As a Family, We Thank You
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Suitable for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Children's Day, Christian Family Emphasis, Child dedication or Baptism services.  "Lord, humbly we thank you for giving us the gift of children..." (parents, or mothers, fathers).  Using God's design for home and family as a picture of the relationship we have with God, we are encouraged to appreciate these gifts.  The congregation may be incorporated by teaching them the chorus.  Optional flute part is included in the score, and guitar, bass, and electric piano parts are available separately.

For All of Life
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Inspiring, life-affirming work by Ruth Elaine Schram & Douglas Nolan. The text message soars on this beautiful melody! "We thank you, God, for innocence, for childhood dreams, laughter and friends, the strength of youth, the growth of mind. We thank you God for all of life." A marvelous multi-generational anthem, it features adult, youth and children's choirs and senior adults singing as one voice about the joys and sorrows, trials and tribulations of life, making an outstanding home and family anthem as well as a gracious Thanksgiving Day offering. Share this lovely song of gratitude with your congregation, they will be talking about it for weeks to come!

God Bless Our Homes
For Mother's and Father's Day or for any celebration of the family, consider this expressive prayer of affirmation by Roger Thornhill, expressively set by Ruth Elaine Schram. With tender emotion, this anthem goes straight to the heart and reminds us of the importance of family and faith community. Needful repertoire! For SATB voices, accompanied by Piano and optional cello. '

I Will Serve You
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Commissioned by the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church, Anniston, Alabama, in honor of James Roberts' 25 years as organist, this lovely anthem incorporates his favorite hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Folliot S. Pierpoint and Conrad Kocher. Unison children begin by stating this hymn text and melody, then later this works in partnership with the original material sung by adults, "... Lord of all, Creator of all things; Lord of life, Lord of Lords and King of Kings; Lord of all, this prayer to You we raise: that our life may be a hymn of grateful praise..." Suitable any time of the year.

Lord, Build Our House
Powerful arrangement incorporating the early American hymn "How Firm a Foundation." SATB and children's voices unite to sing "...How firm a foundation He builds for His own, when our homes are His dwelling, our hearts are His throne..." Suitable for general services with a family emphasis, Christian Family Sunday, or for special occasions such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, weddings or anniversary celebrations.

Love is Like a Rose
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Expressive and lyrical, this song is rich with symbolism. "Love is like a rose ... a seed must be planted, weeded and watered, and patiently we wait for it to bloom ... It takes the sun to make the flowers reach up for the sky; it's the wintry wind that makes the roots dig deep into the earth..." Would be effective sung at weddings or church services focusing on the family.

Lullaby  New!
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Delicately arranged from beginning to end, "Lullaby" combines an adaptation of the traditional Welsh "Suo Gan" text with "All Through the Night." Gorgeous accessible vocal lines are supported by a flowing accompaniment, all of which can be enhanced by the use of optional descant. The Flute obbligato adds a crowning touch to this lovely piece. Ruthie Schram has created a charming and versatile setting for children's or adult treble voices. Besides being suitable for Christmas, this would be a beautiful selection for Baptism or Child Dedication services.

No Greater Gift
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Unforgettably gorgeous, lyrical setting of the First Corinthians "love" passage. Perfect for General use, Mother's Day, Father's Day, or weddings. Ruthie has dedicated this song to her daughter, Crystie, and her son-in-law, Dan, who were married December 30, 2000.

Through The Window
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This poignant song begins with unison children's choir (or soloist) singing, "Through the window, I can see you. I am playing, you are praying; praying for me, faithfully praying; praying for my future, praying for my friends, praying for our family. May those faithful prayers never end..."  Then the adults sing, from the other perspective; as though watching through the window as their children play, while they are praying for their family.  A beautiful sentiment, as the song progresses to say "May God's hand of blessing reach unto your children's children..."  A perfect choice for family emphases, baptism or dedication services, or general use.

When I Honor You
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Perfect for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christian Family Sunday or any service with a family focus. The innocence and sincerity of the text is lovingly crafted in a simple melody for children, echoed and enhanced by the SATB choir. The children begin by stating to parents, "When I honor you, God is lifted up..." and from there it builds into a beautiful statement of the importance of honoring and respecting one another in God's design for home and family.

Your Love Has Led Us Here
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For family emphasis services, child dedications, baptisms or Mother's Day/Father's Day services, this anthem by Jan McGuire and Ruth Elaine Schram is a great choice. Dual texts insure the right words for the various occasions, making this a very flexible and useful addition to your library. The optional flute obbligato adds a serene touch and the piano accompaniment is rhythmically supportive. Voiced for SAB with cues for SATB. BonusTrax CD is available.