Event to explore justice-centered worship and music
Regular registration open till Jan. 15
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians' East Region will host “Come Sunday: Worship and Music That Moves Us,” a two-day conference, on Feb. 21-22 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The event will offer worship leaders practical tools for creating liturgy that honors tradition while avoiding cultural appropriation.
Registration is now open for the event, and regular registration rates are open until Jan. 15.
Presbyterian Association of Musicians members are eligible to register at a discounted rate.
“Our hope is that anyone who crafts and leads worship will be called to attend this event,” said Kelly Abraham, executive director of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. “This includes worship leaders, choir members, worship committee members, and members who value worship and liturgy.”
The conference will feature an immersive choral workshop led by Arreon Harley-Emerson, CEO and artistic director of Elevate Vocal Arts, culminating in a performance that brings together conference attendees and the Elevation choir. The event will also honor Black History Month with a focus on culture, artistry and justice-centered worship.
Harley-Emerson will bring extensive experience in culturally responsive practice to the conference. He previously served as director of music and operations at the Choir School of Delaware and currently chairs the American Choral Directors Association’s Diversity Initiatives Committee. He is also founder of Equity Sings, a consultancy that helps arts and culture organizations address issues of access, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and restorative practice.
According to the conference description, attendees will learn how to lead worship that honors tradition and avoids harmful appropriation, gain practical tools for liturgy writing and music leadership, develop community-building skills, and connect with others committed to justice, reconciliation and faithful worship.
With the help of leaders David Gambrell and Danté Stewart the event will include engaging rehearsals and thought-provoking discussions on topics relevant to creating inclusive worship experiences.
“We’re promoting it to our entire membership and targeting members and prospects from Pennsylvania to Virginia to Maine,” Abraham said. The East Region includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, National Capital Presbytery, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia (except Shenandoah Presbytery).
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians, a national organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), provides resources, conferences and publications for people involved in worship, music and the arts. While primarily serving Presbyterian congregations, the association welcomes members from multiple denominations, including Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Unitarian and Mennonite traditions.
The “Come Sunday” conference is one of several regional events the association offers throughout the year to complement its annual Worship & Music Conference, which draws nearly 1,400 participants to Montreat Conference Center each June for two identical weeks of intergenerational programming.
For more information or to register for “Come Sunday: Worship and Music That Moves Us,” visit presbymusic.org/regions/east-region.
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