Apostle’s Hymn

Beginning this fall, on Holy Communion Sundays, the band will be singing, Apostle’s Hymn. It is a hymn based on the Apostle’s Creed, written around 700 AD by a variety of unknown, ancient authors. The Apostles didn’t write it. They were long gone by the time the Creed was written. It is called The Apostle’s Creed because it emphasizes their teachings.

Most of us learn things easier if they are set to music, which is why when we were 5, we learned the ABC song. The goal to putting the Creed to music and singing it monthly is to learn it as a church family.

When I wrote this hymn, I pulled the words from the Creed right off the page. As I pondered what style of music to set the words to, it seemed fitting to use the kind of music sung in the Church around the same time as the completion of the Creed: Gregorian chants.

The Apostles’ Creed is the most historic and universal summary of the Christian faith in the entire history of the church. Not only does it educate us on the tenets of the Faith, it answers the most important question of all: “What must I do to be saved?” Answer: I BELIEVE.

The Creed has remained important through the centuries. Christians do believe more than what is listed in the Creed, but we cannot believe less.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

The third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended to heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.