I was the organizer of this weekend workshop (with some help on the welcome and home hospitality front from members of our congregation) and having never undertaken something like this before – it was definitely a learning curve for me! In invited not only all of the musicians and members of the southern Ontario UU churches but also many local churches, temples and synagogues and specifically the music and choir directors, many of whom I met personally when I delivered the flyer, as well as groups like the McMaster Gospel Choir and McMaster Choir, WomEnchant Choir and others. In all both laity and clergy of 8 UU congregations came, including music staff and youth for a total of 65 registrants. My goals as laid out in the In-Depth Sabbatical Plan were five fold: • Celebrate our music ministry in Hamilton by rewarding our music staff with a workshop • Use music ministry as outreach to the city to minister to others and to raise our profile • Support other UU congregations in their music ministry to grow and benefit their churches • Invite young adults (via the university choirs) into our midst to potentially interest them • Grow the spirit of all who attend and enjoy the fruits of this wonderful weekend! An additional benefit for me was that I got back in touch with the profound importance of music to my spiritual life, indeed it was the channel by which I first found my way into the Unitarian church. And even more so, in collaborating with Brian on the choice of songs, and in learning and singing them for worship on Sunday morning, I felt as if I found my own voice in some ways for the first time. It may be hard to imagine for someone who speaks publicly every week and it is difficult to explain, but simple songs like the Contemplation Chant (with music overlaid and set to holy words from several different religious traditions in several different languages) to Brian’s pieces “Together We Are” and “Come in Peace” to the incomparable beauty of the gospel anthem “Yes” - every moment that weekend seemed like a reminder of who I am and why I am called to do what I do. I have never sung so well nor felt so close to the Spirit of Life. I was also gratified to hear that the choir gathered at that workshop has continued to sing together and even “went on the road” to each others’ congregations, increasing music ministry in each place it traveled. I also believe that the workshop raised the profile of music ministry in the area in general, and that support for music ministry has increased. I don’t claim a causal connection at all, but did organize the workshop with a particular hope of supporting music ministry at Toronto First, where they are about to hire a Director of Congregational Music after many years of declining music programming. Deep Learnings Playing music and singing are an essential, not an optional part of the spiritual life that feeds my ministry and my soul. Music is where I pray and praise, give thanks and grieve, deeply feel, live and sustain my faith. My life flows on in endless song, above earth's lamentation. I hear the clear, though far off hymn that hails a new creation. No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging. Since love is lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing? Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing. It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing? UU Values The sources which most connect to what I learned and experienced that weekend are the first (see above) and fourth source: • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves; But again, it is our covenant as an association of congregations that was most at the forefront for me in planning this workshop “As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.” Next Page