March Hymn of the Month: As We Sing of Hope and Joy:

Our hymn of the month was written by Elizabeth Alexander. Alexander (b. 1962) grew up in the Carolinas and Appalachian Ohio, but currently resides in St. Paul, Minnesota. Alexander’s choral music is performed by thousands of choirs across the globe and she is one of the most performed composers in the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network.

This month’s theme is “The Gift of Transformation” and this song explores the ways we can transform our world with our hands and our songs. As we enter the transformative season of spring, I am especially fond of the hymn’s final lyric: “May every Alleluia bear a seed.” Interestingly, Elizabeth Alexander has completely re-written this hymn since its publication in “Singing the Journey.” On her website, she writes, “this song is about rolling up one’s sleeves and doing the hard work of restorative justice!” She also writes that, “Despite its publication, I was never completely satisfied with the song, for reasons I couldn’t exactly understand.” After years of changes – both big and small – she published a new song in 2020 titled, “No Ordinary Song.” I find it beautiful that our Hymn of the Month has undergone its own transformation since being published in “Singing the Journey.” We will sing the version in the hymnal this month, but I hope you’ll explore her new rendition here. It will definitely make an appearance at Reeb in the future. 


Choir Practice – Thursdays at 7pm

Sacred Breath welcomes folks of all voice types and musical backgrounds (including people with no experience whatsoever!) We meet weekly on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm and sing at 1-2 services a month. At rehearsals, choir members warm-up their voices and bodies, learn pieces for Sunday services, sing for the joy of it, and connect with fellow Reebers. Singing is nourishment for the mind, body, and spirit.  Nourish yourself and your community by joining Sacred Breath Choir!

No practice March 28th – come to file sheet music if you feel so moved!


Please send an email to music@jruuc.org with any questions or thoughts you have about music ministry at JRUUC.


Folk Music Group

Please come sing and play folk music with us on Saturdays. The folk group will meet every Saturday this at 2pm for about an hour and a half. If you want to join, please contact Mike by the Friday before, and he will confirm we have a critical mass of folk singers! Please bring your favorite folk songs to share with us (lyrics and chords, if you have them!).

This is an informal gathering of Reebers who enjoy playing and singing folk songs together.  This group will occasionally decide to offer music for a Sunday service, but there’s no expectation for this.  Come to as many sessions as you’d like!  Bring your voice and/or instrument. 

Meetings are usually Saturdays, but check your enews and contact Mike Stimson to confirm the next meeting date and let him know you’ll be coming. [1/2/24] (no meeting 2/17/24)


Sacred Breath Choir 12/4/22

Welcome Jennifer Hedstrom – Music Director

Jennifer Hedstrom (she/they) grew up in the Chicago suburbs and has called Madison her home since 2010.  Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from Illinois State University and a Master’s in Collaborative Piano from UW-Madison.  Jennifer loves leading a multifaceted musical life and splits her time between composing, performing, teaching, and music directing.

Jennifer believes music is a powerful tool for expression, healing, and connection.  She also believes music is for everyone, which is the reason she is drawn to congregational singing.  She is looking forward to using her musical gifts to lift up the voices and spirits of everyone at James Reeb.  And she is excited to get to know the members of the James Reeb choir.

Jennifer lives on the east side of Madison with their partner and two cats.  Beyond music, they love reading, walking, dancing, crafting, and spending time with close friends.  Jennifer’s spiritual teachers include water, prairies, songbirds, Pema Chödrön, Rumi, and Beyoncé.


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