Ruth Striegel of First Congregational UCC Albuquerque, who serves on the Board of Directors of the UCC Musicians Association, shared this article with us about the UCCMA written by Eric Dundore, their journal editor.
"Only in the act of praise and worship can a person learn to believe in the goodness and greatness of God." - C. S. Lewis
The most basic mission for any church congregation is the joyful and meaningful worship of our Lord. Yet, making that worship service as meaningful and relevant for each congregant is one of the most challenging aspects of what we do as clergy, church musicians, and worship planners. How we worship defines our congregations and says so much about any church's vitality and forward direction.
So, where do we go to find ways to revitalize and enhance our worship? I'm glad you asked. That's why I am writing today.
The United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA) mission is for "inspiring, educating and nurturing those who minister through music and the arts."
The UCCMA is a vibrant national grassroots organization of musicians and pastors who continually seek new ways to worship, connect and uplift people through music and the arts. Since the organization came into being in 1993, it has been committed to increasing its footprint in the lives of our UCC congregations throughout the denomination.
Every two years, we host a national conference in the summer, each time in a different area of the U.S. Filled with outstanding directors, clinicians, and performers, the three-day gathering holds seminars, readings sessions, arts explorations, and worship experiences. It is a time for church musicians and pastors to learn, experiment, connect and grow. Our 2021 conference was held virtually, and our next summer conference will be held in 2023.
We Offer to Our UCCMA Members:
Worship, Music & Ministry, a professional journal issued digitally three times per year
Six digital newsletters per year
Access to the membership directory and job listings
Regional workshops and webinars
Discount on national conferences
Support from the Board of Directors
Active social media
Our most exciting current project is "Royalties for Spirituals." You can read about it on our website https://uccma.wildapricot.org/Royalties-for-Spirituals. In addition, we did a webinar a couple of weeks back with a panel of folks talking about how we can repay the black community for the unfettered use of traditional spirituals for the last hundred or so years. The webinar is still viewable on the webpage.
As the Editor of the UCCMA Journal, I can honestly say that being a member of this organization has made my worship and personal life richer and more meaningful. We strive to give our members helpful information and resources using the written word, links to artwork, musical examples, dance, videos, webinars, and webpages that can enhance our worship experience. Our Summer 2022 issue (to be posted to the website on May 1st) is entitled "Serving Smaller Congregations" and will address smaller churches' issues, especially in worship.
I cannot encourage you strongly enough to go onto our webpage and explore the possibilities. The UCCMA offers a free 90-day membership https://uccma.wildapricot.org/join-us to view all the newsletters and the journals. Also, I would ask that you spread the word to others in your congregation or other churches in the Penn Central Conference so that they can use what we offer to enrich our worship life to the greater glory of our Lord.
Many Blessings,
Eric Dundore