Music Ministry Update
September Hymn of the Month: #317 “We Are Not Our Own”
September’s Hymn of the Month was written by Brian Wren (words) and David Hurd (music), both of whom are prominently featured in our gray hymnal. Brian Wren is a prolific hymn writer whose work is featured in the hymnals of most, if not all, Christian denominations. When asked why he started to write hymns he responded, “a conviction that we need to speak the truth about ourselves and the world we live in and that we need to speak of God and to God in ‘our’ language.” Our January 2024 Hymn of the Month, “Love Makes a Bridge,” was also penned by Brian Wren. Wren’s passion for poetry is apparent in all of his work. I adore how the language of this hymn reminds us we are not alone and, in that reminder, invites us to give “liturgies of care” to the Earth and all of its inhabitants.
David Hurd is a widely recognized organist and composer of sacred music. His music is featured most prominently in Episcopal hymnals, his personal denomination. Hurd’s beautiful tune pairs well with Wren’s thoughtful lyrics. Wouldn’t you like to sing this hymn more often?
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. Our next folk group meeting will be Saturday, September 23. All are welcome! Those who want to can sing “Froggy Went A-Courtin'” as part of the Folk and Fairytale themed Reeb Rave in November, we will practice it each time we meet until then. If you want to be added to the Reeb Folk Group mailing list, please contact Mike Stimson.
July 28th’s special music featured two different Palestinian musical artists writing from different moments in time.
“The Urgent Call of Palestine” is a song written by Zeinab Shaath in 1970, when she was 16 years old. Zeinab was the first member of her family to be born outside of Palestine, but her family maintained a deep connection to their roots while living in Egypt. Inspired by the anti-war anthems of Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, Zeinab began writing and performing Palestinian resistance music as a teenager. Her songs were among the first English language tracks to explore the Palestinian cause, helping their stories to reach a wider audience. 50 years after its original release, her record has been re-released and the accompanying video to “The Urgent Call of Palestine” is available to watch online. Read more about this song’s incredible story here.
In an introduction to a live performance of his song, “Keep Your Key,” Jordanian-Palestinian musician, Llur shares: “Palestinian’s were exiled in 1948 and many of them [had] taken their keys with them in hopes that [in] one [or] two weeks they’ll return. I wrote this song called ‘Keep Your Key.’ It talks about that.” This song was premiered live in February of 2024 and released officially in May of 2024
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Please send an email to music@jruuc.org with any questions or thoughts you have about music ministry at JRUUC.
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