The hymnal is a retrospective view of the Lutheran heritage, with three settings of liturgy, a vespers service, and over 200 hymns. The First Setting is an updated version of the Anglican Chant Lutheran Common Service, used for over 200 years in the ELCA traditions. The Second Setting is Regina Holmen Fryxell's Continental Setting 2, secured from Augsburg-Fortress, and re-created from the organist's edition of liturgy of the red 1958 Service Book and Hymnal. The Third Setting is a contemporary setting featuring the melodies of Sucha, Dvorak, Bach, and John Merbecke.
The best feature of the hymnal is the 200+ hymns, carols, and canticles that are restorations, newly written, or from other denominations. Many of these are restored hymns that have recently been modernized or altered in current Lutheran hymnbooks, and many that currently do not sing like they used to. The harmonies and texts have been carefully researched and lovingly restored to continue with the original integrity and splendor. Included is a section of 32 J.S. Bach hymns and chorales honoring the greatest Lutheran composer of all time. Remember when hymns had Amens afterward? These have also been restored to hymns that were prayers.
A small bio on the composer, and the history of the hymn has been included to educate and inspire. For example: "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" by Longfellow, was written the day after he received word that his son had been killed in the American Civil War. Did you know that "Thank the Lord," the Ronald A. Nelson post-communion canticle in Setting 2 in the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) & Lutheran Worship (LW) is actually an African rowing song, and not an Irish Jig? These are the little bits of information that enable people to learn about how important these gems are.
Voice of the Rockieshas been accepting donations for sponsorship of these hymns from individuals and churches. This way, people from the church body can participate, and have a hand in the project. For a donation of $25, those that sponsor can have their name on the hymn, and it goes to a good cause of preserving the Lutheran liturgical/ hymn heritage for future generations to come.
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