Sing For Joy: Latest News

June Newsletter

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:06:00 CST

Summer begins with gathering around the table. In the June newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on graduation party season in Minnesota, where shared meals, joyful celebrations, and Christian community become reminders of God’s grace in our midst. Inspired by the hymn Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether, this reflection invites us to see every table — from Communion to lemonade and chips at a graduation party — as a place where God is present, nourishing us for the journey ahead.Would you like to receive the Sing For Joy free monthly email newsletter? Sign up today!

We are in the final stretch of our spring fund drive. Help us meet our goal by May 31!

Fundraiser and May Newsletter

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:06:00 CST

Join Sing For Joy this May as music and poetry spark wonder, praise, and deeper faith. In the May newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on the beauty of George Herbert’s timeless texts, heard in four moving musical settings throughout the month.

If this program enriches your faith journey, consider making a gift to support Sing For Joy and ensure these inspiring broadcasts continue to reach listeners everywhere. May marks our spring fund drive, and we have a goal of raising $12,000 by May 31. Thank you for your support!

April Newsletter

Mon, 30 March 2026 00:06:00 CST

This month’s Sing For Joy® reflection celebrates the power of stories we tell again and again — from cherished family memories to the sacred narratives of Scripture. As we enter Holy Week and Easter, we’re invited to hear these timeless stories anew, discovering how they continue to shape and deepen our experience of God’s grace. Joined by the music of the Church, these retold stories come alive in fresh ways, guiding us through mystery, transformation, and hope.

Listen to our special Good Friday program, and of course joins us again on Easter!

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March Newsletter

Fri, 27 February 2026 00:06:00 CST

In this month’s Sing For Joy newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on faith, resilience, and the way of love in turbulent times. As the Church enters its forty-day journey through Lent, we’re invited to draw deeply from Scripture, prayer, and community — trusting that even in the wilderness, God is at work. Join us as we move through Lent together, accompanied by music that expands our experience of worship and hope.

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February Newsletter

Fri, 30 January 2026 00:06:00 CST

In the February newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob shares how a Christmas pageant brought the Nunc Dimittis to life — and how this ancient song of faith still speaks to us today. Come, read her words, and listen to the February 1 program, where you will hear musical settings by Gustav Holst and Bryan Kelly that capture the beauty of this profound piece of music.

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January Newsletter

Mon, 05 January 2026 00:06:00 CST

In the heart of a Minnesota winter, light and darkness take on new meaning. In our January newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on Epiphany, deep winter, and the assurance that Christ’s light shines even in the darkest seasons. Join us for a gentle meditation on finding God’s presence in both light and shadow.

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December Newsletter and Fall Fund Drive

Mon, 24 November 2025 00:06:00 CST

This December, Sing For Joy invites you into the powerful hope of Mary’s Magnificat — a song that continues to inspire hearts across generations. Come read the December Newsletter in which Rev. Alexandra Jacob explores the Magnificat and shares a story about her time around a campfire — capturing the Advent promise that "the world is about to turn." Join us as we enter this season of anticipation with music that ignites hope and invites us to dream of justice and love.

Where do you find hope in this season of waiting and anticipation? We here at Sing For Joy find hope in our work, as we send each uplifting and carefully curated program off to radio stations around the world. We hope that the music and words on our program resonate with you, enriching your life and bringing you joy — and hope — for many years to come. Your gifts make this possible! We aim to raise $12,000 in listener gifts by December 31. Your generosity will help us continue to produce and share Sing For Joy with listeners around the world. Support Sing For Joy today!

November Newsletter

Fri, 31 October 2025 00:06:00 CST

“In life and in death, we belong to God.” This powerful confession echoes through every season of faith — in moments of joy and in times of sorrow. Our Sing For Joy programs in November embrace this truth with music and scripture that speak to life, death, and the enduring presence of God.

Come read the November newsletter, in which Rev. Alexandra Jacob explores this theme with a few previews of what's to come on SFJ this month, starting with All Saints Sunday and ending with the First Sunday of Advent.

October Newsletter

Fri, 26 September 2025 00:06:00 CST

Music has a way of lifting our hearts beyond words, and few melodies capture that joy as powerfully as Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. In the October newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob looks to the October 12 program, where Sing For Joy celebrates this beloved theme through the hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — a soaring union of Henry Van Dyke’s exuberant text and Beethoven’s timeless melody. As autumn settles in, may this music remind us to pause, rejoice, and give thanks for God’s presence in every season..

"All Your works with joy surround You,
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
call us to rejoice in thee." -Henry Van Dyke

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September Newsletter

Fri, 29 August 2025 00:06:00 CST

As a new school year begins, Sing For Joy turns to Psalm 1—a reminder to stay rooted in God’s grace, like trees planted by streams of water. Drawing inspiration from the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, Rev. Alexandra Jacob explores the music from the September 7 program, including musical settings of Psalm 1 by Bruce Neswick and Nathan Carter. Read the September Newsletter to ground and refresh your spirit for the season ahead.

"As the seasons of life and nature change, we are invited to remain deeply rooted in God's grace, like a tree rooted in the earth." -Rev. Alexandra Jacob

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August Newsletter

Fri, 01 August 2025 00:06:00 CST

The Sing For Joy August Newsletter is now live! This month Rev. Alexandra Jacob shares about a camping trip she took earlier this summer that served as a brief pilgrimage through history, land, and faith. Join Rev. Jacob as she reflects on her time exploring Indigenous heritage sites in southeastern Minnesota and how it ties into passages we will hear this month in the book of Hebrews.

"Just as the land around us has been stewarded by diverse communities for generations, so has the story of our faith. We are surrounded by the witness of those who went before us, and we do well to remember that witness, seeking to honor it in our own time."

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July Newsletter

Mon, 30 June 2025 00:06:00 CST

Serving Neighbors and Seeking Justice

The Sing For Joy July Newsletter is now live! This month Rev. Alexandra Jacob shares about her upcoming service trips with the youth of her congregation, with a focus on serving neighbors and seeking justice.

"The work of serving neighbors and seeking justice is work that bears witness to the reality that God's kingdom is already among us, though we see it only in part. In the face of every neighbor, the kingdom of God has come near. In every act of service and every movement for greater justice, the kingdom of God has come near."

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June Newsletter

Sun, 01 June 2025 00:06:00 CST

Thank you for supporting Sing For Joy this May during our fund drive -- and all year long! We are grateful for our strong community of listeners who value sacred choral music and messages, making it possible for us to continue doing this important work.

The June newsletter is now live! This month Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on the upcoming summer season and how the Spirit might be revealed to us in the months ahead. How will you "pay attention" this summer?

Spring Fund Drive and May Newsletter

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:06:00 CST

Have you ever been swept away by the power of a good hymn-sing? Perhaps you were struck by the words or the arrangement, or maybe you were simply left with a feeling of joy to be in that moment. That's why we bring Sing For Joy to you — so listeners around the world can come together in a shared hymn-singing experience. You might tune in and listen as a solitary experience — but when each program is over, we hope you've felt the power of the Sing For Joy community listening — and singing — with you.

May marks our spring fund drive. This is your opportunity to support messages and music that have meant so much to you. We have a goal of raising $12,000 by May 31. Help us create more Sing For Joy moments by making your gift today!

The May newsletter is live! Come read about the passages from Revelation that are part of the next five Sundays during Eastertide, and some of the music that will accompany them on Sing For Joy!

April Newsletter

Tue, 01 April 2025 00:06:00 CST

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1).

The April newsletter reflection by Rev. Alexandra Jacob explores the music and stories of Holy Week, making it the perfect companion to your Holy Week journey. A special SFJ program will be available for Good Friday, and other special services will be available throughout the week for live and on-demand streaming from Boe Chapel at St. Olaf College.

The memorial service for John Allen Ferguson was held on Saturday March 29, 2025 at St. Olaf College. The on-demand stream is now available for viewing.

March Newsletter

Sat, 01 March 2025 00:06:00 CST

Abundance in the Lenten Wilderness
The March newsletter features a reflection by Rev. Alexandra Jacob that explores the song "Come to the Water," which you will hear on SFJ later this month. Come read the newsletter, and be enlivened by the promise that God will carry our burdens, nourishing and sustaining us throughout our wilderness seasons.

John Ferguson's memorial service will be held at St. Olaf College on March 29 at 11 a.m. in Boe Memorial Chapel. Live and on-demand streaming will be available.

February Newsletter

Fri, 31 January 2025 00:06:00 CST

"When in our music God is glorified, and adoration leaves no room for pride, it is as though the whole creation cried: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!" -Fred Pratt Green

The February newsletter includes a special memorial to the late John Ferguson, written by Sing For Joy Music Director Andrew Jacob.

We are remembering fondly the Hymn Festival from April 2018, when the American Guild of Organists presented John Ferguson with their Distinguished Artist Award. The video is available again for on-demand viewing by all.

Thank You and January Newsletter

Thu, 02 January 2025 00:06:00 CST

Thank you for helping us make our goal of $12,000 during our fall fund drive! We will send out an update soon once we have the final numbers gathered.

The January newsletter is here! Come read about Nina Simone's upbringing as a Black musician in the Jim Crow South, and hear how her words and voice will be a part of SFJ this month as we explore the theme of baptism.

Fall Fund Drive and December Newsletter!

Mon, 02 December 2024 00:06:00 CST

We are celebrating 70 years of Sing For Joy programming this year, and one thing is certain: we wouldn't be celebrating 70 years of programming if not for listener support! THANK YOU for listening to, engaging with and supporting us with financial gifts over the years! Our fall fund drive has just begun -- We aim to raise $12,000 in listener gifts by December 31. Can we count on your gift this season? Your generosity will help us continue to produce and share the program with listeners around the world – for many more birthdays to come.

The December newsletter is live! Come hear about upcoming music on our Advent programs as the earth prepares for Christmas.

Fall Fund Drive!

Mon, 25 November 2024 00:06:00 CST

November Newsletter

Thu, 31 October 2024 00:06:00 CST

The Sing For Joy November Newsletter is now live! This month Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on the ending of the liturgical year, kairos (God's time). and Natalie Sleeth's lovely Hymn of Promise:

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

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October Newsletter

Tue, 01 October 2024 00:06:00 CST

The Sing For Joy October Newsletter is now live! This month Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on a camping trip she took earlier this summer that reminded her of Psalm 8 and God's gift of creation. “O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1 and 9).

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September Newsletter

Fri, 30 August 2024 00:06:00 CST

The Sing For Joy September Newsletter is now live! This month Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on the hymnody of Sylvia Dunstan, whose poetic craft leaves us not only with words but with images. We will hear her words set to music on the September 15 program this month, with "Who Is This," which explores various facets of Jesus's identity.

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August Newsletter

Thu, 01 August 2024 00:06:00 CST

"When it comes to Christian worship, what does the music of home sound like?"

The Sing For Joy August Newsletter is now live! This month Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on her time at a church conference in the mountains of North Carolina, and how the theme "Lead Us Homeward" resonates with her -- and perhaps will resonate with you as well!

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July Newsletter

Mon, 01 July 2024 00:06:00 CST

"Play the Text"

The Sing For Joy July Newsletter is now live! This month we hear from Andrew Jacob, the music director of Sing For Joy. Come and hear how he thinks about the relationship between music and words in any sacred choral piece, and why it's imporant as a church musician to "play the text."

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June Newsletter

Fri, 31 May 2024 00:06:00 CST

The Sing For Joy June Newsletter is now live! Come read Rev. Alexandra Jacob's reflection on parables and learn about a seminary exercise that might inspire you to find your own "parable moments" as we head into the summer months!

Thank you to all who supported Sing For Joy during our spring fund drive — and for everyone who donates throughout the year. We could not do this important work without you.

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Support Sing For Joy!

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:06:00 CST

Have you ever listened to a great sacred choral piece on Sing For Joy and found yourself thinking about it or singing it in your head later in the week? What is it about sacred choral music that sticks with us long after the voices are quiet? There is something enduring in music, much like the flowers of spring that feed our spirit through the winter, and that is precisely why we continue to do the work of bringing Sing For Joy to your ears year round.

The month of May marks the start of our spring fund drive at Sing For Joy to finish out our fiscal year. If you listen to Sing For Joy and find the messages and music meaningful, we ask that you consider donating to our program. We aim to bring in $12,000 before the end of May, will you support our efforts?

We are pleased to offer a Sing For Joy sticker – perfect for water bottles or laptop covers! – to those who give $30 or more during our May fund drive. We hope this small token of appreciation will remind you of all the Sing For Joy music and messages that stick with you throughout the entire year.

The May newsletter is available online. Come read about one of Rev. Alexandra's favorite quotes in all of hymnody, which is part of a fourth-century canticle, the Te Deum Laudamus, sometimes associated with Trinity Sunday.

May Newsletter

Sat, 27 April 2024 00:06:00 CST

“... and from morn to set of sun, through the Church the song goes on.”

The Sing For Joy May Newsletter is now live! Come read about one of Rev. Alexandra's favorite quotes in all of hymnody, which is part of a fourth-century canticle, the Te Deum Laudamus, sometimes associated with Trinity Sunday.

Would you like to receive the Sing For Joy free monthly email newsletter? Sign up today!

Happy Easter!

Sun, 31 March 2024 00:06:00 CST

We wish you a very Happy Easter, and hope you'll make Sing For Joy a part of your Easter Day celebration!

The April Newsletter is now live -- come read about the season of Eastertide, bodies and "Black Liturgies," a book of poetry, liturgies, and reflections that Rev. Alexandra Jacob has found meaningful in her life.

Would you like to receive the Sing For Joy free monthly email newsletter? Sign up today!

MARCH NEWSLETTER

Tue, 27 February 2024 00:06:00 CST

WINDOWS INTO THE STORY
In the Sing For Joy March newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob takes us to Paris, to the stained glass windows in Sainte-Chappelle that tell the entire story of the Bible. Pulling in historical significance and her personal experience on a recent trip, Rev. Jacob shares how these windows, as well as the music you hear on Sing For Joy, serve as an entry point into the Bible, especially during this Lenten and Easter seasons.

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February Newsletter

Fri, 26 January 2024 00:06:00 CST

LOVE AND LENT

In the Sing For Joy February newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on the intersection of Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday. Come, start your Lenten journey with these thoughtful words by the Sing For Joy host!

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Thank You and January Newsletter

Fri, 05 January 2024 00:06:00 CST

Thank you for helping us make our goal of $12,000 during our fall fund drive! We will send out an update soon once we have the final numbers gathered.

The January newsletter is here! Come read about baptism and these special words by Martin Luther:

“Then let us not heed worldly lies nor rest upon our merit, but trust in Christ who will baptize with water and the Spirit, that we may life inherit.”

Christmas Special

Wed, 20 December 2023 00:06:00 CST

We invite you to enjoy a special program of the St. Olaf College Christmas Festival on the theme Promise of Peace, featuring highlights from the 2022 Christmas Festival performance. You can stream the 30-minute program online now, or find your local station on our carriage list. Sing For Joy host Rev. Alexandra Jacob is narrator for this radio broadcast.

We are in the final stretch of our fall fund drive. Give to Sing For Joy and help us make our goal by the end of 2023!

Support Sing For Joy!

Mon, 27 November 2023 00:06:00 CST

As you enjoy listening to Sing For Joy this Advent season, we ask that you consider giving back to the program that keeps peace and hope alive in your heart. Your gifts fuel this program — you can give easily online today! We aim to raise $12,000 in listener gifts by December 31 — your generosity will help us continue to produce and share the program with listeners around the world. Read more about our fall fund drive here.

The December newsletter has dropped and is available to read online now. It is about the joy of waiting for Christmas — and you don't need to wait a minute longer to read it!

November Newsletter

Mon, 30 October 2023 00:06:00 CST

Cloud of Witnesses

The Sing For Joy November newsletter is all about All Saint's Day and Rev. Alexandra Jacob shares a story about her own saints and ancestors (or "cloud of witnesses") that she thinks of on this very special day.

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October Newsletter

Fri, 29 September 2023 00:06:00 CST

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."

The Sing For Joy October newsletter is all about Psalm 23 and how these comforting and familiar words remind us of the steadfast love of God. Don't forget to tune in to the October 15 program to hear two different musical settings of this psalm!

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September Newsletter

Wed, 30 August 2023 00:06:00 CST

“Beloved, God’s chosen, put on as a garment
compassion, forgiveness, and goodness of heart.
Above all, before all, let love be your raiment
that binds into one every dissonant part.”
-Susan Palo Cherwien, lyricist

In the Sing For Joy September newsletter, Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on a special hymn that is part of the September 10 program, as well as the departure of a member of the Sing For Joy team.

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August Newsletter

Mon, 31 July 2023 00:06:00 CST

"Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
Over life's tempestuous sea:
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rocks and treach'rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee–
Jesus, Savior, pilot me!" -Edward Hopper

The August newsletter explores John Gould's arrangement of "Jesus, Savior, Pilor Me," heard on the August 13 Sing For Joy program. Come, learn about the brothers whose voices bring this recording to life!

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July Newsletter

Fri, 30 June 2023 00:06:00 CST

"I imagine that you have landscapes of your own that inspire this kind of awe and gratitude. Our Sing For Joy listener base is scattered all across the world, and it would be remarkable to gather images of all the beautiful places that we call home!" -Rev. Alexandra Jacob

Summer may be short in Minnesota, but the landscapes (and the warm weather!) keep our cups full for the long winter months. In the July newsletter, Rev. Alexandra shares one of her highlights of the summer and invites readers to reflect on the landscapes that remind them of God's grace.

Would you like to receive the Sing For Joy free monthly email newsletter? Sign up today!

June Newsletter

Thu, 01 June 2023 00:06:00 CST

"It has been a delightful first year as host of Sing For Joy, and I give thanks for the opportunity to be in community with each of you through the airwaves each week." -Rev. Alexandra Jacob

Rev. Alexandra Jacob and her husband -- and our music director -- Andrew Jacob have made it one full trip around the sun as part of the SFJ team! Join her in pausing for reflection by reading her words in the June newsletter, now available online. Cheers to 525,600 minutes, and many more to come!

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Spring Fund Drive + May Newsletter

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:06:00 CST

Sing For Joy has now almost made it one full trip around the sun with our new host, Rev. Alexandra Jacob, and music director, Andrew Jacob. In that time, we have recorded 54 shows, coordinated 11 newsletter deadlines and even attended three hymn festivals (did you join us for one this spring?). Thank you for your kind and encouraging letters this past year, welcoming the Jacobs to the Sing For Joy community. After all, it is you, the listeners and supporters of our program that made this last year possible — you've been fueling us with both enthusiasm and financial support for nearly 70 years!

Our spring fund drive runs now through May 31; we aim to bring in $10,000 to wrap up our fiscal year. If you have the capacity to give, we are grateful for contributions of any amount.Thank you for supporting Sing For Joy and making it possible for us to bring you the best in sacred choral music.

The May newsletter is available online. Come and hear how Rev. Alexandra begins preparing for a sermon — it involves grammar! — and find out some of the highlights that will be heard on SFJ this month.

Hymn Festivals

Thu, 27 April 2023 00:06:00 CST

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the April SFJ Hymn Festival in West St. Paul at Augustana Lutheran Church. With over 250 people in attendance and two choirs, it was a joyous Eastertide afternoon spent in reflection and song. Our music director, Andy Jacob, who serves as the organist at Augustana Lutheran Church, lead the hymn festival from the organ bench. Between hymns and choral anthems, Rev. Alexandra Jacob provided reflections on our theme of Risen With Christ. Anton Armstrong conducted the choirs of Augustana and Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis. Together, we explored hymnody for the Easter season, catching glimpses into the rich biblical narratives of the resurrected Christ.

Visit our Facebook page for photos from the event!

The third hymn festival of 2023 will take place on Friday, May 12 at 6:30pm in Indianapolis, at Northminster Presbyterian Church. This festival will be run by the American Guild of Organists, Indianapolis Chapter.

Risen With Christ: Sing For Joy's April Hymn Festival

Wed, 19 April 2023 00:06:00 CST

“'Let all things seen and unseen, their notes of gladness blend; for Christ the Lord is risen, our joy that has no end!' This joyful proclamation, from “The Day of Resurrection,” reminds us that the joy of Easter stretches far beyond the bright moment of Easter morning!" -Rev. Alexandra Jacob

Join us for an Eastertide hymn festival this Sunday, April 23rd, from 3-4:30pm at Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, Minnesota. Our Music Director, Andy Jacob, serves as the organist at Augustana Lutheran Church; he will lead the hymn festival from the organ bench. Between hymns and choral anthems, Rev. Alexandra Jacob will provide reflections on our theme of Risen With Christ. The choirs of Augustana and Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, join together to lead us in song with Anton Armstrong conducting. Together, we will explore hymnody for the Easter season, catching glimpses into the rich biblical narratives of the resurrected Christ. Join us for this rich afternoon of singing and reflection!

April Newsletter

Fri, 31 March 2023 00:06:00 CST

"My first Easter Vigil experience ... opened up a window for me, liturgically and theologically, to experience the full breadth and depth of the Christian salvation narrative in the span of a night." -Rev. Alexandra Jacob

Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on the Great Vigil of Easter in the April newsletter, now available online. We'd love to see you at one of our upcoming hymn festivals this spring! Playlists are now available through May. Would you like to receive the Sing For Joy free monthly email newsletter? Sign up today!

March Newsletter

Wed, 01 March 2023 00:06:00 CST

"I remember thinking to myself ... what a wonder it was to get to spend an entire evening simply singing hymns alongside fellow lovers of church music." -Rev. Alexandra Jacob

Rev. Alexandra Jacob reflects on her first hymn festival as Sing For Joy host in the March newsletter, now available online. We'd love to see you at one of our upcoming hymn festivals this spring! Playlists are now available through April. Would you like to receive the Sing For Joy free monthly email newsletter? Sign up today!

February Newsletter and Hymn Festival

Tue, 31 January 2023 00:06:00 CST

Sing For Joy is bringing back the hymn festival tradition in 2023 and we'd love for you to join us! Learn more about the Sing For Joy Hymn Festivals and where you can find us on the road in the coming months.

The February newsletter is now available online. Come read Rev. Alexandra Jacob's reflections on Transifuration Sunday and the upcoming season of Lent.

"Although we may wish to stay on the peak, it is in the valley that our Lenten transformation occurs." -Rev. Alexandra Jacob

We are bringing back the Sing For Joy Hymn Festival!

Sun, 22 January 2023 00:06:00 CST

Yes, it is true, we are beyond excited to be bringing back the every-popular Sing For Joy Hymn Festival this year. As many of you know, former host Pastor Bruce Benson and music director John Ferguson went on the road with Sing For Joy back in the early 2000s. They lead a total of nine hymn festivals with guest choirs and congregations around the United States, which was a highlight for them in their years with the program. We have received countless requests from listeners to bring back these community events ever since!

Our new host, Rev. Alexandra Jacob, along with our new music director and talented organist, Andrew Jacob, will start up the hymn festival tradition again in 2023. Here are the details so far. We hope you can make it to one (or all!) of these!

February 5, 2023, 4-5:30 p.m. at Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana
April 23, 2023, 3-4:30 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota
May 12, 2023, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana

The hymn festivals are an important part of Sing For Joy's public outreach and commitment to presenting the best in sacred music and commentary in many forms.

Interested in hosting a Sing For Joy Hymn Festival in your community? Get in touch at singforjoy@stolaf.edu.

January Newsletter

Sun, 01 January 2023 00:06:00 CST

The January newsletter is now available. Come read Rev. Alexandra Jacob's reflections as we enter the new calendar year.

"It is a gift to hear the ways that musicians have imagined and reimagined the narratives and truths of the Christian tradition across time and space." -Rev. Alexandra Jacob

Thank you to everyone who supported our program during our fall fund drive!

Merry Christmas!

Sat, 24 December 2022 00:06:00 CST

From everyone at Sing For Joy, Merry Christmas!

We invite you to enjoy a special program of the St. Olaf College Christmas Festival on the theme Love Divine, featuring highlights from the 2021 Christmas Festival with narration by Sing For Joy host Rev. Alexandra Jacob. You can stream the 30-minute program online now, or find your local station on our carriage list.

We are in the final stretch of our fall fund drive. Give to Sing For Joy and help us make our goal by the end of 2022!

Fall Fund Drive + December Newsletter

Mon, 28 November 2022 00:06:00 CST

The Christmas season has long been a time for traditions. Here at Sing For Joy we are dedicated to a very special tradition: continuing the legacy of Pastor Bruce Benson, who retired from hosting Sing For Joy this year, and Al and Beulah Rueter, who started Sing For Joy nearly 70 years ago! We are grateful for Rev. Alexandra Jacob and Andrew Jacob for helping us keep the tradition of Sing For Joy alive, but we are also grateful to our listeners for their continued support. As you enjoy listening to Sing For Joy this Advent season, we ask that you consider giving back to the program that keeps the tradition of great sacred choral music and God's word alive in your hearts.

We aim to raise $12,000 in listener gifts by December 31 — your generosity will help us continue to produce and share the program with listeners around the world. If you have the capacity to give, we are grateful for contributions of any amount. As always, the Sing For Joy team thanks you for your support and for sharing in the ongoing tradition of Sing For Joy.

"It is deeply countercultural to celebrate the passage of liturgical time, especially in a season like Advent, grounded in the countercultural practice of waiting." Read more from Rev. Alexandra Jacob about Advent, waiting, and her liturgical "New Year's Eve" countdown parties in the December newsletter!