October 22, 2024

One of the great hymns connected to the Lutheran faith is A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, a paraphrase of Psalm 46. It reminds us that through the challenges and turmoil we often face on this earthly journey, we have a safe and secure refuge in God. This year we will celebrate Reformation Sunday, not only with Luther’s famous hymn, but with perhaps the greatest Lutheran composers own version of it!
 
Cantata 80, written by J. S. Bach (Yes, he was Lutheran!), seeks to take this famous melody and text and reshape it in a variety of ways. You will have the chance to hear our choir and instrumentalists offer a glimpse of the incredible work on Sunday morning, but I hope you will also consider joining us this coming Sunday at 4 PM for the complete work with choir, soloists and orchestra.
 
Because Bach wrote his cantatas for worship, we will offer the cantata in the context of evening prayer. This wonderful service is a beautiful way to offer praise and thanks to our God who continues to shield us in a world filled with challenges and obstacles. It’s the PERFECT time to invite a friend as well. I hope to see you there!

Jeremy Bankson, Director of Music