Summer 2015 involved CMI in five individual events featuring exciting leaders that, as always, were enriched by our committed and gifted members who brought fine ideas to share at the CMI events. What feasts we enjoyed!
June 26-27: Clergy, musicians, and laypersons at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, so graciously hosted by Peggy Graff of FUMC, delved into new/best resources and practices and considered models for how pastors and musicians work together as artists and theologians. We were led by Rev. Andrew Foster Connors, Mr. Michael Britt, and Dr. Vicki Schaeffer.
June 28-July1: CMI collaborated with the Fort Worth Chapter of the American Guild of Organists to schedule the CMI workshop to precede the Southwest Regional AGO convention, where Dr. Kroeker continued the discussion in “Singing from the Same Page: Models for Successful Clergy and Musician Relationships” based on her research. CMI had a booth in the exhibit hall and learned about the hazards of early and late exhibit hours! But we also enjoyed fabulous organ recitals and made many new friends.
July 20-26 found CMI board member Nesha Morey with CMI staff at Ghost Ranch in Abiqui, NM at the Association for Reformed & Liturgical Worship annual convocation. AR&LW and CMI collaborated to provide morning and evening prayer, three Eucharistic services and a hymn festival on themes of justice for the entire ranch.
July 30-August 2, CMI sponsored a choral retreat under the leadership of Dr. Paul Klemme in Salem, OR, assisted by Ken DeJong and Andy Wilson, running concurrently with the annual CMI workshop on July 31. Both were hosted generously by First Presbyterian in Salem. Clergy, musicians and laypersons drank in the wisdom of Dr. Samuel Torvend of Pacific Lutheran University, the musicianship of Mr. Bruce Neswick of Trinity Cathedral, and experience of gifted clergy and musicians who led planning and reading sessions. A thrilling sacred music festival ended the weekend on Sunday afternoon.
- August 15 found some folks still in Dallas and willing to venture out into the heat for an inspirational day with Terry Price, whose tips for repertoire and working with choirs hit many sweet spots and gave attendees opportunities to probe the resources of the CMI libraries.
What a great summer! Thanks to all who attended, who made the events so inspirational by their contributions, and who now go back to their congregations to serve.