For my continuing education this year, I was able to attend two different conferences, both in July. First, I went to Concordia University in Seward, NE, for the Institute on Liturgy, Preaching, and Church Music. Our theme was “Songs of Deliverance: Psalms in the Great Congregation.” We explored the psalms in workshops, plenary speeches, and worship. One of the goals of the Institute was to “Sing an Entire David,” meaning that all 150 psalms were sung or prayed at some point during the week. I especially appreciated a workshop on “Art’s Communicative Power” by Jim Wetzstein, Thursday evening’s Psalm Festival entitled “Salvation’s Story: The Arc of the Psalter,” and the leadership of the Institute Youth Choir in two of our worship services. Fun events included “Bach at the Brewery” and an Ice Cream Social with folk dancing (two of my favorite things!).
Two weeks later, I attended “From Generation to Generation: Ponder Anew,” at Valparaiso University in Indiana. I served on the committee for this conference, which was sponsored by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians in conjunction with Lutheran Summer Music (LSM). As an LSM alum, getting to see this summer’s LSM community in action was meaningful for me. The overall highlight of the conference was a performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. John Passion, 300 years after its premiere. I also appreciated workshop sessions that allowed me to learn more about the St. John Passion and to delve deeper into the potential for using movements from Bach’s cantatas in worship.
As in other years, it was wonderful to have the chance to worship and sing with my colleagues, and to be renewed and inspired for my future music ministry. I’m grateful to all of you at Trinity for allowing me the time and funding to attend.
