Sunday worship is at 11am each week and we extend a warm welcome to those who wish to join us and find out more about Melbourn United Reformed Church.
Should you be unable to meet with us at Sunday worship for whatever reason God's Church is always open, to:
Our facebook page with our latest news can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/MelbournURC/
Dear Friends
The Psalmist wrote:
'Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.'
On Saturday 3rd May, I travelled to Methodist Central Hall in Coventry to join with many other URC folk from all over the country to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of our Hymn Book – ‘Rejoice and Sing’.
The afternoon was a mix of worship, bible readings and hymn singing. It also included short and informative talks by members of the Editorial Committee responsible for putting 'Rejoice and Sing' together. The Revd. Prof David Thompson gave an overview of the work of the group and answered a question, that over the 35 years has been asked many times, why isn’t ‘All things bright and beautiful in the book’?!
A School favourite and so often still chosen for weddings and funerals, ‘All things bright and beautiful’ missed the cut quite simply because not enough people wanted to see it in there at the time. After examining a wide range of hymn books available at the time and sourcing some new hymns, the Editorial Group compiled four lists, accept, reject, probable, and possible.
All things bright and beautiful was placed in the possible group. The four lists were shared with a wider audience and from the responses received the top 660 were selected. This old school favourite missed the cut.
Whether you love it or loathe it, ‘Rejoice and Sing’ is a valuable asset to our churches. I came away from the day with a new found respect for the book and for all those who served on the Editorial Board. It wasn’t an easy task to undertake.
As I write this, I’m getting ready to go to the airport for my flight to New Zealand. There are some amazing hymn writers over there so, you never know, we might have some new words and tunes to make a joyful noise to the Lord in our worship in the future!
Every blessing
Sue
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Dear Lord,
You weep with the world
as it weeps.
Comfort your people
and help us to comfort
others.
Bring restored hope to
those we hold up before
you today.
May they know your
resurrection power.
Amen.
© ROOTS for Churches Ltd (www.rootsontheweb.com) 2002-2020.
Reproduced with permission.
Copyright © 2015-2025 Melbourn United Reformed Church