All Creation Sings

J. Ellsworth Kalas, adapted from chapter 1: There’s an old hymn you may be familiar with that contains these words: “This is my Father’s world, / And to my listening ears, / All nature sings, and round me rings / The music of the spheres. / This is my Father’s world, / He shines in all that’s fair; / In the rustling grass, I hear him pass, / He speaks to me everywhere” (Maltbie D. Babcock, “This Is My Father’s World”; 1901). It is true still today that “all nature sings,” but it is increasingly difficult to catch the melody. Almost anywhere we go, nature’s voice is now muted by the sound of traffic and assorted electronic devices. Those who go out to walk or jog are likely to wear a device that keeps them in touch with news or music or speech—so that, intentionally or not, they have shut out nature’s sound and dulled its influence. Which brings me to the point of this book. I rejoice greatly in the “green” movement that has made new millions conscious of the wonder of our creation and the blessed necessity of caring for it passionately. This is a magnificent step in the right direction, and it puts quality content into what might otherwise be little more than sentimental feelings. But I want us to go farther than that. I want us not simply to see—and indeed, to be grateful for—the wonders of nature. I want us to go beyond nature’s exquisite beauty until we learn some of the lessons it would teach us, lessons about both life and God. When nature sings (as it does every moment) its melody draws us to God, if only we listen with our whole being. This book will contain a discussion guide.

Have you ever seen something so beautiful in God’s created world that it took your breath away? These poems are an expression of joy and gratitude to the God who has inspired me through the days of my life by the beauty of His created world. He is the one who has opened my eyes to see His attributes expressed in the world. May you see Him in new and different ways, drawing you closer to Him. May you hear Him speak words of encouragement and peace, bringing you comfort. May joy fill you to overflowing, strengthening you and enabling you to worship and praise the God of all creation.

Assembly Song Companion to All Creation Sings will be an essential reference resource for church musicians, pastors, and others who help plan assembly song. This accessible manual gives the context, origins, and character of the texts and tunes in All Creation Sings as well as practical guidance for musical leaders. It is especially useful when paired with the Hymnal Companion to ELW and the Musicians Guide to ELW.

Have you ever wondered who hummed the first tune? Was it the flowers? The waves or the moon? Dove Award-winning recording artist Ellie Holcomb answers with a lovely lyrical tale, one that reveals that God our Maker sang the first song, and He created us all with a song to sing. Go to bhkids.com to find this book's Parent Connection, an easy tool to help moms and dads (or anyone else who loves kids) discuss the book's message with their child. We're all about connecting parents and kids to each other and to God's Word.

Worship material produced by Christian Aid together with completely new material, is collected here to offer a resource for creating services that will inform, challenge and inspire change. Part One offers complete service outlines for the Church year, including some on contemporary issues that have come to be associated with particular seasons of the church's year. Part Two provides a selection of prayers, confessions, intercessions and affirmations of faith for churches to incorporate into their own themed services. Part Three consists of stories from Christian Aid partners around the world together with sermon outlines and reflections. A final section outlines simple and practical ideas for fund raising and taking action.