THE COMMEMORATION YEARS
Friends of Borghild Jacobson, an informal network of persons interested in the creative works of Borghild Jacobson, is pleased to announce a project called "The Commemoration Years: 2004 and 2007." The goal of the project is to honor Borghild by using her music for congregational worship and concert performances during 2004 and 2007.
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The focus: 2004 and
2007 |
The guiding
philosophy |
| At the Reformation Festival at Washington National Cathedral the service bulletin described Borghild as "one of those many servants of God who made music and poetry so that we might glimpse that hope of perfection which will be ours as we stand before the glory of God." These words present to us a challenge to expand the outreach of the message embodied in her creative and inspiring works. | |
Notes About the Composer
Borghild Jacobson (1932 -1994): Born at Fargo, ND. Reared in Moorhead, MN. Earned BA at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. Pursued graduate studies at University of Minnesota. High school and college teacher. Parish worker. Directed choirs in ND, MI and WI. Husband: Harvey K. Jacobson. Children: Paul Jacobson, Ferndale, MI, and Maren McCue, Chelsea, MI.Please click here for detailed biographical information
About Borghild's music
Borghild Jacobson blessed us with a rich legacy of sacred music. She wrote the words and music to more than 200 vocal works including hymns, choral anthems, quartets, duets, rounds and solos. Her music and lyrics have been published by several publishers and religious organizations. Many of her works are self-published.
Her music and hymns have grown steadily in use during the last two decades. Her works have been featured at synod conventions, church festivals and concerts, and as an integral part of congregational worship in many churches throughout the United States and Canada. Her music continues to influence the spiritual lives of Christians from many denominations.
"This My Church Shall Be" is by far her most requested hymn. One of the goals of the commemoration project is to help you gain access to additional works, including a select group of her best but underexposed hymns.Please click here to view "The Hymnody of Borghild Schoberg Jacobson" by Mark E. Bloedow
What happens in '04 and '07?
Simply stated, the goal is to nurture a network that helps people obtain Borghild's music for use in ways that best suit the purposes of their local congregations and organizations.
We know the network is there. Reports from around the country over the past 10-15 years confirm the existence of a growing network of persons who recognize the power and potential of Borghild's music. We seek to assist and energize this group of supporters. We hope to expand the use of music that you already know about and to increase availability of additional hymns. We operate on a shoestring budget but we believe great things can be accomplished when a community of believers shares information and ideas. The Friends planning group has sketched a general framework for strengthening the network and looks forward to your involvement in reaching worshipers at the local level. Initial research with music directors and worship leaders tells us that they appreciate suggestions, ideas and leads. Accordingly, we are sending you information now to give you time to plan music for the Church Year beginning with Advent 2003.
The challenge
Shortly after Borghild's death, a Minnesota pastor wrote, "What a contribution Borghild made to enrich our lives. Her song will go on!" Hearing of plans for the Washington National Cathedral Festival in 1994, a University dean in North Dakota wrote, "Somehow Borgie's earthly life seems extended, renewed, in new ways by the publication of [her works] and the celebratory performance of her music." The commemoration planning group seeks to extend the outreach of her music by widespread performances across the country in 2004 and 2007.
What you can do
Share your ideas and materials with a worship/music committee and/or choir director.
Schedule hymns for worship services and special services (e.g., anniversaries, dedications, synod conventions, annual meetings, weddings, funerals) or concerts.
Publish articles in church bulletins/newsletters.
Order the Commemoration Packet from Maestro Productions (see details below).
Order Borghild Jacobson hymns from publishers.
Send us feedback from time to time--what you are planning, copies of church bulletins that indicate use of Borghild Jacobson hymns, etc.Order the Commemoration Packet
The Commemoration Packet contains seven Borghild Jacobson hymns. These hymns were chosen to accent liturgy and the worship emphases of the seasons of the Church Year. Please mail your order today. By obtaining and using these hymns you become an active member of the network which aims to assure that "her song goes on."
Commemoration PacketA Commemoration Collection of 7 Hymns by Borghild Jacobson This My Church Shall Be
Congregational Favorite for worship services of several denominations. Useful throughout year. Especially appropriate for Confirmation, Rally Sundays, dedications, ordinations, annual meetings, anniversaries. Unison/4-part.I Will Bear You on Wings of Angels
Lyrical, flowing style with inspirational text based on Psalm 91:11-12. Unison.Jesus, at Your Paschal Table
Flowing melody and text centered on events of Holy Week. Most appropriate for Communion during Lent, Holy Week. Unison/4-part.Our Lord, the Night He Was Betrayed
Reverent setting of Words of Institution. Unison/4-part.When Mary Came With Rich Perfume
Lively, joyful melody retells the appearance of the risen Christ to Mary Magdalene. Based on John 20:1-2, 11-18. Unison/4-part.Behold, I Send You
General anthem with special emphasis on evangelism and outreach. Memorable melody enhances uplifting message. Unison/4-part.Evening Hymn
For use throughout year. Unison setting includes parts for optional soprano descant and optional baritone duet.NOTE: All hymns in packet are suitable for congregational singing and include the unison and/or 4-part accompaniment, as well as, a reproducible melody-line-only setting for use in worship bulletins.
Packets are FREE while supplies last. Click and print Commemoration Packet below:
Please click here to order the Commemoration Packet
Where to order music
Wisconsin Sources:
Commemoration Packet. Seven hymns by B. Jacobson, including "This My Church Shall Be." Order from: Maestro Productions, Inc., PO Box 3082, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3082. (See details below)
Arrangements: Selected B. Jacobson hymns arranged by M. E. Bloedow. Available for solo voice: "Can There Be Greater Joy Than This?," "Carol with Me (An Easter Carol)," "I Will Bear You on Wings of Angels" (also available for SSA) and "My Gift." Also "This I Believe" (SATB, with text by P.O. Schoberg) and "An Easter Carol" (SAB). All with piano accompaniment. Order from: Maestro Productions, Inc., PO Box 3082, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3082. Details available on the web: www.maestromeb.com. Or E-mail Mark: mbloedow@maestromeb.com.Other Publishers:
Communion Songs: Songs for Holy Communion by B. Jacobson. Seven songs for solo voice or unison choir and keyboard. Includes "Endless Riches, Endless Wealth" and "The Bride of Christ Her Feast Prepares." Concordia Publishing House, 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118, phone 800-325-3040. Web: www.cph.org.
Wedding Hymns: A Ring of Gold. Text, B. Jacobson. Settings, D. Busarow. Seven hymns for solo voice and organ. Includes "Love Is the Sunlight" and "Within the Arc of Grace." Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis (see address above).
Christmas Songs: Five Christmas Songs by B. Jacobson. Five songs including "Visit the Manger" and "If We Listen." Solo voice or unison. MorningStar Music Publishers, 1727 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026, phone 800-647-2117. Web: www.MorningStarMusic.com. E-mail: MorningStar@MorningStarMusic.com.
Whom to contact
Co-chairmen of the commemoration project are Mark E. Bloedow, Madison, WI, and Harvey K. Jacobson, Oshkosh, WI. Mark is Director of Worship and Music at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Madison, and worked closely with Borghild over the years in Oshkosh. He is also President of Maestro Productions, Inc., an ecumenical nonprofit performing arts organization (501c3). Harvey is Borghild's husband.E-mail contact information: Mark Bloedow at mbloedow@maestromeb.com
Comments Following are comments about Borghild's signature hymn, "This My Church Shall Be":
Essence. "The hymn captures for me in a wonderful way the many, many facets of our church's life that I have known over the years." - Pastor, Appleton, WI, who selected the hymn for his retirement service.
Inspiring. "This is a wonderful hymn with an inspiring text and energizing tune."- Pastor, First Congregational Church, Wisconsin.
Affinity. "We were introduced to your beautiful hymn at the Upstate New York Synod
Assembly. We who heard it and sang it were thrilled with it."- Member of Lutheran congregation, West Seneca, NY.
Integrity. "The hymn is both theologically and musically sound."- Pastor, Ann Arbor, MI.
Singable. "We think it is very meaningful hymn and very singable."- Pastor, Ohio.
All One Body. "For the past three years our church has sung that hymn at the end of the service just before we have our annual meeting. The text seems to set just the right mood for contemplation of the role of the annual meeting in our church life and the responsibilities of each of us in the church body."- Choir director, United Church of Christ, Illinois.
Personal. "I must confess that my eyes were teary by the last verse as I am always moved by this strong statement of faith in Christ."- Choir member, Gainesville, FL.
You are invited to consider using Borghild's music in your music ministry and to encourage others to do the same.
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Inspire my psalmody, That with the hymns of heaven's host, My hymns may blessed be; May blessed be, May blessed be; That with the hymns of heaven's host, My hymns may be. - Borghild Jacobson's personal prayer for her music, expressed in Stanza 3 of her hymn, "May Blessed Be" |
+ Blessed be the memory of Borghild Schoberg Jacobson +
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Please also visit:
Borghild Schoberg Jacobson
researched and written by
Mark E. Bloedow
in consultation with
Harvey K. Jacobson
The Hymnody of Borghild Schoberg Jacobson
researched and written by
Mark E. Bloedow
This publication may not be reproduced in full or in part without written consent.
For permission, please submit your request via e-mail to: research@maestromeb.com.