2007 Convocation Classes

(Click here for the class listing in pdf format.)

(Please also see "Preaching from the Center" classes.)

Monday, July 16, 2007
Pre-Event Intensive Classes
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Convocation Choir Rehearsal (David Davidson)

Created to Create: Engaging the Preacher's Imagination (Tom Troeger) – We will explore how to use the imagination in faithful, creative ways. Preachers will learn a theology and will use methods for developing sermons that are alive to the Spirit and to the deepest hunger of the human heart.

Community Choreography: Tapping into the Christian Creativity in Your Ministry (Jessica Smith and Jason Warley) –Many times, ministry leaders are left to choreograph all the dances as well as handle all the administrative duties. The "community choreography" process provides everyone in a dance ministry an opportunity to have creative input. Doing so helps to foster a sense of solidarity within a dance ministry and taps into the wealth of Christian creativity that lies within the ministry. Through the use of an array of liturgical music styles, participants will explore exercises and strategies to assist them in incorporating community choreography in their ministry repertoire.  

Gifts from the World: The Use of Global Music in Worship (S T Kimbrough, Jr.) – In 1994 the General Board of Global Ministries founded under Kimbrough's direction the Global Praise Program to gather and share the songs of Christians from around the world to affirm our mutual witness for Christ and the church and to enhance the worship at the global church. This presentation will explore how we worship locally and sing globally. 

Reading Session: Zion Still Sings for Every Generation — 1:00-3:00 p.m. (Mark Miller.)
The session for Zion Still Sings will be an exciting musical taste of what promises to be a best-seller among United Methodists and all denominations! Come and sing through many of the new songs found in the book. Get coaching on how to introduce and lead the songs in the congregation. Old-time gospel hymns, newly composed hymns and songs, spirituals, praise & worship, contemporary and hip-hop gospel music will all be on the menu for this introduction to Zion Still Sings! Led by Mark Miller, a member of the Editorial Committee for Zion Still Sings.

Reading Session: Abingdon Press (led by Gary Alan Smith and Debi Tyree) — 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Abingdon Press is the professional imprint of the United Methodist Publishing House and as such, it is "your" publisher. This 60-minute reading session will feature the best of their current anthems for children, youth, and adults in various styles and difficulty levels. Several anthems written by Mark Miller will be featured with the composer at the keyboard.  

Tuesday, July 17, 2007
1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

Adult Choral (David Davidson)

Creative Use of Handbells in Worship (Arnold Sherman) –Handbells are not just for playing preludes, anthems, offertories, and postludes; they can be used in all aspects of worship. This class will explore as many avenues to creative and inclusive use of bells in worship as time allows. (Repeats Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.)

Keyboard Improvisation Tips for the Church Pianist (Mark Hayes) –Whether you are a music reader or an "ear" player, you will benefit from Mark Hayes' years of experience as a pianist and arranger. Learn about modulations chord substitutions, transitions, playing hymns and contemporary worship music.  

Licensing and Copyright for Church Musicians (Dean McIntyre) – Navigating the intricacies of copyright dos and don'ts, permissions, public domain, fair use, and using music licenses. (Repeats Tuesday, 2:30 p.m.)

Non-Lectionary Models for Worship Planning (Taylor W. Burton-Edwards) – While the majority of online and print resources for worship planning and preaching in mainline denominations presumes congregations will use the Revised Common Lectionary every Sunday, we all know there are times and places that call for a different selection of Scriptures. This workshop will explore ways to use a variety of resources with integrity for such times and places. (Repeats Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.)

Organist’s CPR—Resuscitate Your Worship Repertoire (Gayle Sullivan) –Play and discuss new worship music for organists of various skill levels. The presentation will include new and relatively new suggestions for practical organ music by various composers for the comprehensive liturgical year. (This class will meet at Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church from 1:30-3:30 p.m.)  

Rise, Children, Gonna Praise the Lord: Children in Worship (Michael Burkhardt) – This session will focus on the “PRs" of worship (PReparation, PRaise, PRoclamation, and PRayer) with children as well as the voice of children in worship as one of the voices of the church of today rather than as a voice of the church of tomorrow.

Why Iona? Why Wild Goose? (Alison Adam) – The songs and worship resources from Iona/Wild Goose have become significantly well-know in North America. We’ll experience some of the songs and prayers and hear about the roots and reasons behind the whole thing!
(Repeats Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.)

Working with Youth Choirs: The Cup’s Half Full (Kevin McBeth) –Leading and working with youth music in the church when the numbers of youth are growing.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007
2:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

Adult Choral (David Davidson)

A Survey of Abingdon Press "Mini-Hymnals" (Gary Alan Smith) – Gary Smith will present collections from the newest Abingdon Press Mini-Hymnals including Come and Hear the Blessing by Richard Leach and Amanda Husberg, Children of Creation by Barbara Hamm, and Njalo by Patrick Matsikenyiri. Participants will receive a coupon for one free mini-hymnal at the display.

Beyond Right Notes: A Guide to Handbell Musicianship (Arnold Sherman) – To play handbells with all the right notes in their proper musical place is one thing, but to play bells musically is often another task altogether. The class will concentrate on phrasing, balance, and blend as they apply to ringing ensembles, with special emphasis on strategies to get handbell choirs playing musically on a consistent basis. (Repeats Wednesday, 2:30 p.m.)

Dance Like David Danced: Exploring Liturgical Dance Ministry (Jessica Marie Smith and Jason Warley) – We will discuss the foundations of liturgical dance, including the terminology and distinguishing the various dance forms, such as praise dance, worship dance, Scripture interpretation, dance of spiritual war, and so on. Participants will then explore putting dance theory into practice through learning sample choreography of each liturgical dance form.

Licensing and Copyright for Church Musicians (Dean McIntyre) – Navigating the intricacies of copyright dos and don'ts, permissions, public domain, fair use, and using music licenses. (Repeated from Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.)

Organist’s CPR—Resuscitate Your Worship Repertoire (Gayle Sullivan) –Play and discuss new worship music for organists of various skill levels. The presentation will include new and relatively new suggestions for practical organ music by various composers for the comprehensive liturgical year. (This class will meet at Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church from 1:30-3:30 p.m.)  

Overview of the Visual Arts in the Christian West: Implications (Catherine Kapikian) – See images in the context of Christian community from the time of their birth in the catacombs to their presence in the late twentieth-century CitiCorp building in New York City.

The Child Voice (Michael Burkhardt) – This session will focus on working with the child voice through a holistic approach and will include work with an onsite demonstration children’s choir.

Using a Praise Band in Blended Worship (Mark Hayes) – Come discover ideas to integrate contemporary music and instruments gracefully into your service. Learn about transitions at the keyboard to facilitate the “flow.” Learn what each rhythm section player should play on a given song. We will field questions and share successes and challenges.

Working With Youth Choirs – The Cup’s Half Empty (Kevin McBeth) – Leading and working with youth music in the church when the numbers of youth are shrinking.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007
4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Blessed Ballet: Interpreting Scriptures Through Dance and Theatre Arts (Jessica Marie Smith and Jason Warley) – Using creative movement, writing, and instrumental music, we will discuss and demonstrate techniques for interpreting scriptures through dance and drama. Creative movement, drama exercises, as well as instrumental music will be employed to create “blessed ballets” out of selected Bible scriptures. The, participants will engage in choreographing their own scripture based “Blessed Ballet” pieces using the tools that they will receive during this workshop.

Reading Session - The Best of Mark Hayes Anthems; Morning Star with Michael Burkhardt

The Vocabulary of The Visual: How Do We See? (Catherine Kapikian) – Every language, whether English, algebra, or visual art, has a vocabulary (set of signs) and a syntax (rules for putting sings together). Understand visual theological proclamation by understanding its vocabulary and syntax.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007
1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

Adult Choral (David Davidson)

Art & Soul Café: A Multisensory Spiritual Exploration (Lydia Ruffin) – A brief story of Art & Soul Café in St. Louis, Missouri, works as a catalyst for conversation about integrating the arts more fully into spiritual formation. The interactive experience of the monthly café gatherings provides fresh vision for how to build a spiritual, committed community. Participants in this workshop will see a multimedia presentation on Art & Soul Café and will participate in some of the methods used at Art & Soul Café. (This class will be held at Christ Cathedral Church from 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.).

Choreography for Children's Choirs (and their Directors!) (Debi Tyree) –Whether it's adding sign language, simple arm movements, or full-fledged choreography, every children's choir director is faced with creating movement for thechoir at some point in his or her ministry. And don't forget: We want the children to SING too! Put your two left feet forward as you explore and learn the basics of choreography for children's choirs. What works with kids who need to sing while they move and what doesn't? Discover what resources are available to help you when faced with the prospect of creating "mini-June Taylor dancers."

Creative Use of Handbells in Worship (Arnold Sherman) – Handbells are not just for playing preludes, anthems, offertories. and postludes. They can be used in all aspects of worship. This class will explore as many avenues to creative and inclusive use of bells in worship as time allows. (A repeat of Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.)

Finding Good Literature in Contemporary Worship Song (Ron Reinstra) – Much worship music known as “contemporary” comes from three or four large publishing houses. These companies are churning out songs for worship (distributed by CDs and songbooks) at a rate unparalleled in church history. What are we to make of this bewildering variety? How do we sort through it all to find the best music for congregational song – music that is theologically sound and aesthetically fitting, that provides for congregations a balanced diet of worship actions and moods and expressions, that connects synchronically and diachronically with our Christian sisters and brothers across time and space? This session will survey the primary sources of contemporary worship song, identify some of the best ones, and offer criteria – both theological and aesthetic – to help worship leaders make discerning choices.

Non-Lectionary Models for Worship Planning (Taylor W. Burton-Edwards) – While the majority of online and print resources for worship planning and preaching in mainline denominations presumes congregations will use the Revised Common Lectionary every Sunday, we all know there are times and places that call for a different selection of Scriptures. This workshop will explore ways to use a variety of resources with integrity for such times and places. (A repeat of Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.).

Organ Masterclass: Service Repertoire and Hymn Playing (Michael Burkhardt) – FUMMWA participants are invited to perform service repertoire and hymns (arrangements as well as improvisations) as part of this session. In addition, service playing materials and resources will be shared and demonstrated during the masterclass. (This class will meet at Centenary UMC from 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. )

Performance Practices in African American Sacred Vocal Music (Robert Ray) – We will explore approaches to successfully performing spirituals and gospel music in the African American tradition. Historical perspectives and stylistic concerns will be addressed.
(Repeats Wednesday, 2:30 p.m.)

Sibelius Presentation (Greg Smith)

Why Iona? Why Wild Goose? (Alison Adam) – The songs and worship resources from Iona/Wild Goose have become significantly well-know in North America. We’ll experience some of the songs and prayers and hear about the roots and reasons behind the whole thing!
(Repeat of Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, July 18, 2007
2:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

Adult Choral (David Davidson)

Art & Soul Café: A Multisensory Spiritual Exploration (Lydia Ruffin) – A brief story of Art & Soul Café in St. Louis, Missouri, works as a catalyst for conversation about integrating the arts more fully into spiritual formation. The interactive experience of the monthly café gatherings provides fresh vision for how to build a spiritual, committed community. Participants in this workshop will see a multimedia presentation on Art & Soul Café and will participate in some of the methods used at Art & Soul Café. (This class will be held at Christ Cathedral Church from 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.).

From Routine to Ritual: Enriching Your Liturgical Dance Ministry Experience (Jessica Marie Smith and Jason Warley) – When rehearsing, it is easy to get so focused on producing the perfect dance that we forget to enjoy the spiritual experience. This workshop will explore creative ways to enrich the dance ministry experience through praise instruments and props, praise garments, incorporating liturgical colors, and maximizing your sacred dance space. We will also discuss strategies for instilling and maintaining a God-centered atmosphere through ritual during exercise sessions to rehearsal breaks and beyond.

Music Manager Software — Computer Resources for Your Music & Worship Ministry (Joe Kay) – — Learn how more effectively manage your music library, membership information, inventory, equipment, supplies, and personal information with Master Music Manager™. Also, plan your worship services easier and more completely using the resources in WorshipManager™ and HymnIndex™.

Nourishing the Soul for Worship: Upper Room WORSHIPBOOK 2006 (Lynn Renne) – We will explore the new Upper Room WORSHIPBOOK 2006 and its Accompaniment and Worship Leader Edition 2007. Singing our way through this rich compilation of music and liturgies for spiritual formation, we will find complementary and distinctive alternatives for transformative worship in small-group, conference, and congregational contexts.

Organ Masterclass: Service Repertoire and Hymn Playing (Michael Burkhardt) – FUMMWA participants are invited to perform service repertoire and hymns (arrangements as well as improvisations) as part of this session. In addition, service playing materials and resources will be shared and demonstrated during the masterclass. (This class will meet at Centenary UMC from 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. )

Performance Practices in African American Sacred Vocal Music (Robert Ray) – We will explore approaches to successfully performing spirituals and gospel music in the African American tradition. Historical perspectives and stylistic concerns will be addressed.
(Repeat of Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.)

The Recruitment, Care, and Feeding of a Worship Team (Ron Reinstra) – Those who lead worship teams are not merely musical technicians; they are pastors concerned for the spiritual health of those in their charge. How, then,do we make the worship team not merely a place of congregational service, but a place of spiritual nourishment? This session will look at issues surrounding the spiritual well-being of the worship team, including recruitment, rest, and retention of team members; worship planning and congregational participation; small-group dynamics and rehearsal devotions.

Unraveling The Creative Process (Catherine Kapikian) – Encounter attributes of a creative mentality and stages of a creative process. See images of a complex creative process, from the inception of an idea to a finished product.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007
4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

From “Performance” to Ministry: Problems in Starting and Sustaining Liturgical Dance Ministries (Jessica Marie Smith and Jason Warley) – This presentation will discuss as well as offer God-centered strategies transitioning from “performing” to ministering through dance. We will also address how to deal with multilevel age grouping, varying talent levels, conservatism, and fostering support within the church and community. Participants will then apply the strategies they have learned during a mock “Liturgical Dance Rehearsal” obstacle course to practice addressing common problems that arise in dance ministries.

Projects in Participatory Aesthetics for the Church (Catherine Kapikian) – See images involving large segments of church families who participated in making complex works of art. Be surprised by the multifaceted consequences.

Reading Session (Beckenhorst with Howard Helvey; and Hinshaw with Bill Carroll)

Thursday, July 19, 2007
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Drama Ministry: Bringing the Word to Life (Lori Borger) — Feel free to watch or participate in this fun class, which will be packed full of easy theatre games, a presentation by MUMC's drama team, and lots of ideas, resources, and information for the fledgling or fully developed drama team! Topics will include Scripture reading and sketches for worship, reader's theatre, intergenerational opportunities, children's musicals, and fully staged musical theatre productions as an outreach tool.

Making of the Commissioned Work for Centenary UMC (Phillip Cox-Johnson) — Phillip will describe and explain the process for creation and the execution of commissioned work. The work designed for Centenary is being given to the church by FUMMWA.

Multimedia Worship Seminar (Dwayne Hilton) — Hosted by a local piano company, this workshop will discuss how today's technology can enhance any worship service. Come and hear the newest sounds and media advances on new digital pianos and keyboards.

Reading Session: Handbells (Robert Jackson)

Reading Sessions: Small to Medium Choirs (Brenda Bernstorf, Les Oliver, and Debi Tyree)

Reading Session: Zion Still Sings (Marilyn Thornton) — This new songbook for the whole church contains the best of musical tradition and contemporary practice of the African American church. Participants will be introduced to how the book is organized and some cultural particularities, with plenty of time dedicated to new musical selections. You will sing and move as you experience the wide variety of musical styles encompassed in Zion Still Sings.

The Season of Creation: Expanding the Christian Calendar (Dan Benedict ) — Can a new season be added to the church year? The distinctive seasons and special days emerged in response to tensions with the surrounding culture. By the Spirit, Christians always find ways of celebrations and proclaiming the faith in the face of challenges. The church calendar and lectionary have a long development and a cherished history. With global warming, pollutions of the environment, and unsustainable consumption, a new challenge has emerged; and the Spirit is calling the churched to celebrate and honor God's creation. We will explore a proposal from the church in Australia and play with ideas and resources for how our congregations could incorporate this observance into late Ordinary Time.

Classes at Manchester UMC
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Drama Ministry: Bringing the Word to Life (Lori Borger) — Feel free to watch or participate in this fun class, which will be packed full of easy theatre games, a presentation by MUMC's drama team, and lots of ideas, resources, and information for the fledgling or fully developed drama team! Topics will include Scripture reading and sketches for worship, reader's theatre, intergenerational opportunities, children's musicals, and fully staged musical theatre productions as an outreach tool.

Media in Worship - Tentative

Why a Puppet Ministry? (Marilyn Winterberger) — Learn what puppet ministry is, its benefits, and a bit of history. Meet some puppeteers and see a performance with help and instruction from the puppeteers. See and handle puppets. Receive ideas for puppet stages, puppet resources, and materials and puppet patterns.

Youth Reading Session (Kevin McBeth)

Worship Fair
Stroll through displays featuring a few of the outreach ministries of Manchester UMC and bring home some fresh ideas for your ministry or church. Some of the ministries to be featured: Choir Ministries, Children's Sermons, "White Gifts/Red Gifts," Bike rehab, Centenary Cares.

6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Convocation Choir Rehearsal (David Davidson)