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​Music Sunday

5/13/2020

 
8 songs for when you need hopeClick on the picture to go to the original post!
This Sunday was scheduled to be Music Sunday. As I write this, I would normally be preparing for the final rehearsals with The St. Luke's Choir and Bells of Praise. And while I am disheartened over this. It's hard to be away from people--we weren't meant to be alone--but I also cannot write an article about sad I am about our situation.

The power of music is well documented and Music Sunday celebrates that. There are over 140 verses in the Bible referencing music, of course many in the Psalms. Music in the time of the Bible is like music today. Some celebrates, some mourns, and some just is. Music lifts us up. Music brings us down. Music helps us heal.

Before we readied ourselves for Coronavirus, before some of us had heard of COVID-19, we, the staff, came up with 2 social media posts involving music, one was songs of hope and the other was hymns for those dealing with anxiety and depression. It was interesting the way people reacted to those two. Most positively, some negatively. I invite you to look at those posts on Facebook, and comment or share them, if they speak to you. Tell us which songs give you hope and which hymns help you when you are feeling down.

9 hymns of those with anxiety/depressionClick on the picture to go to the original post!
I created a Spotify playlist to go with the songs of hope. It was easier to find those on Spotify than the hymns. But I also created a YouTube playlist of great music that may help us celebrate Music Sunday from our homes or where ever you are. (Plus I got to share with you all my new favorite choir Voces8.)

I hope that you find this music helpful as we are apart. These playlists are missing a lot of songs, however. What songs would you add to the Songs of Hope playlist? What hymns have helped you through a hard time? What music do you want to hear on Music Sunday? Let me know below.

While I cannot sing with the choir, or ring a bell. We have a wonderful repository of music. I hope you find this music enjoyable.

I want to thank our musicians who have had to put up with me these last 2 years and for being patient while we attempt new things in worship. I miss you all so much and cannot wait until we sing together again!

​Sean Johnson, Choir Director


Deb Kibby
5/14/2020 12:33:42 pm

I miss you

Sean
5/20/2020 09:59:13 am

I miss you too! I hope we can figure something out this summer for a Bells of Praise get together!

Al Buss
5/14/2020 12:59:15 pm

Sean, after singing in the choir for over 40+ years, I can now really say I MISS IT! I miss you, the other choir members and being a part of worship on Sundays. Thanks for ALL you have been doing during this "physical distancing" time. Blessings to you and and all of St. Luke's!

Sean
5/20/2020 10:00:27 am

Thank you, Al. I know what you mean. While I've only been in this choir for a little over a year, I really miss you all!

Gregory Hornicke
5/14/2020 03:25:51 pm

I agree wholeheartedly but i have enjoyed so many different songs i really don't have a list of favorites . That is why I'm not a director.

Sean
5/20/2020 10:01:34 am

HAHA! I don't pick favorites either, but I do try to pick things that work well. You'd be a better director than you think!

Helen Schatzlein
5/17/2020 09:07:49 pm

Thank you for all that you are doing to keep us in touch. Was great to hear Sent Forth this morning. Music is and has always been an important part of my life. I have found playing hymns a great way to pray when I don't know the words but find that some hymnist has already thought of them. One that comes to mind is My Life Flows on in Endless Song--especially the refrain. I also have found that the old alternative hymnal with all the music by Handt Hanson is a treasure and in there I especially like his Psalm 36.

Since choir is probably going to be one of the last things that can safely come back, have you considered a Zoom choir performance with everyone in their own homes?

Gregory Hornicke
5/18/2020 10:25:06 am

Thanks for your incite full reply. Sean is testing our ability to do exactly as you suggest.

Sean
5/20/2020 10:03:05 am

I'm glad you enjoyed "Sent Forth" Al Johnson sent that to me. We'll see what else is in store.

Thanks for the great addition of "My Life Flows on in Endless Song" I love that hymn as well!

Margaret Dahl
5/19/2020 02:19:33 pm

Thank you, Sean, for your interesting & informative messages. As a former amateur musician & now a spectator, as well as a life-long Lutheran, I have many favorite hymns. Their words are paramount for me & bring comfort, hope peace & joy. I will add one of the first I learned as a child. “What a Friend We Have In Jesus”.

Your article about your trip to Tanzania was of special interest to me as I supported a girl in southern Tanzania for 22 yrs. (through Compassion International)

Sean
5/20/2020 10:18:36 am

I love "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and actually sang it in Swahili in Tanzania (and back home for a celebration of my trip). We have an anthem the choir does that combines the Swahili "Jesu kwetu ni rafiki" with the English hymn. However, the Swahili isn't the same melody.

Do you remember where in southern Tanzania your sponsored friend was from? I went to the Iringa area which is south-ish. The Southern College of Tanzania is near there, so I guess that's southern Tanzania.

I'm glad you like these messages. I'll keep them coming monthly.


Comments are closed.

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1701 West Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN 55431
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