606, the Mennonite anthem
by Ryan Ahlgrim, Indianapolis
I enjoyed Anna Groff’s article on the popular Mennonite hymn “606” (March 18), but I was puzzled and disappointed that nowhere in the article was “606” identified as hymn #118 in Hymnal: A Worship Book—the standard hymnal that Mennonites have been using for over 15 years. My congregation sings #118 every third Sunday of every month. We love it.
But about a third of the adults in my congregation would have no idea what “606” is, which means they would have no idea what hymn this article is referring to. One way to keep “606” from becoming a cultural idol for ethnic insiders is to stop using nomenclature that keeps out newcomers to the Mennonite Church.
Associate editor’s note: Anna included that information, but it was excluded in the editing process. We apologize.
Associated Issue: Agnus Dei: Lamb of God - March 18, 2008
Associated Article: 606: When, why and how do Mennonites use the anthem?
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