May 20, 2012: Seventh Sunday of Easter,
Year B

The word ascension can apply to physical things like climbing stairs, but also to matters of authority.  It is because the ascension of Christ is about the authority of grace and love that the Christian church has wanted to sing about it.  You’ll hear that music on the next Sing For Joy.  Join us. 

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As of May 17th, 2012, we're over halfway to our $5,000 goal - thank you!

If you wish to financially support this unique radio ministry, please send your tax deductible donations to Sing For Joy, St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057...or give securely online. You will receive a receipt for your tax records.

A special announcement to our Sing For Joy listening community and "Ferg Fans" —
on June 2 & 3, 2012, you're invited to Join us in celebrating Dr. John Ferguson's music!

As many of you may know, John Ferguson will be retiring as Professor and Cantor to the St. Olaf Student Congregation at the end of this academic year. He will, however, continue on in his capacity as the music adviser for Sing For Joy. St. Olaf College has planned some special celebrations for him during the first weekend in June. On behalf of St. Olaf College and Sing For Joy, we'd like to invite you to "Join us!"

Events open to the public include:

Saturday, June 2, 2012

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Alumni Organ Recital (Skifter Hall, Studio A & Boe Memorial Chapel)

4:00 p.m. – Cantorei Reunion Concert: A Festival in Song (Boe Memorial Chapel) — St. Olaf Cantorei alumni will combine their voices for a Festival of Song. This celebratory concert honors 30 years of song with Cantorei conductor John Ferguson and features music from the past and present. A highlight of the weekend’s schedule, please arrive early for the best seating options and come prepared to sing along, always part of a Cantorei concert.

8:30 p.m. – Evensong Service (Boe Memorial Chapel) — Join the campus pastors and John Ferguson, the Elliot and Klara Stockdal Johnson Professor of Organ Music, for this special evening service of reflection and song.

10:30 p.m. – Saturday at the Movies: "Buster Builds a Home" (Boe Memorial Chapel) — An old fashioned hour of fun features a sing-along, goofy organ music, and the silent movie Buster Builds a Home with musical accompaniment by organist John Ferguson.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

10:30 a.m. – Festival Worship and Communion (Boe Memorial Chapel) — We gather together to worship and to give thanks for the blessings of the St. Olaf community. The service will feature music by the Worship Choir and John Ferguson.

By popular demand! Pastor Bruce Benson's remarks for the October 2011 Sing For Joy Hymn Festival, "When in Our Music God Is Glorified!"

Wow! What a rousing and soul stirring success! Over 2,000 enthusiastic singing people joined us in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and here at home in Minnesota. Many people requested Pastor Bruce Benson's remarks and commentary for this occasion. Enjoy!

You can also watch and listen to this recent Hymn Festival.

Thousands of people listen to Sing For Joy on the air and over 500 regular listeners hear our program online each week. We are ever grateful for your faithful listening and generous support.