Music Ministry Update
November Hymn of the Month: “Loosen, Loosen” by Aly Halpert
“Aly Halpert (she/her) is a queer Jewish musician, educator, and activist living on Lenni Lenape land in Philadelphia, PA, USA. A singer, pianist, drummer, and guitar player, Aly writes songs for building community, working for collective liberation, and visioning different worlds.” (from https://www.alyhalpert.com/about)
According to Aly’s soundcloud page, this song, prayer, and meditation is intended to heal personal and societal grief. “Ordinary grief, extraordinary grief, the unbearable kind and the unseen kind and the enduring kind, in service of exhales and letting go of what is ours and not ours, of compassion, lightness, and becoming who we are after and through it all.” For me, this song is a balm. It helps to repair my broken heart, which in turn gives me energy for repairing that which is outside myself. It’s also a reminder that individually, we do not and can not carry everything. Many hands and many hearts are needed to repair a broken world. Here is Aly’s original version, featuring vocals only. And here is a beautifully lush version, featuring additional voices, piano, strings, bass, and drums.. I hope this song can restore and repair our hearts throughout the month of November.
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.
We are currently working on “Froggie Went Courtin'” for the Reeb Rave.
On November 16th we are meeting to practice at 5:00 (just before the party starts at 5:30) instead of our usual 2:00 meeting.
Please send an email to music@jruuc.org with any questions or thoughts you have about music ministry at JRUUC.
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