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But most Christian contemporary music, is really music to listen to more, than to sing, and certainly is not designed to be sung by a large group of people.

The above really isn't so. An overhead slide with the words, and many many of the contemporary songs are great for congregational singing. There is also a genre that combines the old hymns with words of praise or new rhythms that is absolutely praise worthy. "Glorious Day" comes to mind by

Glorious Day

[zerosix]

I, too, miss hymnals, reading music and singing along with a congregation, not a "praise and worship" team, especially one whose leader prances across the stage (which the dais becomes more and more).

That being said, try listening to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, whose director (and she is a choir director) Carol Cymbala, not only directs but also writes most of their music - while not being able to read or write music!!!

Along with her husband, Jim, who pastors the diverse church, Carol began their "choir" with a mere 9 people, today ranges in the neighborhood of 250, including some tremendously talented folk who move to the area to be able to sing along with Carol.

This choir has recorded albums and travel to share the love of Christ with their gift of singing.

You feel the angels singing when listening to some of the BTC's music yet I, like you, still long for the days of singing with the congregation, using a hymnal.

To listen to some of Carol's fine gifts, go here: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=brooklyn+tabernacle+choir+youtube&qpvt=brooklyn+tabernacle+choir+youtube&FORM=VDRE