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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

September 1, 2026 e-newsletter

Dear ALCM friends and colleagues,

On behalf of the board of directors and our wonderful staff: greetings and blessings! As we enter the fuller rhythms of Fall, I pray this e-newsletter finds you in good health, great spirits, and ready to continue the work of serving and leading the church’s song.

As the program year takes off, I am grateful for ALMC’s mission: to nurture and equip people like me—so we may in turn tend to our vocations in more creative, faithful, and effective ways. To this end, ALCM offers many practical and useful resources online. Here are three of my favorites: 



• Forty years of publications – read thoughtful articles now searchable in our database
• Free sheet music – play interesting arrangements of many beloved hymns
• Webinars – gain from another’s experience and add a different perspective to your craft

As I write these words, the Paulinian admonition echoes loudly: Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2a NIV)). I hope you join me in gratitude for the opportunity to learn from, grow with, and be inspired by the vision, wisdom, and dedication of many others who have contributed over the last four decades and given so much of themselves to make what ALCM is today. Thank you!

Peace and Joy,

Omaldo Perez

2027 ALCM National Conference Hotel Reservations

St. Louis, MO June 28 - July 2, 2027

Our venue for the conference will be The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza on the corner of St. Louis' beautiful Forest Park, which is home to restaurants, museums, a 10,000-seat outdoor theatre, the St. Louis Zoo, and much more.

Make your conference hotel reservations now before the limited number of rooms sell out!

https://book.passkey.com/event/51286739/owner/819/home

Watch this page for the opening of conference registration coming soon.

2027 Raabe Prize

The October 1 deadline for submissions for the 2027 Raabe Prize for Excellence in Sacred Composition is fast approaching! 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.

Submissions for the 2027 award must be received by October 1, 2026.

2027 Raabe Prize Description & Guidelines

For your viewing and listening pleasure:

Videos & Photos from the St. Olaf Conference

Monday evening "Abendmusik and Festival of Hymns"

Plenary celebrating ALCM's 40th anniversary: "Taking ALCM Back to the Start"

J. S. Bach - "St. Matthew Passion"

Festival Eucharist with Farewell and Godspeed

Photos from the St. Olaf Conference

ALCM 40^th Anniversary Videos

ALCM Member 40th Anniversary Greetings Video

The Long Lost Mark Sedio 40th Anniversary ALCM Greeting

Staff Emails

With our office move last Fall, we no longer use Comcast as our internet service provider. While we still have access to emails that use the Comcast address (alcm.ofc@comcast.net), we do not know whether or how long that will continue, so please start using the email addresses below to contact a member of the staff directly. Not sure where to direct your question? Just use the general inquiries mailbox at office@alcm.org.

Jim Rindelaub, executive director - jimrindelaub@alcm.org

Betty Sergent, administrator - betty.sergent@alcm.org

Cheryl Dieter, special projects & advertising - cheryl.dieter@alcm.org

Matthew Wachtman - education coordinator - education@alcm.org

Joan Miller - social media coordinator - socialmedia@alcm.org

Clayton Faulkner - CrossAccent editor - crossaccent@alcm.org

Meghan Benson - In Tempo editor - intempo@alcm.org

Lara West - 2027 St. Louis conference chair - alcm2027@alcm.org

General inquiries - office@alcm.org

Thank You!

In the August e-newsletter, we asked to hear from members who have served in music ministry for 40 years or more and who would be willing to share their story. Thanks to an overwhelming response from our members, we filled our available interview slots in only a few days! Thank you to all who responded! We look forward to sharing their stories in the next issue of In Tempo.

Free Planning Resource

Among the highlights of the Lectures in Church Music 2025 conference were the presentations by Lisa Clark and David Rogner as well as Steve Starke and Barry Bobb on their resource Beyond the Hymnals: Choosing Christian Song for the Lectionary/Series A. By exploring the work of 19 Lutheran hymn writers (ranging from the now sainted to current college students), they curated a list of 211 hymns that relate closely to the lectionary readings. There are pages for each Sunday and festival of the church year. Entries include the full text of the hymn, tune suggestions, and copyright information. Download it here!

All four authors are busy working on their assignments for Series B, which should be available as a free download later in September. Print copies will be available at Lectures in Church Music this fall. 

Announcing…

Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music:

For All the Saints

October 18-20, 2026

Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, Illinois

Early registration rates through September 15!

Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, keynote

Marin Jacobson, Tuesday choral

Choral Evening Prayer with Kantorei from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Kevin Hildebrand, conductor

Hymn festival with Daniel Schwandt; commissioned hymn setting by David Cherwien

Other presenters include Mark Bender, Barry Bobb, Sean Daenzer, Sam Eatherton, Anne Krentz Organ, David Porth, Peter Reske, Matthew Rosebrock, Emily Solomon, Stephen Starke, Elizabeth Urtel, Emily Woock

Workshops; choral reading sessions; publisher exhibits.

Conference information and registration at www.cuchicago.edu\LCM26

New Member Benefit:

ALCM Resources Advanced Search

The ALCM Resources advanced search funtion is now up and running! With this new functionality you can:

• Perform keyword searches for articles in ALCM’s two publications, CrossAccent and In Tempo, webinars, and (in the future) recorded conference workshops and plenary sessions
• Search for all items related to a topic

To access this new feature, follow the link in the Members Area page of the website.

Private lessons with David Cherwien 

in the Minneapolis/St Paul area offered Fall 2026

Private lessons offer one-on-one learning to mentor student skill in your choice of focus areas in sacred music. Inaugural options are taught by instructor Dr. David Cherwien in private lessons with curriculum specific to each purpose. Choose your option for Lesson Purpose with systematic learning! Lesson Purposes include: 

1.      Congregational Song – for experienced organists - this option includes Two Seminar Sessions per term: organ students of the Academy all come together for an hour to play and sing the hymns. 

2.      Improvisation – for experienced organists 

3.      Basic Organ Lessons  

4.      Composing/Arranging for the church 

NOW ENROLLING FALL TERM 2026 - 3 lessons per month September-December, 12 lessons total on dates/times arranged directly with David Cherwien.

Enrollment is accepted by term. Spring and Summer Term 2027 lessons will also be offered. Enrollment is always open for an available spot in Dr. Cherwien’s studio, including mid-term for remaining lessons in that term. For more information or to enroll, visit mountcalvaryacademyofmusic.org.

This program is part of the Mount Calvary Academy of Music. Questions may be addressed to executive director Cassandra Morgan.

Kyries & Glorias

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

Kyrie

Jenny Hobby

Denise Kettelberger

Lois Rimbo

Ann Samuelson

Gloria

Karen Black

Barry Bobb

Thomas Gerke

Gary McDaniel

Jeff* & Linda* Pannebaker

In memoriam

Paul Haberstock

John Krueger

Judy Nordmeyer

Denise Vanzago

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 founding member

ALCM Fall Grant Program

The ALCM Board is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the Fall 2026 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 Matthew Wachtman at education@alcm.org and we will be happy to help find funding.

For additional information and to apply, visit https://alcm.org/grant-program/. Applications for Fall 2026 grants will be accepted from August 1 through November 3.

Fourth Friday Happy Hour with ALCM

Friday, September 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 ALCM board member Wally Horton and executive director Jim Rindelaub, discussion is 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. 

Follow the recurring link on this page to join each month.

Hymn Resources

The highlighted tune for September is THE ASH GROVE. Settings for this tune include a part for B-flat trumpet written by Jean Boehler as well as a soloed-out organ setting by Paul Otte. For something a bit different, this month also features a choral introduction by Larry Finke. In addition, we're including a link to Anne Krentz Organ's theme and variations setting for instrument and keyboard composed for Lutheran Summer Music. What makes this setting particularly useful is that parts are included for flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, horn in F, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, and cello. This setting can be downloaded for free from the LSM site. Once again, a number of different hymn texts are set to THE ASH GROVE, which makes these settings very useful.

THE ASH GROVE – Boehler

The ASH GROVE - Larry Finke - Choral introduction

THE ASH GROVE – Anne Krentz Organ - Keyboard & instruments

THE ASH GROVE – 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, or if you are logged in and cannot access the members area page, send an email to office@alcm.org 

and we'll be happy to help.

New Free Sheet Music from Lutheran Summer Music

Download KINGSFOLD, a new set of theme-and-variations for solo instrument and keyboard by Anne Krentz Organ. The third offering in the LSM Hymn Tune Project, KINGSFOLD is based on the beloved English folk tune associated with a wide range of hymn texts. Available for a variety of solo instruments and keyboard, the work may be performed in its entirety or as individual movements.

Preview and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress

More from LSM!

KINGSFOLD is actually just one of six hymn-based settings available for free download from LSM. Here is the complete list:

1. BEACH SPRING - Anne Krentz Organ
2. DUKE STREET - Chad Fothergill
3. EIN FESTE BURG - Chad Fothergill
4. HOLY MANNA - Anne Krentz Organ
5. KINGSFOLD - Anne Krentz Organ
6. THE ASH GROVE - Anne Krentz Organ

Links to these settings are included in the "Hymn Settings" section of the members area of the ALCM website.

Share Your Psalm Refrains

As part of a larger project to develop psalm resources for members, a page for psalm refrains has been created and is accessible in the members area of the ALCM website.Refrains are listed by psalm number and verse and contain an accompaniment, a graphic for insertion in a service folder, suggested psalm tone(s), and other supporting materials (instrumental parts, descants, etc.). There are only a handfull of refrains right now, but we invite you to help the number grow by sharing your psalm refrains with other ALCM members. Be sure to review these guidelines before submitting your psalm files.

Please address any questions, suggestions, or corrections to Cheryl Dieter at cheryl.dieter@alcm.org.

AGO and ALCM Dual Certification

We are excited to announce the inaugural year of a new joint certification opportunity between the American Guild of Organists and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. Members of both organizations may apply for the joint Service Playing Certificate (SPC) through this collaborative program. The Service Playing Certificate (SPC) is a comprehensive, performance-based examination designed to assess organ skills in a worship setting. It includes psalm, anthem, and vocal solo accompaniment; hymn playing and transposition; sight reading; improvisation; and repertoire performance. The exam is administered in a live setting with a proctor and recording engineer present and is designed to simulate the demands of professional worship service playing. Candidates will pay the standard application rate, and at least one examiner will be a member of ALCM in good standing. Both organizations will formally recognize the resulting certificate.

Begin the application process.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer grader for ALCM service playing tests, please contact jimrindelaub@alcm.org with Service Playing Grader in the subject line. ALCM service playing graders must be members of both ALCM and AGO.

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;
• Search engine for easy location of the topics you are seeking information on in ALCM publications and webinars
• 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.