With One Voice Pew Ed

I am puzzled by the other reviewer's complaint that this book is not diverse or balanced, because the book is clearly meant only as a supplement for worship, never as a primary resource. The Lutheran Book of Worship is its primary hymnal, evidenced especially by WOV's hymn numbering, which begins exactly where LBW leaves off. Our congregation has very much enjoyed the additional hymns; we sing about half our hymns from it, the other half from LBW. There was no intention for this to be the only worship hymnal; thus diversity is not a goal, but adding dimensions that were not present in LBW was important. Therefore, its emphasis on covering some of the missing "bases" left out of LBW is very welcome. New songs from new traditions such as praise songs, songs from other cultures and traditions, and old hymns such as "Blessed Assurance" that had not "made the cut" for LBW all are very helpful for our congregation. We love WOV! Also, I agree that speaking of "mass" in connection with a Lutheran hymn book is very odd, since I am not aware of any Lutheran synod using that term to speak of worship (of course, there are some smaller, quite different branches of Lutherans as well!). This does cast some doubt on whether that reviewer is speaking from a mainstream Lutheran point of view.

I love this hymnal. It has a beautiful communion service with a lovely Kyrie. I defy you sing the hymn "I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry" without joy. There are many lovely hymns in it that our congregation loves to sing.

Used at our church. Contains many hyms, responses, Apostle`s Creed, babtism statements, songs, and many prayers. Very great book!!!!!!!