Remember that song from the early 70’s – “There’s got to be a morning after…”? Well, today is the morning after the conclusion of the annual conference of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. How can I possibly articulate what a wonderful impact the last five days have had on me? I definitely need more time to digest what I took in, and I will write more, but the most I’m capable of today is a brief overview:
- 2 brand new, hot off the press, hymnals.
- 3 very thought provoking plenary speakers: Alice Parker, the PCC’s own Andrew Fullerton and Stan McKay.
- 4 hymn festivals – all included lots of sight singing, often in 4 parts, with 200+ people.
- 5 great workshops covering a variety of topics including Canadian hymn writers and finding/using hymns on YouTube.
- innumerable new friends and colleagues, all enthusiastic about music for worship in its many forms!
As I write, the sending song/benediction of our closing hymn festival is running through my head. I’m sure that was the intent of the organizers – that we go out singing something joyful and energetic which would propel us back into everyday life with the inspiration such a conference provides to those who attend. The song’s tune name is GIPGIL – Go in peace, go in love!
