Newsletter Archives
The monthly Sing For Joy newsletter contains a letter from the program's host, Rev. Alexandra M. Jacob, along with a listing of music selections for each program and the corresponding scripture readings. If you'd like to receive a complimentary subscription, fill out our online request form to subscribe.
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October 2020 Newsletter (Year A)  Paying Attention to Life God be in my head and in my understanding. Anonymous, 1514 The Sing For Joy broadcast on the last Sunday in October will include the text above, in a musical setting by John Rutter. As you see, the poem/prayer has been around and in use for a very long time. So, even if we agree that old age and durability do not inevitably guarantee quality, there does seem to be something about this prayer that has endeared it to generations of people. Like much poetry and art, it doesn't merely confront us, nor, on the other hand, merely comfort us. It does a bit of both, leaving us slightly off balance. Just enough to pay attention. Like a sudden shift in the breeze, or an unexpected new sound in the forest, it leaves us asking questions. The poem can't mean that God fits in my head or my mouth, can it? Even though the plain sense of the words certainly implies that? If not that, is it a prayer to be more religious? Maybe; but religious people are often the first to see that God is interested in more than religion. Is the poem also? Or, is it just a more poetic way of saying "Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil?" Cover my eyes, plug my ears, gag my mouth; think, see, speak and feel only God? Maybe. But more likely the prayer invites and encourages us in the opposite direction: to open our eyes, ears, mind and mouth, paying attention to life in a way that honors its sacredness, honors it in a way that is full of love. As God is.
It is only right that such a prayer be sung. For in singing, the spirit of the prayer is more fully revealed. It binds us together with each other, and with the One who gives us life abundant. In that, there is reason to sing for joy. Peace be with you, 
Pastor Bruce Benson Support Sing For Joy Sing For Joy is supported by listeners like you. All gifts go directly towards our operating budget that makes Sing For Joy possible. NEW! We have added a "recurring gift" option to our online giving form for those who would like to give to Sing For Joy monthly as a sustained supporter. October Playlists and Programs Playlists are ready now, and each show will become available to stream on the Friday before the week begins.
Connect with Sing For Joy! We love hearing from listeners! Share with us how Sing For Joy plays a role in your life. Join in the Sing For Joy conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Write to us. Sign up for the Lutheran Center Newsletter The Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community at St. Olaf College rolled out its inaugural newsletter this summer. You can sign up here to receive a copy of the next quarterly newsletter in your inbox with articles that speak to their mission of facilitating interreligious exploration of faith, values and vocation.  Memorials and Honorariums Thank you for your gifts in memory and honor of those close to your heart. IN MEMORY OF: Marge Cason Rita Jane Edingfield-Evans Lloyd Engen IN HONOR OF: Musician Extraordinaire, Vivian Hare, Friend Mrs. Betty Holbrook Jane Kenyon Mr. and Mrs. David Lewis Mr. Tom Morgan Rev. Peter Wallace To include an honorarium or memorial when you give to Sing For Joy, simply include the name(s) and occasion(s) in the comment box, as well as who should receive an acknowledgement letter and their street or email address. Sing For Joy is sponsored by:  |
