Print as many as you need for your organization.

Handbells can enhance any worship experience. These short, simple arrangements can be incorporated into a worship service or program with minimum preparation or ringing experience. Some require only a few ringers.

The descants were written to be rung 4-in-hand by two ringers along with the hymns during congregational singing. They are easy, do not have any bell changes, and do not require any equipment other than a music stand. They can be memorized and used as processionals.

Some of the arrangements require a handbell choir but are simple enough for the ringers to sing as they ring the accompaniments. Most can be used with congregational singing by printing the text in the order of worship. Thanksgiving Canon, a simple ring-and-sing piece, makes an effective blessing for meals or banquets or during a Thanksgiving service. Veni Emmanuel was arranged for use as a processional for a children’s choir Christmas program. Handchimes can double the handbell parts.

It is hoped that the arrangements presented here will suggest some new ideas to spark our creativity in the use of handbells in worship. Feel free to adapt them in any way to suit your worship situation.