This Sunday the choir sings a setting of the beautiful George Herbert poem The Altar, set by contemporary composer Roland Martin.   This poem begins the second or three parts of The Temple, one of the most important volumes of poetry in the seventeenth century.  The text of the poem itself forms a visual representation of an Altar and is about building a metaphorical altar made of one’s heart.  It is Herbert’s way of stating this is where our faith, sacrifice and praise of God truly begin.   The choir is joined by violinist Chris Franke, member of the Marine Band Chamber Orchestra for this piece.  It will be great to have Chris will us, and together he and I will offer selections from the deeply moving Bach Sonatas for Violin and Organ as our voluntaries for the morning.
 
Soli Deo Gloria!
Ben Keseley, Minister of Music
 
Saint George’s Hymn Project
 
Hymn 693 – Just as I am, without one plea
 
Patty Gibson writes:
I’ve loved this one since I was a little girl, probably because it acknowledges human weaknesses.
 
Hymn 460 – Alleluia, Sing to Jesus!
 
Our Rector, the Rev. Shearon Williams, writes:
This hymn makes my heart sing.  It reminds me that Jesus is very close to me all the time and that he is also the glorious, majestic, cosmic Christ. 
 
Hymn 362 – Holy, Holy, Holy
 
Lindsay Stoudt writes:
This song reminds me of childhood summers at Camp Aldersgate:  camping and canoeing on the Delaware River, spending time with old friends and meeting new ones, and singing hymns around the campfire while roasting marshmallows.  I just love the simple words, the catchy tune, and the great memories.
 
Hymn 458 – My song is love unknown
 
Kathy Covert writes:
Because it captures the Easter story in lovely poetry and harmony. And because my breath always catches at, “Love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be”. That captures so much of our ministry. And spoke to me personally, as well, when I felt loveless and un-lovely.
 
St. George’s Favorite Hymn Project:
We are collecting YOUR favorite hymns.  Submit yours today.
Tell us what it is here and why.