BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Sing! The Center For Congregational Song - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Sing! The Center For Congregational Song X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://congregationalsong.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Sing! The Center For Congregational Song REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20180311T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20181104T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20190310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20191103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20180101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Halifax BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20190310T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20191103T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20200308T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20201101T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20210314T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20211107T050000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20180311T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20181104T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20190310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20191103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20200308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20201101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240104 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240131 DTSTAMP:20260501T023407 CREATED:20230831T142431Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230831T163331Z UID:3129-1704326400-1706659199@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:ONLINE COURSE: THEOLOGY OF HYMNS DESCRIPTION:Course Information \nThe Center for Congregational Song is sponsoring a seven-session online course on the theology of hymns during January and February 2024. Sessions will be held on Fridays from 12:30 to 2:00 pm ET beginning on January 5 and concluding on February 16. \nThis course is intended for pastors\, musicians\, and others who do not hold church music and/or theology degrees or who may have missed this area of study. Registration will be $175 for members\, $225 for non-members\, and $275 for a pastor-musician team serving the same congregation. All participants will be required to have a copy Sing With Understanding (3rd edition)\, edited by C. Michael Hawn. Click here for more information or to register now. \n \nInstructor \nThe primary instructor will be Heather Josselyn-Cranson\, OSL. \nHeather Josselyn-Cranson\, OSL\, is a scholar and practitioner of liturgical song from plainchant to the music of the Emerging Church. She received her Th.D. at Boston University\, where she studied with Carl Daw and Linda Clark. She has taught classes in hymnody at Northwestern College in Orange City\, Iowa\, and at the Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary in Moscow. An active scholar\, she has published articles on church music in AIM Liturgy Resources Magazine\, WorshipArts\, Sacramental Life\, Questions Liturgiques\, The Hymn\, Worship\, and Plainsong and Medieval Music. She has presented on topics as diverse as music and theology in the Emerging Church (North American Academy of Liturgy)\, the healing power of music (Order of Saint Luke)\, the hymnody of World War I (Hymn Society)\, and the Genevan Psalm Tunes (Calvinism in the 21st Century). Her exploration of function in liturgical music\, The Reason Why We Sing\, is available from OSL Publications at oslpublications.org. Josselyn-Cranson is currently co-editing The Church’s Living Song: Propositions for an Ecumenical Theology of Liturgical Music\, which will be released in 2024 by GIA. \nCourse Dates \nFriday\, January 5\, 2024 – What does Congregational Singing mean? \nFriday\, January 12\, 2024 – Singing Creation and Incarnation \nFriday\, January 19\, 2024 – Singing the Crucifixion and Resurrection \nFriday\, January 26\, 2024 – Singing the Holy Spirit \nFriday\, February 2\, 2024 – Singing Eschatology \nFriday\, February 9\, 2024 – Singing Baptism \nFriday\, February 16\, 2024 – Singing Eucharist \nCourse Description \nThis course will consider congregational song from a theological perspective. We will first explore how communal song is a vehicle for meaning and how music conveys significance even apart from words. Then we will survey hymns from throughout the history of Western Christianity on a variety of topics\, including Incarnation\, Eschatology\, and the sacraments. Participants will reflect on theological approaches to each of these topics as well as hymns that express these approaches. \nParticipants can expect to spend between one and two hours each week reading chapters from the third edition of Michael Hawn’s Sing with Understanding and engaging in an online discussion forum\, in addition to our weekly Friday afternoon class session. Both discussion forum participation and class activities will help participants relate our own experiences to content from the reading. The seven-week class will culminate in a creative final assignment drawing on ideas from throughout the class. URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/online-course-theology-of-hymns/ CATEGORIES:Centered in Song,Workshop END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231108 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231112 DTSTAMP:20260501T023407 CREATED:20230302T173226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231024T150006Z UID:2954-1699401600-1699747199@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Writing the Church's Song 2023 DESCRIPTION:REGISTRATION CLOSED \nInvitation\nFor those who work for the church week in and week out\, time away to rest\, reflect\, and re-inspire is important. Writing the Church’s Song is a three-day writing retreat for beginner and intermediate hymn writers. Two exceptional clinicians will challenge\, inspire\, and guide you as a hymn writer. These mentors will provide sessions on how to start writing hymns and how to hone your skills throughout the three days. Group sessions to build writing/composing skills will be offered\, as well as one-on-one time with the mentors to discuss your works in detail and receive personal feedback. \nRest\, Reflect\, and Re-Inspire \n\nDate & Location\nNovember 8-11\, 2023 \nRichmond\, VA \nOur hosts will be Richmond Hill\, an ecumenical Christian fellowship and residential community who serve as stewards of an urban retreat center within the setting of a historic monastery. \nLodging & Food: Richmond Hill is a residential facility with simple but comfortable rooms available. The full registration ($450) includes a room within the Richmond Hill facilities\, all your meals while on campus\, and times of prayer with the community. For more information about what it’s like to attend a retreat at Richmond Hill\, you can click here. \n  \nRegistration\nREGISTRATION CLOSED \n$450 Full Registration Fee (includes 3 nights lodging & all meals) \n$325 No-Lodging Registration Fee (includes lunch & dinner for each day) \n*two needs-based scholarships available that reduce cost 50%. Contact ccs@thehymnsociety.org to inquire. \n  \nFaculty\n \nText Writing – Jacque Jones\, FHS \nJacque B. Jones has been writing in various forms all her life and she took up the challenge of writing hymn texts in 2003. As a writer\, she considers herself a storyteller\, and many of her texts reflect that. Jacque has been an active member of The Hymn Society in the US and Canada since 2003\, having served as its president from 2014 to 2016.  She is a member of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn\, NY\, and is actively involved in worship leadership. A native of Texas\, Jacque attended Baylor University and The University of Texas at Austin\, where she received a BFA in theatre. She and her husband live in Brooklyn Heights and they have 3 adult children. \nJacque’s hymn text collection Songs Unchanged Yet Ever Changing was published in 2015 by GIA.  Hymn texts are included in the collections Assembled for Song\, Assembled for Song 2\, Come\, O Holy House\, and Worship\, and in the hymnals Glory to God\, Community of Christ Sings\, Worship 4\, Hymns for a Pilgrim People\, and most recently on GIA’s new series “Unbound“. She also has two anthems published: Newborn Child Now Sleeping (with Mark Stockert) and All Will be Well (with Richard Clemmitt). \n  \n \nTune Writing – Mark Miller \nMark Miller believes that everyone is a Child of God and that music is instrumental in healing the world.  He adheres to Cornel West’s belief that “Justice is what love looks like in public.” Mark sees an inextricable interplay between music\, social justice\, and the joyful beloved community and spends his life composing\, teaching and playing to reveal that connection. \nMark is Professor of Church Music\, Director of Chapel\, and Composer In Residence at Drew University in Madison NJ. He is also a Lecturer in Sacred Music at Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music and Divinity School where he both co-teaches an organ course and directs the Gospel Choir. Mark is also Minister of Music at Christ Church in Summit\, a UCC and American Baptist congregation. Miller spends a portion of the year traveling the country\, often with his band S2C (Subject to Change)\, leading worship and workshops\, preaching and presenting concerts focused on creating community and advocating for social justice. \nA prolific composer\, his congregational hymns and choral anthems are sung by communities of faith throughout the world and are widely published.  His newest collection of 31 songs\, “Revolution of the Heart” was published in June 2022 by GIA. His songbook “Roll Down Justice! Sacred Songs & Social Justice”\, was published in 2014 by Choristers. Mark’s popular compositions for pipe organ are published by GIA and Morningstar. His album\, “Imagine the People of God”\, is available on itunes. \nMark is a graduate of Julliard (M.Mus. in Organ Performance) and Yale University (B.A. Music) and was Assistant Organist and Music Associate at The Riverside Church from 1999-2001 and Director of Contemporary Worship at Marble Collegiate Church from 2002-2007\, both in the city of New York. \n  \nHospitality & Logistics – Brian Hehn \nBrian is an inspiring song-leader equally comfortable leading an acapella singing of “It Is Well” as he is drumming and dancing to “Sizohamba Naye.” Experienced using a variety of genres and instrumentations\, he has lead worship for Baptists\, Roman Catholics\, United Methodists\, Presbyterians\, and many more across the U.S. and Canada. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Wingate University\, his Master of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology\, Southern Methodist University\, and is certified in children’s church music (K-12) by Choristers Guild. He has articles published on sacred music and congregational song in multiple journals and co-authored the book All Hands In: Drumming the Biblical Narrative\, published by Choristers Guild. While working for The Hymn Society as the Director of The Center for Congregational Song\, he is also Director of Music at Light Street Presbyterian Church in Baltimore\, Maryland\, and adjunct professor of church music at Wingate University in Wingate\, North Carolina. Brian lives in Baltimore\, Maryland\, with his wife\, Eve\, and children Jakob and Clara. \n  \nSchedule\nWednesday \n4:00PM – Arrival & Room Check-In \n6:00PM – Evening Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community) \n6:30PM – Dinner \n8:00PM – Opening Gathering \nThursday & Friday \n7:00AM – Morning Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community) \n7:30AM – Breakfast \n9:00AM – Plenary Session 1 \n10:00AM – One-On-One Sessions & Small-Group Workshops \n12:00PM – Noon Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community) \n12:30PM – Lunch \n1:30PM – Plenary Session 2 \n2:30PM – One-On-One Sessions & Small-Group Workshops \n4:00PM – Free Time \n5:00PM – Participant Sharing & Feedback Session \n6:00PM – Evening Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community) \n6:30PM – Dinner \nSaturday \n7:00AM – Morning Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community) \n7:30AM – Breakfast \n9:00AM – Final Gathering & Anointing Service (Our group only) \n11:00AM – Check-Out & Departure \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/writing-the-churchs-song-2023/ LOCATION:Richmond Hill\, 2209 E Grace Street\, Richmond\, VA\, 23223\, United States CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Larry_Nickel_composing_in_2004-e1677778315775.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230715 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230720 DTSTAMP:20260501T023407 CREATED:20230428T155324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230428T155324Z UID:3054-1689379200-1689811199@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Hymn Society Conference DESCRIPTION:The Hymn Society’s Annual Conference is the premier conference focusing exclusively on congregational song in the U.S. and Canada. Each year it features top scholars from the U.S. and Canada as well as other international guests for plenary addresses\, 4 hymn festivals planned and led by internationally recognized song-leaders\, and over 40 breakout sessions on a variety of topics. The conference is held in mid-July each year at a different location within the U.S. or Canada. \nTo learn more about the next conference happening in Montreal\, Canada\,\nyou can go to www.thehymnsociety.org/event.\nEach of the 4 hymn festivals offered are always free and open to the public as a part of The Hymn Society’s mission to encourage\, promote\, and enliven congregational song in each location we host our Annual Conference. \nSessions include special breakouts for text writers\, tune writers\, and song writers with the opportunity to get written and verbal feedback from the leader on your submitted piece. \nThose who attend The Hymn Society’s Annual Conference include church musicians\, worship leaders\, pastors & priests\, composers\, poets\, publishers\, and anyone else who is passionate about congregational song. \nFull scholarships for students are available as well as a forum specifically for emerging scholars focusing their studies on congregational song. \nRecent Conference Leaders:\n\nRev. Dr. I-to Loh – Editor of Sound the Bamboo: CCA Hymnal 2000\, Former Seminary President at Tainan Theological College\, Ethnomusicologist\, and Composer\nRev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson – Associate General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church\, Director of the Center for Music and Worship in the Black Church Experience\, and Award-Winning Singer\nDr. John Witvliet – Director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship\, Professor of Worship\, Theology\, and Congregational and Ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary\, Author of Over 7 Books\nRev. Dr. Molly Marshall – President and Professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation at Central Baptist Theological School\, Past-President of the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion\, Author of 3 Monographs and multiple book chapters and articles\nDr. Miguel De la Torre – Professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies at Iliff School of Theology\, Author of Multiple Books and Articles\, Past-President of the Society of Christian Ethics\nJorge Lockward – Past Director of the General Board of Global Ministries for The United Methodist Church\, Minister of Worship at Church of The Village in the Northwest Bronx\, and leader of the ecumenical chorale Cántico Nuevo\nRev. Dr. Paul Westermeyer – Professor Emeritus of Church Music at Luther Seminary\, Past National Chaplain of the American Guild of Organists\, Author of 5 Books on Church Music\nDr. John Baldovin\, S.J. – Professor of Historical and Liturgical Theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry\, Author of Multiple Books on Roman Catholic Liturgy\, Past President of the North American Academy of Liturgy\nMark Miller – Assistant Professor of Church Music at Drew Theological School\, Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University\, Published Composer by Abbingdon Press and Choristers Guild\nRev. John Bell – Composer and Song-Leader for the Wild Goose Resource Group of the Iona Community\, Fellow of the Presbyterian Church of Canada and Royal School of Church Music\, Editor of the Church of Scotland’s Church Hymnary (Fourth Edition)\nDr. Marcia McFee – Ritual Artist and Creator of Worship Design Studio\, Author of Think Like a Filmaker\, Guest Professor at Universities and Colleges across the U.S. and Canada\n\nRecent Conference Locations:\n\n2022 – Washington D.C.\n2021 – Digital\n2020 – Digital\n2019 – Dallas\, Texas\n2018 – St. Louis\, Missouri\n2017 – Waterloo\, Ontario\, Canada\n2016 – Redlands\, California\n2015 – New Orleans\, Louisiana\n2014 – Columbus\, Ohio\n2013 – Richmond\, Virginia\n2012 – Winnipeg Canada\n2011 – Colorado Springs\, Colorado URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/hymn-society-conference/ LOCATION:McGill University\, 845 Sherbrooke St W\, Montréal\, Québec\, H3A 0G4\, Canada CATEGORIES:Conference,Hymn Festival ORGANIZER;CN="The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada":MAILTO:office@thehymnsociety.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230715 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230720 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20171013T020757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230428T155937Z UID:372-1689379200-1689811199@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Hymn Society Conference DESCRIPTION:The Hymn Society’s Annual Conference is the premier conference focusing exclusively on congregational song in the U.S. and Canada. Each year it features top scholars from the U.S. and Canada as well as other international guests for plenary addresses\, 4 hymn festivals planned and led by internationally recognized song-leaders\, and over 40 breakout sessions on a variety of topics. The conference is held in mid-July each year at a different location within the U.S. or Canada. \nTo learn more about the next conference happening in Montreal\, Canada\,\nyou can go to www.thehymnsociety.org/event.\nEach of the 4 hymn festivals offered are always free and open to the public as a part of The Hymn Society’s mission to encourage\, promote\, and enliven congregational song in each location we host our Annual Conference. \nSessions include special breakouts for text writers\, tune writers\, and song writers with the opportunity to get written and verbal feedback from the leader on your submitted piece. \nThose who attend The Hymn Society’s Annual Conference include church musicians\, worship leaders\, pastors & priests\, composers\, poets\, publishers\, and anyone else who is passionate about congregational song. \nFull scholarships for students are available as well as a forum specifically for emerging scholars focusing their studies on congregational song. \nRecent Conference Leaders:\n\nRev. Dr. I-to Loh – Editor of Sound the Bamboo: CCA Hymnal 2000\, Former Seminary President at Tainan Theological College\, Ethnomusicologist\, and Composer\nRev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson – Associate General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church\, Director of the Center for Music and Worship in the Black Church Experience\, and Award-Winning Singer\nDr. John Witvliet – Director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship\, Professor of Worship\, Theology\, and Congregational and Ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary\, Author of Over 7 Books\nRev. Dr. Molly Marshall – President and Professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation at Central Baptist Theological School\, Past-President of the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion\, Author of 3 Monographs and multiple book chapters and articles\nDr. Miguel De la Torre – Professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies at Iliff School of Theology\, Author of Multiple Books and Articles\, Past-President of the Society of Christian Ethics\nJorge Lockward – Past Director of the General Board of Global Ministries for The United Methodist Church\, Minister of Worship at Church of The Village in the Northwest Bronx\, and leader of the ecumenical chorale Cántico Nuevo\nRev. Dr. Paul Westermeyer – Professor Emeritus of Church Music at Luther Seminary\, Past National Chaplain of the American Guild of Organists\, Author of 5 Books on Church Music\nDr. John Baldovin\, S.J. – Professor of Historical and Liturgical Theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry\, Author of Multiple Books on Roman Catholic Liturgy\, Past President of the North American Academy of Liturgy\nMark Miller – Assistant Professor of Church Music at Drew Theological School\, Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University\, Published Composer by Abbingdon Press and Choristers Guild\nRev. John Bell – Composer and Song-Leader for the Wild Goose Resource Group of the Iona Community\, Fellow of the Presbyterian Church of Canada and Royal School of Church Music\, Editor of the Church of Scotland’s Church Hymnary (Fourth Edition)\nDr. Marcia McFee – Ritual Artist and Creator of Worship Design Studio\, Author of Think Like a Filmaker\, Guest Professor at Universities and Colleges across the U.S. and Canada\n\nRecent Conference Locations:\n\n2022 – Washington D.C.\n2021 – Digital\n2020 – Digital\n2019 – Dallas\, Texas\n2018 – St. Louis\, Missouri\n2017 – Waterloo\, Ontario\, Canada\n2016 – Redlands\, California\n2015 – New Orleans\, Louisiana\n2014 – Columbus\, Ohio\n2013 – Richmond\, Virginia\n2012 – Winnipeg Canada\n2011 – Colorado Springs\, Colorado URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/hymn-society-annual-conference/ LOCATION:McGill University\, 845 Sherbrooke St W\, Montréal\, Québec\, H3A 0G4\, Canada CATEGORIES:Conference,Hymn Festival ORGANIZER;CN="The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada":MAILTO:office@thehymnsociety.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230226 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230227 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20221004T145652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221004T145652Z UID:2868-1677369600-1677455999@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:A Cappella Sunday 2023 DESCRIPTION:A Cappella Sunday Hymn Suggestions YEAR A\nWhat:\nA Cappella Sunday is when worshiping communities from across the world commit to singing a cappella in their Sunday morning worship service. For communities where this is a new concept\, it could just be one hymn\, but for communities that are more comfortable singing unaccompanied\, they are encouraged to sing their entire service a cappella. Below are why we do it\, when we do it\, and some resources to help make it successful. \n \nWhy:\nSpending one Sunday a year to focus on your congregation singing a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) has many benefits and purposes. \n\nIt connects us to the history of the church. For thousands of years\, a cappella singing was the mainstay of the church’s song. By recognizing this and exploring this way of music-making\, we are acknowledging and honoring the saints of the past.\nIt connects us to many Christian denominations\, traditions\, and regions of the world that continue to use a cappella music as their primary mode of music-making in corporate worship. Those include but are not limited to many Mennonite denominations\, the Church of Christ\, many Orthodox traditions\, the Church of God in Christ\, and South African Methodists.\nIt offers to God something that is\, for many congregations in the United States and Canada\, a gift that is different from our usual music-making. Psalm 96:1 tells us to “Sing a new song to the Lord\,” which can be achieved for some of us by singing a cappella.\nIt encourages the congregation’s song by building up confidence in their own voices. Many in our congregations believe that they can’t sing\, or can’t sing well. Singing a cappella presents those people with the best opportunity to hear themselves and others singing\, giving them a fresh perspective on their assumptions of their own abilities and the ability of the congregation’s combined voice.\nIt emphasizes the unique ability of instruments to enhance the congregation’s song. By showing the congregation that they can sing without instrumental accompaniment\, instrumental accompaniment can then begin to enhance and empower the congregation’s voice rather than acting primarily as a crutch.\nIt allows the instrumentalists to spend a Sunday listening carefully to the congregation to assess where their voice needs support. Often times it is hard to listen carefully to the congregation when you are focusing on playing your instrument accurately and musically. This gives the instrumentalists permission to step away for a Sunday without feeling like they are leaving the congregation stranded.\nFinally\, singing a cappella is fun! By removing our typical means of accompanying song\, our minds are often challenged to come up with new and creative ways to sing together that maintains energy and vitality. It can bring out the best in not only the congregation\, but in the musician’s leadership.\n\nIt was a rich Lenten experience to spend a Sunday morning worshiping with only our voices. Thanks to @The Center for Congregational Song for the inspiration and encouragement. Soli Deo Gloria; To God alone be the glory!! – Justin Fox of Grace Community Church\, Seal Beach\, CA \nWhen:\nEach year on the first Sunday of Lent (2023 is Sunday\, February 26th) \nLet us know you’re participating!\n\n  \nResources:\nDownload Our Guide for Lectionary Year A (2017\, 2020\, 2023) \nDownload our Guide for Lectionary Year B (2018\, 2021\, 2024) \nDownload Our Guide for Lectionary Year C (2016\, 2019\, 2022) \n  \nFriend of The Center\, D.J. Bulls from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area has spent his career in an a cappella singing denomination the Church of Christ. \nBelow are three resources he suggests to check out if your interested in a cappella hymn singing: \n1. Fearless4you.com Is a website that provides a cappella\, four-part congregational arrangements for a number of different types of modern hymns and contemporary worship songs/anthems/choruses. Available in round and shaped notes\, many with rehearsal recordings and projected notation as well.\n2. ZOEgroup.org This is a group that has done 20 something albums of four-part\, presentational\, and congregational a cappella worship. Folios with arrangements and individual pdf’s are available on their website and recordings are available on the iTunes store\, Amazon Music\, and google play.\n3. paperlesshymnal.com This is a site that is a compendium of digital\, projected four-part arrangements for congregations of thousands of hymns. \n  \nSample Bulletins from Years Past\nFirst Baptist\, Greensboro\, NC \nSt Peter ELCA\, Northfield\, MN \n  \nSupporting Organizations:\n \n  \n  \n  \n \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n\nPast Participants Include:\nAirline Baptist Church – Metairie\, LA\nAll Saints’ Westboro Anglican Church – Ottawa\, ON\, CAN\nBethesda Presbyterian Church – Aberdeen\, NC\nCalvary Chapel – Albuquerque\, NM\nCelebration Presbyterian Church – Myrtle Beach\, SC\nCentral Presbyterian Church – Baltimore\, MD\nChoir Festival of the Island Churches – St. Peter Port\, Åland Islands\nChurch of Our Saviour Lutheran – Fond du Lac\, WI\nChurch of the Holy Cross Episcopal – Edgewood\, NC\nDuke University Chapel – Durham\, NC\nEast End United Church – Toronto\, ON\, CAN\nFifth Avenue Baptist Church – Huntington\, WV\nFirst Baptist – Rapid City\, SD\nFuller Avenue Christian – Grand Rapids\, MI\nGethsemane Lutheran Church – Columbus\, OH\nGood Shepherd Episcopal – Humble\, TX\nGrace Community Church – Seal Beach\, CA\nHighland Baptist Church – Kitchener\, ON\, CAN\nHoly Trinity Lutheran Church – Akron\, OH\nJesup First Methodist Church – Jesup\, GA\nLong Memorial UMC – Roxboro\, NC\nLutheran Church of the Master – Coeur D’Alene\, ID\nNew Bloomfield United Methodist – New Bloomfield\, PA\nPeace Presbyterian Church – Bradenton\, FL\nPort Stanley United Church – Port Stanley\, ON\, CAN\nSaint Andrew Presbyterian Church – Denton\, TX\nSalem United Church of Christ – Doylestown\, PA\nSeward United Methodist Church – Seward\, NE\nSt John’s Lutheran – Orange\, CA\nSt. James Lutheran – Pottstown\, PA\nSt. John Lutheran Church – Roanoke\, VA\nSt. Peter Lutheran Church – Mechanicsburg\, PA\nSt. Philip’s Anglican – Toronto\, ON\, CAN\nSt. Stephen Lutheran Church – Kitchener\, ON\, CAN\nStorrs Congregational Church UCC – Storrs Mansfield\, CT\nThe First Baptist Church in America – Providence\, RI\nVestavia Hills Baptist Church – Birmingham\, AL\nVienna Baptist Church – Vienna\, VA\nVillage on Antioch Presbyterian Church – Overland Park\, KS\nWest Side Presbyterian Church – Ridgewood\, NJ\nWestminster United Church – Whitby\, ON\, CAN URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/a-cappella-sunday-2023/ CATEGORIES:Hymn Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Debbie-Lou-Reduced.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230105 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230201 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20221004T151231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221209T010620Z UID:2870-1672876800-1675209599@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:ONLINE COURSE: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CHURCH’S SONG DESCRIPTION:Course Information \nThe Center for Congregational Song is sponsoring an eight-session online course in basic hymnology during January 2023. Sessions will be held each Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. ET beginning on January 5 and concluding on January 31. \nThis course is mainly intended for musicians\, pastors\, and others who do not hold church music degrees or who may have missed this area of study. Registration will be $150 for members\, $200 for non-members\, and $250 for a pastor-musician team serving the same congregation. All participants will be required to have a copy of New Songs of Celebration Render\, by C. Michael Hawn (15% discount code for purchase will be available to all registrants). Click here for more information or to register now. \n \nInstructor \nThe primary instructor will be Eric Mathis\, who currently serves as Pastor for Faith Formation\, Worship & the Arts\, and Young Adults at The First Baptist Church of Washington\, D.C. Eric previously served as Associate Dean for the Division of Music\, Associate Professor of Church Music and Worship Leadership\, and founding Executive Director of the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University in Birmingham\, Alabama. \nCourse Dates \nThursday\, January 5\, 2023 – Congregational Song: A Musical\, Theological\, Liturgical\, and Pastoral Calling \nTuesday\, January 10\, 2023 – The Role of Music in Worship & Stream 1: Roman Catholic Liturgical Renewal \nThursday\, January 12\, 2023 – The Value of Historical Contributions in Modern Contexts & Stream 2: Protestant Contemporary Classical Hymnody \nTuesday\, January 17\, 2023 – The Music of Oppression and Liberation & Stream 3: African American Spirituals and Gospel Hymnody \nThursday\, January 19\, 2023 – The Balance of Head\, Heart\, Hands\, and Feet & Streams 4 & 5: Revival\, Gospel\, and Folk Hymnody \nTuesday\, January 24\, 2023 – The Participation of the Congregation & Stream 6: Charismatic and Pentecostal Hymnody \nThursday\, January 26\, 2023 – The Importance of Hospitality in Congregational Song & Stream 7: Global and Ecumenical Hymnody \nTuesday\, January 31\, 2023 – Course Wrap-up \nCourse Description \nThis course in basic hymnology will be a broad overview of congregational song in the church. Participants will imagine congregational singing to be a musical\, theological\, liturgical\, and pastoral endeavor. The eight sessions will examine models of congregational song from a variety of Christian traditions and use them as case studies for discussing contemporary pastoral issues in singing the songs of the church. \nThe workload prior to each class session will be approximately 90 minutes. This will include reading from Michael Hawn’s book New Songs of Celebration Render\, engaging a brief online lecture\, and/or responding to a class discussion thread. Each student will be asked to complete a brief final reflection paper examining their faith community’s current congregational song practices and suggesting areas of growth in light of issues raised in course materials and class discussions \nClass meetings will be interactive times to interact with the instructor\, experts in the field\, and one another. Our hope is that this January journey will provide participants with a helpful framework for the theory and practice of congregational song. More importantly\, we hope this class will create a community and network of faithful pastoral musicians who might continue their relationship\, support\, and learning beyond the course in January. \n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/online-course-an-introduction-to-the-churchs-song/ CATEGORIES:Centered in Song,Workshop END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221019 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221023 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20220323T170438Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220914T134403Z UID:2783-1666137600-1666483199@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Writing the Church's Song 2022 DESCRIPTION:Registration Now Full\n  \nInvitation\nFor those who work for the church week in and week out\, time away to rest\, reflect\, and re-inspire is important. Writing the Church’s Song is a three-day writing retreat for beginner and intermediate hymn writers. Two exceptional clinicians will challenge\, inspire\, and guide you as a hymn writer. These mentors will provide sessions on how to start writing hymns and how to hone your skills throughout the three days. Group sessions to build writing/composing skills will be offered\, as well as one-on-one time with the mentors to discuss your works in detail and receive personal feedback. \nRest\, Reflect\, and Re-Inspire \n\nDate & Location\nOctober 19-22\, 2022 \nRichmond\, VA \nOur hosts will be Richmond Hill\, an ecumenical Christian fellowship and residential community who serve as stewards of an urban retreat center within the setting of a historic monastery. \nLodging & Food: Richmond Hill is a residential facility with simple but comfortable rooms available. The full registration ($350) includes a room within the Richmond Hill facilities\, all your meals while on campus\, and times of prayer with the community. For more information about what it’s like to attend a retreat at Richmond Hill\, you can click here. \n  \nRegistration\n$350 Full Registration Fee (includes 3 nights lodging & all meals) – REGISTRATION FULL \n$200 No-Lodging Registration Fee (only includes lunch for each day) – REGISTRATION FULL \n\nFaculty\nText Writing – Mary Louise Bringle \nMary Louise (Mel) Bringle is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies and serves as coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Studies program at Brevard College (Brevard\, NC). A teacher at heart and a theologian by training (with a Ph.D. from Emory University and an assortment of publications in pastoral theology)\, she began writing hymn texts in 1999. Since that time\, she has won a number of international hymnwriting competitions and been featured as an “emerging text writer” by The Hymn Society in the US and Canada. GIA has published two single-author collections of her hymns (Joy and Wonder\, Love and Longing in 2002\, and In Wind and Wonder in 2007)\, as well as anthems written in collaboration with composers like William Rowan\, Sally Morris\, and others. Her texts and translations are included in publications from numerous denominations\, including Roman Catholic\, Mennonite\, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America\, Episcopalian\, United Church of Canada\, and Church of Scotland. She has recently served as President of The Hymn Society and chair of the committee to create a new hymnal for the Presbyterian Church USA. \n  \n \nTune Writing – Sally Ann Morris \nSally Ann Morris lives and works in Winston-Salem\, North Carolina. In 1990\, she discovered the joy of composing hymn tunes\, and has now written more than 150 which are published in three collections from GIA Publications\, Giving Thanks in Song and Prayer (1998)\,  …to sing the Artist’s praise…(2009)\, and Spread the Good News (2016).  Her tunes appear in Glory to God\, Community of Christ Sings\, Gather Comprehensive II and III\, Worship IV\, the New Century Hymnal\, The Hymnal 21 in Japan\, Church Hymnary 4 of the Church of Scotland and in other current and forthcoming denominational hymnals\, collections\, and supplements. More about her life and work may be found in The Canterbury Dictionary of American Hymnology. \nSally serves as Musician in Residence at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity where she leads\, enlivens\, encourages\, demonstrates and teaches the diverse wealth of congregational song for twice weekly chapel services. \n  \nHospitality & Logistics – Brian Hehn \nBrian is an inspiring song-leader equally comfortable leading an acapella singing of “It Is Well” as he is drumming and dancing to “Sizohamba Naye.” Experienced using a variety of genres and instrumentations\, he has lead worship for Baptists\, Roman Catholics\, United Methodists\, Presbyterians\, and many more across the U.S. and Canada. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Wingate University\, his Master of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology\, Southern Methodist University\, and is certified in children’s church music (K-12) by Choristers Guild. He has articles published on sacred music and congregational song in multiple journals and co-authored the book All Hands In: Drumming the Biblical Narrative\, published by Choristers Guild. While working for The Hymn Society as the Director of The Center for Congregational Song\, he is also Director of Music at Light Street Presbyterian Church in Baltimore\, Maryland\, and adjunct professor of church music at Wingate University in Wingate\, North Carolina. Brian lives in Baltimore\, Maryland\, with his wife\, Eve\, and son\, Jakob. \n  \nSchedule\nWednesday \n4:00PM – Arrival & Room Check-In \n6:00PM – Evening Prayer \n6:30PM – Dinner \n8:00PM – Opening Gathering \nThursday & Friday \n7:00AM – Morning Prayer \n7:30AM – Breakfast \n9:00AM – Plenary Session 1 \n10:00AM – One-On-One Sessions & Small-Group Workshops \n12:00PM – Noon Prayer \n12:30PM – Lunch \n1:30PM – Plenary Session 2 \n2:30PM – One-On-One Sessions & Small-Group Workshops \n4:00PM – Free Time \n5:00PM – Participant Sharing & Feedback Session \n6:00PM – Evening Prayer \n6:30PM – Dinner \nSaturday \n7:00AM – Morning Prayer \n7:30AM – Breakfast \n9:00AM – Final Gathering & Anointing Service \n11:00AM – Check-Out & Departure URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/writing-the-churchs-song-2022/ LOCATION:Richmond Hill\, 2209 E Grace Street\, Richmond\, VA\, 23223\, United States CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Richmond-Hill-Garden-e1677777788704.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220717 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220723 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20220404T161840Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220404T161945Z UID:2792-1658016000-1658534399@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:2022 Annual Hymn Society Conference DESCRIPTION:Sing the World God Imagines\nWashington\, DC\nThe Catholic University of America\nJuly 17-21\, 2022\n  \nThe Hymn Society’s Annual Conference is the premier conference focusing exclusively on congregational song in the U.S. and Canada. Each year it features top scholars from the U.S. and Canada as well as other international guests for plenary addresses\, 4 hymn festivals planned and led by internationally recognized song-leaders\, and over 40 breakout sessions on a variety of topics. The conference is held in mid-July each year at a different location within the U.S. or Canada. \nTo learn more about this year’s conference happening in Washington DC\,\nyou can go to www.thehymnsociety.org/event\nEach of the 4 hymn festivals offered are always free and open to the public as a part of The Hymn Society’s mission to encourage\, promote\, and enliven congregational song in each location we host our Annual Conference. \nSessions include special breakouts for text writers\, tune writers\, and song writers with the opportunity to get written and verbal feedback from the leader on your submitted piece. \nThose who attend The Hymn Society’s Annual Conference include church musicians\, worship leaders\, pastors & priests\, composers\, poets\, publishers\, and anyone else who is passionate about congregational song. \nRecent Conference Leaders:\n\nRev. Dr. I-to Loh – Editor of Sound the Bamboo: CCA Hymnal 2000\, Former Seminary President at Tainan Theological College\, Ethnomusicologist\, and Composer\nRev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson – Associate General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church\, Director of the Center for Music and Worship in the Black Church Experience\, and Award-Winning Singer\nDr. John Witvliet – Director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship\, Professor of Worship\, Theology\, and Congregational and Ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary\, Author of Over 7 Books\nRev. Dr. Molly Marshall – President and Professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation at Central Baptist Theological School\, Past-President of the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion\, Author of 3 Monographs and multiple book chapters and articles\nDr. Miguel De la Torre – Professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies at Iliff School of Theology\, Author of Multiple Books and Articles\, Past-President of the Society of Christian Ethics\nJorge Lockward – Past Director of the General Board of Global Ministries for The United Methodist Church\, Minister of Worship at Church of The Village in the Northwest Bronx\, and leader of the ecumenical chorale Cántico Nuevo\nRev. Dr. Paul Westermeyer – Professor Emeritus of Church Music at Luther Seminary\, Past National Chaplain of the American Guild of Organists\, Author of 5 Books on Church Music\nDr. John Baldovin\, S.J. – Professor of Historical and Liturgical Theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry\, Author of Multiple Books on Roman Catholic Liturgy\, Past President of the North American Academy of Liturgy\nMark Miller – Assistant Professor of Church Music at Drew Theological School\, Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University\, Published Composer by Abbingdon Press and Choristers Guild\nRev. John Bell – Composer and Song-Leader for the Wild Goose Resource Group of the Iona Community\, Fellow of the Presbyterian Church of Canada and Royal School of Church Music\, Editor of the Church of Scotland’s Church Hymnary (Fourth Edition)\nDr. Marcia McFee – Ritual Artist and Creator of Worship Design Studio\, Author of Think Like a Filmaker\, Guest Professor at Universities and Colleges across the U.S. and Canada\n\nRecent Conference Locations:\n\n2022 – Washington\, DC\n2021 – Online\n2020 – Online\n2019 – Dallas\, Texas\n2018 – St. Louis\, Missouri\n2017 – Waterloo\, Ontario\, Canada\n2016 – Redlands\, California\n2015 – New Orleans\, Louisiana\n2014 – Columbus\, Ohio\n2013 – Richmond\, Virginia\n2012 – Winnipeg Canada\n\nLearn More and/or Register at https://thehymnsociety.org/event/ URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/2022-annual-hymn-society-conference/ CATEGORIES:Conference,Hymn Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CUA-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada":MAILTO:office@thehymnsociety.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210908T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210908T160000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20210604T192241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210604T192241Z UID:2606-1631113200-1631116800@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Copyright Conversations - Publishers DESCRIPTION:Join Center Director Brian Hehn and a panel of congregational song publisher staff memebrs as they talk about church music and copyright. How does the system work from their perspective? Is it easy to navigate? What/Where are the difficulties? What/Where are some opportunities for improvement? \nListen in on the conversation live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F2pac5-DJiw \nWednesday\, September 8th \n3:00PM Eastern Time \n  \nParticipating Publishing Staff: \nScott A. Shorney – Vice President of Hope Publishing Company \nJonathan Lane – Senior Director Music Administration & Contracts at Integrity Music \nAlec Harris – Executive at GIA Publications\, Inc. \nKyle Cothern – Permissions Editor at GIA Publications\, Inc. \n  \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/copyright-conversations-publishers/ CATEGORIES:Workshop END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210610T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210610T130000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20210604T191316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210604T193507Z UID:2605-1623326400-1623330000@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Copyright Conversations - The Law DESCRIPTION:Join Center Director Brian Hehn and a panel of intellectual property law experts as they talk about church music and copyright. How does the system work from their perspective? Is it working the way it should?What/Where are the difficulties? What/Where are some opportunities for improvement? \nListen in on the conversation live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OvrIDzTZ-Ag \nThursday\, June 10th \n12:00PM (Noon) Eastern Time \n  \nParticipating Intellectual Property Law Experts: \nAnne Gilliland\, MLS\, JD – Associate Law Librarian\, University of North Carolina\, Chapel Hill \nKevin L. Smith – Dean of Libraries\, University of Kansas – Director\, University Press of Kansas \nPeter M. Midgley – Director\, Copyright Licensing Office at Brigham Young University \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/copyright-conversations-the-law/ CATEGORIES:Workshop END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210426T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210426T163000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20200901T011848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200901T175437Z UID:2102-1619449200-1619454600@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Free Webinar: Auditions and Interviews - what musicians ought to know and what pastors ought to ask DESCRIPTION:Register Now! \n  \nWEBINAR INFO\nJoin CCS Ambassador Jonathan Hehn for a presentation on some best practices for both sides of an interview. What should musicians know as they begin to interview for church musician and/or worship leader positions? What should pastors and personnel committee members be asking in these interviews? \nDate: Monday\, April 26th\, 2021 \nTime: 3PM Eastern (60 to 90 minutes) \nLocation: Zoom Webinar \nCost: Free (registration required) \n  \nLEADER BIO\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jonathan Hehn\n Ambassador\n \n Jonathan Hehn\, OSL\, is a musician and liturgist currently serving... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Jonathan Hehn \n Ambassador\n Jonathan Hehn\, OSL\, is a musician and liturgist currently serving as Choral Program Director and Organist at the University of Notre Dame He is a brother in the Order of Saint Luke and holds degrees in music (BM\, DM) from the Florida State University and theology (MSM) from the University Notre Dame Additional time was spent at the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg\, Austria Jonathan has won prizes in both regional and national competitions in organ performance and remains active as a performer \nA scholar in the area of sacred music and liturgy as well\, Jonathan has presented at both national and international conferences\, and his written work has appeared in The American Organist\, The Hymn\, These Days\, Call to Worship\, Doxology\, and other print and online periodicals He currently edits Sacramental Life\, a quarterly theological magazine published by the Order of Saint Luke \nJonathan resides in South Bend\, Indiana with his wife\, three children\, and dog A passionate practitioner\, writer\, and thinker\, you can find him on Facebook\, Twitter\, and Instagram @JonathanHehn \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Previous\n \n \n \n Next\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n  \nRegister Now! URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/free-webinar-auditions-and-interviews-what-musicians-ought-to-know-and-what-pastors-ought-to-ask/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Interview-Graphic.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210419T193000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210419T193000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20210409T152308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210412T180418Z UID:2514-1618860600-1618860600@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Copyright Conversations - Artists DESCRIPTION:Join Center Director Brian Hehn and a panel of congregational song artists (tune writers\, text writers\, song writers) as they talk about church music and copyright. How does the system work from their perspective? Is it easy to navigate? Does it provide them with what they see as fair compensation? What/Where are the difficulties? What/Where are some opportunities for improvement? \nListen in on the conversation live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OvrIDzTZ-Ag \nMonday\, April 19th \n7:30PM Eastern Time \n  \nParticipating Artists: \nMary Louise Bringle – Hymn Text Writer published by GIA Publications \nRylan Harris – Self-Published Song Writer and Church Musician \nWendell Kimbrough – Self-Published Song Writer & Church Musician \nKen Medema – Song Writer and Story Teller \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/copyright-conversations-artists/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Copyright-Conversations-Graphic-e1617981767905.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210322T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210322T170000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20200901T011139Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200901T175445Z UID:2100-1616400000-1616432400@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Free Webinar: Risking it all - The songs that make us uncomfortable DESCRIPTION:Register Now! \n  \nWEBINAR INFO\nJoin CCS Ambassador Joshua Zentner-Barrett for a presentation on the songs that make us as leaders uncomfortable. How does leading in ways that bring us out of our own comfort zones improve our own musicianship and the congregation’s discipleship? How do we overcome the discomfort and dig into new ways of teaching and leading? \nDate: Monday\, March 22nd\, 2021 \nTime: 3PM Eastern (60 to 90 minutes) \nLocation: Zoom Webinar \nCost: Free (registration required) \n  \nLEADER BIO\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joshua Zentner-Barrett\n Ambassador\n \n Josh Zentner-Barrett is a dedicated church musician who serves as... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Joshua Zentner-Barrett \n Ambassador\n Josh Zentner-Barrett is a dedicated church musician who serves as Organist & Director of Music at Kanata United Church in Ottawa\, Canada He holds degrees in organ and sacred music from Wilfrid Laurier University (BMus) and Southern Methodist University (MSMus)\, and is an Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists Josh’s work seeks to enliven the song of the congregation\, with a particular commitment to global music in the context of the church community  His leadership fuses ancient and modern hymnody with innovative performance techniques\, and he is particularly interested in song at the intersection of cultures and faiths  At the core of Josh’s teaching is a response to the call to witness\, where music engages the congregation in a full experience of the sacred and bridges the gap between diverse expressions of faith \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Previous\n \n \n \n Next\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n  \nRegister Now! URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/free-webinar-risking-it-all-the-songs-that-make-us-uncomfortable/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/thumbnail-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210317T200000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210317T210000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20210305T165810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210305T165810Z UID:2464-1616011200-1616014800@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Debates the Greats: Tharpe & Crosby DESCRIPTION:Sister Rosetta Tharpe & Fanny Crosby will be highlighted by Felicia Patton and Brian Hehn in a spirited yet fun-loving battle between two “greats” in the world of congregational song! \nWednesday\, March 17th \n8PM Eastern Time \nYouTube Live: https://youtu.be/ZNZuD7ridz0 URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/debates-the-greats-tharpe-crosby/ CATEGORIES:Debates the Greats Episode,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Debates-the-Greats-Website-Banner-Image-e1614963454190.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210222T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210222T163000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20200901T010549Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200901T175453Z UID:2098-1614006000-1614011400@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Free Webinar: Sharing Their Stories - Researching Context of Congregational Songs DESCRIPTION:Register Now! \n  \nWEBINAR INFO\nJoin CCS Ambassador TWes Moore for a presentation on the importance of researching the history and context of the songs your congregation sings. How do you do that research? How and why do you share information about a song’s context with the congregation? \nDate: Monday\, February 22nd\, 2021 \nTime: 3PM Eastern (60 to 90 minutes) \nLocation: Zoom Webinar \nCost: Free (registration required) \n  \nLEADER BIO\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thomas Wesley (TWes) Moore\n Ambassador\n \n T. Wes Moore is a Minister of the Word and... \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Thomas Wesley (TWes) Moore \n Ambassador\n T Wes Moore is a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is currently the minister of Pollocksville Presbyterian Church in Pollocksville\, North Carolina  In 2018\, he graduated with a Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond\, Virginia  Before entering Union Presbyterian Seminary\, he was a full-time pastoral musician at Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Shreveport\, Louisiana for four years\n\nA 2011 graduate of the Master of Sacred Music program at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas\, Texas\, T Wes is passionate about song enlivening and sharing the history of the hymns that are sung in worship\n\nT Wes currently lives in Pollocksville with his wife\, Lauren Voyles\, who is also a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA)\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Previous\n \n \n \n Next\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n  \nRegister Now! URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/free-webinar-sharing-their-stories-researching-context-of-congregational-songs/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/SER_0335-e1505329476544.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210221 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210222 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20210107T163913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210107T163913Z UID:2369-1613865600-1613951999@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:A Cappella Sunday 2021 DESCRIPTION:A Cappella Sunday Hymn Suggestions YEAR B\nWhat:\nA Cappella Sunday is when worshiping communities from across the world commit to singing a cappella in their Sunday morning worship service. For communities where this is a new concept\, it could just be one hymn\, but for communities that are more comfortable singing unaccompanied\, they are encouraged to sing their entire service a cappella. Below are why we do it\, when we do it\, and some resources to help make it successful. \n \nWhy:\nSpending one Sunday a year to focus on your congregation singing a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) has many benefits and purposes. \n\nIt connects us to the history of the church. For thousands of years\, a cappella singing was the mainstay of the church’s song. By recognizing this and exploring this way of music-making\, we are acknowledging and honoring the saints of the past.\nIt connects us to many Christian denominations\, traditions\, and regions of the world that continue to use a cappella music as their primary mode of music-making in corporate worship. Those include but are not limited to many Mennonite denominations\, the Church of Christ\, many Orthodox traditions\, the Church of God in Christ\, and South African Methodists.\nIt offers to God something that is\, for many congregations in the United States and Canada\, a gift that is different from our usual music-making. Psalm 96:1 tells us to “Sing a new song to the Lord\,” which can be achieved for some of us by singing a cappella.\nIt encourages the congregation’s song by building up confidence in their own voices. Many in our congregations believe that they can’t sing\, or can’t sing well. Singing a cappella presents those people with the best opportunity to hear themselves and others singing\, giving them a fresh perspective on their assumptions of their own abilities and the ability of the congregation’s combined voice.\nIt emphasizes the unique ability of instruments to enhance the congregation’s song. By showing the congregation that they can sing without instrumental accompaniment\, instrumental accompaniment can then begin to enhance and empower the congregation’s voice rather than acting primarily as a crutch.\nIt allows the instrumentalists to spend a Sunday listening carefully to the congregation to assess where their voice needs support. Often times it is hard to listen carefully to the congregation when you are focusing on playing your instrument accurately and musically. This gives the instrumentalists permission to step away for a Sunday without feeling like they are leaving the congregation stranded.\nFinally\, singing a cappella is fun! By removing our typical means of accompanying song\, our minds are often challenged to come up with new and creative ways to sing together that maintains energy and vitality. It can bring out the best in not only the congregation\, but in the musician’s leadership.\n\nIt was a rich Lenten experience to spend a Sunday morning worshiping with only our voices. Thanks to @The Center for Congregational Song for the inspiration and encouragement. Soli Deo Gloria; To God alone be the glory!! – Justin Fox of Grace Community Church\, Seal Beach\, CA \nWhen:\nEach year on the first Sunday of Lent (2021 is Sunday\, February 21st) \nLet us know you’re participating!\n\n  \nResources:\nDownload Our Guide for Lectionary Year A (2017\, 2020\, 2023) \nDownload our Guide for Lectionary Year B (2018\, 2021\, 2024) \nDownload Our Guide for Lectionary Year C (2016\, 2019\, 2022) \n  \nFriend of The Center\, D.J. Bulls from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area has spent his career in an a cappella singing denomination the Church of Christ. \nBelow are three resources he suggests to check out if your interested in a cappella hymn singing: \n1. Fearless4you.com Is a website that provides a cappella\, four-part congregational arrangements for a number of different types of modern hymns and contemporary worship songs/anthems/choruses. Available in round and shaped notes\, many with rehearsal recordings and projected notation as well.\n2. ZOEgroup.org This is a group that has done 20 something albums of four-part\, presentational\, and congregational a cappella worship. Folios with arrangements and individual pdf’s are available on their website and recordings are available on the iTunes store\, Amazon Music\, and google play.\n3. paperlesshymnal.com This is a site that is a compendium of digital\, projected four-part arrangements for congregations of thousands of hymns. \n  \nSample Bulletins from Years Past\nFirst Baptist\, Greensboro\, NC \nSt Peter ELCA\, Northfield\, MN \n  \nSupporting Organizations:\n \n  \n  \n  \n \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n2020 Participants Include:\n* = First Time Participants\nAirline Baptist Church* – Metairie\, LA\nAll Saints’ Westboro Anglican Church – Ottawa\, ON\, CAN\nBethesda Presbyterian Church – Aberdeen\, NC\nCalvary Chapel* – Albuquerque\, NM\nCelebration Presbyterian Church* – Myrtle Beach\, SC\nCentral Presbyterian Church – Baltimore\, MD\nChoir Festival of the Island Churches* – St. Peter Port\, Åland Islands\nChurch of Our Saviour Lutheran – Fond du Lac\, WI\nChurch of the Holy Cross Episcopal* – Edgewood\, NC\nDuke University Chapel* – Durham\, NC\nEast End United Church – Toronto\, ON\, CAN\nFifth Avenue Baptist Church – Huntington\, WV\nFirst Baptist – Rapid City\, SD\nFuller Avenue Christian – Grand Rapids\, MI\nGethsemane Lutheran Church – Columbus\, OH\nGood Shepherd Episcopal* – Humble\, TX\nGrace Community Church – Seal Beach\, CA\nHighland Baptist Church* – Kitchener\, ON\, CAN\nHoly Trinity Lutheran Church – Akron\, OH\nJesup First Methodist Church* – Jesup\, GA\nLong Memorial UMC* – Roxboro\, NC\nLutheran Church of the Master* – Coeur D’Alene\, ID\nNew Bloomfield United Methodist* – New Bloomfield\, PA\nPeace Presbyterian Church* – Bradenton\, FL\nPort Stanley United Church – Port Stanley\, ON\, CAN\nSaint Andrew Presbyterian Church* – Denton\, TX\nSalem United Church of Christ* – Doylestown\, PA\nSeward United Methodist Church* – Seward\, NE\nSt John’s Lutheran* – Orange\, CA\nSt. James Lutheran – Pottstown\, PA\nSt. John Lutheran Church – Roanoke\, VA\nSt. Peter Lutheran Church* – Mechanicsburg\, PA\nSt. Philip’s Anglican – Toronto\, ON\, CAN\nSt. Stephen Lutheran Church* – Kitchener\, ON\, CAN\nStorrs Congregational Church UCC – Storrs Mansfield\, CT\nThe First Baptist Church in America – Providence\, RI\nVestavia Hills Baptist Church – Birmingham\, AL\nVienna Baptist Church – Vienna\, VA\nVillage on Antioch Presbyterian Church – Overland Park\, KS\nWest Side Presbyterian Church* – Ridgewood\, NJ\nWestminster United Church – Whitby\, ON\, CAN URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/a-cappella-sunday-2021/ CATEGORIES:Hymn Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Debbie-Lou-Reduced.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210125T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210125T163000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20200901T010028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210128T190715Z UID:2094-1611586800-1611592200@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Free Webinar: Black Hymnody Matters: The Music of Charles A. Tindley\, C.P. Jones\, and Margaret Pleasant-Douroux DESCRIPTION:This webinar is now available on YouTube by clicking here. \n  \nWEBINAR INFO\nJoin CCS Ambassador Joslyn Henderson on a presentation three of the most influential black musicians in the history of American hymnody. Biographical information as well as examples of their influence and current repertoire will be covered. \nDate: Monday\, January 25th\, 2021 \nTime: 3PM Eastern (60 to 90 minutes) \nLocation: Zoom Webinar \nCost: Free (registration required) \n  \nLEADER BIO\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joslyn Henderson\n Ambassador\n \n Joslyn Henderson is a full-time graduate student at Truett Seminary... \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Joslyn Henderson \n Ambassador\n Joslyn Henderson is a full-time graduate student at Truett Seminary and Baylor School of Music\, having first earned her Bachelors of Vocal Performance from Spelman College in Atlanta  She is a prolific gospel singer and worship leader In addition\, Joslyn is also an active member of the Waco Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority\, Incorporated \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Previous\n \n \n \n Next\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n  \nThis webinar is now available on YouTube by clicking here. URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/free-webinar-black-hymnody-matters-the-music-of-charles-a-tindley-c-p-jones-and-margaret-pleasant-douroux/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Joslyn-Banner-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20201219T170000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20201219T173000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20201205T002737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201205T002822Z UID:2330-1608397200-1608399000@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:COVID CAROLS - LIVE! DESCRIPTION:Join some of the students of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s ASL/English Interpretation Program in singing The Center for Congregational Song’s COVID Carols! Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater or best Santa hat and join in the fun. \nEVENT GOES LIVE ON YOUTUBE: Saturday\, December 19th at 5PM Eastern Time \n \n  \nShareable link: https://youtu.be/2aCR6Gkn_BQ \nTo download the COVID CAROLS collection for free\, click here. \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/covid-carols-live/ CATEGORIES:Hymn Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Youtube-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20201123T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20201123T163000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20200901T004746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200901T175511Z UID:2091-1606143600-1606149000@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Free Webinar: Sing Praise At Any Moment - Paperless Music 101 DESCRIPTION:Register Now! \n  \nWEBINAR INFO\nJoin CCS Ambassador Slats Toole for a presentation on the basics of leading paperless music. Pulling from their experience as the pastor of a small church\, a worship leader who understands how and when technology can fail\, and a musician who believes in the importance and power of congregational singing\, Slats will walk you through why you should always have a few paperless songs in your back pocket and how to lead them. \nDate: Monday\, November 23rd\, 2020 \nTime: 3PM Eastern (60 to 90 minutes) \nLocation: Zoom Webinar \nCost: Free (registration required) \n  \nLEADER BIO\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Slats Toole\n Ambassador\n \n Slats Toole is a musician\, writer\, educator\, preacher and theater... \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Slats Toole \n Ambassador\n Slats Toole is a musician\, writer\, educator\, preacher and theater director/sound designer based in Minneapolis\, MN They are an active member of the Presbyterian Church (USA)\, and have had formative experience in Baptist (CBF and Alliance)\, United Methodist\, Episcopal\, and Reformed churches  They hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts\, and a Master of Divinity and Certificate in Theology\, Women and Gender from Princeton Theological Seminary  They serve on the Friends of NEXT Church team\, and are the resident sound designer for the In[heir]itance Project \nSlats’ Lenten poetry series has been compiled in the collection Queering Lent\, and their work has also been published in “History of Hymns”\, Call to Worship\, Sacramental Life\, and The Presbyterian Outlook They have been a featured guest artist with A Sanctified Art Slats has led workshops on expansive language and queer theology (with a particular emphasis on gender identity) throughout the United States and Canada  Slats’ work centers around creating space in the church where all are welcomed\, embraced\, and loved \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Previous\n \n \n \n Next\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n  \nRegister Now! URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/free-webinar-sing-praise-at-any-moment-paperless-music-101/ CATEGORIES:Workshop END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20201103T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20201104T010000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20200915T173754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201102T170329Z UID:2132-1604408400-1604451600@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Election Day Concert: Vote Then Sing DESCRIPTION:YouTube Live Broadcast Link \nWHY?\nAs God’s people we are called to be good citizens\, so we encourage all our followers and friends to make sure you vote! But once you’ve voted\, there’s going to be that anxious time of waiting for the results. As people of faith\, we are called to also be a people who “fear not\,” giving our worries up to God and trusting in God’s mercy. So once you’ve voted\, we hope this broadcast will help calm your fears and remind you of the God who loves you and cares for you. \nWHAT?\nHosted by the Director of The Center for Congregational Song\, this 12-hour broadcast will feature songs and hymns to help us pray together\, sing together\, and be a non-anxious presence on election day. Special guests\, interviews\, and lots of great music will be shared. Tune in when you need a break from the news\, letting your Spirit rest and recharge. \nConfirmed Artists and Guests: Tom Trenney\, Rylan A. Harris\, Professor Donte Ford\, Rev. Dr. Braxton D. Shelley\, Ken Medema\, CC Sunchild\, Dr. Tony Alonso\, Paul Vasile\, Thiago Nascimento\, Rev. Thomas Wesley Moore\, Rev. Ashley Goff\, Dr. Diana Sanchez-Bushong\, and more… \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \nWHEN?\nTuesday\, November 3rd\, 1PM to 1AM Eastern Time \nWHERE?\nYoutube Live \nYouTube Live Broadcast Link \n  \nFULL SCHEDULE\nTop of Each Hour Will include 10-minutes of pastoral presence (prayers\, scripture\, or just a good word) \n1PM EST – Invocation and Blessing by Rev. Amy Butler followed by Songs Led by Various Campus Ministries \n2PM EST – Hymn Improvisations with Pianist Thiago Nascimento \n3PM EST – Choral Settings of Hymns \n4PM EST – Songs of the Black Church \n5PM EST – Paperless Music with Music That Makes Community \n6PM EST – Sacred Social Justice Songs – Mark Miller & Psalm 121: A Song of Ascents – Daphna Mor \n7PM EST – Lament Together with The Many & The Convergence Music Project Artists \n8PM EST – Through the Eyes of Love with Ken Medema \n9PM EST – Genre Mosaic with CC Sunchild\, Tony Alonso\, Aaron Strumpel\, and more… \n10PM EST – Circle Singing with Voice Exchange and Friends \n11PM EST – “Hymn Challenge” Premier with Felicia Patton \n12AM EST – Hymns of Peace and Comfort \n1AM EST – Broadcast Ends \nSchedule is subject to change. A final schedule will be posted the day before the event. \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/election-day-concert-vote-then-sing/ CATEGORIES:Hymn Festival,Retreat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Election-2020-Concert-Website-Banner-new.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20201019T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20201019T163000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20200901T003219Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200901T175513Z UID:2083-1603119600-1603125000@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Free Webinar: The Hymnal Anthem Book DESCRIPTION:Register Now! \n  \nWEBINAR INFO\nJoin CCS Ambassador Megan Mash for a presentation on how to use your hymnal as a resource for creating simple but effective anthems. Having served churches in Florida where the Snowbirds reign\, Megan’s choirs can quickly go from 30 or 40 voices down to 10 or 15. Being able to quickly pivot to an anthem by using the hymnal is a key skill she has acquired to continue serving her choristers and congregation well without having to buy new choral anthems on a short timeline. Come learn some great tricks of the trade! \nDate: Monday\, October 19th\, 2020 \nTime: 3PM Eastern (60 to 90 minutes) \nLocation: Zoom Webinar \nCost: Free (registration required) \n  \nLEADER BIO\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Megan Mash\n Ambassador\n \n Megan Mash began serving as the Music Minister at Sebastian... \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Megan Mash \n Ambassador\n Megan Mash began serving as the Music Minister at Sebastian United Methodist Church in August 2010 She attended Simpson College in Indianola\, IA and graduated summa cum laude earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Religion In May 2010 Megan graduated magna cum laude with a Master’s of Sacred Music with a concentration in organ from Perkins School of Theology at SMU Here she studied with Larry Palmer\, David R Davidson\, Julie Scott and Michael Hawn and Christopher Anderson She served as Dean of the Treasure Coast Chapter of AGO for the 2017-2018 season \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Previous\n \n \n \n Next\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n  \nRegister Now! URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/free-webinar-the-hymnal-anthem-book/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/SER_0306.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200928T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200928T163000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20200901T001508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200901T175520Z UID:2072-1601305200-1601310600@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Free Webinar: Breaking Through The Traditional/Contemporary Divide DESCRIPTION:Register Now! \n  \nWEBINAR INFO\nJoin Center Director Brian Hehn for a presentation on why the “traditional/contemporary” divide just doesn’t make sense. We’ll spend the first half of the session talking about how we go into using this pesky dichotomy\, and then we’ll explore ways of expanding beyond it. You’ll come away with new vocabulary for talking about congregational song as well as some great new songs to try out with your congregation. \nDate: Monday\, September 28th\, 2020 \nTime: 3PM Eastern (60 to 90 minutes) \nLocation: Zoom Webinar \nCost: Free (registration required) \n  \nLEADER BIO\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brian Hehn\n Director\n \n Brian is an inspiring song-leader equally comfortable leading an acapella... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Brian Hehn \n Director\n Brian is an inspiring song-leader equally comfortable leading an acapella singing of “It Is Well” as he is drumming and dancing to “Sizohamba Naye” Experienced using a variety of genres and instrumentations\, he has lead worship for Baptists\, Roman Catholics\, United Methodists\, Presbyterians\, and many more across the US and Canada He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Wingate University\, his Master of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology\, Southern Methodist University\, and is certified in children’s church music (K-12) by Choristers Guild He has articles published on sacred music and congregational song in multiple journals and co-authored two books under the title “All Hands In” published by Choristers Guild While working for The Hymn Society as the Director of The Center for Congregational Song he also serves as adjunct professor of church music at Wingate University in Wingate\, North Carolina Brian lives in Baltimore\, Maryland\, with his wife\, Eve\, and son\, Jakob \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Previous\n \n \n \n Next\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n  \nRegister Now! URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/free-webinar-breaking-through-the-traditional-contemporary-divide/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dichotomy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200527 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200531 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20191101T184448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200403T164451Z UID:1715-1590537600-1590883199@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Writing the Church's Song 2020 - POSTPONED DESCRIPTION:3-day workshop from May 27 to May 30\, 2020 in Richmond\, VA \nTHIS EVENT IS POSTPONED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. UPDATES COMING SOON.\n  \nInvitation\nAfter the busy seasons of Lent and Easter\, time away to rest\, reflect\, and re-inspire is important. Writing the Church’s Song is a three-day writing retreat for beginner and intermediate hymn writers. Two exceptional clinicians will challenge\, inspire\, and guide you as a hymn writer. These mentors will provide sessions on how to start writing hymns and how to hone your skills throughout the three days. Group sessions to build writing/composing skills will be offered\, as well as one-on-one time with the mentors to discuss your works in detail and receive personal feedback. \nRest\, Reflect\, and Re-Inspire \n\nDate & Location\nMay 27-30\, 2020 – Postponed\, Update Coming Soon \nRichmond\, VA \nOur hosts will be Richmond Hill\, an ecumenical Christian fellowship and residential community who serve as stewards of an urban retreat center within the setting of a historic monastery. \nLodging & Food: Richmond Hill is a residential facility with simple but comfortable rooms available. The full registration ($350) includes a room within the Richmond Hill facilities\, all your meals while on campus\, and times of prayer with the community. For more information about what it’s like to attend a retreat at Richmond Hill\, you can click here. \n  \nRegistration\n$350 Full Registration Fee (includes 3 nights lodging & all meals) \n$200 No-Lodging Registration Fee (only includes lunch for each day) \nFaculty\nText Writing – Mary Louise Bringle \nMary Louise (Mel) Bringle is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies and serves as coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Studies program at Brevard College (Brevard\, NC). A teacher at heart and a theologian by training (with a Ph.D. from Emory University and an assortment of publications in pastoral theology)\, she began writing hymn texts in 1999. Since that time\, she has won a number of international hymnwriting competitions and been featured as an “emerging text writer” by The Hymn Society in the US and Canada. GIA has published two single-author collections of her hymns (Joy and Wonder\, Love and Longing in 2002\, and In Wind and Wonder in 2007)\, as well as anthems written in collaboration with composers like William Rowan\, Sally Morris\, and others. Her texts and translations are included in publications from numerous denominations\, including Roman Catholic\, Mennonite\, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America\, Episcopalian\, United Church of Canada\, and Church of Scotland. She has recently served as President of The Hymn Society and chair of the committee to create a new hymnal for the Presbyterian Church USA. \n  \n \nTune Writing – Sally Ann Morris \nSally Ann Morris lives and works in Winston-Salem\, North Carolina. In 1990\, she discovered the joy of composing hymn tunes\, and has now written more than 150 which are published in three collections from GIA Publications\, Giving Thanks in Song and Prayer (1998)\,  …to sing the Artist’s praise…(2009)\, and Spread the Good News (2016).  Her tunes appear in Glory to God\, Community of Christ Sings\, Gather Comprehensive II and III\, Worship IV\, the New Century Hymnal\, The Hymnal 21 in Japan\, Church Hymnary 4 of the Church of Scotland and in other current and forthcoming denominational hymnals\, collections\, and supplements. More about her life and work may be found in The Canterbury Dictionary of American Hymnology. \nSally serves as Musician in Residence at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity where she leads\, enlivens\, encourages\, demonstrates and teaches the diverse wealth of congregational song for twice weekly chapel services. \n  \nHospitality & Logistics – Brian Hehn \nBrian is an inspiring song-leader equally comfortable leading an acapella singing of “It Is Well” as he is drumming and dancing to “Sizohamba Naye.” Experienced using a variety of genres and instrumentations\, he has lead worship for Baptists\, Roman Catholics\, United Methodists\, Presbyterians\, and many more across the U.S. and Canada. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Wingate University\, his Master of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology\, Southern Methodist University\, and is certified in children’s church music (K-12) by Choristers Guild. He has articles published on sacred music and congregational song in multiple journals and co-authored the book All Hands In: Drumming the Biblical Narrative\, published by Choristers Guild. While working for The Hymn Society as the Director of The Center for Congregational Song\, he is also Director of Music at Light Street Presbyterian Church in Baltimore\, Maryland\, and adjunct professor of church music at Wingate University in Wingate\, North Carolina. Brian lives in Baltimore\, Maryland\, with his wife\, Eve\, and son\, Jakob. \n  \nSchedule\nWednesday \n4:00PM – Arrival & Room Check-In \n6:00PM – Evening Prayer \n6:30PM – Dinner \n8:00PM – Opening Gathering \nThursday & Friday \n7:00AM – Morning Prayer \n7:30AM – Breakfast \n9:00AM – Plenary Session 1 \n10:00AM – One-On-One Sessions & Small-Group Workshops \n12:00PM – Noon Prayer \n12:30PM – Lunch \n1:30PM – Plenary Session 2 \n2:30PM – One-On-One Sessions & Small-Group Workshops \n4:00PM – Free Time \n5:00PM – Participant Sharing & Feedback Session \n6:00PM – Evening Prayer \n6:30PM – Dinner \nSaturday \n7:00AM – Morning Prayer \n7:30AM – Breakfast \n9:00AM – Final Gathering & Anointing Service \n11:00AM – Check-Out & Departure \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/writing-the-churchs-song-2020/ LOCATION:Richmond Hill\, 2209 E Grace Street\, Richmond\, VA\, 23223\, United States CATEGORIES:Retreat,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Richmond-Hill-Garden-e1677777788704.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200414T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200416T110000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20191101T184330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200313T145456Z UID:1729-1586876400-1587034800@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Post-Easter Retreat 2020 - CANCELED DESCRIPTION:CANCELED\nDue to the COVID-19 Pandemic\, this event has been canceled. We hope to offer this opportunity for rest and rejuvenation next year.\n  \nA 2 day musicians’ retreat in Baltimore\, Maryland \n  \nInvitation\nHoly Week\, especially Easter Sunday\, can be the most wonderful and yet exhausting time of year for church musicians and worship leaders. Taking time away to rest\, reflect\, and re-inspire after the intensity of that week is important. Join host Brian Hehn for a few days rest in the beautiful historic neighborhood of Federal Hill\, just a 5-minute walk to the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. We’ve rented a townhome just blocks away from restaurants and sight-seeing opportunities. Home-cooked meals and relaxation with friends awaits! \nRest\, Good and Faithful Servant \n\nDate & Location\nApril 14-16\, 2020 – Baltimore\, MD \nLodging: Our townhome(s) are located in the heart of Baltimore in the historic neighborhood of Federal Hill which is a 10 minute walk to the beautiful Inner Harbor and 5-minute walk to multiple restaurants and shops. From BWI Airport it’s a 20-minute car ride or 40 minutes by light rail including a 10-minute walk from the Hamburg Street Station. \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n  \nRegistration (only 10 available total)\n\n$400 Single Room with Private Bath\n$300 Double (Shared) Room with Private Bath\n\nRegistration includes 2 nights lodging\, 4 home-cooked meals\, a piano and organ for practice/fun\, and guided morning and evening prayer services. \n  \nSchedule\nTuesday\, April 14 \nAfternoon \n\nCheck-in anytime after 3:00PM\nHome-Cooked Dinner by Host\nOptional Evening Prayer\n\nWednesday\, April 15 \nMorning \n\nHome-Cooked Breakfast (home-cooked by host)\n\nAny Combination: eggs (any way)\, toast\, fresh fruit\, OJ\, milk\, home-made waffles\, pancakes\, bacon\n\n\nOptional Morning Prayer\nFree Time\n\nLazy morning with coffee & conversation\nLocal shopping available\nLight Street Presbyterian (piano & organ available for practice & play)\n\n\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch (home-cooked by host)\n\nCustomized for each guest\n\n\nOptional Add-On Events\n\n60-minute massage ($90) – Provided at Harmony Therapeutic Massage\nInner Harbor Boat Tour ($20) – Provided by Cruises on the Bay\nBrewery/Distillery Tour ($40) – Guided by Brian\nMuseum Tour ($30) – Choose two: Baltimore Museum of Art\, Walters Art Museum\, Museum of Industry\, American Visionary Art Museum\, B&O Railroad Museum\, Maryland African American History & Culture Museum\, Historic Ship Tours on the Inner Harbor\n\n\nDinner (On Your Own)\nOptional Evening Prayer\n\nThursday\, April 16 \nMorning \n\nBreakfast (home-cooked by host)\nOptional Morning Prayer\nFree Time\n\nLazy morning with coffee & conversation\nLocal shopping available\nLight Street Presbyterian (piano & organ available for practice & play)\n\n\nCheckout by 11:00AM\n\n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/post-easter-retreat-2020/ CATEGORIES:Retreat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Inner-Harbor-3-e1572623747914.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200319 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200321 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20191127T004753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200313T145337Z UID:1832-1584576000-1584748799@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Student & Community Workshop - Saskatoon - POSTPONED DESCRIPTION:POSTPONED\nDue to the COVID-19 Pandemic\, Saint Andrew’s has moved to a remote-teaching situation. This event also included a clinician from the US\, which would have required international travel. So we have decided to Postpone this event to a date TBD when we can ensure that all who would like to attend can do so without fear or anxiety.\n  \nFree “Big Sing” Event\nJoin Joslyn Henderson\, Joshua Zentner-Barrett and Becca Whitla for an evening of singing together. We’ll learn the stories behind songs and enjoy the beauty of singing in community. \n“Big Sing” Date: Thursday\, March 19th\, 2020 \nTime: 7PM to 8PM \nLocation: Saint Andrew’s Chapel at Saint Andrew’s College\, 1121 College Drive\, Saskatoon\, Saskatchewan S7N 0W3 \n  \nFree Workshop on Congregational Song\nJoin two of our Ambassadors\, Joslyn Henderson and Joshua Zentner-Barrett\, for a free workshop on congregational song. \nTopics include: \n\n“Congregational Song and Forming Identity”\n“Risking it all: The Songs that make us uncomfortable”\n“Black Hymnody Matters: The Music of Charles A. Tindley\, C.P. Jones\, and Margaret Pleasant-Douroux”\nand “Breaking Through the Traditional/Contemporary Divide”\n\nWorkshop Date: Friday\, March 20th\, 2020 \nTime: 1:30PM to 5PM \nLocation: Saint Andrew’s Chapel at Saint Andrew’s College\, 1121 College Drive\, Saskatoon\, Saskatchewan S7N 0W3 \n  \nMeet the Ambassadors\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joslyn Henderson\n \n \n \n \n \n Joslyn Henderson is a full-time graduate student at Truett Seminary... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joslyn Henderson \n Ambassador\n Joslyn Henderson is a full-time graduate student at Truett Seminary and Baylor School of Music\, having first earned her Bachelors of Vocal Performance from Spelman College in Atlanta  She is a prolific gospel singer and worship leader In addition\, Joslyn is also an active member of the Waco Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority\, Incorporated \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Joshua Zentner-Barrett\n \n \n \n \n \n Josh Zentner-Barrett is a dedicated church musician who serves as... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joshua Zentner-Barrett \n Ambassador\n Josh Zentner-Barrett is a dedicated church musician who serves as Organist & Director of Music at Kanata United Church in Ottawa\, Canada He holds degrees in organ and sacred music from Wilfrid Laurier University (BMus) and Southern Methodist University (MSMus)\, and is an Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists Josh’s work seeks to enliven the song of the congregation\, with a particular commitment to global music in the context of the church community  His leadership fuses ancient and modern hymnody with innovative performance techniques\, and he is particularly interested in song at the intersection of cultures and faiths  At the core of Josh’s teaching is a response to the call to witness\, where music engages the congregation in a full experience of the sacred and bridges the gap between diverse expressions of faith \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n \nFor more information\, contact Brian Hehn at brian@thehymnsociety.org \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/student-community-workshop-saskatoon/ LOCATION:St. Andrew’s College – Saskatoon Theological Union\, 1121 College Drive\, Saskatoon\, Saskatchewan\, S7N 0W3\, Canada CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/St-Andrews-Saskatoon-Sanctuary_main.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200301 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200302 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20190313T191018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200214T154729Z UID:1330-1583020800-1583107199@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:A Cappella Sunday 2020 DESCRIPTION:A Cappella Sunday Hymn Suggestions YEAR A\nWhat:\nA Cappella Sunday is when worshiping communities from across the world commit to singing a cappella in their Sunday morning worship service. For communities where this is a new concept\, it could just be one hymn\, but for communities that are more comfortable singing unaccompanied\, they are encouraged to sing their entire service a cappella. Below are why we do it\, when we do it\, and some resources to help make it successful. \n \nWhy:\nSpending one Sunday a year to focus on your congregation singing a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) has many benefits and purposes. \n\nIt connects us to the history of the church. For thousands of years\, a cappella singing was the mainstay of the church’s song. By recognizing this and exploring this way of music-making\, we are acknowledging and honoring the saints of the past.\nIt connects us to many Christian denominations\, traditions\, and regions of the world that continue to use a cappella music as their primary mode of music-making in corporate worship. Those include but are not limited to many Mennonite denominations\, the Church of Christ\, many Orthodox traditions\, the Church of God in Christ\, and South African Methodists.\nIt offers to God something that is\, for many congregations in the United States and Canada\, a gift that is different from our usual music-making. Psalm 96:1 tells us to “Sing a new song to the Lord\,” which can be achieved for some of us by singing a cappella.\nIt encourages the congregation’s song by building up confidence in their own voices. Many in our congregations believe that they can’t sing\, or can’t sing well. Singing a cappella presents those people with the best opportunity to hear themselves and others singing\, giving them a fresh perspective on their assumptions of their own abilities and the ability of the congregation’s combined voice.\nIt emphasizes the unique ability of instruments to enhance the congregation’s song. By showing the congregation that they can sing without instrumental accompaniment\, instrumental accompaniment can then begin to enhance and empower the congregation’s voice rather than acting primarily as a crutch.\nIt allows the instrumentalists to spend a Sunday listening carefully to the congregation to assess where their voice needs support. Often times it is hard to listen carefully to the congregation when you are focusing on playing your instrument accurately and musically. This gives the instrumentalists permission to step away for a Sunday without feeling like they are leaving the congregation stranded.\nFinally\, singing a cappella is fun! By removing our typical means of accompanying song\, our minds are often challenged to come up with new and creative ways to sing together that maintains energy and vitality. It can bring out the best in not only the congregation\, but in the musician’s leadership.\n\nIt was a rich Lenten experience to spend a Sunday morning worshiping with only our voices. Thanks to @The Center for Congregational Song for the inspiration and encouragement. Soli Deo Gloria; To God alone be the glory!! – Justin Fox of Grace Community Church\, Seal Beach\, CA \nWhen:\nEach year on the first Sunday of Lent (2020 is Sunday\, March 1st) \n  \nLet us know you’re participating!\n\n  \nResources:\nDownload Our Guide for Lectionary Year A (2017\, 2020\, 2023) \nDownload our Guide for Lectionary Year B (2018\, 2021\, 2024) \nDownload Our Guide for Lectionary Year C (2016\, 2019\, 2022) \n  \nFriend of The Center\, D.J. Bulls from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area has spent his career in an a cappella singing denomination the Church of Christ. \nBelow are three resources he suggests to check out if your interested in a cappella hymn singing: \n1. Fearless4you.com Is a website that provides a cappella\, four-part congregational arrangements for a number of different types of modern hymns and contemporary worship songs/anthems/choruses. Available in round and shaped notes\, many with rehearsal recordings and projected notation as well.\n2. ZOEgroup.org This is a group that has done 20 something albums of four-part\, presentational\, and congregational a cappella worship. Folios with arrangements and individual pdf’s are available on their website and recordings are available on the iTunes store\, Amazon Music\, and google play.\n3. paperlesshymnal.com This is a site that is a compendium of digital\, projected four-part arrangements for congregations of thousands of hymns. \n  \nSample Bulletins from Years Past\nFirst Baptist\, Greensboro\, NC \nSt Peter ELCA\, Northfield\, MN \n  \nSupporting Organizations:\n \n  \n  \n  \n \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n2020 Participants Include:\n* = First Time Participants\nAirline Baptist Church* – Metairie\, LA\nAll Saints’ Westboro Anglican Church – Ottawa\, ON\, CAN\nBethesda Presbyterian Church – Aberdeen\, NC\nCalvary Chapel* – Albuquerque\, NM\nCelebration Presbyterian Church* – Myrtle Beach\, SC\nCentral Presbyterian Church – Baltimore\, MD\nChoir Festival of the Island Churches* – St. Peter Port\, Åland Islands\nChurch of Our Saviour Lutheran – Fond du Lac\, WI\nChurch of the Holy Cross Episcopal* – Edgewood\, NC\nDuke University Chapel* – Durham\, NC\nEast End United Church – Toronto\, ON\, CAN\nFifth Avenue Baptist Church – Huntington\, WV\nFirst Baptist – Rapid City\, SD\nFuller Avenue Christian – Grand Rapids\, MI\nGethsemane Lutheran Church – Columbus\, OH\nGood Shepherd Episcopal* – Humble\, TX\nGrace Community Church – Seal Beach\, CA\nHighland Baptist Church* – Kitchener\, ON\, CAN\nHoly Trinity Lutheran Church – Akron\, OH\nJesup First Methodist Church* – Jesup\, GA\nLong Memorial UMC* – Roxboro\, NC\nLutheran Church of the Master* – Coeur D’Alene\, ID\nNew Bloomfield United Methodist* – New Bloomfield\, PA\nPeace Presbyterian Church* – Bradenton\, FL\nPort Stanley United Church – Port Stanley\, ON\, CAN\nSaint Andrew Presbyterian Church* – Denton\, TX\nSalem United Church of Christ* – Doylestown\, PA\nSeward United Methodist Church* – Seward\, NE\nSt John’s Lutheran* – Orange\, CA\nSt. James Lutheran – Pottstown\, PA\nSt. John Lutheran Church – Roanoke\, VA\nSt. Peter Lutheran Church* – Mechanicsburg\, PA\nSt. Philip’s Anglican – Toronto\, ON\, CAN\nSt. Stephen Lutheran Church* – Kitchener\, ON\, CAN\nStorrs Congregational Church UCC – Storrs Mansfield\, CT\nThe First Baptist Church in America – Providence\, RI\nVestavia Hills Baptist Church – Birmingham\, AL\nVienna Baptist Church – Vienna\, VA\nVillage on Antioch Presbyterian Church – Overland Park\, KS\nWest Side Presbyterian Church* – Ridgewood\, NJ\nWestminster United Church – Whitby\, ON\, CAN URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/a-cappella-sunday-2020/ CATEGORIES:Hymn Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Debbie-Lou-Reduced.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20200107T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20200107T203000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20191122T201650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20191122T201650Z UID:1817-1578423600-1578429000@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Halifax 2020 DESCRIPTION:Singing the Welcome of God: Strategies for Expansive Worship Language\nJoin pastor\, musician\, and author Slats Toole for a workshop on best practices and new ideas for incorporating expansive worship language into your ministry setting. Having worked with national organizations as well as congregations of ten\, Slats is a skilled presenter with experience\, knowledge\, and passion for this subject. We hope you’ll be there! \n  \nTuesday\, January 7th\, 2020 \n7PM to 8:30PM \nSaint Andrew’s United Church\n6036 Coburg Rd\nHalifax\, NS B3H 1Y9\, Canada \nFree and Open to the Public \n  \nFeaturing: Slats Toole\n \nSlats Toole is a musician\, writer\, educator\, preacher and theater director/sound designer based in New Jersey. They are an inquirer for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA)\, and have had formative experience in Baptist (CBF and Alliance)\, United Methodist\, Episcopal\, and Reformed churches.  They hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts\, and a Master of Divinity and Certificate in Theology\, Women and Gender from Princeton Theological Seminary.  They serve on the Advisory Team for NEXT Church\, and are the resident sound designer for the In[heir]itance project.\n\nSlats’ Lenten poetry series has been compiled in the collection Queering Lent\, and their work has also been published in “History of Hymns”\, Call to Worship\, and Sacramental Life.  Slats has led workshops on expansive language and queer theology (with a particular emphasis on gender identity) at Princeton Theological Seminary\, the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada\, Montreat Conference Center\, and the NEXT Church National Gathering.  Slats’ work centers around creating space in the church where all are welcomed\, embraced\, and loved.\n\n  \nFree and Open to the Public\nFor questions about this event\, email: brian@thehymnsociety.org URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/halifax2020/ CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/St.Andrews-United-Church.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20191116T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20191116T140000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20190509T141053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20191108T152200Z UID:1494-1573894800-1573912800@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Congregational Song Retreat DESCRIPTION:Hosted by Burke Presbyterian Church in Burke\, Virginia\, this free half-day retreat will explore a variety of congregational song genres\, delve into a theology of music-making in the church\, and give people time and space to plan their Spring (Lenten and Easter) music. Join us as an individual or a team. The retreat will be facilitated by Director of The Center for Congregational Song\, Brian Hehn. \nThe planning retreat will be based around a presentation on identifying a congregation’s “Heart Songs\,” the functions of a church choir\, and guided activities to help participants begin to dream\, vision\, and plan for their Spring 2020 worship seasons and services. \n  \nDate\nSaturday\, November 16\, 2019 \n  \nTime\n9AM to 2PM \n  \nLocation\nBurke Presbyterian Church\, Burke\, VA \n  \nCost\nFree! (free-will offering will be collected to cover cost of lunch and snacks) \nRSVP Required. Email Lucinda Sexton at lucindasexton@gmail.com to reserve your spot. \n  \nNeed More Information?\nContact Lucinda Sexton at lucindasexton@gmail.com \n \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/congregational-song-retreat/ LOCATION:Burke Presbyterian Church\, 5690 Oak Leather Drive\, Burke\, VA\, 22015-2236\, United States CATEGORIES:Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/burke-presbyterian-church-preschool-crop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190714T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190718T140000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20190312T210039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190312T210039Z UID:1322-1563112800-1563458400@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Hymn Society Annual Conference DESCRIPTION:The Hymn Society Annual Conference 2019\nThis year’s Annual Conference theme is “Each Breath Is Borrowed Air.” Join over 300 of the nation’s top hymn scholars\, teachers\, and practitioners to learn and sing together. \nDallas\, TX \nJuly 14-18\, 2019 \n  \nFor more information about this amazing event\, click here. \n  \n  URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/hymn-society-annual-conference-2/ LOCATION:University of Texas\, Dallas\, 800 W Campbell Rd\, Richardson\, TX\, 75080\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Hymn Festival ORGANIZER;CN="The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada":MAILTO:office@thehymnsociety.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190605T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190605T203000 DTSTAMP:20260501T023408 CREATED:20190515T172018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190515T172109Z UID:1513-1559759400-1559766600@congregationalsong.org SUMMARY:Draw the Circle Wide DESCRIPTION:Join Director of The Center for Congregational Song and a variety of Athens and Atlanta based artists in a hymn-singing and improvisatory concert. It’s free and open to the public. The first half of the event will be a sharing session of hymns and congregational songs from a variety genres. The second half of the concert will be in the style of “circle-singing\,” which is a style of vocal improvisation that includes the entire audience under the leadership of Brian Hehn and some friends. \nDate: Wednesday\, June 5\, 2019 \nLocation: Seney-Stovall Chapel\, Athens\, GA \nTime: 6:30PM to 8:30PM URL:https://congregationalsong.org/event/draw-the-circle-wide/ LOCATION:Seney-Stovall Chapel\, 200 North Milledge Avenue\, Athens\, GA\, 30602\, United States CATEGORIES:Centered in Song,Hymn Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congregationalsong.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Athens-June-2019-Draw-the-Circle-Wide-Social-Media.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR