Psalm 57:7-9 (NIV)

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.  Awake my soul!  Awake, harp and lyre!  I will awaken the dawn.  I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;  I will sing of you among the peoples.

Both sacred Scripture and Christian tradition affirm that music is proper and fitting expression for worship.  Christians historically and in many cultures use different musical forms as an integral part of worship liturgy.  All Saints' Church, Wynnewood, has followed specific Anglican Reformation musical forms as practiced and developed in the United States.  Generally, the following guidelines express that tradition:

  1. Anglican tradition uses both congregational and choral music to praise God, to offer thanks, and to pray.
  2. While preference is given to all service music in the vernacular (English), we include music occasionally that is best sung and heard in an original language such as Latin or German.
  3. With some preference for congregational singing in the service music (such as the canticles in Morning Prayer and the Sanctus and Gloria in Holy Communion), All Saints' values the rich tradition in choral service music from Continental Europe and England.  The beauty of that music provides an opportunity for contemplation and meditation.
  4. The 1940 Hymnal is the preferred source for hymns.  Hymn selections support the Scripture lessons and collect themes from the Book of Common Prayer for a given Sunday or other holiday.