March 2, 2011
Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
e-newsletter
In This Issue
Worshipful in Seattle
Online Registration Open
ALCM Columbus Spring Hymn Festival
Lutheran Youth Choir in Germany
Members Area
Publish Your Business Cards
Role of the Cantor Poster
Quick Links


  
  
  
  
  

  

The Longest Epiphany

 

It's hard for me to decide which feels longer this year - Epiphany or winter! As I write, the snow drifts are gradually decreasing in our yard, and the lengthening sun is a sure sign of spring. Our late Epiphany readings from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount have reminded us that God cares for us just as God cares for the flowers that will soon be blooming, and the birds that will be returning shortly. In all these changes, God reminds us not to worry about our daily lives, because God already knows we need all these things. It was a long journey to reach this place in Matthew's gospel, and a message I really needed this winter. As we prepare for Lent and Holy Week, keep in mind Jesus' words, "Do not worry about tomorrow." Indeed, we walk each day, trusting our work and each next day to God's care.

 

Wishing you a blessed end of Epiphany and beginning of Lent,

 

Lorraine Brugh

ALCM President

 

Worshipful in Seattle

 

"As we worship, grant us vision . . . your abundant life to share." (ELW 712 / LSB 848)

  

All who come to the Seattle national conference will find our days together framed by worship and song richly expressed, even as it is God who surrounds us day by day, whose love in Christ frees us to sing and play our thanks and praise. 

 

Space NeedleFraming the opening and ending of the conference are the two principal liturgies, graciously hosted by two Seattle congregations. On Sunday w

e begin at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church with a Service of the Word that includes thanksgiving for the gift of baptism. Phinney Ridge is a congregation that has become a national leader in recovering and renewing parish life around the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, so it is an appropriate location for worship in which we come again to the Word and water through which we belong to God and have been raised with Christ. Worship will be led by Frederick Niedner Jr., professor of theology at Valparaiso University, and Sandra Tietjen, director of church music at Grace Lutheran Church, Tacoma. Leading at the organ will be David Johnson, director of worship arts resources at Concordia Publishing House. We are thrilled to have the Northwest Girlchoir participating in this service, arranged by BethAnn Bonnecroy of Phinney Ridge Lutheran, who works with this ensemble. Read more. . .

 

Online Registration Open for Seattle Conference - July 31-August 3, 2011

 

Online registration is available for this summer's ALCM national conference in Seattle. Prices change after April 15th, so register now!

 

Prior to registering, we suggest that you do the following:

Seattle Conference LogoHousing is available on the campus of Seattle University (the conference venue) and at the Red Lion Hotel. A variety of lodging options are available, so be sure to check out the information on the Lodging & Transportation page as well as "housing tips" before making your housing plans.
 

ALCM Columbus: Cantor Connection Third Annual Spring Hymn Festival

 

ALCM Columbus: Cantor Connection, the Central Ohio chapter of ALCM, is preparing for its third annual spring hymn festival honoring great cantors of the church. "Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart: A Celebration of the Music and Ministry of Donald Busarow" will be hosted by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Dublin, Ohio, on Sunday, May 22nd at 7 p.m. The evening is composed of a selection of Busarow's most beloved choral and congregational settings, including "Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven"  (unpublished original version), "Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart," "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," "Abide With Me," "God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven," and many others.

 

As is Cantor Connection's custom, musicians for the evening will be drawn from the rich body of those engaged in music ministry across the state. Busarow himself will play the last two pieces on the program and will close with a "Reflections" postlude, as has been his custom at worship services for decades. His grandson, Jonathan Busarow, will conduct the Festival Choir, which likewise will represent a cross-section of choirs from across the region.

 

For more information, see www.cantorconnection.org.

LYCNA Singers Travel to Germany LYCNA logo

 

The Lutheran Youth Choir, founded in 2005 by Philip Spencer, a charter member of ALCM, is inaugurating a new international Festival of American and Global Vocal Music for high school youth, July 27-August 9, 2011, co-sponsored by the ELCA Wittenberg Center and the International YMCA. American and German students will stay for one week in a restored medieval castle near Wittenberg, Germany, singing a variety of American sacred and secular vocal music together. In addition to rehearsals and music workshops, there will be 20 hours of documented mission and community service opportunities, recreation and sightseeing. In the summer of 2012, the festival reconvenes back in the Chicago area for a week of global music, drawing upon the musical resources of that world-class city.

 

Visit www.lutheranyouthchoir.org or the Lutheran Youth Choir on Facebook for complete information about the 2011 and 2012 festivals. Limited space is available - please register as soon as possible to assure your participation in this exciting venture.

Have you visited the Members Area lately?

 

More and more member benefits are being made available only through the Members Area of the alcm web site. Here are a few of the benefits available to members:

  • Free downloadable resources for Lent & Holy Week
  • Members discussion forum
  • Tips for the Twenty-Fifth
  • Ability to edit your contact information and/or renew your ALCM membership online

To access the Members Area of the web site, you must know your username (usually your email address) and your password (usually your 5-digit zip code). If you have difficulty accessing the site, please send an email to [email protected].

 

Place Your Business Card in Seattle Conference Book

  

How?

Seattle Conference LogoSubmit 2 business cards or a b/w PDF of your business card along with a check for $50 made out to ALCM. If you have 2 different business cards or an oversized card,please send 4 cards and a check for $85. Deadline is April 10, 2011.

 

Why?

1. Help support the conference.  

2. Get the conference book, even if you can't attend! 

3. Make connections with other ALCM members

 

Send your check payable to ALCM and business cards to

Joanna Pretz-Anderson

ALCM Advertising Office

14367 Bennington Dr

Strongsville, OH 44136-8103

 

PDFs should be sent to [email protected] 

Payment must accompany cards; no billing. 

 

Check out the conference plans on-line at www.alcm.org. You can find all the details - leaders, presenters, workshops, worship, concerts, lodging, registration, etc. 

 

Role of the Cantor Poster Available  

 

Role of the Cantor (cropped) 

A newly redesigned color version of the ALCM poster The Role of the Cantor is now available. This poster, which has been out of print for many years, has been enhanced with subtle colors and new calligraphy by Ann Kirchhoff. The new color version of this classic poster, which is suitable for framing, is available for $15 (includes shipping and handling) and may be purchased through the ALCM web site or by calling 800-624-2526.

ALCM Logo

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
Valparaiso University
810 Freeman Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
            800-624-2526