Musical Offerings-August 2010

 by Joe Mish, Co-Director of Music

A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.  ~  William Shedd 

I just returned from the Unitarian Universalists Musicians Network Conference in Madison, WI. This is the third time I have been to this annual event which moves about the country like our General Assembly does.  It took me too long to go on this adventure the first time.  It is a bit of a risk- UU musicians don't often get out to other churches, we are pretty busy most Sundays, this is especially true when we are not full-time and need a "day job."  The chance to sing, play, listen, interact, learn and share with our colleagues during the course of the week is a wondrous experience. Whether we are sight-reading music, singing in the conference choir, or just singing a hymn together- it is incredible You have never heard a hymn sung right until you have heard how 200 church musicians can bring it to life.  Two instances of this leap into my mind this year.  Most inspirational was how we sang the children out of the worship service on Sunday in Madison- There is More Love Somewhere, which is #95 in the gray hymnal, just four lines with fill-in-the blank verses.  We sang it with gusto of Mahlerian gospel choir.  The kids really rushed out of the Sanctuary- I think we might have scared them.  It was so magnificent, I had tears in my eyes (probably one of a dozen or more times during the week).  I will never look at that hymn the same way.  The most creative was from our Service of Remembrance on Saturday (it was our "All-Soul's" service).  We simultaneously sang at least eight and probably more hymns in a musical meditation that was only a few minutes, but could have held my interest for many, many more minutes. 

 Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. ~  T .S. Eliot  

This year's conference came at a time when I genuinely needed refueling.  Most UU musicians are very welcoming.  They understand what music ministry is.  They all consider it to be a vital part of our congregations' lives and identities.  During the conference, there are many "yes" moments when you completely understand what is being said.  It is good to be among those who are willing to give each other a lift.  It is an honor to rub elbows with the names of those who write the music we sing.  They inspire us, and we in turn have a chance to stimulate and encourage each other.  In the coming years, I hope to go more often.  Our annual conference is proof positive that the music of our faith is a living tradition.  Our congregations deserve no less.  There is so much more to share, time and word count limit my capacity in this month's column, but I have already begun sketching topics for the months to come.  Stay tuned!

 I give thanks to the waves upholding me

Hail the great winds urging me on 

Greet the infinite sea before me 

Sing the sky my sailor's song 

I was born upon the fathoms 

Never harbor or port have I known 

The wide universe is the ocean I travel 

And the earth is my blue boat home  ~  Peter Mayer