On its website, The Smithsonian says, “Music was a solace, a community-builder, and voice for hope during enslavement and afterward, in the days of Reconstruction and then Jim Crow.”
If you have seen Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preach, you know how he often quotes the words of songs—specifically spirituals. The promotional copy for one of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s first books, Songs my Grandma Sang, reads, “In a conversation about his teaching and preaching style, Michael Curry notes with a laugh that hymns and songs of faith were always a part of the mix. ‘I learned what I believed in the songs I heard my family—especially my grandmother—sing. We sang our faith every day.’”
It is in this spirit that we invite you to participate in a hymn sing to kick-off our Diocesan Convention weekend with our presiding bishop. This evening will be a fundraiser with all of the money raised going to The Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Throughout the evening, we will be singing hymns, with a specific focus on songs written by non-white individuals. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
How Does it Work?
$500 Donation - Ten donors making gifts of $500 or more will be able to select their favorite hymn and have it sung at the Hymn Sing. These donors can be individuals or come from a group such as a church choir or an entire faith community. Donors are encouraged to select hymns from the Lift Every Voice and Sing II Hymnal and Wonder, Love, and Praise. To submit your favorite hymn, complete this form and submit a check made out to the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana to the diocesan office at 117 N. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601.
Twitter poll - Several times a week, we will be posting a poll on the Diocesan Twitter account where you can vote on your favorite hymn. The winning hymn in each poll will be sung during the Hymn Sing.
Free-will Offering - During the Hymn Sing we will be taking a free-will offering to donate to The Absalom Jones Fund. You are encouraged to give generously.
Watch the video below by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to learn more about The Absalom Jones Fund.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites gifts to The Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs.
Please note that due to COVID-19, Presiding Bishop will not be participating in a receiving line or taking selfies with attendees.