Music Ministry Update
February Hymn of the Month: Lift Every Voice and Sing
This year is the 125th anniversary of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” So, in honor of our February theme of “Inclusion” and Black History Month, we will spend time each Sunday singing what is famously referred to as the “Black National Anthem.” “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a hymn with lyrics by James Weldon Johnson and music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson.
The song was written and performed in 1900 for a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in Jacksonville, Florida. First sung by a group of 500 schoolchildren, these children continued to sing it after the event was over and taught it to children at other schools. After 20 years of sharing amongst children, the song was known throughout the South and in other parts of the United States. Fast forward 100 years and the song has made a huge cultural impact in music, art, civil rights, and beyond. Here is a phenomenal article from Smithsonian Magazine which explores both the history of the hymn and its cultural impact.
Songleaders needed!
Jennifer is seeking songleaders for our Music Ministry team. Songleaders will help lead congregational music on weeks that the choir is not singing in worship. This is a great opportunity for folks who love to sing, but cannot commit to Thursday night choir rehearsals. Email Jennifer at music@jruuc.org with questions or to get on the songleader email list!
Sacred Breath Choir
Sacred Breath Choir begins gathering again on Thursday August 29 from 7-8:30pm. Sacred Breath Choir welcomes folks of all voice types and musical backgrounds. We meet weekly on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm and sing at 1-2 worship services per month. Singing is nourishment for the mind, body, and spirit. Nourish yourself and your community by joining Sacred Breath Choir! Email Jennifer at music@jruuc.org or chat with them during coffee hour if you have any questions.
Folk Group
This season we will meet on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 2pm – 3:30pm at Reeb. All are welcome! We have songbooks to sing and play from, and you are welcome to bring your favorites too.
If you want to be added to the Reeb Folk Group mailing list, please contact Mike Stimson. You can also contact Mike if you have particular songs you want to share with the group and he will add them to the group music.
Folk Music Group 2/15
Thank you everyone who came to the folk jam session on Saturday, we had a great turnout and a marvelous time. Our next meeting is February 15 (we meet the first and third Saturdays each month). We are working on a few songs that we’ve been invited to offer during upcoming services:
On March 23 we will be doing:
- “My Church,” by Maren Morris and
- “If Not Now,” by Carrie Newcomer.
On April 6 we will be doing “Joy Revolution,” by Raye Zaragoza.
Everyone is welcome, come and sing with us! Bring an instrument if you’d to play!
Please send an email to music@jruuc.org with any questions or thoughts you have about music ministry at JRUUC.
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