wfn.org | Taiwanese Church Follows Up on Launch of New Hymnal

[Taiwan Church News <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

Taiwan Church News 2679, July 6, 2003
Reported by Li Yi-shin. Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   Century New Hymns has been on the market for a year, but much
of its content is still unfamiliar to members of Taiwan's
churches. It is a collection of contemporary songs from around
the world and locally composed tunes and lyrics.  The songs are
mostly presented in Taiwanese, but a few are in Hakkanese and
Mandarin. They are considered to be both "fresh" and "singable".
In order to offer more church members a chance to experience the
volume and the wonders it contains, the Church Music Committee of
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan will
hold five seminars around the island from July 5 through August
16th.
   The committee feels that the book is particularly suitable for
use in worship.  There are songs
suitable for acts of praise, thanksgiving, confession of sin,
intercession and the sacraments. Many
styles are represented.
   People who have not been introduced to Century New Hymns may
feel it to be somewhat
strange, especially if their experience of church music is
restricted to Western forms. Exposure to the backgrounds and
styles of the songs yields deeper understanding and satisfaction
in using them.	The seminars are intended to break through the
songs' "strangeness" and overcome resistance to new forms of
music in church settings.
   Seminars and singing schools will be held in Yuli on July 5,
Chang Hwa on the 19th , Tainan on
the 26th, Kaohsiung on August 9th and Taichung on August 16th.
Pastors, church leaders and
musicians are invited to attend. Each seminar will be hosted by
members of the General Assembly
Church Music Committee.
  To register, call (02) 2362 5282 ext. 231, and speak to A-fan.

For more information: PCT Church Music Committee  +886 2 2363
5282 ext. 231

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