Our friends at Epworth are hosting an “on Fashioned” hymn sing. Think camp meeting, revival meeting, late 1800’s songs. Let’s metl the “frozen chosen” and raise our voices to heaven.
Old Fashioned Hymn Sing
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Woman’s Sunday
Women’s Composers Sunday – March 8, 2026
On March 8, 2026, the Church joins with the wider global community in observing International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women and advocating for greater recognition, equality, and opportunity. In this spirit, the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) invites congregations to mark Women’s Composers Sunday, highlighting the indispensable contributions of women to the Church’s musical life.
Throughout history, women have shaped worship through hymn texts, liturgical music, and organ repertoire, often with little acknowledgement. This day offers an opportunity not only to give thanks for their artistry and faithful witness, but also to affirm the ongoing importance of women’s creative voices in the life of the Church. By intentionally choosing music written or shaped by women, we participate in the broader purpose of International Women’s Day: to recognize achievement, to address historical imbalance, and to commit ourselves to a more inclusive future.
Bulletin Announcement for Sunday, March 8, 2026
Today we observe Women’s Composers Sunday, in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) encourages us to celebrate the rich and often overlooked contributions of women who have shaped the Church’s musical heritage. Through hymns, anthems, and liturgical works, women composers have offered voices of faith, creativity, and conviction that continue to inspire worship across generations.
As we sing and hear music by women during today’s Service of Worship, we honour their gifts and give thanks for the diversity of artistry that strengthens the song of the Church. In doing so, we also affirm the purpose of International Women’s Day: to recognize women’s achievements, to reflect on progress still needed, and to celebrate the fullness of gifts shared among God’s people.
Possible Spoken Introduction for Women’s Composers Sunday
Today, the Church joins with people around the world in observing International Women’s Day—a day set aside to celebrate the gifts and achievements of women, to reflect honestly on history, and to renew our commitment to equality and opportunity for all.
In that same spirit, we observe Women’s Composers Sunday, as encouraged by the Royal Canadian College of Organists. This day invites us to recognize the many ways women have shaped the music of the Church—through hymns, anthems, and instrumental works—often without the recognition they deserved.
As we worship today, the music we sing and hear reflects the faith, creativity, and witness of women whose voices continue to enrich the life of the Church. By lifting up their work, we honour their contributions and participate in the deeper purpose of International Women’s Day: to recognize achievement, to acknowledge progress still needed, and to celebrate the fullness of gifts shared among God’s people.
Here are some suggestions for music by women. There are many other pieces you can find by looking under ‘Authors, Composers and Sources’ section in the back of your hymnals.
Suggested Hymns
• “All Things Bright and Beautiful” – Cecil Frances Alexander (text)
• “There Is a Green Hill Far Away” – Cecil Frances Alexander (text)
• “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (tune: NETTLETON, arranged by women in many hymnals) – often paired with women’s harmonizations or descants
• I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” – Lesbia Scott (text)
• “Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult” – Cecil Frances Alexander
• “O Jesus, I Have Promised” – John Ernest Bode, but widely paired with tunes by women composers
• “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” (alternative women-authored paraphrases appear in modern hymnals)
• “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” – Elizabeth Clephane
• “Be Still, My Soul” – Katharina von Schlegel (text; tune by Sibelius)
• “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” Janet Morley
Organ Music composers
Jean Demessieux Marguerite Duruflé Floren Beatrice Price Emma Lou Diemer Judith Weir Norma Beacroft Rachel Laurin Dorothy Wells Leslie Fagan Sara MacDonald Carolyn Hamlin
Clergy/Organists Dinner: Exploring the Role of Music in Worship
On January 23, 2026, the Windsor-Essex RCCO Centre hosted a special dinner and discussion for clergy and organists, focusing on the transformative role of music in worship. The evening’s guest facilitator was Reverend Jane Piercy-Ballard, an Anglican Deacon with deep expertise in religious studies, pastoral ministry, and the spiritual power of music. Jane joined the group online from Leduc, Alberta, bringing insights from her academic work and years of chaplaincy experience.
The event welcomed 23 attendees, representing a mix of clergy and organists from across the county. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal, which set the stage for an evening of conversation and meaningful exchange of ideas.
Jane offered thought-provoking questions to spark dialogue, inviting everyone to reflect on their hopes for congregational experiences, the possibilities of exploring new musical styles and instruments, and the balance between perfection and authenticity in worship music. The discussion also delved into the influences that guide music selection, from scripture and congregational preferences to musicians’ input and personal inspiration.
The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in worship and it inspired the clergy and organists in attendance to continue enriching their congregations through meaningful musical experiences.
Calling all Marathoners!
Come one! Come all! You are invited to participate in the inaugural “26.2 Carol–a–thon” on December 14, 2025, starting at the Church of the Epiphany, 96 Main Street West in Kingsville and hosted by the Windsor Essex Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO).
Vocal athletes to the Carol-a-thon, will trade pavement for performance in the ultimate test of festive endurance. Forget 26.2 miles; we are conquering 26.2 Carols of pure Advent and Christmas melodies.
This is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Our “mile markers” are timeless Christmas carols, and our finish line is the final, glorious proclamation.
Our setlist is designed like a physical marathon: it starts with an easy warm-up, moves into some technical “hills” (harder songs), includes a long endurance segment to get through “the wall,” and ends with a high-energy sprint to the finish line.
So, get ready to battle “The Wall” of vocal fatigue, find your rhythm, and let your spirit shine. Warm up those vocal cords, lace up your singing shoes, and join our community of Harmonic Heroes!
Quarter Notes, Winter, 2025
Here is your link to the Fall, 2025 edition of our newsletter