James C. Ward (PHH 56) originally composed ANNO DOMINI (1985) for the Psalter Hymnal versification of Psalm 11, but the Psalter Hymnal Revision Committee chose instead to use the tune as a setting for the versification of 1 John 3: 1-3–the childlike simplicity of this tender tune is just right for this text. Ward, a professional composer and performer, named the tune after his booking agency in Grand Rapids, which takes its name from the Latin phrase meaning "in the year of the Lord." On Ward's record¬ing Blue Believer, he sang the final three words of this song an octave higher than written, providing a joyful ending. Sing ANNO DOMINI in unison, and use other instruments for accompaniment: handbells, Orff xylophones, guitar, and piano.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook