You can give the gift of song by purchasing new hymnals for Wilshire’s Sanctuary and Chapel in honor or in memory of special people.

Beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, all congregants are invited to participate in a unique drive to purchase the new Celebrating Grace Hymnal without impacting the church’s Ministry Fund.

Hymnal donations are $20 apiece, which covers the cost of the hymnal, imprinting, shipping and installation of a donor plate. Each donated hymnal will be specially labeled on the inside front cover as given in honor or in memory of named individuals.

Congregants also may want to give hymnals “to the glory of God,” suggested Doug Haney, minister of music.

“Because hymnals have a long shelf life—our current hymnal has been in use for 18 years—purchasing a hymnal in honor of a cherished friend or teacher or in memory of a loved one makes a long-term impression,” Doug said. “The Worship and Music Committee believes this is a rare opportunity for the Wilshire family to play a personal role in giving the gift of song.”

Asking individuals to provide hymnals for worship is not a new idea at all, Doug added. “In the early days of hymnal publishing, individuals purchased their own song books and brought them to church each week. Over time, we’ve moved toward providing hymnals in pew racks for all who come to church. Our current hymnal drive connects both the past with the present.”

Special envelopes are available in the church office, and also will be inserted into the current hymnals in the pew racks in the Sanctuary.

Wilshire’s hymnal order will be placed by the end of the year, in order to have the new hymnals in place for first use on Palm Sunday.