About our Worship Music

Many of us came from church backgrounds that had more or less musical instruments, and newer or older songs. We understand if you need time to adjust to our “sound.” But we think you’ll come to cherish it. Here’s what drives our musical choices:

Scripturally rich lyrics

Above all, whatever lyrics we offer to God should be faithful and true. Moreover, they should be spiritually rich, connecting Christ to the joys and sorrows of Christian life. To that end, we use a diverse selection of Psalms, as well as robust hymns from the past and present.

Emphasis on Congregational singing

Many churches cater music to one or another demographic. Worship, however, is meant to unify God’s diverse people. To do so, the style must be accessible and beautiful to both old and young, of varying cultural backgrounds and musical abilities. For us, this means prioritizing the voice of the congregation over instruments and individuals. Not only is this the most universally and historically common form of worship music, but we think it best reflects heavenly worship as described in the Bible. And for good reason!

Listen to a typical morning service song:

historically inclusive

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Our song selection is served by Christian tradition. By incorporating words and tunes from every century (not just the last five or ten years) you gain a sense of continuity and connection with God’s people throughout the ages, and a broader musical palette.

Mission-minded

The Bible says to become “all things to all people” (1 Cor 9:22). But that doesn’t mean local worship music must appeal equally to everyone in the world. Songs at an African village church will probably sound different than in an Arizona city. That’s okay!

At Phoenix URC, our praise seeks to minister broadly to our community. That includes young and old from all different backgrounds. You might hear ancient Latin melodies, Black spirituals, and Genevan tunes, alongside songs written this year.

Special Music

Those with musical gifts have opportunities to bless the Body at PURC through seasonal choirs and occasional interludes.

Good Friday 2023

Advent 2022

Other Occassions

 

Trinity Psalter Hymnal

This hymnal, published in 2018, was a joint effort by the United Reformed Churches of North America (URCNA) and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC). It combines many of the best musical selections our two traditions.

  • Official App

    • The Apple iOS mobile app for iPad and iPhone is now available for download for a one-time purchase price of $9.99. Click here from your mobile device or search the Apple App Store for Trinity Psalter Hymnal to purchase and download.

  • Fully Indexed Hymnal

  • Official TPH Website

OTHER READINGS