editions will be available in either red or purple.  The Presbyterian version will be titled Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal, and will be stamped with the PC(U.S.A.) seal on its spine.  The ecumenical version will be titled Glory to God: Hymns, Songs, and Spiritual Songs, but will not have a PC(U.S.A.) seal.  The contents of both editions will be identical.

Accompaniment editions will be available in either red or purple, but without a subtitle.

Peacocks? Or PCOCS?

Since you asked...

Presbyterians love our acronyms: OGA, PNC, COM, PPC, PFR... the list goes on and on and on.  The Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song was quickly relegated to the acronym PCOCS, pronounced "peacocks".  PCOCS took on a life of its own as members found historical and theological significance of peacocks, as well as its usage in Christian symbolism.  Two legends surround the bird:

•     When plucked, feathers regrow more beautiful than before (like a phoenix);
•     Peacock bodies purportedly will not decay.   St. Augustine of Hippo wrote about their immortal flesh as he described the properties of hell.  (City of God, Book XXI, Chapter 4)

a peacock mosaic from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The bird can be found in ancient mosaics and frescoes.  Both as a depiction of God's colorful and diverse creation and as a symbol of the resurrection, the peacock was claimed by the PCOCS.    Their stoles depict a road to the cross paved by peacock feathers.  May their ministry continue to be one that draws them closer to Christ, and fills the Church with song!

PCOCS: the final days

The Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song (PCOCS) gathered for their final meeting this week. A daunting task awaited them: examine the complete contents of "Glory to God" in their proposed order. Members arrived early on Monday morning to begin singing, sorting, and discussing. Conversations went long into the night as PCOCS questioned correct grammar, theological implications, singability, and accidental notes in accompaniments.

PCOCS, Presbyterians, friends and fans repeatedly remarked on the significance of this service. These are the songs that children will soon learn in Sunday School. These are the songs that will be sung at weddings, funerals, and daily prayer. Within this new collection of hymns will be new favorites, old friends, and surprising challenges; thus, decisions were not made lightly. Prayer and worship surrounded each day. Controversial topics were treated respectfully and lovingly. The end result is a collection of 800+ hymns, Psalms, and spiritual songs that, we hope, will glorify God!

During worship, the PCOCS were blessed and sent in song, sign, and symbol. Stoles were given to each committee member. Their generous service will now continue as they teach, sing, play, and preach around the denomination. With thanksgiving for their time, talents, and God's grace that accompanied them -- soli deo gloria!

 

For more information about the members of PCOCS visit our webpage.