Ok, I guess I'll jump in here, too. Since I am an organist, I will
list a few hymns I've noticed the congregation having difficulty singing: #56 O Come, O Come, Immanuel - in the new hymnal, it has been changed to be more authentic, but since people are used to the 1940 timing, they stumble every time. #688 A Mighty Fortress - Same reason as above. #208 The Strife is O'er - they do great on the verse, but really, I have never figured out what they do on the Antiphon!!! They certainly aren't with me! In our congregation - any hymn not previously in the 1940 hymn book! They always groan afterwards - "we don't know that one." Also, "we can't do a new hymn at the beginning, the choir would stumble coming in", "we can't do a new hymn at the Gospel - too important a place", we can't do a new hymn post communion - it would interfere with devotion and thanksgiving after Eucharist and we don't want to irritate people" and "we can't do a new hymn at the end because the choir would stumble and we need to end on a familiar uplifting note." If anyone else has experienced this sort of thing, I would welcome suggestions. I am hoping that our new rector, when he arrives in October, will also be able to help! Vicki Penny St. Peter's - Kansas City