Many flock to a building weekly saying their going to church, where they are hearers of the word and not doers of it. I can’t tell you how many times years ago I would go to a service and afterward watch a few lifting a bottle of alcohol in their vehicles or those standing next […]

The difference between religion and faith

John Stainer (1840–1901) was an English composer and organist. His music, although rarely performed today, was quite popular during his lifetime. Let me share some key points about him:

1. Early Years:

   • Born in Southwark, London, in 1840, Stainer was the eighth of nine children.
   • He became a chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral at the age of ten.
   • His exceptional musical abilities led him to sing in the first English performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.
   • Stainer received a solid education at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where he excelled in various subjects.

2. Career Highlights:

   • Stainer served as an organist at Magdalen College, Oxford, and later at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
   • His work as a choir trainer and organist set standards for Anglican church music that continue to influence the field.
   • Notably, his composition “The Crucifixion” is still heard during Passiontide in some Anglican churches.

3. Legacy:

   • Stainer’s contributions extended beyond music. He became the Heather Professor of Music at Oxford University.
   • Unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly while on holiday in Italy in 1901.

Despite the relative obscurity of his music today, Stainer’s impact on Anglican church music remains significant1. If you’d like to explore more, you can visit the John Stainer Wikipedia page or learn about his hymns on Hymnary.org

A ‘Garland’ Shadorma I shall speak of togetherness; I shall seek out shared light; I shall focus on the truth of one humankind let’s share our words of unity; let’s find strength in our love; let’s hold one another now when we need it most perhaps life belies perceptions; perhaps, if so, all’s well? perhaps concern […]

Losing my religion, or: Don’t stop believin’

God’s love and care is ever present, guiding us through life with His goodness and kindness.

Lovingkindness–Praying through Psalm 23