Children's Music for Ascension, Pentecost, and Other Times of Praise

Often Ascension Day and Pentecost are overlooked by teachers, choir leaders, and others in the church who work with children. After all, these days usually fall late in the spring, when church school programs, choirs, and clubs are winding down.

In 1989, however, these two celebrations occur in the first half of May—making it a good year to include children in these special services. As most music and choir directors have discovered, few children's anthems are available for either day. But after Easter you may want to help the children learn (and memorize!) some hymn texts related to these special days.

Anthems and hymns of praise related to the coming of spring and the faithfulness of God over his creation are also appropriate during this time of year.

I have suggested several hymns to memorize from the Psalter Hymnal (PH) and Rejoice in the Lord (RIL). These are followed by other songs we have taught (in unison) through our church school music program the last several years.

The children offer their gift of music to the Lord in the presence of his people, leading them in worship. "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" (Psalm 8:2 NIV).

HYMNS FOR ASCENSION

Christ the Lord Ascends to Reign
Christ the Lord Is Risen Again
PH 407, RIL 323

Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise
PH 409, RIL 331

HYMNS FOR PENTECOST

Filled with the Spirit's Power
PH 417, RIL 373

On the Day of Pentecost
RIL 374

PRAISE ANTHEMS  
All Things Bright and Beautiful
AMSI348  
Haan
A Psalm for Singing
Lillenas/Belwin (S/SA)  
Kirby
Consider the Lilies
Choristers Guild CGA-195  
(with flute descant)
Sleeth
Every Morning's Sun
Choristers Guild A-I93
Page
Everywhere I Go
Choristers Guild CGA-171 (S/SA)
Sleeth
Feed My Lambs
Carl Fischer CM 7777
(with flute descant)
Sleeth
Fill the House of God
Broadman Press 4560-65 
Leaf
God of Beauty
Choristers Guild A-172  
Lovelace
God of Great and God of Small
Carl Fisher CM 7808
Sleeth
God Who Made the Earth
AMSI 379  
Haan
Good News
in Good News
Belwin 111762
Leaf
I'll Love You Every Day
CRC Publications, 1982 
De Vries
I Will Give Thanks
Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
BP-110
Jothen
Jesus Bids Us Shine
in Sing and Celebrate for Kids I
WORD, Inc. 37772
Jones
Jesus, Name Above All Names
in Sing and Celebrate for Kids II
WORD, Inc.
Hearn
Keep a Joyful Song Ringing in Your Heart
Choristers Guild A-136
Hopson
Lord God, We Worship Thee
Flammer FA 5006 
Hopson
Love Is Patient
Choristers Guild A-176 
Powell
Love the Lord
in We Come to Praise Him 
Choristers Guild
Lovelance
O Praise the Lord, Who Made All Beauty
Choristers Guild A-143
Hopson
Sing Ye Praises
Augsburg 11-0320 
Lovelance
There Is a Joy
AMSI-292
Leaf
This Is the Day to Praise the Lord
Concordia 98-2426 
Aufdemberge
We Praise You for the Sun
Choristers Guild A-153
Mahnke

Charlotte Larsen is music director of Ann Arbor (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church.

 

Reformed Worship 11 © March 1989, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Used by permission.