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Ministering to the Church Musician
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November 5,
2007 |
MINISTRY TOOLS Bob Burroughs, Editor ********** QUOTE And the day came...when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud...
became greater than the risk it took to blossom.
Anonymous ********* SCRIPTURE Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow,
the Lord will do amazing things among you.
Joshua 3:5 *********
PRAYER "Counselor, Redeemer, Immortal and Invisible God who reigns on High, how I bless you for this day and all that it holds for those in the Kingdom who love and serve you unhesitatingly and without question. I claim Your promise for all the brothers and sisters who are following their high calling to be one of Your workers in their Vineyard--and I claim for them amazing things--for tomorrow. How fortunate we are, as Your children, to be able to call You "Abba Father." You--who created the world and all that is within it. I bless Your Holy Name this day and ask grace and mercy on Your followers. Blessings be to You, O God of all. I also pray for those who are hurting, some without a ministry position, some because of children, some because of pain and sickness. Grant them a peace that passes all human understanding. I pray this prayer in the strong name of Jesus Christ, who still does many amazing things in our lives--even today. Amen." WHAT THINK YE ? Consecrate Yourselves...for Tomorrow
Tomorrow...next week...next month...the future is here...and it is now. Everyone is concerned about the future. These days, many are very anxious about stocks and retirement plans. Since the infamous 9/11, all of us have been affected financially in one way or the other. I heard the other day the hymn for those with 401k retirement programs. It is “We’ll Work...Till Jesus Comes."
But regardless of what is going on in our world, the future is here--now. I am more convinced than ever that if God's people are daily consecrating ourselves to the Father, tomorrow will take care of its self--as we rely on and pursue God. He promised this to us more than once in Holy Scripture.
This promise is of great inspiration and challenge for me. Many of you who know me well also know that I am one who has always wanted to be in the midst of “amazing things.” Even now...in retirement, I still want to be a part of “amazing things,” and am trying to stay abreast in every way I can.
What do the words, “amazing things,” mean to you? To me, they mean:
• If we consecrate ourselves anew each day, and be faithful to the Father in Bible Study and prayer, in private and/or with our families, He has promised that He will accomplish amazing things in us and our ministries.
• If we trust Him for “tomorrow,” He will insure that amazing things will happen in us and our ministries--far beyond our imagination.
• If we take some chances and try some God-inspired “amazing things” that might seem impossible at first thinking, perhaps, through the power of the Holy Spirit, careful planning, and the cooperation of God’s people, they might come to fruition and surprise a lot of people.
"Ministry” is a vital part of all that we do--but in the grandest sense, we are also educators as well as musician leaders. We are the ones who should be modeling for our people “professionalism” and “quality” in the highest sense of the word. It behooves us to make sure that everything that is done in the name of the music ministry is accomplished in a first-class manner, and model this time and time again for our people.
In today’s world and society, and in our various ministries:
• We can no longer “copy-and-paste” old programs into a new programs--by simply changing the names! Our people see through this very quickly.
• We can no longer lean on our past laurels--of the good and successful times we once experienced and expect people to come out of loyalty to the program. As I’m sure you are experiencing, there little loyalty to anyone or any program!
• Today’s society does things for THEIR reasons and not ours. This is a very difficult lesson to learn in ministry.
• We can no longer plan worship the same way week after month after year and expect our people to grow musically, spiritually and in community with each other. If your liturgy has not changed in the past month, you may be experiencing those dinosaur steps referred to in William Easom’s grand book, which should be on the desk of every minister of music, DANCING WITH DINOSAURS, (Abingdon Press)
• We can no longer turn over our anthem barrel and sing the same pieces we sang last year. There is too much wonderful, new and exciting literature being published today to stick with the same old music--rehearsal after rehearsal--year after year. Our people deserve better!
• We can no longer expect our people to come to anything the church offers--be it music, sermon, or education--that is not presented in a professional as well as visual manner. Television, movies, touring Broadway plays and musicals have spoiled our people into thinking that even their church should be “professional” in some ways--and they have the right to expect the best the church can offer.
The currency of this new century...is TIME. People no longer ask “How much will this cost?” They ask “How much TIME will that take?”
• We can no longer waste the time our people in today’s fast-paced society. People no longer have the luxury of free time. Everyone is busy in some respect and the church is notorious for wasting the time of their people. Your people have a Bill of Rights that include the following: • They have a right to expect rehearsals to begin on time and more importantly, end on time. • They have a right to expect worship to begin on time and end on time--unless the Holy Spirit is obviously moving among the people. • They have a right to expect committee meetings to begin on time and end on time.
If what we are doing in our programming and ministry is not of real value to the people for whom the program is targeted, and attendance is low and decreasing, then we are wasting their TIME--and the sharp ones will be slow to return a second or third time!
I would encourage you, as I encourage myself, to follow the plea of Joshua, to “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow, the Lord will do amazing things among you.” To love our God, the reason we live.
To love our God, the highest call.
Nothing satisfies our soul,
gives life meaning, makes us whole
For this purpose we were make:
To Love Our God! (John Parker, III) What think ye? LEADERSHIP Go Put Your Strengths To Work !  Marcus Buckingham is a consultant, speaker, and best -selling author. He is an expert in the areas of outstanding leadership and management practices. He has invested more than 17 years in researching the world’s best managers, leaders, and workplaces. A graduate of Cambridge University. he addresses audiences around the globe speaking on leadership and management. His address to the Willow Creek Leadership Summit was as highlight of the Summit because of his humor and straight forward choice of words. You can go to http://wall.willowcreek.com/leaders/2007_summit/session_4.asp - and see the video of his full address.
Here are a few of his thoughts. Leaders should build on their strengths and manage around their weaknesses. Here are some of his Myths about leadership: MYTH: As you grow older, your personality changes.
TRUTH: As you grow, your personality becomes more and more of what you already are! MYTH: You'll grow the most in your areas of weakness.
TRUTH: You'll grow the most in your areas of greatest strength. MYTH: Put your strengths aside and do whatever it takes to help the team.
TRUTH: Volunteers strengthen the team most of the time. Three Skills to help you be a better leader: 1. Identify your strengths.
2. Change something! Push your time and push toward your strengths.
3. Be able to talk about your strengths without bragging. ********* INSPIRATIONAL CORNER Still Going Strong At 87 !!
Sir David Willcocks
Cambridge, England I have had several delightful occasions to be in the presence of true greatness, amazing musicianship, humility and wisdom in the person of Sir David Willcocks. Yes, he has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth! To be in the presence of Sir David is a gift. To watch him work his magic with a choir--large or small--is sheer genius. I asked him if he would be so kind as to send me a few words about himself for our Inspirational Corner. He graciously consented. You will be amazed that he is doing what he is doing at age 87!  The years pass, and I am lucky enough to be able to go on making music with a wide variety of musicians, and in all corners of the world. This autumn, I will be as busy as ever.I will be conducting Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle in a church in Rome, with a group of choral enthusiasts gathered by Don Monro, who invented the idea of Concerts From ScratchScratch Messiah nearly 30 years ago. I have conducted many of these performances, which often fill the enormous Royal Albert Hall in London (where I shall be conducting Don Monro’s annual at the end of November). I greatly enjoy doing choral workshops for groups of amateurs who come together for a day or a weekend to learn works for impromptu performances. This month, I am returning to Southend on the Essex coast, and to Newquay, the Cornish town where I was born and brought up. In Cornwall, I will be the guest of Newquay Choral Society, of which I am President. The programme includes ‘Sing’, my choral arrangement of Widor’s Toccata.Then, I am off to Boston, MA, at the invitation of Michael Kleinschmidt, to conduct the Brahms’ Requiem with the choir of Trinity Church.Back in Cambridge, I will be conducting Evensong in King’s College Chapel, at the invitation of Stephen Cleobury, the Director of Music. It is lovely to keep in touch with successive generations of King’s choristers and choral scholars.In November, my wife, Rachel and I will be celebrating our Diamond Wedding anniversary. We are returning with our two daughters to the Channel Islands where we spent our honeymoon exactly 60 years ago. Later, we will celebrate with a family party at our house in Cambridge where we have lived for the last 50 years. More excitements lie in store for 2008! LI am excited about a choral cruise from San Diego down the Mexican coast, organised by Hugh Davies, my godson, and the son of my friend and fellow musician, the late Meredith Davies. I am very fortunate to be making music with so many friends from the United States, Britain and elsewhere.********* MARRIAGE SUGGESTION 4 Steps to Building A Christian Marriage How to Keep Your Christian Marriage Strong and HealthyMary FairchildStep 1 - Pray together. Set aside time each day to pray with your spouse. Step 2 - Read together. Set aside time each day or once a week to read the Bible with each other. Step 3 - Make decisions together. Commit to making important decision so each one knows what is happening and there are no surprises. Step 4 - Don't stop dating. Set aside special, regular times to continue developing your romance. Once married, couples often neglect the area of romance, especially after the kids come along. Continuing a dating life may take some strategic planning on your part as a couple, but it is vital to maintaining a secure and intimate marriage. Keeping the romance alive will also be a bold testimony to the strength of your Christian marriage. PARENTS Raising Christian Children Grandparents have an important role to fill! Especially today--in this society where values are almost nonexistent, grandparents can play a pivotal role in the lives of their children and their grandchildren. It is their good Christian example above all else that sets the standards for them to follow. The Bible is clear to state what our example should be and what we should teach by this example.
Grandparents cannot in any way take the place of the parents--nor should they ever contradict them. The role of the grandparent is to simply confirm and reinforce the Christian values hopefully being taught by the parents. It is the wisdom gained from age that will make the next generation able to lead the following generation.
As each generation grows into their own roles as grandparents, may the knowledge and wisdom be shared and passed on to your children and your grandchildren! ********* BY THE NUMBERS Four Unhealthy Styles of Communication Virginia Satir 1. The Blamer--rationalizes, shifts blame, looks for a culprit. Makes comments such as: "Who messed up?" "You never do anything right." This person lacks confidence and is afraid of being found out. 2. The Placater--tries to accommodate everyone's demands. Failing that, the placater apologizes profusely. This person says, "If I make everyone happy, maybe they will love me."
3. The Super-Reasoner--wants to apply details, specifics, even when not needed or appropriate. No heart. "Just the facts, ma'am!" This person feels out of control in the presence of emotions.
4. The Irrelevant Person--a master at diverting attention from the issue at hand. This person is uncomfortable about people getting to know him or her.
As leaders, it would be helpful to take a walk around ourselves and be on alert for these patterns. THIS IDEA WILL WORK! Twenty Five Ways to Begin a New Year
Begin NOW to think about the new year--only two months away! It is not to early. Here are 25 suggestions that will guarantee you a Happy New Year: 1. Give more than your people expect--and do it cheerfully.
2. Memorize your music. You will be a much better conductor!
3. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
4. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
5. Be computer savvy--keep up with technology. It is here to stay!
6. Believe in love at first sight.
7. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
8. Love deeply/passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live!
9. Don't judge people by their relatives.
10. Talk slow--but think quick.
11. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
12. Call your Mom--often.
13. Remember the three R's:
(1) Respect for self
(2) Respect for others
(3) Responsibility for all your actions
14. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
15. When you realize you've made a mistake, take steps to correct it.
16. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
17. Spend some quality time alone.
18. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
19. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
20. Read more books and watch less TV. Read one book a month--minimum!
21. Live a good, honorable life.
22. Trust in God--but always lock your car!
23. Spend time alone with God. What you learn will overflow into your music.
24. Stretch your personal skills.
25. Get outside your own little world and experience a fuller life. ******* PRAISE TEAM TIPS BUILDING A PRAISE TEAM
Joe Glass, Jr. 
I once had a sweet lady in the church Praise Team who sang with that little country yodel on almost every phrase--of every song. She had a very nice voice, but enjoyed adding that little 'flip' for style. She was unaware that she did it most of the time, but it drove everyone else crazy. After a while, we decided not to hurt her feelings be telling her what she was doing, so instead of asking her to stop, we all started yodeling on every song. All of a sudden, the Holy Spirit came down, revival broke out, and we became known as the yodeling church!
OK--that last part wasn't entirely true. She became aware of her ways, and changed her singing style to match the group. What's the point?
Balance and blend--that's the point! You don't want to put your singers on a mic, tell them to have at it, and leave the rest to your sound man. You want the Praise Team to have a strong balance and a great blend. And you achieve that in rehearsal. With that in mind, here are a few practice tips or reminders:
* Rehearse separately from the band. First. let the singers learn the vocals by themselves--with the band. This is primary! This not only helps your vocalists learn the music well, but it also doesn't waste your band's' time. * Take away the mics. Rehearse in a circle around the piano, or sit close together on choir risers. By all means, stay away from the dreaded semi-circle! Work the staging so each will hear each part better, and you can isolate and fix problems.
* Work on balance within and between the parts. This is an ensemble, and your stronger singers may need to back off a little for the less-gifted singers.
* Learn to sing the same vowels--together. We know there are a lot of strange vowel sounds being sung in contemporary Christian music today. That may work for a soloist, but it will destroy the blend of your group if everyone is singing a different sound. Encourage your singers to sing pure vowel sounds. * Sing precise and correct rhythms. Sometimes the same song can have different rhythms in different arrangements, and you may not even have a written vocal part. Decide how you're going to sing a phrase, and have everyone do it the same way.
* Be aware of too much vocal scooping. It is Christian 'pop' music, after all, so they're going to scoop. Just make sure you and they know when they need to go straight to the note.
* Make sure your tenors are not screaming the high notes. Some songs these days are very high for tenors, so have them lighten up a bit, or even drop down to the melody at times...or go to head tone. * Even though ladies may sing with more chest voice in contemporary music, require them sing with a clear and focused tone.
* When it comes to ad libbing, don't allow it! It's OK for folks to sing a little lick here and there, but don't allow them overdo it. I'd rather hear a great ensemble sound than a bunch of singers doing their own thing all over the place.
* After you've learned the song and worked on your balance and blend, then add the mics. Make sure your folks listen to each other while they sing. And make sure they can hear themselves and everyone else in their monitors.
* Lastly, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Just bring in a country church clinician and have a mass yodeling lesson!
Lesson #4 next month! ******** WORSHIP Priority On Worship “Our entire being is fashioned as an instrument of praise. Just as a master violin maker designs an instrument to produce maximum aesthetic results, so God tailor-made our bodies, souls and spirits--to work together in consonance to produce pleasing expressions of praise and worship. When we use body language to express praise, that which is internal becomes visible.” A Heart For Worship--Lamar Boschman--p.60 HUMOR German Piano Recital Informationauthor unknown Piano: Plinkenplankenplunkenbox Piano Stool: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxspinnensitz Pianist: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounder Piano Recital: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounderoffengeshowen-spielen Fathers at the Recital: Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounderoffengeshowen-spielensnoozengruppe Mothers at the Recital:
Plinkenplankenplunkenboxgepounderoffengeshowen-spielensnoozengruppeuppenwakeren ANTHEM REVIEW
TOTAL PRAISE, Richard Smallwood, Arr. Keith Christopher, PraiseSong (Hal Leonard Music) #08745645, SATB/Piano, $1.70, Optional Orchestration available
 Keith Christopher has done an absolutely magnificent job in arranging this well-known and loved praise chorus. He begins the chart quietly with ad lib solo, softly and gradually building to a wonderful forte entrance by the choir in measure 17 and gradually brings it back to a soft ending at the end of the first chorus! Glorious!
The next stanza is a duet with men/women breaking into four parts at measure 30. It grows until once again, we hear "You are the source of my strength!" And it is in a most powerful choral format. The highlight, for me, was the "Amen." Christopher stretches this out in extremely well-written choral voicing, using each part so well and ends the arrangement "piano." This is an anthem that should be available to most choirs, and is a good arrangement to introduce a very fine praise chorus to your congregation. It will "bring down the house," for it is an anthem of praise and celebration the God, the Father! The keyboard accompaniment is well written, perhaps following the melody like too much for me, but Keith makes it work well in this setting. Your choir will enjoy this setting ********* CD REVIEW CHRIST IS ALL TO ME, Polly Edmonds Baldridge
 I first heard of Polly Edmonds Baldridge about a year ago, when she emailed me to ask about a vocal solo arrangement I had written in the late 70s, titled, Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy, for vocal solo, keyboard and two flutes. I gave her permission to use this score, since it is now out-of-print. We had a lot of email conversations during her recording sessions. Finally last week, I received the CD. Of course, I did what you would think I would do! I went immediately to Cut #7 and heard my chart! I was so very pleased--new life was breathed into this arrangement. Then I began at the very beginning (a very good place to start--as sings Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music!) Such classics as Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee (Eric Thiman), Ride On, King Jesus (Hall Johnson), and Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild (Martin Shaw) brought back wonderful memories and Polly's interpretations were delightful. Favorites, such as Gesu Bambino, Jesus, Lover of My Soul, Steal Away, and His Eye Is On the Sparrow simply stood out as classically interpreted with spiritual depth. A couple of new charts delighted my ear. K. Lee Scott's King of Glory, King of Peace and Lord of the Dance, Arr. by Charles Deering, were extremely well done. If you love a good CD that is tastefully interpreted with classical overtones, coupled with excellent musicianship, this CD is for you!
Polly is offering MME Readers a price of $16 with NO Shipping & Handling charges. This would be an excellent album to add to your solo collection! To purchase, go to www.pollyedmonds.com - click on the site and place your order! It's that easy! Good listening!
MUSIC MINISTRY NEWS DON HUSTAD TO BE HONORED AT THE SOUTHERN ACDA DIVISION CONVENTION  Approaching his 90th year, Donald P. Hustad is the “Dean” of evangelical church music in the USA, and those who have been and remain the fortunate beneficiaries of his teaching, mentoring, writing, publishing, creativity, collegiality, and friendship will soon have an opportunity and a moment to express appreciation for his lifetime of teaching, scholarship, and service. March 8, 2008, as a part of the ACDA Southern Division Convention, in Louisville, KY, papers from a Festschrift in honor of Hustad will be read in the Saturday afternoon session of the Convention (5-6:30 pm), and--in the evening, a musical tribute will be presented in Hustad’s honor (7:30-8:30 pm). The evening concert will feature The Moody Chorale and the Oratorio Chorus of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. These events will be open and free to all Convention attendees, as well as to any and all former students, colleagues, friends and admirers of this renowned teacher and scholar. A reception for Don and Ruth Hustad will follow the evening concert. All activities for this tribute will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, downtown Louisville. Go to the website for more information: http://www.acdaonline.org/Southern
 JEAN ANNE SHAFFERMAN, Director of Church Choral Publications, Alfred Music, has resigned effective immediately her successor has been named. He is ANDY ALBRITTON (aalbritton@alfred.com). Jean Anne served 18 years in this position, and has been instrumental in building Alfred's choral catalog to be one of the finest in the industry. She is now the managing editor of church choral publications for the Lorenz Corporation, Dayton, OH. If you wish to email Jean Anne a note of congrats, her address is jashaf53@juno.com
 FRANK BOGGS--internationally-known concert performer and one who loves to sing for churches and conventions, was in a terrible automobile accident, Monday, October 29 A truck cut over on his car without signaling--on I-75/285 in Atlanta, GA, and his car was crushed on the driver's side and the car was totaled. He was rushed to the hospital. After a long surgery procedure, finishing around 3;00 AM Tuesday, the physicians reattached his left hand. Bones, nerves, tendons were missing, stretched, and severed at the wrist, so it was a long surgery. The doctors will be watching him carefully to see if any feelings or use comes back into his hand after the miracle of reattachment. If you know Frank and wish to send him a note of encouragment, they ask that it be sent to his home address: 2328 Goodwood Blvd., Smyrana, GA 30080. The family askes for no visitors or phone calls.
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ENRICH, REFRESH, INSPIRE!
Start your New Year off right by attending one of the Kempke Winter Music Conferences! Music Florida - Orlando, FL, January 7-10 Winter Music Texas, Fort Worth, TX, Tuesday, January 22 Kempke Music has an exciting program for both events. For full details, go to www.kempke.com -- then, click on "Conferences"
Or you may call 1-800-753-6753.
Just don't miss Mark Schultz at Music Florida! Also, your church or school audio/video staff can receive professional and hands-on training at the Pro Audio Expo, Monday/Tuesday, January 7-8 at Music Florida!
********* 
Pine Lake Music wants to be your one-stop source for all of your music
needs!! You can do your shopping online at www.pinelakemusic.com or by calling one of our sales people at 800-241-3667.
Remember: MME readers have a special web page just for us! There are different offers each week through December, including new product specials, extra discounts, special conference pricing, pre-release recordings, and other surprises...something special EVERY week. Be sure to visit www.pinelakemusic.com/MME . Bookmark it NOW and visit EVERY week to see what's special for MME readers. These specials will appear each week and
vanish on Friday. So visit now and visit often!!
Music Atlanta is January 15-18, 2008 and there's a special MME registration for only $245--for 4 days of choral reading sessions, premiers, concerts, workshops, and worship. Call Beth @ 800-241-3667 and tell her that you're a MME reader to get this special price.
We're giving away TEN FREE registrations for Music Atlanta and also a Grand Prize that includes conference registration, pre-conference workshops, and lodging!! Sign up NOW to be entered!! Go to the conference page while you're at www.pinelakemusic.com and sign up
for the FREE Music Atlanta offer.
Even before the Christmas music is put away, it's time for Easter. Join us for a one-day look at Easter music, November 16, 2007 at Pine Lake Music. Call Beth @ 800-241-3667 for a special MME registration price...just for MME readers!! ********* CHURCH MUSIC IN TODAY'S WORLD
North Greenville University
Tigerville, SC
March 14, 2008 
If you live within 150-200 miles of Greenville, SC, get your calendar ready to schedule a very important conference that might be of great interest to you and your music ministry!
• The date: one day only: Friday, March 14, 2008
• The place: North Greenville University, Tigerville, SC--near Greenville
• The conference: CHURCH MUSIC IN TODAY'S WORLD
• Begins at 8:30 AM and finishes at 3:15 PM--and includes lunch, a short concert by NGU ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Barry Combs, and four lectures--on a wide variety of subjects--with question/answer opportunities after each one.
More details in January, 08!
Pre-Registration for this one-day Conference is $35. Registration at the door will be $45. The registration is limited to 50 persons, so the Conference can be intimate and time can be given for lots of fellowship and much more! To register: simply end the Pre-Registration fee (checks only) to: Dr. Barry L. Combs North Greenville University PO Box 1892 Tigerville, SC 29688
For more information contact Dr. Combs: 864-977-7082 or email Dr. Combs at bcombs@ngu.edu ********* 
CHOIRFEST 2008
The Huntsville Choral Festival
April 3-6, 2008
First Baptist Church
Huntsville, Alabama
ANTON ARMSTRONG is one of today's very few great choral masters. It is a rare privilege, indeed, to be able to sit in a rehearsal and concert experience with him as conductor. Few get to do this because of his very busy schedule as the Choral Conductor for the St. Olaf Concert Choir. But--you can have this experience by coming to the April 3-6, 2008 ChoirFest, to be held at First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL. You don't have to bring your whole choir! Bring 2-5 of your best singers who would enjoy such a great choral experience and join the 300 singers who will participate in this grand festival! These kinds of great choral experiences do not come this way often--and it behooves you and your people to experience greatness--in the music, the conductor, the event and in excellence presented to God, the Master Musician. There are only 50 seats remaining. 300 is the cut-off and 250 are now reserved. You can secure full information at this web site: www.choirfest.com  BENJAMIN HARLAN, one of the very creative of current crop of composers and arrangers, has just released five new and very nice Christmas hymns for congregation singing--just in time. And it is not too late to use these for your December worship services.
Included in this new set are the following titles:
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Go, Tell It on the Mountain
Of the Father's Love Begotten
The First Noel
What Child Is This?
O Come, All Ye Faithful These are scored, as are all the others, for piano, organ, optional choir(endings) and especially written to inspire your congregation. Go to www.benjaminharlan.com to see how to order and to also see other arrangements for congregational singing. As a Merry Christmas Gift, Benjamin will give you ONE Christmas hymn--complimentary--if you will email him at Harlan5113@aol.com and ask for the hymn of your choice! What a nice gift! Merry Christmas to all!
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MME wishes to express our deep appreciation to the November sponsor, Boyce College, Louisville, KY, whose goal is to train the next generation of worship leaders and to impact the world with worship. Greg Brewton heads this school, a division of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If there is an interest, simply hit the webpage link in their ad and you'll be taken to their site and it will answer your questions. Thanks to our readers for their responses in last week's MME. It is deeply appreciated when our readers communicate with us and tell us the good, bad and the ugly! MME deeply appreciates your time and effort. All responses are read and your thoughts, suggestions and comments are important to us! Keep it up.
********* FINAL THOUGHT As the old song says, "...soon, it will be Christmas Day." That time will come quicker than any of us think. MME would like to provide a reminder to be careful in your Christmas schedule to include special times with your spouse and children --so they will not feel neglected or left out during this hectic time. A special breakfast, a quiet lunch, an ice cream treat with the kids--these special times will allow your family to stay connected and not have to reconnect the week between Christmas and the New Year! You will thank us later! The extravagant grace of Jesus Christ be with you. |
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