Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church.
Institute of Liturgical Studies
An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.
Creation, Not Commodity: The Church’s Liturgy in a Consumer CultureApril 9-11, 2024, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.
Consumer or market culture’s role in our lives is so ubiquitous that we frequently fail to recognize its presence and influence over us. Even committed church folk will talk about “church shopping” when they move to a new location.
Visit valpo.edu/ils for more information and registration.
Registration is now open; early registration discount ends Feb. 29.
Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival
Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.
Introducing two FREE compositions from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ: Holy Manna, for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment, and Be Thankful, for SATB chorus, descant, keyboard accompaniment, optional: assembly, handbells. Free sheet music download: https://www.lsmacademy.org/resources
Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.
Ponder Anew: a continuing education conference for church musicians, pastors and worship leaders
July 22-25 at Valparaiso University
With an emphasis on practical skill-building, you will be able to attend workshops and in-depth learning sessions on a variety of topics. Early registration closes March 19. Additional information about the conference, including pricing, scholarships, and accommodations, is available on the ALCM website.
Hearts, Hands, Vo
ices: Local Workshops for Church Musicians
The schedule for 2024 workshops is continually being updated. These are one-day events for musicians to learn new skills, share best practices, build relationships and support systems, and introduce others to the ALCM community. Questions? Contact Contact ALCM.
Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources
Augsburg Fortress is an imprint of 1517 Media, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Three-Day Feast: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter
Recent decades have witnessed the revival of the ancient liturgies of the Three Days—Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. In this book Gail Ramshaw gives a little history and a lot of suggestions about how these services can enrich the worship life of your entire assembly.
Paschal Candles
The exclusive SCULPTWAX hand decorated artistry and its unmatched time-tested appliqué process, originally created and developed by Cathedral Candle Company, is still without equal. SCULPTWAX candles are prominently recognized first and foremost in the church candle industry.
Augsburg Organ Library: Easter, Series 2
Augsburg Organ Library Series 2: Easter, contains 36 pieces for worship or recitals based on Easter hymn tunes. The Augsburg Organ Library is a highly acclaimed multi-volume series that reflects the twentieth century renewal of the organ and its music.
Call to Allyship
How can churches do the work of becoming allies for the leaders they call? In belonging to a predominantly white denomination, ELCA members are called to listen and learn from its leaders of color to recognize the assumptions, biases, and harmful actions that result when congregations don’t do the work to become allies. Authors offer wisdom, storytelling, and concrete suggestions for churches preparing to call a leader of color. Call to Allyship is a must-read for call committees, church councils, social justice teams, and anyone prepared to do the work of understanding, welcoming, and celebrating these leaders.
Save the Date for Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinics
Join clinicians David Cherwien and Mark Sedio for Augsburg Fortress’ free summer music clinics this summer in any of our five locations! Registration information is still forthcoming, but now is the time to save the date:
July 16-17 in St. Paul, Minn
July 19-20 in Columbia, S.C.
August 1-2 in Philadelphia, Pa.
August 5-6 in Columbus, Ohio
August 9-10 in Chicago, Ill.
Music that Makes Community
Music that Makes Community (MMC) practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.
Music that Makes Community announced a leadership transition in November. After 8 years of serving as MMC’s Executive Director, Paul Vasile discerned it was time for a new adventure. We are grateful for his service and all the ways he grew this community of practice and shared resources so generously. To succeed him, the Board of Trustees hired Conie Borchardt, a long time MMC practitioner and facilitator.
To support you in planning your Lenten experiences this year, MMC is offering three virtual gatherings. On Monday, March 4, (4p ET) there will be Drop-In spaces with MMC leaders to explore and envision meaningful experiences for the Lent arc from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The latter will specifically focus on Holy Week and Easter. As always, our facebook group is an ever present place to start and continue conversations about creative liturgical music practices. Please visit our website calendar for more details!
May the Song support and nourish you during this little green time between Advent and Lent. Please be in touch at hello@musicthatmakescommunity.org and keep singing.
Luther Seminary: Faith + Lead
Who plans worship in your congregation? Perhaps roles are shifting, and a common framework would be helpful. Or you’re trying a new worship service but want to keep the essential elements centered. Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead has a new on-demand course A Lay Leader’s Guide to Planning Worship Experiences ideal for equipping individuals or groups to faithfully design worship that grows along with your community’s needs. Integrating multiple learning styles, this course will help you connect your understanding and hopes for worship.