Fred Bock Institute of Music Newsletter April 2007
Newsletter - April 2007
Somebody Had to Do It!
At the end of March, the Brehm Center and Fred Bock Institute of Music initiated a pilot program - in Hawaii, of all places! The program is a non-credit credential in worship ministry leadership. The credential is designed to meet the needs of worship ministry leaders who wish to advance in their worship study and skills. Ed Willmington and Ron Reinstra, a Fuller PhD student and teacher at Calvin College, were the instructors of the first module, focusing on the theology and history of worship. Hawaiian Islands Ministries (HIM) provided the opportunity and invitation to hold the first module of training in conjunction with their annual conference at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Over 4,000 people attended the larger HIM conference. Ten students (see picture) gathered for the intensive credential sessions, in addition to the four sessions held as a part of HIM. The entire credential involves the cohort group meeting four times over the course of eighteen months, plus reading and conversing in a private blog between meetings. The initial group is a wonderful mix of backgrounds and skills. They are all highly motivated to enhance their knowledge and abilities through this special opportunity. Please pray for each of them.
You Are Invited!
For those of you who are in the Southern California area, or would like to come, we'd like to invite you to the installation of Dr. Todd Johnson as the William K. and Delores S. Brehm Chair of Worship, Theology, and the Arts. The event will take place on May 22, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the Pasadena Presbyterian Church, just across the street from the Fuller campus. The service will include scripture and prayers chosen and written by Todd. The congregation, the Fuller Vocal Ensemble, brass sextet, piano and organ will participate in a wide variety of music. A song written by Bill Brehm will be included, as well a new piece written by Ed Willmington for the installation occasion. Todd's background of pastoral and academic experience make him uniquely qualified for this central role in the training of students in the area of worship and theology. All of us in the Brehm Center family have found Todd to be extremely insightful and an encouraging friend. Please pray for Todd as he continues to lend his wisdom to this role at Fuller. And don't forget, you're invited to attend his installation event!
Begbie Speaks to Worship Leadership Students
The Brehm Center had the great opportunity to host theologian, author, and musician Jeremy Begbie for a time of consultation. Jeremy teaches at Ridley Hall, Cambridge University, and St. Andrews University in the UK. His book, Theology, Music and Time, is a classic book on the intersection of theology and music. As a part of Jeremy's visit, he spoke to the monthly worship leadership luncheon. Jeremy told about his story of faith, described what he is finding in his past and current research, and engaged in a lively question/answer time with the students.
Blog Check
Have you checked out the latest opinions about music and worship at our blog lately? We'd love to hear your views on the latest entry, "Easter Anyone?" If you agree or disagree, write a comment about your view so that others can benefit from your responses!