Music Ministry Update
January Hymn of the Month: Hymn of the Month: #342 “O Slowly, Slowly, They Return”
Our Hymn of the Month for January is “O Slowly, Slowly, They Return.” The tune is an old Swiss melody that is published in 54 different hymnals, according to hymnary.org. The text is by celebrated poet, essayist, novelist, activist, and farmer, Wendell Berry. This poem is but one of hundreds of “Sabbath Poems” Wendell Berry has written since 1979. These poems emerge from an over 40-year practice of taking solitary Sunday morning walks on his farm. The poems were published in many smaller collections, but you can now find them in “This Day: Sabbath Poems Collected Old and New, 1979-2013,” and in “Another Day: Sabbath Poems 2013-2023.” This particular poem was written in 1986.
Berry wrote these poems as a spiritual practice and wishes for them to be read as a spiritual practice too. So it seems fitting that this poem was set to music for our hymnal. Much of Berry’s writing is grounded in place and these “Sabbath Poems” are some of the most intimate examples. What hymns of praise might you write about the places to which you belong? What stories would you tell of the trees you greet daily?
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.
Please send an email to music@jruuc.org with any questions or thoughts you have about music ministry at JRUUC.
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