The Old Testament Book of Psalms is not only a prayer book, but, according to Rhonda Hambright, director of music at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, is a hymnal, as well.

Each Sunday morning, the opening strains to familiar hymns fill the air and believers express their faith in God through song the world over.

Music has been, and continues to be, an integral part of Christian worship.
Whether a church leans toward traditional or contemporary forms of worship, music can set the tone for the day.

The Old Testament Book of Psalms is not only a prayer book, but, according to Rhonda Hambright, director of music at St. Simons Presbyterian Church (St. Simons, Georgia), is a hymnal, as well.

“David’s words are the basis for many great choral works, hymns and solos,” she said.

Hambright explains that although instruments and voices evoke emotions and create inspirations, the texts of hymns based on the Psalms are scriptural.
Music, if chosen properly, can enhance a sermon and provide churchgoers with a unified thought for the week, she said.

As music director, Hambright works with the Rev. Bob Brearley to select the music…Hambright…reads the scripture passages and selects appropriate hymns and anthems. She meets with Brearley each week to discuss the upcoming week’s services with him. “We discuss the sermon and then he has the final approval on the hymns,” she said.

When guest ministers take the pulpit in the pastor’s absence, Hambright explained that the same process of discussion still occurs, but usually by telephone or e-mail, rather than in person.