Last week I attended the annual conference of the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries (AUUMM). For three days at the First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor, 150 UU musicians worshipped together, sang together, and shared ideas and expertise and inspiration. I attended because music is so important in my life and in my ministry, and because I believe that music moves the spirit as much as any other part of what we do in our worship service. Most of the attendees at this conference were music directors, choir directors, and pianists at their UU congregations—not “ministers” by title. And they clearly see their work as a ministry: providing moving music that ministers to the needs of the congregation; and creating meaningful communal space in small musical groups such as choirs. UU music professionals have not always received the recognition and appreciation that they deserve. I was honored to be among some amazingly talented and sensitive people at this conference, ones who rightly have a place among the most important leaders of Unitarian Universalism today: Dr. Glenn Thomas Rideout; Francisco Ruiz; Jen Heyman; Amanda Thomas. Two moments at the retreat were especially memorable. One occurred as part of morning worship on Friday, a service dedicated to the memories of AUUMM members who have passed away. The choir sang a piece that included a litany of their names. Every name of every AUUMM member who has died was sung, feelingly, by a soloist as part of this remarkable piece of music. After each name, the choir and the congregation sang the words “you are not forgotten.” It was incredibly moving and I sat there thinking – this is the perfect tribute to a musician who has passed away: to have their name incorporated into a beautiful piece of music, sung aloud by a gathering of their beloved fellow musicians. The second amazing moment from the retreat was the Song Circle workshop. The workshop began with the leader (Francisco Ruiz) having the participants breathe together, then hum together, then sing in cacophony, and then sing in tune with the people around us. The workshop culminated when he divided the singers into groups, taught each group a part, and improvised a song on the spot. Because of the care and intentionality of building trust and community as we made music together, the result was an ecstatic connection of creating something beautiful out of thin air. PRAYER: God of singing and of breathing; God of harmony and collaboration: bless the musicians who give their time, energy and talent to Unitarian Universalist gatherings every week. May music bless the whole world with no exceptions. May everyone know the music within them and hear the music of those around them. Blessed be. Rev. Drew Frantz |
Karen Turnbull
7/30/2022 04:20:50 pm
Such a wonderful experience! Thank you for always bringing music into our worship services. Comments are closed.
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Rev. Andrew FrantzUUFCM Minister Summer Hours
Rev. Drew takes six weeks of time off during the summer months, and is also away for a full week at General Assembly. Although regular office hours are suspended for the summer, you may still contact Drew with any urgent Fellowship business if needed, or with significant pastoral care needs. Texting 440-935-0129 is the best way to reach Rev. Drew. [email protected] Phone/text: 440-935-0129 Pastoral Care Concerns
For support with life’s challenges, please contact Drew during his office hours or make an appointment with him. For specific needs such as rides to medical appointments or meals for people recovering from illness or surgery, please contact the Caring Team (formerly Arms Around) via Jen Prout at 989-400-3130 or [email protected]. Every effort will be made to lessen the burden on the individual or family who is dealing with a difficult circumstance. Archives
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