Sylvia Huggett is known as a local preacher and notable lyric writer in Somerton, Somerset, and many local churches will have sung some of the hymns she has written over the years. Now, they have been gathered together in one place and are available for free use in our churches. Sylvia has, very generously, waived copyright so they can be reproduced without no restriction, and has graciously allowed users to modify any of the words if they feel the need to do so. Most of the hymns use well-known tunes that will be familiar to musicians and congregations alike. Many can be found in digital resources as instrumental versions. Additionally, there are a few poems at the end, not set to music, but equally useful for private reading or as a worship resource.

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Sylvia writes:

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Very hesitantly I have put together these verses because of requests and encouragement from those who have occasionally read or sung one of them. I began writing when I started preaching regularly and was finding it hard to find a hymn that expressed exactly what I wanted to say.
 

I would particularly like to thank my tutor, the Revd Peter Henderson who, when I was training to be a United Reformed Church lay preacher, first suggested writing my own hymns. Sincere thanks also to the hymn writer, Alan Gaunt who, when judging a URC hymn competition, passed on some very helpful advice and criticism of my efforts. He gave me a benchmark to follow and encouraged me to keep on writing and revising my work. Thanks to some of my friends, particularly those at West Street Church, Somerton, who have been very kind and supportive, urging me to make the work more widely available. Also thanks to Ivor Dixon who has undertaken the daunting task of organizing the work in order to make it more widely available, and to my husband, David, who has provided editorial support and encouragement throughout the twelve years of writing. The work is free to be used should anyone wish to do so, and minor adaptations in order to personalise a piece is permitted.
 

These hymns and poems are an expression of my personal understanding of God as I seek to grow in faith and serve Him, as well as a response to some of the situations I have experienced. It is my hope and prayer that you may find something that resonates with you and gives help and encouragement on your own journey of faith.
 

Sylvia Huggett, Somerton

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The collection can be viewed as a downloadable PDF by clicking here.