Sing No Empty Alleluias
An overview and playlist of Chris Shelton's hymn collection, Sing No Empty Alleluias.
The hymns in this book were written, by and large, because I needed them, as a preacher and liturgist. I needed a certain set of words or sounds to shape the emotional arc of a service—to better set the stage and share the story. There’s something in every story that sings. -Chris Shelton
The midwives of Exodus 1, Shiphrah and Puah, were the forerunners of Moses in their defiance of Pharaoh. Shouldn’t we honor them even as we honor their liberating God? (Let Hope Be Reborn)
How can we read Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel and not join her in confident, grateful praise? (My Heart Rejoices in Our God!)
If the hymn to the logos in John 1 was indeed a hymn, why do we not sing it and revel in its mystery? (In the Beginning)
What song might the Prodigal have sung at the emotional climax of the parable, when he “came to himself,” and decided to return to his family? (I Have Wandered Far from Home)
If Jacob can experience God while dreaming on a pillow of stone, isn’t anything and everything around us a possible doorway to the divine? (Broken World, Broken Dreams)
Full Playlist
About Chris Shelton
Chris Shelton is the pastor of Broadway Presbyterian Church in New York City. Chris grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and was greatly influenced by the vibrant musical tradition in his (Baptist) church and by the extraordinary arts educators at Haltom High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Music at Texas Woman’s University. While in college, he was a scholarship choir member at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Denton. In 2000, Chris made the leap from Texas to New York City, earning his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in 2003. Chris was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in 2004 and has served Presbyterian Church (USA) communities in New Jersey and New York. Chris’ first publication was the chapter on Lighting Design in the Boy Scouts of America Theater Merit Badge guidebook. His hymns have been included in the Mennonite hymnal, Voices Together; The Hymn Society collection, Songs for the Holy Other; and the worship resource of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Call to Worship.