Hymn of the Week
For many of us, the loss of congregational singing is a regrettable consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So that we may continue to be enriched by our hymnody, this weekly column will examine a hymn which is appropriate for the Sunday following its publication.
We are grateful to the Rev. Brooke Myers for curating this wonderful new resource!
Hymn of the Week: May 9
The Rev. Brooke Myers brings us this week's featured hymn, which praises God as the creator who brings growing things to fruition, and is filled with rich imagery of seasons, plants, birds, the heavens, waters and weather.
Hymn of the Week: May 2
This week's featured hymn was written by one of the church's most prolific hymn writers, with the music composed by his grandson. Robert Lehman, organist and choirmaster at the Church of St. Michael & St. George in Clayton gives us the background on O thou who camest from above.
Hymn of the Week: April 21
Cathedral Choirmaster Pat Partridge provides background and meaning to The King of love my shepherd is, a paraphrase of Psalm 23.
Hymn of the Week: April 18
Why are so many Easter songs written with minor keys? Choirmaster David Sinden from St. Peter's in Ladue offers an explanation with this week's hymn: The Lamb's high banquet called to share.
Hymn of the Week: April 11
This week’s hymn is a story-song, specifically a late Medieval narrative carol. It tells the story of the Apostle Thomas, who initially doubts his fellow disciples’ story of Jesus’ resurrection.
Hymn of the Week: Easter Day - April 4
The text of this Easter hymn comes from John 14:19 – “In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.” Robert Lehman from the Church of St. Michael & St. George gives us the history of "Jesus lives!"
Hymn of the Week: March 28
This week's featured hymn has been called one of the finest hymns from composer Sir John Stainer. Mark Scholtz, Director of Music & Organist at St. Timothy's in Creve Coeur, gives us a closer look at "Cross of Jesus, Cross of sorrow."
Hymn of the Week: March 21
This week's featured hymn has been in Episcopal hymnals since 1892. And as David Sinden explains, the song helps us see the cross not only as a symbol of torture and death, but something we should glory in.
Hymn of the Week: March 14
Imagery is everything this Fourth Sunday in Lent. There are few better musical illustrations of this theme of lifting-up than the raising high of the symbol of the love of Jesus in the words of the hymn Lift high the cross (The Hymnal 1982 #473).
Hymn of the Week: March 7
A solemn poem by John Donne is turned into a beautiful confessional hymn, perfect for the Third Sunday in Lent.