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You are invited to join us at the third biennial national conference of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association to be held this summer from Sunday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 31. All events will be held at the prestigious Brown University located in our nation's smallest state, Rhode Island. Musicians, clergy and friends will gather to learn about the theological basis and practical application of current trends in the worship renewal movement now sweeping through our churches. Many workshops will offer practical resources and skill development for musicians who direct small church programs. For churches of all sizes, new resources and ideas for more spiritual and varied worship experiences will be explored by two ministers in the forefront of worship renewal in the United Church of Christ. Here are the highlights of Conference 2002: Many Gifts, One Spirit — Worship Renewal.
The Rev. Martin B. Copenhaver and the Rev. Maren C. Tirabassi will lead the conference in worship, offer workshops and be available for discussions throughout the week. Both are considered leaders in the United Church of Christ in the theology and practice of worship. Read their biographies on the next page.
Diverse worship styles, music and liturgy will be modeled in four different worship services.
All conference participants form the conference choir which will perform at the closing worship service. The choral music selected will represent the best of a range of styles. Your music packet is yours to keep and to take home. This summer, the choir will premier an anthem commissioned by UCCMA for Conference 2002 from well-known composer Charles Callahan.
Our conference choir director is Steve Mitchell, Minister of the Arts at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut. Steve is a dynamic young director versed in many styles of music, from 16th century motets to contemporary gospel and jazz.
Some may choose to join the conference handbell choir which will rehearse at the same time and perform for the closing worship service. This choir will be directed by Beverly Simpson, an experienced handbell teacher, composer and sales representative.
You will have your choice of five out of 15 workshops on a variety of topics. Many of our workshop leaders represent the depth and breadth of talent in the United Church of Christ.
Continue your education over lunch discussing your thoughts and ideas on various topics with our conference faculty.
Everyone gathers for a panel discussion with our conference faculty on the theme of the conference.
This is a time to hear from the board of directors of UCCMA about the health and direction of the organization and learn how you can help. A surprise is planned for entertainment.
The end of each day is reserved for refreshments and networking.
The United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA) is an independent, grassroots organization established in 1994 to support musicians in the denomination. We have a growing membership that currently represents 27 states. We are entirely supported by members' dues and the volunteer efforts of our members. The benefits of membership include a bimonthly newsletter, a journal published three times a year and the biennial national conference. Your registration fee for Conference 2002 includes a one year membership in UCCMA. More details are available at Membership Info.
Those who attended our two previous conferences in 1998 and 2000 remember well their great success. This summer's event should prove to be just as enlightening and engaging. Our goal is to provide you with practical resources to use at home and to help you understand the winds of change affecting church music and worship today. Inside are conference details. If you have questions, you are welcome to contact the conference director John Stansell at 0203-637-1791, ext. 22 or at drjohn@fccog.org.
The program is subject to change. Watch this website for any updates.
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