Oh, Kimberly ... you bring up some fond memories for me, too. Of the UUMN being my welcome into the UU universe - and of the credentialing program, which we both started and both (sadly) didn't finish. Sending lots of love.
One of the things that I miss the most with the CLF is the ability to perform in a choir or with a band. Making music and adding that aspect to worship has been really important to me when I can find physical church locations.
All across the board, music is powerful. We take those vibrations into our bodies, adjust to be in tune with others, are buoyed, lifted together. Musicians are often, as are theater people, exposed to a variety of music, people, experiences not confined to one tradition or culture. They also tend to have a passion for music, welcoming those with a shared interest, appreciation. I recently saw again the "Amazing Grace" documentary of Aretha Franklin singing gospel music in the setting of a Baptist church and was deeply stirred. I'm so glad that you have had these experiences with the UU music community.
I haven't been to an AUUMM conference in over 20 years. I would LOVE to go. As a transitional minister, it's almost always at the worst time for me. Alas. I haven't given up hope, though. One year I'll be able to go again.
Oh, Kimberly ... you bring up some fond memories for me, too. Of the UUMN being my welcome into the UU universe - and of the credentialing program, which we both started and both (sadly) didn't finish. Sending lots of love.
We didn’t finish that… but look what happened. Rev. 😉
One of the things that I miss the most with the CLF is the ability to perform in a choir or with a band. Making music and adding that aspect to worship has been really important to me when I can find physical church locations.
All across the board, music is powerful. We take those vibrations into our bodies, adjust to be in tune with others, are buoyed, lifted together. Musicians are often, as are theater people, exposed to a variety of music, people, experiences not confined to one tradition or culture. They also tend to have a passion for music, welcoming those with a shared interest, appreciation. I recently saw again the "Amazing Grace" documentary of Aretha Franklin singing gospel music in the setting of a Baptist church and was deeply stirred. I'm so glad that you have had these experiences with the UU music community.
I haven't been to an AUUMM conference in over 20 years. I would LOVE to go. As a transitional minister, it's almost always at the worst time for me. Alas. I haven't given up hope, though. One year I'll be able to go again.