Brehm Center

Thoughts from Ed...

Greetings again from the Fred Bock Institute of Music! In this issue we have a note from Lois Bock, who is the widow of Fred Bock – along with a nice picture of Fred and Lois. Lois has been such a wonderful supporter of the Institute and so helpful in these days of starting up. Her note reflects her heart for the vision of the Institute, and the continued extension of Fred’s legacy. She will continue to have a key role as we move forward. Also, you see an announcement about a wonderful day of inspiration and learning in February sponsored by our Institute. What a great group of people who have agreed to gather to assist us. Mark the date and join us at Fuller!

School has started on the Fuller campus! Life is active and fast-paced! WHEW! I’m enjoying teaching a couple of classes this fall. Music and worship bring out all kinds of opportunities for study and discussion. The classes I’m teaching now are the first of their kind at Fuller, and I hope you’ll join in prayer for these students who will impact the worship life of many churches in times ahead.

There are many exciting opportunities coming up for the Fred Bock Institute. All of the Brehm Center Family appreciates your prayers and support for this important ministry.

Blessings to you all,

Ed

Note From Lois Bock

The Bock Family is honored that Fuller Theological Seminary chose to name its new Institute of Music in memory of our beloved Fred. Everything in Fred’s life revolved around notes, keys, rhythms, harmony, and dynamics. But his passion was church music, and Sunday mornings were his favorite time of the week. With humility and purpose, Fred embraced the weekly privilege of leading people in worship of our God.

His death in 1998 was sudden and unexpected. But out of my personal despair came the realization that Fred’s ministry would "live" in generations of church musicians.

It’s been said: "A song will outlive all sermons in the memory." I believe this to be true, which means that we at the Fred Bock Institute of Music have our work cut out for us. Musicians, Worship Leaders, and composers must be trained to produce music that is not only excellent, but that also draws men, women, children into an atmosphere of exaltation and praise of our Savior and Lord.

The development and execution of this ambitious vision is in the capable hands of our wonderful Director, Dr. Ed Willmington. He is a gifted leader and teacher—a man of God. The Bock Family supports his work, his dreams, and his heart.

In the years to come, thousands of people will experience God’s presence because of Fuller’s students, musicians, and programs. Our prayer is that those who enroll in our classes and seminars will learn the meaning of worship and will gain the necessary skills to share this with congregations throughout the world.

And we will say, "To God be the glory!"

Lois Bock

Save This Date! Forming Hearts, Creating Art: Developing Worship Leadership, February 17, 2007

The Calvin Institute for Worship gathered a group of key denominational music and worship leaders. They wrestled with the issues of the content needed to adequately prepare leaders for local church worship ministry, both now and in the future. The consensus was a need for six areas of preparation: spiritual formation, pastoral care, liturgical study, a theological foundation, cultural awareness, and lastly, a musical proficiency. Our Forming Hearts, Creating Art: Developing Worship Leadership day will attempt to address some of those areas. Dr. Bruce Leafblad will address issues of the heart of the church music leader, Dr. Paul Salamunovich will lead us through some great modeling of vocal techniques in the choral setting, and Dr. Ray and Anne Ortlund will be our devotional guides, as well as help us understand the pastor/musician relationship issues. These are highly gifted and world-class people who are so qualified to help through the maze of ministry and art. You’ll hear more from us on this day, but save the date!

Another Date to Mark...Thallander, That Is!

The day after Forming Hearts, Creating Art is another event you won’t want to miss! February 18th at 7:30 p.m. at what is called the L.A. Cathedral. The Cathedral and the Mark Thallander Foundation will co-host this marvelous event. This will be a concert of voices and instruments not to be missed! The Cathedral is about the only place that has space for the hundred of singers – both adult and children who will join hearts and sounds in a concert entitled, Rejoice! The Lord Is King!

Meet One of Our Students

Jennifer Howard graduated with a BA in Vocal performance and Theatre from Penn State. She is now in her 3rd year and plans to graduate with her MDiv in Worship, Theology and the Arts in June 2008.

She performed professionally with In Clara Voce and The Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia. Her most memorable performances include: Messiah (Philadelphia Orchestra) and Midsummer Night's Dream (The Pennsylvania Ballet).

At Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Bucks County PA, Jenn designed and directed the liturgical dance and dramatic arts programs for all ages. A few of her favorites include: children's musicals, youth dance group, teen handbell choirs, adult vocal choir. Her primary instrument is her voice, but she is also proficient on the flute and handbells, and dabbles with piano and percussion. Jenn secretly dreams of one day being a character voice for a Disney animated movie!

Few people know that in the years between undergrad and Fuller, Jenn made her living as a geek – a computer consultant, trainer, installer, and programmer. Her favorite job was as a computer help desk analyst (yes, she knows that she's crazy)!

Jenn is seeking ordination as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA). While pursuing a PhD in Worship in the New Testament and/or Early Church, Jenn will be writing books, speaking, and teaching on Transformation in the local church, with a special emphasis on Worship.

A Personal Loss

On September 20, John W. Peterson went to be with his Lord – and heaven gained another great Christian musician. John had been one of the great gospel songwriters and publishing innovators of the 20th century. During his lifetime John wrote more than 1,000 songs including "It Took a Miracle," Jesus Is Coming Again," "Surely Goodness and Mercy," and "Heaven Came Down." He also wrote and composed 35 cantatas and musicals, including "Night of Miracles," No Greater Love" and "Carol of Christmas." Approximately 10 million copies of his cantatas and musicals have been published and sold. Peterson was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1986.

To me, John was not only a musician, but also a churchman, Godly role model and friend. I was privileged to both speak and conduct the choir and orchestra at the memorial service on October 6th. God blessed my life with John W. Peterson.

Ed