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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February 2021 Newsletter (Year B)  Isaiah Sings Those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, Isaiah 40 As I write, we have entered a new year, hoping — maybe even daring to expect — that it will in fact be new, not just a continuation of frayed and battered 2020, dragging itself along with us as we yearn for change. To be sure, many of us found things to appreciate and embrace about the year. I count myself in that number. The same Covid that is killing so many people and businesses has given others more time outdoors, to their delight, and given many people an incentive to pursue neglected interests. Some people have found the proverbial "silver lining." Nevertheless, the year will be remembered mostly as a year of trouble. We long for a respite from that, even though the book of Job says we are "born to trouble as the sparks fly up." 2021 won't change that. Along with whatever else this past year's troubles have done, they have reminded us (not that we needed such a painful reminder) that much of the language of the Bible is poetry, and needs to be heard that way. The words from Isaiah 40, quoted above are an example. 2020 reminded us again and again that people of faith, that is, those who "wait for the Lord," aren't so different from anyone else. Like others, they do not always have their physical strength renewed; sometimes they have it taken away. As Jesus said about the rain — it falls equally on the just and the unjust — so too Covid-19 is no respecter of religion and spirituality; it capriciously kills the believer and the un-believer alike. The eagle gets injured, and does not mount up; legs fail, and will not run; lungs become weak and short of breath, subject to weariness, even death. If Isaiah 40 were not poetry, it would simply be false. But Isaiah 40 is not an invitation to wishful or magical thinking. It is addressed, rather, to a place within us that can hear through hard ice the quiet murmur of a frozen river in winter; that part of us that can hear in a family's sobs of grief not only pain but love; that something within us that knows it is supported and sustained by grace even in times of loss. In other words, Isaiah doesn't merely speak, Isaiah sings. And you will hear Isaiah 40 sung in a setting by Kenneth Jennings during the Sing For Joy program for the first Sunday in February this year. I hope it will renew your strength. And if you are starting this new year already weary, maybe don't try to run. Just walk, letting the song of Isaiah 40 give you the encouragement you need not to faint. That too would be 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. 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. February 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.  Memorials and Honorariums Thank you for your gifts in memory and honor of those close to your heart. IN MEMORY OF: James Michael Anderson my dad, Andrew Bicsey, on his birthday Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Bond Clyde and Evelyn Bucher Barbara Byrum my husband, Nyles Ellefson Paul Fjelstad Irene Gubrud '66 Ms. Mary Frances Haynes BJ Johnson my dad, Lorn Kleiboeker Holland Laak Arne Larson Marcus S Lehman Eleanor Litton Helen Nelson Richard Pearson Mrs. Lois Rounion Mrs. Helen M. Spitzack Gerard Sundberg Evelyn Wakefield IN HONOR OF: Pastor Bruce Benson Dr. Matthew Brittain Dr. John A. Ferguson Mr. & Mrs. Ken Fogg Jackie and Jerry Hanson Dr. Eric Holtan Artistic Director, True Concord Voices and Orchestra Bruce Keith Tom Lohr Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Metoorqada my beautiful wife on our 20th anniversary Carolyn Pierson Pinehurst United Methodist, Pinehurt, NC Lois Ran Mrs. Laura Sam Dr. Robert Scholz '61 Dr. Andrew Scrimgeour Mary E. Sukup Mr. & Mrs. Melchor Vidal Mr. & Mrs. Sam Vidal 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:  |
