After fifteen years serving as chairman of the Book of Praise Committee, I completed my term this past Friday--in fact, more than my term. A normal time on a Canadian Reformed synodical committee is nine years, but since we were in the midst of a large project in 2007, revamping and augmenting our songbook, it was felt that I should stay on an extra six years. I loved the work! I laboured beside wonderful brothers and sisters, and experienced only kindness, good cooperation, generosity, and mutual respect.
We also worked for a number of years with our URCNA counterparts and were well on our way to proposing a hymn section for the "Common Songbook" to our respective synods. However, a few synods back, the URCNA changed direction and began working with the OPC instead. We were saddened by that, but I wish them well as they work to produce the "Trinity Psalter Hymnal." I look forward to seeing the final product.
I pray God may be with the current committee, and may the Book of Praise be used weekly and daily in church, school, and home to help God's people praise the Lord with psalm and hymn!
