May 2025 Newsletter (Year C)
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One of the choral anthems that is most dear to me is Edgar Bainton's setting of verses from Revelation, "And I Saw a New Heaven". I first learned that piece as a high school singer in my congregation's choir, and I remember being struck by the tenderness and strength of the composer's text setting. We sang it on All Saints Sunday, a time when we often hear these comforting words from Revelation: "God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away" (Rev. 21:4).
A treasure in Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary is that we hear passages from Revelation for five consecutive Sundays during Eastertide. I admit that this is a pattern that I first noticed most clearly this year as I prepared for our Sing For Joy recording sessions, and it was a delight to discover. I am grateful for the visions from John of Patmos, traditionally understood to be the author of Revelation. They are fantastic and mystical, and at times, confounding. Fitting for the season of Easter! Is the resurrection of Christ, that central event in the life of the Christian faith, not also fantastic, mystical, and confounding?
To texture our hearing of these Revelation readings here on Sing For Joy, we will hear (among others) a movement from Handel's Messiah; the American folk hymn "Come Away to the Skies"; the dramatic Stephen Adams solo piece "The Holy City"; and the well-loved hymn "Jerusalem, My Happy Home". These diverse musical expressions invite us to ponder anew those visions of the days to come.
Peace to you all,
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Alexandra Jacob
Host, Sing For Joy
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Sing For Joy is supported by listeners like you. All gifts go directly towards our operating budget that makes Sing For Joy possible. To become a sustaining supporter, check the "recurring gift" option on our online giving form.
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May Playlists and Programs
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Interested in reading hymn lyrics as you listen? We recommend hymnary.org, where you can search by hymn name, composer, and more.
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Memorials and Honorariums
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Thank you for your gifts in memory and honor of those close to your heart.
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IN MEMORY OF:
Rebecca Bingham Carnes
Albert and Norma Eickmann
Charles and Sybil Eurey
Arthur and Velma Johnshoy
Eleanor Mielke
Rev. Louis Nuechterlein, my loving and exceptional father, a man like few others
Arthur and Erna Raap
Donald and Katie Reines
Rev. James W. Thornton, Sr.
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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. Due to editorial lead times, Honorariums and Memorials will appear in the Sing For Joy newsletter two months following our receipt of the gift.
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