Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
September 1, 2016 e-newsletter

Dear friends,
 
As we move quickly (too quickly?) back into our program year, I am struck not only by how quickly this summer has gone, but how edifying and rejuvenating our regional conferences were. Many, many thanks to those who planned and produced and played and sang and taught - there are too many to name! 
 
On the topic of thanks and gratitude, I would like to extend one very important thank you to our out-going President, Anne Krentz Organ. I have been lucky enough to serve on the board with her for the past two years (as well as work with her on conference planning committees), and I can say that she has led this organization with a calm, steady, loving and strong hand for the past three years. She has been our greatest cheerleader, and I am honored to have served under her, and thankful that she still has another year on the board as Past-President. To say that her shoes will be hard to fill is an understatement. Anne, on behalf of the membership and the board, I thank you for your service, and wish you the best outside of this ALCM leadership role. I suspect it won't be the last - or we hope it won't! 
 
Blessings to you all as we get busy and serve God's people.
 
Julie Grindle
ALCM President (as of today)


2017 finds Lutherans giving thanks for their Reformation heritage. Our ALCM biennial conference, "Rise, Remember Well the Future", July 10-13, will simultaneously celebrate the treasures of the last 500 years and look to the future and God's covenant of faithfulness in all that is yet to be. The opening Eucharist will be held at Saint Olaf College, site of the constituting ALCM convention in 1986. In plenaries led by Chad Fothergill, Daniel Schwandt, and Mary Louise Bringle, we will reflect on the changing role of the cantor-the leader of the church's song-as we move confidently into a future blessed by our heritage and full of many changes in the church and its music. Read more...
 
The Lutheran Youth Choir International
...not just another high school choir!

It is SO MUCH MORE, the ultimate music mission trip!

Live and sing for one week in a real German castle with other American and German high school students under the safe supervision of experienced American staff members in Mansfeld, Germany, Martin Luther's boyhood town! 

Join us for a Festival of Global Vocal Music, July 12-25, 2017 in Chicago and central Germany (500th anniversary of the Reformation), including two exciting days in Berlin! Share great times of service, discussion, sightseeing, and recreation in addition to music! 

Significant scholarship help for ALL high school students, Lutheran or not. One adult chaperone travels for FREE with every ten students (or at a discount for four or more participants). For more information, go to www.lutheranyouthchoir.org. 

Don't delay - application deadline is December 1, 2016!

 
"Many Voices--One Song"

On September 23-24, 2016 "Many Voices--One Song," a conference on music and liturgy, will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA. It is designed to encourage Episcopal and Lutheran congregations to employ more of the wonderful diversity of musical possibilities for worship. Workshops will range from choir development to the use of percussion in worship to musical options for congregations without musical staff or choir. There will also be a choral vespers on Friday evening and a festival Eucharist closing the event Saturday afternoon jointly celebrated by the ELCA bishop and Bishop Barry Beisner. The featured keynoter is noted composer and church musician (and ALCM member) Dr. David Cherwien.
 
The location is St. John's Lutheran Church in Sacramento, 1701 L Street. The event begins Friday evening and continues all day Saturday.

 
Click for more information