Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

July 1, 2022 e-newsletter
For many of us in church music, summer marks a time of rejuvenation, education, and relaxation. That time to learn, to dream, and to evaluate is very important, and I hope that you find time to do all those things this summer. Whether you are joining us in Valparaiso or attending another summer music festival or event—or spending some extra time at the beach—please do something that you enjoy and find fulfilling. Too often we expend all our energy in our church positions tending to the needs and wants of others. Sometimes that results in our own personal needs being ignored or not met. That doesn’t serve us or those whom we are serving well at all. Take the time to do what you need to do--for you!

This month marks my last month as ALCM president. On August 1 I assume the role of past-president and Nancy Raabe becomes president. I look forward to great things as Nancy Raabe is positioned to assume the presidency, and I look forward to personal rejuvenation along with opportunities to maintain consistency and continued progress within this wonderful organization. We have stepped together through many new things over the past three years with ALCM programming, structure, governance, and accessibility and functionality for all members. It has been a pleasure to watch. I am confident that we will continue to propel into the future. Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference.

Kevin Barger
Out-going ALCM President
Last chance to register for the conference!
Can't attend in person? Attend virtually!

Thanks to a generous gift from Mark and Kathy Helge, the entire conference will be both live-streamed and recorded—including all of the workshops, group learning sessions, and Chapel events! If you register either virtually or in person, after the conference you will have access to all of the recordings, both events you attended live and those you didn't. In essence, you’ll be able to attend everything, something we have never before been able to offer!

Last day to register for in-person or virtual attendance: Thursday, July 14 (noon)

Last day to add or make changes to dorm housing: Tuesday, July 5 (noon)

Lutheran Summer Music's 40th anniversary year is underway at Valparaiso University and promises to be inspiring for students and concert attendees alike!
 
You're invited to join the celebration this summer, either in person or online, for recitals, concerts, and worship services. You'll find all important information, including an events calendar and travel arrangements, regularly updated at: lsmacademy.org/2022.
2022 Webinars
Webinars in 2022 are offered in three separate series (spring, summer, and fall) each containing three webinars. Each of the three series may be purchased individually for $25 for ALCM members and $50 for non-members or as a full-year webinar package at $60 for members and $120 for non-members. Registration for the full-year package includes automatic registration for all nine webinars throughout the year.

Registration at any time during 2022 will give access to the upcoming webinars in that series as well as recordings of the webinars which are completed. The 2022 webinars will revert to the regular price of $25 members/$39 non-members per webinar on January 16, 2023.

All webinars are on Fridays at 2:00 pm Eastern.
Coming in August!
ALCM Friday August Webinar
All Things Bright and Beautiful?
Singing a Theology of Creation
Friday, August 12 - 2:00 pm Eastern

Is your congregation singing a robust theology of creation, ecological care, and environmental concerns? Hymn writers through the centuries provide a record of the church’s theology of creation. We will start with St. Francis of Assisi and conclude with hymns written in the twenty-first century.


NOTE: If you have already registered for the Summer or the Full Year Series, do not register again. You will receive a link to the webinar in the morning on the day of the webinar.
C. Michael Hawn
University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Church Music,
Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Adjunct Professor of Church Music and Director of the Doctor of Pastoral Music degree program, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM
Friday, July 22 - 5:00 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 at 5 p.m. Eastern. Moderated by President-Elect Nancy Raabe, Executive Director Jim Rindelaub, and a special guest from the ALCM board or staff, 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.
Watch for up-coming news on next summer's conference. Early, early bird registration opens soon!
2023 Raabe Prize
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Raabe Prize for Excellence in Sacred Music. The Raabe Prize is established to recognize a recent musical work that promotes and extends the practice of church music as it is informed and shaped by Lutheran theological insight and worship practices. The composition so recognized will have been written during the five-year period prior to the year in which the prize is awarded and should be representative of a larger body of work by the composer. Preference will be given to those compositions that grow out of the heart of Lutheran worship – the song of the assembly that enables all to lift their voices in prayer, praise, and proclamation as they gather around Word and Sacrament.
Events are now being published both in the website calendar and in the monthly newsletter. Do you have an event that you'd like to include? ALCM members should log in and follow the link on the main members area page. Non-members should send event details to office@alcm.org for consideration.
On the July Calendar
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Camisha Chambers on her appointment as the new executive director of our sister organization, The Fellowship of United Methodist in Worship and Music Arts. Camisha replaces David Bone, who retired after almost 30 years as executive director of The Fellowship. The ALCM board worked closely with David on several projects, and we look forward to continuing that relationship with Camisha. Congratulations on your new position!
CrossAccent:
The State of the Church's Music
The first 2022 issue of CrossAccent will be mailed within the next few weeks. In addition to the regular items, this issue includes the list of 2021 donors as well as these articles:
  • The Musician as Theologian: This and That - Mark Mummert
  • Worship in a New Key: Restart - Brian "Chris" Clay
  • Art of Worship: Gather - Joe Davis
  • Spirit and Truth: The Wind Blows Where It Chooses - Michael L. Burk
  • Assembly Required: Why Do We Sing? - Tim Getz
  • Church Music and Worship in the ELCA during the Pandemic - John Weit
  • Worship and Music in the WELS in Light of the Pandemic - Bryan Gerlach
Pipe Organ Encounters 2022
Sponsored by local chapters of the American Guild of Organists, Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs) offer teenagers and adults a rewarding opportunity to:
  • learn about the pipe organ and its construction;
  • receive instruction from experienced faculty;
  • visit, hear and play outstanding instruments;
  • meet and interact with peers who share an interest in the King of Instruments.
Kyries & Glorias

Kyries (prayer concerns) and Glorias (thanksgivings) are posted in the members area and on this page on the ALCM website. Kyries and Glorias for the following people have been recently posted:

Kyrie

Gloria


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.
Are you a congregation looking for a musician?
A musician looking for a position?
ALCM can help!

Employment resources have been developed to assist congregations in the process of searching for and hiring a musician. Presented in a step-by-step format, these resources will guide you through the entire employment process.

The ALCM job listing service connects those looking for positions in the field of church music with congregations and other institutions that have openings. By completing an online job posting form, congregations can post their positions on the ALCM website where those looking for employment may view them.

Musicians searching for a job may view posted job openings on the ALCM website, where those looking for positions can view them. Both full-time and part-time positions are listed, and new positions are added as received.
A list of ALCM member-led 
Sunday worship streams & recordings is available at:


To be added, please email information to: office@alcm.org
The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
nurtures and equips musicians
to serve and lead the church's song.