The gospel according to Jubilation Choir is love of the naked voice; love of losing ourselves in a sea of harmony and love of bringing a gospel sensibility to songs from all genres.
Singers:- Jubilation Choir
Worship Leader:- Judy Lightstone
Follow this shortcut to the bottom of the page for the various readings, videos, etc. shared in the service.
Judy Lightstone © 24 August 2025
My introduction to the Jubilation Choir occurred while I was teaching a workshop next door here at Studio One. I had just moved to the central city from West Auckland, and was thrilled to hear my favourite music seeping through the window. So I had to follow it- and it led me to this Unitarian Church. I had already joined the Unitarian Church of Berkeley California back when we lived in the US, and was thrilled to discover (albeit mistakenly) that there was not only a Unitarian Church in Auckland, but – wow what a church choir!
The Jubilation Acapella Gospel Choir was founded 25 years ago by Jean McAllister and the late NZ blues legend Rick Bryant and a number of others who are still in the choir. They are 30-odd strong and love their rehearsal space – the Unitarian Church – where they rehearse weekly.
They had a pre-Covid tradition of singing at the church in lieu of a service annually, and so we are so lucky that they are happy to do so again after this hiatus.
The choir originally sang the Black American Gospel songbook almost exclusively; more recently, thanks to a spirit of innovation, and the talents of key members who do arrangements, they have added more variety to their repertoire. They’re also developing collaborations with NZ performing artists: and on September 13th they have a show with Reggae artist Tigilau Ness in Te Puke Ō Tara Community Centre, Ōtara.
Links
Opening Words:- “Caged Bird” By Maya Angelou
Chalice Lighting:- adapted from “Let Beauty In” By Rebekah Savage
Closing Words:- “In the Rising Sun Today” By Joel Miller