What Can I Play on Sunday?, Book 3: May & June Services: Piano Book

Berry understands the reality of church piano work: you need reliable, singable arrangements that don't demand hours of practice. This collection respects both the hymn texts and the pianist's schedule by pairing well-known melodies with straightforward accompaniments that sound polished in one or two rehearsals. The selections move naturally through May and June worship calendars, eliminating the scramble to find appropriate music for Ascension, Pentecost, and Father's Day services.

These arrangements radiate quiet competence and warmth. Each piece sits comfortably under the fingers while creating a sense of stability beneath congregational singing. The harmonies feel traditional and grounded, never calling attention to themselves, which is precisely what strong church music does.

This collection serves church pianists who need reliable, well-crafted arrangements for liturgical seasons and special Sundays without extensive preparation demands. It works equally well for pianists filling substitute roles, those serving multiple churches, or anyone seeking hymn arrangements that honor both the tradition and the realities of busy ministry schedules.

• Balance the melody so congregational singing doesn't fight the right hand. Hymns live through the voices, not the keyboard.
• Use the printed text underlay to anchor your phrasing. These arrangements follow natural language rhythm, not mechanical beat patterns.
• Practice hands separately first, especially in the intermediate passages. The left hand figuration in several selections supports rather than doubles the right hand.
• Listen through each piece once before the service week begins. Familiarity prevents page-turning hesitation and keeps your focus on the congregation.

Program selections from this book across the May and June liturgical calendar: open a Sunday service with 'Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise' for Ascension, anchor Mother's Day with 'God, Give Us Christian Homes,' and close Pentecost Sunday with 'Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart.' The hymn selections also work as voluntary pieces before or after services, giving you flexible programming options throughout the season.

• Playing hymn accompaniments that support rather than overshadow congregational singing
• Reading and interpreting text underlay to shape musical phrasing
• Maintaining consistent harmonic support across varied accompaniment textures
• Navigating intermediate left-hand figuration at a pastoral tempo
• Building fluency with traditional hymn melodies and their harmonic conventions