Many congregations will dither over which editions of Glory to God will be most helpful to their members. The pew editions will feel most familiar to members, yet the electronic/planning and projected editions offer tools previously unavailable to worship planners. Here are some reasons your congregation might consider using both a pew and electronic edition of the new hymnal:
- The electronic and projection editions are best used in partnership with the pew edition. The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC) expects some rights holders of hymns and songs to prevent their being published in electronic formats. Thus, the electronic and projection editions will have some missing contents, as compared to the pew edition. Page holders will direct people to the appropriate number in the pew edition, as well as explain the rights and permissions reason for omission. (Because eBooks are designed differently, the PPC expects the full contents of Glory to God to be available in the eBook edition.)
- Every congregation has irregular worship services differing from their routine. Whether an outdoor vespers, youth Sunday, worship on a retreat or another room of the church, having different editions accessible allows greater freedom for particular occasions.
- Different editions offer congregation members greater accessibility to the hymnal. Members with particular physical or visual needs can easily use the option that best suits them. Members with particular preferences of projected or bound music will know that the congregation values their participation and engagement as much as those who use another edition.
For more reasons about why particular editions would be helpful to your congregation, please refer to the most recent blog posts. Best wishes navigating this conversation in your context!
