"The Lutheran Songs Today tour rolled into town with a boatload of amazing post-modern worship songs that blew us away. What is vital is that these are songs both theologically-sound and musically excellent-- beautiful, energetic songs in a variety of styles designed for congregations to sing with confidence. Eric has gathered the best [Lutheran] songwriters in the country, and we are overjoyed that Lutheran Songs Today introduced our worship musicians to them. A number of songs have made their way into our rotating contemporary worship repertoire. Thanks, Eric and crew!"
Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan
Director of Contemporary Worship
First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
"Our contemporary worship team loves the songs in Vol. 1 of 'Songs For Worship.' We find them easy to learn, easy to sing, and both beautiful and inspirational. Many of the songs work equally well as 'performance' numbers and as songs for the whole congregation to sing. Our church's young people will enjoy using them during our monthly youth service, as well. We are looking forward to Vol. 2!"
Susan Bracken, Worship and Music Coordinator
Bethany Lutheran Church, Onamia, Minnesota
"The songs on Lutheran Songs Today, vol. 1 have touched me deeply. I use songs which speak to me as an integral part of my prayer and preaching life. When something 'speaks' to my heart, I play it again and again, often for weeks on end. Some of these songs are used regularly in our contemporary worship and also in our combined contemporary and traditional worship services. I am eagerly awaiting the next volume." Cammie Bella, Spiritual Director, Licensed Lay Preacher, Retreat & Class Leader;
worshipping at the Church of the Good Samaritan (Episcopal), Corvallis, Oregon.
"Lutheran Songs Today contains music that will engage, excite, and inspire singers of all ages. The accessible arrangements and intuitive melodies make this collection a must in your piano bench!"
Kajsa Teiltelbaum, Minister of Music, Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Warwick, Rhode Island.
Licensed Cantor in the Church of Sweden. Graduate of the Royal College of Music, Stockholm, Sweden.
" En harlig kvall med bra och upplyftande musik. Jag tyckte mycket om det aven om jag inte forstod varenda ord."
("A great evening with exciting and uplifting music. I loved it even though I did not understand every word.")
-Gertrud Wallin (age 89), Sweden
"In Torrskog, Sweden, on June 29th, Warwick, Rhode Island resident Kajsa Teitelbaum offered a concert featuring music [gathered] by Eric Wefald. Pieces during the concert came from Eric's latest publication Lutheran Songs Today, including All are Welcome, Glory in the Highest, and Abba, I belong to You. Though all music was performed with the original English text, reception was positive among the Swedish audience, and expectations for future performances are high."
– Ben Teitelbaum, Graduate Student in Brown University's Ethnomusicology Program.
Royal Conservatory of Music, Stockholm, and the Eric Sahlstrom Institute in Sweden (completed auxiliary studies).
"In Lutheran Songs Today, vol. 1 Pastor Eric Wefald has put together an impressive collection of some of the best of contemporary worship songs by Lutheran Singer-Songwriters and Bands. The songs are effectively and conveniently transcribed for keyboard and guitar, complete with lead sheets, with helpful introductions regarding theme, scripture references, suggestions for how and when to use in worship and the liturgical year, illustrations of the chords used in each composition, and brief introductions to the authors/composers.
Lutherans who wish for contemporary music from Lutheran sources will find this a welcome resource, and I heartily recommend the accompanying CD as well, with recordings by the original artists."
Stephen Reed, Director of Music, First Lutheran Church, New Oxford, Pennsylvania.
Music Retreat Leader for Camp Calumet, New Hampshire.
Why “Lutheran” music? Isn’t other Christian music worthy of being sung in worship?
Throughout our history, Lutherans have drawn upon worship music from a variety of sources. In leading alternative/contemporary worship, I and many others have done the same, looking to multiple sources. We have found worthy songs from sources and genres such as Gospel, Catholic, Taizé, Maranatha, Vineyard, Integrity, WOW, Paul Baloche, Rich Mullins, Chris Tomlin, Tim Hughes, Brian Doerksen, Hillsongs, Mexican, African and South American music, etc., in addition to reworking old hymnal and country favorites.
But parsing through each song’s lyrics and tune takes time and effort. Examining each song’s suitability to a particular Sunday or season takes time and effort. Not all lyrics work in a Lutheran setting. Not all tunes are easily sung by Lutheran congregations.
Lutheran Songs Today provides a Lutheran dish at the feast of all Christian worship music. Worship songs by Lutheran singer-songwriters and bands, with a worship planner’s resource guide that is lectionary based, is what Lutherans can bring to the potluck dinner table of great worship music to our Lord God. It’s time to say grace, give thanks, and join the feast. This is most certainly true.
Eric K. Wefald, Creative Editor of "Lutheran Songs Today"