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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

July 1, 2025 e-newsletter

Dear friends, present and future,

Greetings and salutations to you on behalf of your ALCM board of directors and staff. As I write these words on the first day of summer, I pray that you may find these warmer months fruitful and rejuvenating. In the hustle and bustle of the program year (and the very nature of life in present times), it is not difficult to lose sight of the fundamental role we play in the health of the communities we serve. To paraphrase Yip Harburg (lyricist of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"): music and words bring together the heart and the mind. In other words, our business is what our older siblings in faith call "Tikkun Olam," the repair of the world.

Therefore, it is with thoughts of communal restoration that I encourage you to attend For All That Is to Be, ALCM's 2025 national conference.

Perhaps inspired by Dag Hammarskjold's famous quote, our conference title is a succinct and powerful statement that summarizes the spirit of ALCM. We say "Yes!" and look forward to God's future.

Thank you for all you do to serve and lead the church’s song. I look forward to seeing and meeting many of you in Raleigh-Durham as we seek to re-invigorate our vocational imaginations.

Peace and Joy,

Omaldo Perez

Member of ALCM Board of Directors 

Join us in Raleigh-Durham in August!

There is still time to register for the August conference in Raleigh-Durham. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• Worship at Duke University Chapel as well as a concert there by Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble VOCES8
• A hymn festival at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral led by composer, conductor, organist, preacher, and teacher Tom Trenney
• A concert by internationally acclaimed, advanced community handbell choir Raleigh Ringers
• 25 workshops covering a wide range of topics as well as plenary presentations
• Reading sessions from six publishers
• 15 different exhibitors
• A choice of three post-conference seminars
• Numerous opportunities for fellowship and relaxation

See all the conference has to offer!

NOTE: Online registration closes July 31, so if you have not already done so, be sure to register soon!

Share Your Hotel Room. Save Money!

As a courtesy, ALCM is attempting to connect those who would still like to find lodging at the Embassy Suites with those who already have a room and are willing to share. To indicate that you are looking for a room OR that you have a room and are willing to share, please complete this form. Since sharing a room means sharing the costs, choosing to share your room will save you about $95/night. If you're staying 4 nights that's almost $400 of savings!

[NOTE: If you have already filled out the form, you do NOT need to flll it out again.]

Hotel Update

ALCM is truly delighted by the registration numbers for the Raleigh-Durham conference. What a joy it will be to all gather together. In fact, registration numbers are so high that the conference hotel is sold out! We have been able to add a second hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn near the RDU Airport. Although a second hotel may seem challenging, the committee is pleased to report that the Hilton Garden Inn will offer complimentary breakfast and we are working to provide shuttle service to the Embassy Suites, so you will not have to worry about additional transportation!

ALCM is excited to announce From Generation to Generation: Now and Forever, a worship and music conference to be held July 13-16, 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. The site of ALCM's constituting convention, held 40 years ago on August 10-13, 1986,  will be the backdrop for a great week of learning, celebration, worship, and music. The theme mirrors that of ALCM's 40th anniversary celebration and recalls the language at the end of the Lord's Prayer, which declares that all we do is for the glory of God. Speaking of Soli Deo Gloria, the highlight event of our gathering, made possible through a generous gift from Pauline and John Kiltinen, will be the Wednesday evening presentation of J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion with Dr. Christopher Cock at the helm. Look for more information early this fall and for registration to open in mid- to-late October.

ALCM is always looking for people to host half-day or full-day Hearts • Hands • Voices events. Exercise your spiritual gift of hospitality by contacting education@alcm.org to talk about scheduling a workshop in your area. Adam Hughes, ALCM's Education Coordinator, will be happy to help plan and program an event for church musicians in your area to foster community and learn together.

Election Results

Thanks to all who participated in the election of board officers. We are pleased to announce the election of three members: Jean Boehler, Kyle Haugen (both incumbent), and James Marriott. You can read the bios and vision statements of these three board members.

As always, the addition of new directors to the board means that we must also say goodbye to out-going director David Werth. We are grateful for David's service and contributions to the board, especially in areas of finance. We wish him well in future endeavors!

We are just over a month out from our 2025 biennial conference in North Carolina, where we will officially kick off the celebration of ALCM's 40th anniversary. Conference attendees will have the chance to talk with a good number of ALCM's founding members, and to sing a new hymn commissioned for the anniversary, "O God, You Saw My Early Being."

At the conference we will also officially launch a 40th anniversary fundraising campaign titled "Now and Forever: Endowing Our Future." All ALCM members and friends are invited to join this effort. To find out more about the campaign and to see how we are progressing toward our goals, visit https://alcm.org/now-and-forever/.

call for manuscripts

Singing Welcome: Church Music's Role in Hospitality

Issue 33.3 (Fall/Winter 2025)

Manuscript Deadline: 15 September 2025

ALCM Board Announces Fall Grant Program

The ALCM Board is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2025 grant program. Current ALCM members are eligible to submit an application to request financial assistance for projects and initiatives that support ALCM’s mission to “nurture and equip musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.” Awards are intended to be supplemental rather than a sole funding source. Grants vary in size but are typically not more than $750.

Grants are awarded for various project types including but not limited to: support of the applicant’s church music ministry; personal study; research travel or a conference; purchase of instruments or equipment for church use or community outreach programs. Grants will not be considered for Hearts • Hands • Voices workshops, but additional options for funding are available for these events. If you are interested in hosting a Hearts • Hands • Voices workshop, please contact Adam Hughes at education@alcm.org and we will be happy to help find funding.

To apply, complete the grant application form at https://alcm.org/grant-program/. Applications for Fall 2025 Grants will be accepted July 1 through Oct. 3.

Do you have practical thoughts, suggestions, or resources that could help your fellow ALCM members? In Tempo is always looking for new contributors! The deadline to contribute to the next issue is July 15th. Articles received after July 15 will be held for the next issue. Questions and submissions may be directed to intempo@alcm.org.

Kyries & Glorias

Kyries (prayer concerns) and Glorias (thanksgivings) as well as In memoria are posted on the ALCM website.

Kyrie

Mark & Kathy Helge

Bob & Lois Rimbo

Bob Hobby*

Jenny Hobby

Gloria

Thomas Dearchs

Luke Tegtmeier

ALCM members are invited to submit Kyries and Glorias following the link in the members area of the website. Non-members may contact the ALCM office at office@alcm.org with information for posting.

* indicates a Founding Member

Presenters include John Witvliet, plenary; Brenda Portman, organ concert; Hymn Festival: Hymns of David Rogner. Workshops: John Behnke, Barry Bobb, Lisa Clark, Sam and Lois Eatherton, Matthew Janssen, Benjamin Kolodziej, Anne Krentz Organ, Jim Rindelaub, Stephen Starke, and Emily Woock. Limited scholarships are available. Registration opens July 15.

Experience Live from LSM this July!

Join Lutheran Summer Music for our 43rd season at Valparaiso University, June 22–July 20! Can’t attend in person? Experience over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services online through Live from LSM.

Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, the debut Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir.

Explore the full schedule and tune in at LSMacademy.org/2025. All events are free and available to stream live or on demand. Don’t miss this transformative celebration of music, faith, and community!

Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM

Friday, July 25 - 6:00 pm Eastern

Recognizing that virtual community IS real community, you are warmly invited to join "Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM" on Zoom every fourth Friday. Moderated by President Nancy Raabe and Executive Director Jim Rindelaub, discussion will be oriented around a general theme each month, but the larger purpose is to encourage conversation, sharing, and community. Bring whatever thoughts, comments, or concerns are on your mind, and of course a libation of your choice. Click on this recurring link to join each month.

A note from Nancy regarding the June happy hour:

Beloved Fourth Friday Happy Hour friends, please forgive me for being unable to initiate the June 27 meeting in Jim's absence during his well-deserved vacation. I always cherish our time together and truly regret leaving you on the threshold with no way in. Please make a note of your thoughts and bring them to our fourth Friday gathering in July. For those who have not joined before, this is a casual and lightly moderated one-hour online gathering in which we share experiences, ideas, and resources. We never know where our discussion will take us. Look for the Zoom link in the e-newsletter each month and on the day of the Happy Hour. And don't forget to bring your favorite beverage! I WILL see you all on July 25 at 6 p.m. EDT. 

Grace and peace, Nancy Raabe

Hymn Resources

This month's featured tune is O STORE GUD ("How Great Thou Art"). Below you will find a part for B-flat instrument by Jean Boehler and a setting for organ and with soloed melody by Paul Otte.

O STORE GUD – Boehler

O STORE GUD – Otte harmonization

As part of your regular worship planning, be sure to check your hymn selections against the list of Hymn Settings in the members area of the ALCM website. (See the link under the "Quick Links" heading.) There are hundreds of hymn settings to support congregational singing as well as many free downloadable resources in the members area. If you haven't looked for a while, log in and do some exploring!

Having difficulty logging in to the members area? First check to be sure that you are using the email address that we have on file (the address at which you receive the e-newsletter). Click on the "Forgot your password?" link in the login box and follow the instructions to reset your password. If you still have difficulty logging in, send an email to office@alcm.org and we'll be happy to help.

View the complete ALCM calendar.

Historic Pipe Organ Composition Competition

Sitka Lutheran Church in Sitka, Alaska, is enthused to invite young composers to submit organ works for a composition competition! This fall, Sitka Lutheran Church is celebrating the 30 year anniversary of its volunteer program. This program spreads faith, history, and love to Sitka visitors. As part of this celebration, a concert will be performed on its 1844 Kessler pipe organ, which is the oldest organ west of the Mississippi River. The winning composition will be premiered at this concert. Get the full details.

The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2025.

Are you getting the most out of your ALCM membership?

Did you know that new member benefits are being added all the time to the members area of the ALCM website? You will want to log in whenever you visit the site to be sure that you have access to everything available to members. Can't remember your login information? In almost every case, your username is your email address. You can change or reset your password by following the "Forgot your password?" link in the login box.

Items in the members area are available for unlimited use as long as your membership remains active. Here are a few items for members only:

• All issues of CrossAccent (from the very beginning) and In Tempo are available for viewing. Paper and downloadable versions of CrossAccent are also available in the Marketplace;
• Advertise your local events on ALCM's calendar;
• Listen to all ALCM CD recordings for free;
• Hymns, accompaniments, descants, concertatos, and hymn stanza alternations for choir;
• Other free downloadable seasonal and non-seasonal resources;
• Discounted registration fee for ALCM-sponsored webinars and conferences;
• Past issues of ALCM's original practical resource, Grace Notes, from 1997-2011;
• Discounts on purchases of CDs and other items in the Marketplace; and
• A host of other resources free for viewing and downloading.

If you have any difficulty logging in or if you have questions or comments about the website or your membership, please feel free to contact us by email at office@alcm.org.