Where Did They Go?
Hymnbooks change to screens.15 total reviews
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Verna,
I know exactly what you mean. The pianist at church has been replaced by a worship team. Old hymns in the hymn books have been replaced by verses and chorus on a big screen. It took years for people to get used to the new format. But they eventually did, and they even had favorites.
I was on the Grand Bay Baptist worship team for around 25 years, playing guitar and sometimes singing. I never did much leading in worship, though. But when I was in my 30s, I had a Gospel band, "The Potter's Clay". We put on quite a few concerts in the area where we'd do 15 songs in a little over an hour. Now, in my old age, and a relatively new member at Lancaster Baptist Church, I have been in their worship team since mid-April of 2023. (We moved from the country into the west side of the city.) I love it! I've had to learn quite a few new songs, and it's been a challenge. But it's been so satisfying. I am blessed beyond measure.
When I was in the WT at Grand Bay Baptist, we'd take a song out of the hymn book, and the members loved it!
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2024
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Hi Verna,
I know exactly what you mean. The pianist at church has been replaced by a worship team. Old hymns in the hymn books have been replaced by verses and chorus on a big screen. It took years for people to get used to the new format. But they eventually did, and they even had favorites.
I was on the Grand Bay Baptist worship team for around 25 years, playing guitar and sometimes singing. I never did much leading in worship, though. But when I was in my 30s, I had a Gospel band, "The Potter's Clay". We put on quite a few concerts in the area where we'd do 15 songs in a little over an hour. Now, in my old age, and a relatively new member at Lancaster Baptist Church, I have been in their worship team since mid-April of 2023. (We moved from the country into the west side of the city.) I love it! I've had to learn quite a few new songs, and it's been a challenge. But it's been so satisfying. I am blessed beyond measure.
When I was in the WT at Grand Bay Baptist, we'd take a song out of the hymn book, and the members loved it!
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 12-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2024
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Thank you, Kimbob. I can tell you identified with me, and in return, I identified with all you said. I would love to have heard your band. I can still hear hymns in my heart often, but my favorite is hearing my mom sing them while she worked around the house. I've gained appreciation for some new choruses, too. I loved "He Knows My Name" first, then added many more. I'm glad you've had the opportunity to sing for the Lord. I sang in my college accapela choir (Central Wesleyan University-Central College then) and in church choirs. Music draws me close to God. You've been blessed to share your talent for God's blessing toso many.
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent entry for the
- Write A Rant contest-
I know what you mean. Technology is great but some things can't be replaced.
Your story is engaging and easy to follow, the kind that readers want more, more, and can't put down. I'm curious to find out what happens next! Well done. Good luck!
Gypsy
"Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason" -- Novalis
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2023
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Excellent entry for the
- Write A Rant contest-
I know what you mean. Technology is great but some things can't be replaced.
Your story is engaging and easy to follow, the kind that readers want more, more, and can't put down. I'm curious to find out what happens next! Well done. Good luck!
Gypsy
"Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason" -- Novalis
Comment Written 13-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2023
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Thanks, Gypsy, for a great review. That was written some years ago. I've gotten used to the screen and like some of the choruses, but I love the hymns and relish my memories of standing by husband to hold a hymnbook.
Comment from Ginda Simpson
A rant, albeit a gentle one. But I can understand your disappointment as one by one, traditions are being lost and/or replaced by ways unfamiliar and at times unfriendly to those of us of a certain age. Glad to hear it has not quieted your singing voice.
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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A rant, albeit a gentle one. But I can understand your disappointment as one by one, traditions are being lost and/or replaced by ways unfamiliar and at times unfriendly to those of us of a certain age. Glad to hear it has not quieted your singing voice.
Comment Written 12-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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I've become accustomed to some new songs, as well as the screens, but still the hymns are dearest to my heart. I'm glad you thought it was a gentle rant. I would never want the young people to leave the church.
Comment from RodG
The Speaker voices displeasure that the hymnals she and her husband used during a church service have been replaced by large screens she often can't see if the person in front of her is tall. Church is one place where we don't welcome change. If we're old, we want tradition retained. I think you will find many on this site who will agree with your rant. Rod
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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The Speaker voices displeasure that the hymnals she and her husband used during a church service have been replaced by large screens she often can't see if the person in front of her is tall. Church is one place where we don't welcome change. If we're old, we want tradition retained. I think you will find many on this site who will agree with your rant. Rod
Comment Written 12-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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Thanks, Rod. You are so right. While I enjoy a few of the modern songs written well with a good tune, I treasure the old hymns. Still I recognize the joy younger people get from the choruses, and I wouldn't want them to leave the church. As always, you write excellent reviews.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
How very sad this is Verna. I would have difficulty in seeing the screen and would no longer be able to sing the hymns unless I knew them by heart. It is a backward step. My local church changed the lord's prayer and so I decided not to attend this church anymore. I spoke to the vicar and he said we have to accept that changes and I disagreed. I love the lord's prayer and I feel disappointed that they have changed something that has lasted for centuries, I feel for you Verna, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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How very sad this is Verna. I would have difficulty in seeing the screen and would no longer be able to sing the hymns unless I knew them by heart. It is a backward step. My local church changed the lord's prayer and so I decided not to attend this church anymore. I spoke to the vicar and he said we have to accept that changes and I disagreed. I love the lord's prayer and I feel disappointed that they have changed something that has lasted for centuries, I feel for you Verna, love Dolly x
Comment Written 12-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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Thanks for your very thoughtful review, sweet Dolly. I am thankful that our church has a blend of old and new songs. I agree that the Lord's Prayer should not be changed. Love, Verna
Comment from damommy
Thank goodness, my church doesn't do that, and I don't see it ever doing it. I've been to some churches that have the hymns on the screen, and I hate it. There's something spiritual about a hymnal in the hand.
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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Thank goodness, my church doesn't do that, and I don't see it ever doing it. I've been to some churches that have the hymns on the screen, and I hate it. There's something spiritual about a hymnal in the hand.
Comment Written 12-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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Thank you for your excellent review. My church currently does a blend of old hymns and new songs, so I can be happy. Also, I want the young people to stay in the church. Still, I think if we sang more hymns, they'd have a greater appreciation for them.
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I agree.
Comment from Wendy G
A super rant, and I do understand. It's not just hard to accept change, it's because the hymn books were able to be held, looked through, searching for favourites, and a shared experience. Best wishes for your entry.
Wendy
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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A super rant, and I do understand. It's not just hard to accept change, it's because the hymn books were able to be held, looked through, searching for favourites, and a shared experience. Best wishes for your entry.
Wendy
Comment Written 12-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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Thanks, Wendy. You expressed it perfectly. I wrote this some years ago and have accustomed myself to some new songs, as well as the screen-even liked some, but nothing can replace the hymns.
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Oh sweet lady, I love this. Virtual six! And you have my vote too if this is a voting contest. I'm from the old fashion church that my grandpa was part-time pastor, everyone seemed to sing off key and my mother played the organ. She couldn't read a note but knew every song in those hymn books and played beautifully by ear. There was something about holding the book w my husband, as we are the only ones in the family that still attend our old church, and you gave me a memory of having our youngest standing between us so she had her fingers holding the middle of the book. And he would pinch her little nose while we sang along.
And yes, now we too have the screen. However for my eyes, that is easier for me. But I do yearn for the old ways too. Like the song says, tell me bout the good ole days. That's what they were. So I love your rant and the endearing way you told it. Thank you for this awesome post.
Also Verna, I was so sure that you already wrote some stuff for me to write your birthday poem, but I have searched everywhere and I can't find it. Could you send me the info again by the first of November? I am so sorry about that and do look forward to writing your poem. Lol, been so busy that I almost forgot I have one next week. The time just moves so fast.
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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Oh sweet lady, I love this. Virtual six! And you have my vote too if this is a voting contest. I'm from the old fashion church that my grandpa was part-time pastor, everyone seemed to sing off key and my mother played the organ. She couldn't read a note but knew every song in those hymn books and played beautifully by ear. There was something about holding the book w my husband, as we are the only ones in the family that still attend our old church, and you gave me a memory of having our youngest standing between us so she had her fingers holding the middle of the book. And he would pinch her little nose while we sang along.
And yes, now we too have the screen. However for my eyes, that is easier for me. But I do yearn for the old ways too. Like the song says, tell me bout the good ole days. That's what they were. So I love your rant and the endearing way you told it. Thank you for this awesome post.
Also Verna, I was so sure that you already wrote some stuff for me to write your birthday poem, but I have searched everywhere and I can't find it. Could you send me the info again by the first of November? I am so sorry about that and do look forward to writing your poem. Lol, been so busy that I almost forgot I have one next week. The time just moves so fast.
Comment Written 12-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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Thanks for a great review. I wrote that poem a number of years ago and have become accustomed to the screen. I love several choruses and I love to see especially young people's enjoyment of them, but nothing can replace the old hymns in my heart. It just seemed me at the time that the hymnbooks were there one week and the next they were gone. I smiled at your comment about your mother playing the piano. My mother played by ear, but it was not beautiful. It was loud and a little fast, but "not much" off key. I'm glad you lost my long-winded list about me. Here's another. I was a preacher's daughter-always eager to please my parents.
preacher's daughter - moved various places Ohio, Kentucky, South Carolina
three siblings - all five years apart
I'm the only one left in my family and I miss them all.
met and married Leon Mitchell in college
- still my sweetheart after 65 years
two children- Dennis and Debra, joy of our lives - married
four grandchildren - married
six great grandchildren-another due in April
English teacher then retired and subbed some
loved teaching poetry - favorites Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg, Walt Whitman, Sara Teasdale etc. . . etc
Always loved to read
favorite author Charles Martin
Dabbled in poetry for years
after retiring, wrote poetry regularly
entered writing contests for FaithWriters.com
had a large portfolio
persuaded by a friend to publish books of poems
self published with help of editor and graphic designers
11 books, 2 chapbooks, 1 prayer journal
got lots of ideas for poems, especially ones on nature from travels with my husband in the past
A collection of favorite poems from my books plus 5 more --to be published by first of November title JOY ALONG MY WAY
All available on Amazon
Enjoy posting on FanStory (old and new Poems) reviewing-getting reviews
Things I enjoy:
Bible study, church worship
Happy times with family together
Listening to music, hymns and oldies especially
watching old movies and taking walks with my husband
reading well written Christian romances
favorite author Charles Martin
writing poetry-spiritual, humorous, reflection, remembrance
anything chocolate
baking
Christmas
Wordle and Scrabble
Time with friends --real time and Facebook
Eating out
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First of all thank you for resending me info about yourself. What a great life you have. I love hearing about you.
Have you ever read anything from Francine Rivers? If not, I have a couple wonderful books by her. My favorite was a book called Redeeming Love, and I never owned that book, but it was passed around and shared by so many that we don't even know where it is now. So I was so impressed that I bought more from her and would love to send you whatever I have here. They are just like new and then when you are done, you can do what you want. She is a wonderful Christian writer that I know you will love.
Comment from Bill Schott
This rant poem, Where Did They Go?, is one I hear a lot as long-time church goers comment on this change. Besides other reasons, COVID was the last stand for shared books.
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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This rant poem, Where Did They Go?, is one I hear a lot as long-time church goers comment on this change. Besides other reasons, COVID was the last stand for shared books.
Comment Written 11-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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Thanks Bill for this thoughtful review. I wrote this some years ago and have come to like some current church music and have become accustomed to the big screens. Still, I love the hymns best. I wouldn't want the church to fit just old folks, and I wouldn't want the young folks to leave.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
I know this is a rant but it's still conveyed with care and skill. Your verse captures the essence of your regret for that wonderful intimacy of the hymnbook now replaced by a more impersonal and less practical screen. I enjoyed reading this with the little loving story of sharing the book with your husband. That said I sense your irritation with modern devices and your need to vent:) Well done and good luck! Debbie
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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I know this is a rant but it's still conveyed with care and skill. Your verse captures the essence of your regret for that wonderful intimacy of the hymnbook now replaced by a more impersonal and less practical screen. I enjoyed reading this with the little loving story of sharing the book with your husband. That said I sense your irritation with modern devices and your need to vent:) Well done and good luck! Debbie
Comment Written 11-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2023
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thanks, Debbie, for this delightful review. I wrote this some years ago and have come to like some current church music and have become accustomed to the big screens. Still, I love the hymns best, and holding the hymnbook with my husband.
