Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
August 1, 2019 e-newsletter

Summer serves as a time for many of us to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. It's ironic, then that the ALCM "presidential shift" takes place in the summer! Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as the ALCM president.

In reviewing my Facebook feed, I find so many things that you are all enjoying in these days of summer. It was a pleasure to be with so many of you at our wonderful biennial meeting in Portland last month. Special thanks to the team that crafted and shepherded a fabulous gathering. Thanks to our marvelous presenters and leaders for sharing their insights and for helping us by having our minds take a step outside our comfort zone-or at least to a place they might not have gone on their own!

Many of us hit the ground running this month; know that ALCM is here for you as needs or concerns may arise. We have a large network of folks who are in this together and can help in many ways. Whether it's sharing concerns with our chaplains, getting ideas for programming from others across the country, or just finding a moment for a friendly conversation, know that you are not in this alone. ALCM is a vibrant organization filled with opportunities and resources. We all need to use it!

Blessings to you all as you look toward wrapping up your program year planning or starting off your new year adventures. As I said to those gathered in Portland, I am excited for the future, and I looking forward to us all stepping to new heights with our organization!

Kevin Barger
President  
The ALCM office will be closed next week (August 5-9).

2019 Events

Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown, PA
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Contact: Mike Krentz

Abiding Presence Lutheran - San Antonio, TX
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Contact: Shelbie Simmons
 
Trinity Lutheran Church - Worchester, MA
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Contact: Mark Mummert
 
First Lutheran Church - Lorain, OH
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Contact: Brian Wentzel
 
St. Luke's Lutheran - Waukesha, WI
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Contact: Michael Schaner
 
Faith Lutheran Church - Chico, CA
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Contact: Kevin Anderson

Christ Lutheran Church - Valparaiso, IN
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Contact: Cheryl Dieter

Watch for more information about events in these locations :
Baltimore, MD
Mission, KS
Rochester, MN
Columbus, OH
Sioux Falls, SD
Phoenix, AZ

Interested in hosting a local workshop in 2019 or 2020? Contact Sally Messner at events@alcm.org . 
Raabe Hymn Text Competition Deadline Extended

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians invites new hymn texts for the tunes BETHOLD (ELW 317), SEWARD (LSB 415), and ST. CLEMENT (ELW 563, 569; LSB 886, 891; CW 594).

BETHOLD and SEWARD are currently paired exclusively with the Transfiguration text "Jesus on the Mountain Peak." Because these hymns are sung only once a year on Transfiguration, introducing additional texts of a more general nature can assist congregations in learning the tunes. 

The tune ST. CLEMENT is much more widely known, but because the texts most frequently associated with the tune are "evening" texts, the hymn has little opportunity to be sung by most congregations. 

Submissions for BETHOLD/SEWARD and ST. CLEMENT will be accepted until September 15, 2019  (extended from August 15). Entries will be reviewed by a selection committee and evaluated both theologically and poetically. One hymn text may be selected. The writer of the winning text will receive a $500 honorarium.


Registration is open for the next ALCM webinar!

September 12, 2019

2:00 pm Eastern time

For Glory and For Beauty:
Poetry in the Service of God


Presented by
Susan Palo Cherwien



Words are not benign. Words are not neutral. How does poetry affect the human brain? The human spirit? How do the words we sing together shape us into a body for praise and for life in Christ? Into what are we being shaped by the poetry that we sing and pray together?

ALCM members, be sure to log in to the members area and follow the link on the members area page to receive the discounted price of $25.
Fall 2019 Publishers Digital Reading Sessions

ALCM members, log in to the members area of the website and follow the link under "What's New for Members" to access the Fall 2019 digital reading sessions. New choral music from a variety of publishers can be viewed and listened to in one place. New publisher links are being added as they are received, so visit the page often.

These publishers have already provided materials for your review:

Choristers Guild
Lorenz
MorningStar Music Publishers

Free Shipping with Your Next Order
from J.W. Pepper!

J.W. Pepper is offering ALCM members and friends free shipping on orders placed through 9/28/19. To take advantage of this offer, send an email request to office@alcm.org. You will receive a promotion code, PIN number, and instructions by reply email.
Congrats to Wayne Wold!

Congratulations to ALCM member Wayne Wold, whose hymn text and tune were selected as the winning entries in the ELCA's "God's work. Our hands." contest. In addition to being the official tag line of the ELCA, each year congregations throughout the ELCA participate in "Gods'work. Our hands." Sunday, an annual dedicated day of service. Read more and view the selected hymn in the official news release. 
Prayer Request

Prayers for healing are requested for the Gilroy, CA community. ALCM members Zita Weyland and Ron Koch serve Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, which is located 2 miles from the site of last Sunday's shooting.




Musican/Pastor Relationship Survey

The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has engaged ALCM to help gather information on Musicians/Pastor relationships throughout the Christian church. Please take 10 minutes now (by August 15) to help with this project by participating in this anonymous survey.

Lutheran Summer Music 2019 Concludes

After a month of powerful experiences in practicing music and worship, a record number of Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) students have already registered to attend LSM 2020! Applications are now open for next summer. LSM 2020 will take place June 28-July 26 at Valparaiso University.

Recommend a Student for LSM today and help them take the first step in experiencing this transformative program!

Pictured: Lutheran Summer Music students and the National Lutheran Choir present a Hymn Festival under the direction of Dr. David Cherwien.
 

A personal request . . .

. . . from your friend Cheryl, aka the voice on the other end of the phone . . .

Help! I rescued seven kittens from the jaws of death (actually the jaws of a raccoon) and am now desperate to find homes for them. They are 11 weeks old, socialized with both humans and other cats, litter box trained, and have had their first shots. 5 are black with white markings and 2 are all black. They are very sweet and a lot of fun, but they need homes!!! I'm happy to deliver them anywhere within a day's drive. If you or someone you know would like a kitten (or two!), please email me at cedieter@comcast.net. 

And, before you ask, yes I do realize that this is a personal note in a professional newsletter. Did I mention that I'm really desperate? Many thanks!
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