Monday Morning EmailTM
Ministering to the Music Minister
July 2007
Bob Burroughs, Editor
**********
SPONSORED BY
Dawson Memorial Baptist ChurchBirmingham, Alabama
Bob Hatfield, Minister of Music
Just what is involved in a complete and well-rounded ministry of music? Here are some suggestions, from one who has been the MoM at Dawson, Bob Hatfield, and has served this great church for 30 years!
*****.
MISSIONAL MUSIC MINISTRIES
You will probably soon be setting a direction for your church music ministry either for the short or long term, if you haven’t accomplished this already.
Setting the priorities of time, energy, people, and financial resources for a music ministry is an ongoing challenge.
What sets your church music ministry apart from community or school music programs, and causes people to be passionate about their involvement in music ministry? There are so many options and activities in our culture that call for time, attention, and resources of the members of our congregations--children, youth, and adults. What sets your program apart?
Vibrant music ministries today must be based on a "missional" foundation that can be found in these two sentences:
When Jesus was asked, "What is the greatest commandment?", He replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." He continued by saying that second greatest commandment is "To love your neighbor as yourself."
Commandment Number #1
The Vertical Dimension of Ministry
Between People and God
Worship
- Every ministry of the church should flow from authentic worship. The music ministry should lead the way in this area.
- Music expresses the praise and prayer from the people to God.
- Music carries God's message to the people.
- Music encourages the body of Christ as the people sing together the truths of God's word and the theology and emotions of great hymns and praise songs.
- The process of preparation for worship is a part of the gift of worship. God is in our rehearsals as well as our worship services!
- Ministers of music must never neglect or minimize the process of worship preparation and leadership. It is our stewardship.
Education
- Music ministries should equip persons to use their gifts and talents to more effectively worship God.
- As we educate, we are enabling music ministry participants to give their best in worship to God.
- We are training the present and next generation in a manner of expression they will use for a lifetime.
- As we prepare and present our music, we are teaching spiritual concepts through the music as well as the text.
- We are modeling and molding a spirit of "servanthood to God" within our music ministry.
Commandment Number #2
The Horizontal Dimension of Ministry
People to People
Evangelism
- Music ministries should proclaim the gospel inside and outside the walls of the church.
- Music ministers should know how to lead persons to Christ.
- Music ministries should involve their participants in local, regional, and global missions.
- Music ministries should provide opportunities to "give a cup of cold water" in Jesus’ name--to hurting people.
Fellowship and Ministry
- The music ministry can be an entry point for new persons into the life of the church.
- The music ministry should build up the body of Christ by being a caring community.
- The music ministry should be fertile soil for meaningful, Christ-centered relationships.
- Participants in music ministry should be an encouraging family in various seasons of life.
- Participants in music ministry should provide help in times of stress & crisis.
In these days and times, it is very wise to approach your planning with the mission of Christ in mind. "Programmatic planning" leads to burn-out. "Missional planning" leads to passion.
During these summer months, take some time to reflect upon this past year's music ministry. Is the mission of Christ evident to you? Can you easily see the vertical and horizontal dimensions of ministry?
Take some time to observe, evaluate, pray, and listen. Then move forward in your planning with the "mission" clearly in mind. You will discover a passion that comes only from God.
Thank you, Sir, for providing the opportunity for Dawson Memorial Baptist Church to sponsor the July issue of Monday Morning Email. My pastor, Dr. Gary Fenton, enjoys reading MMEMail as much as I do! It is our pleasure to do this! Blessings to you as you continue this valuable resource to music ministers and others dedicated to the cause of church music.
Bob Hatfield
*****Register at www.creatormagazine.com*****
QUOTE– The times, they are a-changing. Bob Dylan
SCRIPTURE –May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
PRAYER - "Father, Precious Savior, Creator and Lover of all things beautiful, God of change and Giver of new understandings, Monday Morning Email is about to undergo some dramatic changes, offering more opportunities to experience ministry growth, leadership growth, professional growth, and to offer practical tools to enhance music ministry in churches large and small. MMEMail is about to go weekly beginning next month and the thought of this impact is challenging and exciting. I bless You, Dear Father, that You have been planting this seed in my mind for many months, and thank You for bringing it to fruition. I bless You for Vernon Sanders and CREATOR magazine, willing to be a vital part of this transition. My prayer today is simply this: that our readers may continue to be inspired by the words written, the reviews provided, the tools presented and may all the content be of such that You will be pleased and that it may glorify You and the Kingdom on earth. I pray this prayer in the strong name of Jesus Christ, who provides through the Holy Spirit, creativity to be used in the Holy Act of Worship. Amen."
WHAT THINK YE – CHANGE…IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL
Bob Dylan was right on target with his words, “The times, they are a-changing.”
August is certainly the month of change for Monday Morning Email! Here are some things you will be seeing in this issue and forward:
1. MMEMail will come to you EVERY MONDAY! Bob Burroughs will continue to do the first issue of each month, providing what he has done for so long: “ministry tools,” ideas, concepts, prayers, reviews and much more.
2. The remaining three issues will be produced by CREATOR magazine. These issues will be shorter, and deal with specific subjects that relate to music ministry.At this writing, here are our plans:
Week 2: Leadership Tools
Week 3: Professional Tools
Week 4: Practical Tools
This will be an exciting launch to go every Monday, and thanks to the many who have requested that this be done.
3. MMEMail will continue to be found ONLY on the newly updated and redesigned website of CREATOR magazine. This site is now easier to navigate and has many outstanding opportunities for church and school musicians. www.creatormagazine.com is the address.
When we make the change in August to the weekly MMEMail, your reminder emails will come directly from the CREATOR email server. Please set your spam filter to allow these reminder emails (i.e. "accept" emails from creator@creatormagazine.com)
The weekly MMEMail will be the core of the new Creator Leadership Network. While you can still receive MMEMail without being part of the CLN, CREATOR is offering some wonderful incentives to register to be a part of the Creator Leadership Network. These incentives are currently worth over $80, and more offers are being added. Plus, if you register BEFORE AUGUST 6, the day the new weekly MMEMail launches, you will be entered into the special MMEMail 10th anniversary drawing, which will take place live at 12:00 PM Eastern time--on that day. CREATOR and MMEMail will be giving away a number of prizes, the total value of which is currently over $900, to those who have registered for the Creator Leadership Network. As Bob Dylan said in another song..."Don't think twice, it's alright." Just go and register now!
4. CREATOR LEADERSHIP NETWORK
What is the Creator Leadership Network? It is made up of people just like you - worship leaders, musicians, pastors, singers, accompanists, seminary professors, children/youth choir directors, orchestra and bell choir directors--who are committed to Balanced Music and Worship Ministry.
Why should you join the Creator Leadership Network? Beginning in August, you will receive a weekly email with helpful information to enable you to do music ministry better, whether you serve in a small church or large, in a "liturgical" or "free worship" church, in the southeast or the northwest. This "how to" information will be valuable if you are a new worship leader or if you have many years of experience.
CREATOR’s outstanding editorial board, as well as recognized experts in a variety of areas such as Leadership, Technology, Staff Development, and Practical Worship, will contribute to the Creator Leadership Network offerings. You will learn something useful for your ministry each week. Creator has asked these experts to maintain a regular content page on the website site to help you do ministry better.
But that's not all! Creator is making it even more attractive to join the Creator Leadership Network. Listed below are a number of special offers that are included as part of your initial registration package. Many of these offers are "instant" offers--you can download a PDF coupon for instant savings. The current value of the special offers is over $300!
How do you sign up for the Creator Leadership Network?
Simple. Go to the CREATOR website, and find REGISTER and you will be “in”!
So, as you can see, the “times” for MMEMail are changing, beginning next month.
What think ye?
LEADERSHIP – TRUE VISION (Leadership Wired)
1. INSEPARABLE FROM THE LEADER. A true vision will reflect the leader's most basic values and beliefs. If it does not, the leader cannot share the vision to his or her people with integrity and expect that they will share in carrying it out.
2. EMPOWERING. The leader with vision believes not only that it can be done, but that it must be done. And that confidence will spill over to the people who will share the work of the vision. If a vision does not instill confidence, it will not inspire a following.
3. CLEAR. A vision must be a clear picture of an organization as its leader believes it can and must be. The clarity test is whether the followers can articulate the vision to one another.
4. LONG TERM. A vision must contain a clear destination, but one that demands development over time.
5. PEOPLE ORIENTED. A vision be from the heart of the leader and bear the fingerprints of the people.
6. FUTURISTIC. A vision is a mental picture of what tomorrow will look like. Visionaries develop present resources as a platform for tomorrow. They constantly draw the destination but carefully detail the journey.
How does your vision for your organization measure up? Does it incorporate each characteristic? If not, take the time to re-think your vision so that it accurately represents the best of you and your organization.
MARRIAGE SUGGESTION – BIRTHDAYS
As one gets older, sometimes, birthdays can just not be much fun any longer!
Here is a fresh idea! Instead of throwing a party that celebrates getting older, why not have a party to celebrate getting better. more loving, more holy...or actually having actually accomplished something significant in the Vineyard? If you are going to celebrate a birthday of your spouse, and he/she is to turn 40...50…70 or whatever, think about beginning 35 days before the actual birthday...and give that person something special each day until the birthday arrives! There is a myriad of things that can be meaningful to this person—and most of these can be inexpensive! This will be a birthday will never be forgotten!
PARENTS - MANNERS ARE IMPORTANT!
Homelife, July 2007
Manners…are important, especially for our children and grandchildren. We must continue to teach our children to be well mannered, and we are also teaching them to focus on someone besides themselves! If we instill manners in our children when they are young, they will grow to become respectful adults, reflecting the image of Christ. Here are some tips for kid’s manners:
1. Always say “thank you” to your children, and remind them to do the same to others.
2. Watch for opportunities to teach “service to others,” such as opening a car door or opening a store door for the elderly.
3. Never allow your children to call adults by their first names.
4. Teach your children how to answer the telephone, giving the proper greeting without being silly, how to take a message and to make important calls.
5. REQUIRE “thank you” notes!!!
6. Insist that the boys open doors for ladies.
7. Teach your children to serve and clean up when eating at a friend’s home.
8. Brush up on your own manners. If you shove food in your mouth, your kids will do the same.
5 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR THE WORST
Sometimes, a pessimistic strategy can be the best path to optimism. If you memorize these five glum rules of thumb, you will never be unpleasantly surprised.
1. Punctuality. It will take you much longer to get where you are going than you think! Leave early.
2. Addiction. It will never be as good as it was the very first time.
3. Retirement Fund. The fall is always faster than the rise!
4. Car. If your car is older than 10 years, it will cost you more to keep it!
5. Kids. They will come back! 4 million kids, ages 25-34-move back home every year! Not that’s scary!
THIS IDEA WILL WORK !
WHERE THERE IS NO VISION
One of my favorite books of the Bible is Proverbs. It is full of wisdom for all of God’s people. Each of us can probably quote a special proverb that has ministered to us from time to time. In Proverbs 29:18, the writer says this:
Where there is no vision, the people perish.
I think I could probably safely say that each of us in music ministry should have that quality: a vision for the future. In our everyday work assignments--in all our church programs and in every aspect of our ministry--in and out of church, there should be a time set aside for weekly dreaming and envisioning what is to be accomplished in our vision for the future for our families, our job, and in our church responsibilities.
I remember working in my office on afternoon when I was a young Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church, Abilene, TX., when in walked Dr. Phil Simpson, the Hardin-Simmons University Organ Professor and the organist at the church. He began chiding me because I did not set aside one solid hour of my week...put my feet upon my desk... fold my hands behind my head...and simply think and dream for the future...the future of my family, my work and the future of my ministry. I laughed...until I realized he was right. I began to do that...and still do it even to this day.
So...what is your vision for the future of your family, your work and your music ministry--or do you even have one? Have you even thought about it? Are you dreaming any dreams that might change the entire concept of what you are currently trying to do right now in your life, or the lives of your family, or in the church music ministry? What is propelling you to think about the future?
It’s not too late to begin…so get those feet up on your desk, hands behind your head, stop all calls, relax a bit…and begin the dreaming!!
This Idea Will Work !!
WORSHIP – for a Christian, is defined as how one lives one’s life, since worship is honor to a supernatural being and the Bible talks about always honoring God. If you live your life honoring God, then you are worshiping. (Answers.com)
HUMOR - Maxims for the Internet Age
1. Home is where you hang your @
2. The E-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail.
3. A journey of a thousand sites begins with a double click.
4. You can't teach a new mouse old clicks.
5. Speak softly and carry a cellular phone.
6. Pentium wise; pen and paper foolish.
7. The modem is the message.
8. Too many clicks spoil the browse.
9. The geek shall inherit the earth.
10. A chat has nine lives.
11. Don't byte off more than you can view.
12. Fax is stranger than fiction.
13. Windows will never cease.
14. There's no place like http://www.home.com
15. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to use the Net and he won't bother you for weeks.
INSPIRATIONAL CORNER
THE ART OF CONDOLENCE –
Jess Decourcy Hinds, Newsweek, May 22, 2007
Condolences are some of the most difficult words to say…or write. Church staff members as well as congregations need to know how to approach friends, church members, and others at this most difficult time in their lives. Hinds provides 5 basic guidelines for mastering the “Art of Condolence.”
1. Always begin directly and simply. “I am so sorry about the death of your ________.”
2. It is better to ask, “How are you?” Or “How are you feeling?” instead of telling the person how they should feel!
3. Never say, “I can’t imagine what you are going through.” This translates into “This is too hard for me. I don’t want to think about it.”
4. Never give advice about how someone should get through the loss. Some mourners go to parties; others stay home with the shades drawn. Be open to the mourner’s individual needs and be open to the possibility that these needs will change from day to day…sometimes, hour by hour!
5. If you wish to offer something upbeat, share a funny anecdote or memory about the deceased that might bring a smile to the mourner’s face.
So how do we support people who are in mourning? We could learn from the elephants! Elephants are known to grieve in groups; they loop their trunks to support the bereaved. Like elephants, perhaps we should remain connected and open to the mourner’s sorrow longer than an hour memorial service. Grieving is private but it can be public, too. Simply look the mourner in the eye and say “I’m very sorry for your loss.”
NEW PRODUCT– THE SOLID ROCK, G3Worship Music Publishing, Double CD #17, Youth/Student Choir, with complete printable orchestration, piano/vocal charts, Split tracks, Lyrics in PowerPoint©and MediaShout©, Bulletin Covers, Press Releases and much more!
GOOD NEWS! Beginning with this release and forward for the first time in history in music publishing, G3 Worship is going to release and allow pull outs of every song in this and all future collections! This is revolutionary, to say the least! G3 will, for the first time, allow you have it your way.
There are several options that can make it work for you:
OPTION #1. Subscribe to G3 Music Publishing’s Automatic Release Program for $399 per year and receive each quarterly collection of 10 songs-sent to you automatically, and that is only $99 per collection.
What is included in these collections? you ask? For $99, you will receive 10 or more of the latest Praise and Worship songs. You will receive:
• Choral Songs
• Contemporary Arrangements of Hymns.
All 10 songs come:
• Fully Orchestrated – with printout available
• Octavo scores—with printout available
• Split Tracks
• Listening Tracks
• PowerPoint© and MediaShout© files with backgrounds!
• Worship Program Covers
Compare that to the cost of a typical print collection with the same content, and you can already see savings coming your way.
OPTION #2. Purchase the individual 10 song Collection as they release each quarter with the above content as above for only $125.
OPTION #3. Purchase any Pull Out of any song in the collection for only $69.95 (same content as above)
I have heard the CD and have reviewed the tunes, powerpoint©, program covers, and more! This is a quality product, worthy of serious consideration by all Youth/Student choir directors or for an adult choir/congregational experience. Your people will LOVE these pieces—guaranteed! It is win-win!
CD REVIEW
Two CDs by “The Burchfield Brothers”
Ben and Jon Burchfield are absolutely amazing concert artists—and they are brothers! They are in the upper tier of entertainment… but…they also bring much spiritual insight to their music. They make music to “inspire the soul.” They are experts at combining Smoky Mountain Jazz, Gospel, and the Classics and add a dash of Irish flavoring—to give any audience a wonderful experience.
I saw them most recently at the Baptist Church Music Conference, and they literally stole the program. We wished they could have played for 60 minutes rather an 35—and this is rare for such a conference! Jon is the master of Classical Guitar and Ben does his part with an instrument called “The Mallet Kat,” which can be best described as a midi-marimba, played with either mallets or hand@ It has unlimited sounds, ranging from percussion to orchestra. They make their music sound fresh and new.
#1: PASSION – Great Hymns and Classic Instrumentals – I am listening to this CD as I write this review! It is very emotional, quite dramatic in character and uses their individual and collective skills well! It just makes for great devotional music, background music for special events, easy listening on the porch with a glass of lemonade, or as a gift to someone who really loves good music and outstanding arrangements.
On this album, you will find such titles as
- Amazing Grace – this one will knock your socks off!
- Doxology – like you’ve never heard it before
- Adagio in G Minor – soooooooooo good
- All That Thrills My Soul Is Jesus – you will know this thrill as you listen to this one
#2: ALL IS WELL CHRISTMAS - Well, I sort of wish it were Christmas! If I were still a Minister of Music in a church, I’d give all my music staff (and pastor) a copy of this album! I’ll consider giving it to a few close friends who really love good music. Yes, I do have a FEW good friends! It is masterfully done. The Burchfields have the unique gift of combining the classics and familiar Christmas hymns with such a breath of fresh air. You will want to put on your Santa hat as you hear this fabulous album! Don’t miss this one. It will be a super addition to your Christmas CD collection. There’s something for everyone on this album, including:
- What Child Is This - charming
- First Noel – so different
- Little Drummer Boy – you won’t believe this setting
- Vivaldi’s Winter – fabulous
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – so tasteful
Best News of all: The Burchfield Brothers will give MME readers a MMEMail Special! Here it is:
1. Purchase one of the two CDs reviewed - $15 - No S&H Free Burchfield Brothers DVD Promo Video
2. Purchase both reviewed CDs for $20 (Such a Deal!) - No S&H Free Burchfield Brothers DVD Promo Video
How do you order? Go to their website, www.burchfieldbrothers.com, click on a MMEMail Special site, put in a code, MME, and get the special offer. These are two fine CDs – and well worth your expense! Trust us here!
ANTHEM –HERSELF A ROSE, Text by Christina Rossetti, Music by Craig Courtney, S(S)AT(B) B, A Cappella, Beckenhorst Press #BP1794, $1.60
CRAIG COURTNEY has a consistent well-spring of creativity that just keeps flowing! I never cease to be amazed as I look at his works and see the divine gift he has been given…to write music for God’s people to enjoy, music by which to be challenged and stimulated, and music that sings in the soul.
HERSELF A ROSE is such a piece. Warning: this is not your typical Christmas offering. It is very challenging and will take several weeks of preparation to execute it with finesse and style, with meaning and “heart,” but the result will be a moving experience for both choir or ensemble and congregation. This is a most excellent and delicate adult or college ensemble anthem!
The Christina Rossetti text was new to me! But it is breath-taking. It is a very thought-provoking text, that will settle deep inside the heart of the singers and their performance of this anthem will be quite stunning. There is divisi in the body of the anthem, and Craig uses some very nice dissonance in just the right places. This is one of the best Christmas anthems to come our way in quite a while. MMEMail suggest you go to the Beckenhorst website: www.beckenhorstpress.com - search for the title, click on the MP3 and hear the anthem, and you’ll want to purchase it! Excellent work, Craig!
CONFERENCES
FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE!
A NINE-WEEK WORSHIP SEMINAR SERIES
TO BE DONE BY PHONE AND ONLINE!
The National Worship TeleSeminar
How would you like to be able to take your worship and music ministry to a new level, and receive some amazing, live worship and music training from 19 of today's worship ministry experts - at no cost—FREE?
If your response is a YES, you'll have to act fast. These sessions are about full!!
On June 12, these 19 worship/music leaders will be kicking off this FREE nationwide nine-week Worship Seminar Series, to be done entirely by phone and the web. Who should be involved in these nine sessions? Only the following people:
worship leaders
pastors
worship ministry team members
worship ministry leaders and praise team members
music directors
keyboard people
orchestra directors
Learn how to be a more effective worship leader, gain a deeper worship insight, and receive cutting edge strategies that will propel your church's worship ministry to a new plateau.
Register NOW to lock in your spot. There are only a few spaces left.
Creator publisher, Vernon Sanders, is scheduled to give a presentation as part of this National Worship Teleseminar, Thursday, August 2, from 8:00-9:P00 PM. His seminar topic will be
How to Develop Better Intuition as a Worship Leader/Planner by
'Sensing' What God is Doing in the Room and
Providing Him More Space to Move
Go to www.worshipteleseminar.com for details and registration. Don’t miss this opportunity! Remember: space is limited, so if interested, NOW is the time to act.
CHOIRFEST 2008
The Huntsville Choral Festival
April 3-6, 2008
April 3-6, 2008 seems like a long time from now! Really! There is summer, and Fall, and Christmas and Easter 2008. Why should I think about a 2008 Choir Festival?
Well, if you wait much longer, you and any of your choir members you wish to bring will not be able to come…because the event will be FULL. In fact, it is almost full at this writing. The limit is 300 persons and over 180 have already registered! That leaves only 120 spaces that will be up for grabs.
You and your choir members will have the unique opportunity to sing in the 300-voice Festival Choir, under the gifted baton ofAnton Armstrong, known in the USA and across the musical world as one of the premiere choral conductors of our time.
SPECIAL for Monday Morning Email Subscribers
If you register by July 30, 2007, you will be allowed to register yourself and your group for $150 each! To receive this generous discount, you must click on the following link to register: http://www.choirfest.com/MME.html
For more information, call Hugh Ballou at 888-398-8471, Ext. 1 or go to the website!
BITS AND PIECES
MME wishes to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Bob Hatfield, and Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL, for sponsoring this July issue. “Can a church sponsor an issue of MME?” asked Dr. Hatfield! Yes! Absolutely! We wish more churches would consider this an opportunity for them and their program. Esther and I were members of this great church when we lived in Birmingham. Hatfield continues to do an amazing job! He took over 100 Senior High Choir members to England and Wales in June. He had more boys in this year’s Chapel Choir than girls! This speaks high of his work, his love for teens and the kind of music they do. Thank you, my Dear Friend, Bob, for your belief in MMEMail and our friendship!
DON’T FORGET…to go to the CREATOR website and register!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MMEMail!
August 2007 is MMEMail’s 10th birthday
Here are some comments from MMEMail readers to send congratulations to MMEMail for our 10th!
Thanks for the Monday Morning Email! It is the one email that I actually sit down to read every word. It is helpful, inspirational as well as motivational in so many areas where us music ministry guys live, which includes church music program and personal lives Thanks, thanks, and thanks again! Keep up the inspiration! Jim Van Matre, Dauphin Way Baptist Church, Mobile, Alabama - DrJVan7@aol.com
Monday Morning Email, for me, is the musical equivalent of I Thessalonians 5:18: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” Each time I receive MMEMail, I am encouraged and built up! There is encouragement for music, spiritual insight, family needs, ministerial aids, and great food for thought. Thanks for MMEMail, Bob!!Dave Briley, Associate Pastor/Worship & Arts, First Baptist church Decatur, Alabama 35601 davebriley@fbcdecatur.org
It's Monday morning…and I check my email! Yippee! There’s a notice from my dear friend and mentor, Bob Burroughs, that Monday Morning Email is ready for viewing on the Creator site! What? Is it a new month, already? This is double good for me, because a visit to the Creator site offers quality reading and learning opportunities, in addition to the specific items addressed in each issue. I've been reading MMEMail for seven years. I've prayed for the concerns mentioned, yearned to attend every single music conference, read the books recommended and gratefully rejoiced in God's gifts that enable me to serve in an outstanding church music program. I never finish reading without having copied and pasted at least one article into an email to send to others--some fellow church folk, some fellow musicians, some fellow educators. And I forward the entire thing to MoMs! In particular, I am blessed by your prayers, Bob. I can hear your voice deliver them, and I can feel my heart join yours in sincerely approaching the Father. It's an excellent communication piece, Sir. I hope you'll keep it up for another ten years! - Vicki Carr, Church pianist/music teacher, FBC Moores Lane, Texarkana, Texas pianistvc@aol.com
Monday Morning Email arrives on time every Monday morning, almost without fail. It is always informative, upbeat, creative, unusual and very much Burroughs! For the University of Mobile Performing Arts, it has been a tool to "get the word out" about our department and programs. It has been our pleasure to have been a sponsor. Thanks, Bob! Roger Breland, University of Mobile Performing Arts Mobile, Alabama - RogerBreland@aol.com
As I spend every weekend traveling, MMEMail is my connection to what is going on with worship, conferences, concerns and a way for me to visit with many of the churches and Music Ministers that I have met on the way It helps me to understand the larger picture of the body of Christ, and gives me, as a musical guest, an understanding and respect of what the Music Ministers need and go through as they try to bring excellence to their churches. I am grateful for MMEMail.Rodrigo Rodriguez, Guitarist and concert artist, Delray Beach, Florida - www.RodrigoRodriguez.net
I have been retired from being a full-time minister of music for 10 years. Since retirement, I have had the opportunity to do 8 music interims. During these years, I have gotten many ides and suggestions from the Monday Morning Email that I have been able to plug in to my interim positions. I have also received much inspiration from the prayers, scriptures and personal words. Thank so much for your wonderful efforts. I look forward with anticipation to every monthly issue. J. Loyd Landrum, Minister of Music Emeritus, Vineville Baptist Church, Macon, Georgia - land3295@bellsouth.net
As a former Minister of Music with 27 years in full time service with Baptists and 14 years part time with United Methodists, I still continue to glean fine tidbits from MMEMail I know of no other targeted publication with as much variety as this one! I have wondered at times--if Bob really does all the reading and research to provide the fine distilled copy we receive. It is superb. Congrats on 10 years of unique contribution to the Music Ministries all across the USA, Bob.Ric McClure, Founder, Shenandoah Robe Company, Roanoke, Virginia - ricmcclr@roacoxmail.com
Through the years, I have learned some of the most discouraging information arrives on Monday, either by phone and e-mail, as folks have had to time to critique the Sunday worship experience! But once a month, I receive an e-mail that lifts my spirit, stirs passion for ministry, and invites me to improve my mind, heart, and marriage. The Monday Morning E-mail gives fresh insight and inspiration for those who are practitioners in corporate worship leadership. You know that you are hearing from someone who has been there--rather from someone who wants to tell you how to get there. As a pastor who has little musical training I find it is a must read every month.Gary Fenton, Pastor, Dawson Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama - Gary.Fenton@dawsonchurch.org
I believe worship music leaders today need those resources that they count on for inspiration and information. Monday Morning Email is that kind of a consistent communication that contains enough material to keep us thinking, connected, keep us “up” on some of what is happening in the world of church music while also inspiring us to remain faithful to the calling. - Paul Clark, Worship & Music Ministry, Tennessee Baptist Convention pclark@tnbaptist.org
One of the things I love about visionaries is that often, they don't even realize that they are starting a trend. Bob Burroughs was blogging before we even knew what blogs were. He utilized the Internet before it was the way to keep musicians around the world connected with information and inspiration. Bob is a trusted friend and I congratulate him and MMEMail for ten years of providing insight and information to us. - Susan C. Plemons, First Baptist Church, Fairborn, Ohio - plemonssusan@yahoo.com
Thanks for send the Monday Morning E-mail each month! It is a great way to start off the month and there is always something there to motivate me, challenge me, remind me of my calling, Who it is that I serve and represent, and great resources for my ministry as well as for me personally as a husband and father. Your years of wisdom and experience are refreshing and much needed, and greatly appreciated! Clay Campbell, Minister of Music/Worship, Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA), Birmingham, Alabama - CCampbell@briarwood.org
In our increasingly complex world where instant communication has become the norm, Monday Morning Email helps me stay connected: with friends and colleagues, provides thoughts and ideas, recommendations, reviews of music and other materials for ministry. It's good to know that I can turn to MMEMail to be better in tune (a good thing for a musician) with what's happening "out there." And, if there are news worthy items to be shared, no one gets the word out more efficiently than MMEMail. Thanks for an invaluable tool for my teaching and local church ministry.
Benjamin Harlan, Professor, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Minister of Music, Metairie Baptist Church - Harlan5113@aol.com
I look forward to reading each issue of Monday Morning Email! It has been a source of inspiration and challenge to me spiritually, as well as providing laughs, information, and marriage tips. Thanks to MMEMail for all the ideas and giving so many people the opportunity to read them--even the controversial ones! MMEMail is a true blessing and encourager. Christine Anderson, Handbell Clinician/Solo Handbell Artist, Frazier, California - vbronze@pacbell.net
It always catches me by surprise when MMEMail shows up in my in-box. Not only is it a surprise, but the things I learn, the information, and news is a must read. Burroughs’ personality shines through this epistle every month. Thanks Bob, and keep up the good work. I was surprised to learn you could type, or do you dictate the whole thing?Dr. Stan Pethel, Chair of Fine Arts, Berry College, Mt. Berry, Georgia - spethel@berry.edu
Monday Morning Email is a truly gift to church musicians. I don’t know of another person, other than Bob Burroughs, who has the insight, creativity and experience to conceive this kind of e-zine. - Mark Hayes, Composer, Kansas City, Missouri – Mark@MarkHayes.com
As one who has been on the Monday Morning Email list since the very beginning, let me say thanks for continuing to produce it monthly. It has always been informative, inspirational and thought-provoking. I know it is time consuming for you to continue this monthly project, but believe me, it is well-received from the multitudes of church musicians you touch every time we receive it. Chuck Bridwell, Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, Waco, Texas - cdbridwell@cabcwaco.org
Monday Morning Email is yet another helpful electronic link for anyone trying to stay connected within the current church music world. In addition to the music reviews, links to new books and articles, the fact that MMEMail also provides some spiritual and inspirational encouragements makes it even more worthwhile. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to produce this wealth of valuable and interesting material each month! Bravo! Elwyn Raymer, President & CEO, CMPA-Action Fund, Inc., Brentwood, Tennessee
Every month I look for the following email! I know good things are about to come from my dear friend and mentor, Mr. B! I have been receiving MMEMail since Bob was the State Music Director for the Florida Baptist Convention and one thing I can always count on is - excellence! MMEMail can be described as a multi-faceted diamond—no matter which way you turn it, it contains precious truths, learning, and experiences for the soul, life, family, and ministry. You might say it is "The Chicken Soup for the Email Soul!" Thanks Bob, for your continued leadership and influence you have in Church Music today. Neal Eller, Leader, Vital Ministry Team, Baptist State Convention of NC, Cary, North Carolina - NELLER@ncbaptist.org
I value the monthly MMEMail as it approaches the intended audience in a holistic fashion. I appreciate the unique compilation of information that informs, inspires, entertains and provokes thought--all the while being mindful of our past heritage, our present reality and our future possibilities as minister musicians. Thanks for continuing to offer this terrific resource. Jeff Allred, Minister of Music/Administration, Vineville Baptist Church, Macon, Georgia - jallred16@cox.net
FINAL THOUGHT
It is pretty scary to branch off into a new concept or idea, and that is where MME soon. On August 6, MME will become a weekly e-zine, full of ideas, concepts, suggestions, thoughts and much more. You have asked for this—and now it is happening. We will anxiously await your responses as you venture into the weekly MME themes, as mentioned above.
And, as of August 1, I have accepted the position of Editor for CREATOR magazine. Lots of plans are on the table at this point in time, including an instrumental column, and handbell column and magazine themes! We hope you will go to www.creatormagazine.com and register, because CREATOR will now send the reminder emails each Monday. You will not hear from MME. This is why you need to get your email address registered on the website.
And, while you are there, register for the CREATOR LEADERSHIP NETWORK and you’ll be eligible for drawings and prizes, again, as mentioned above! We will be anxious to hear from you as the months come and pass by!
The extravagant grace of Jesus Christ be with you.
Bob Burroughs