September 21 - 24, 2008
  Rev. Dr. Herb Brokering
   Rev. Robert Rimbo
    Dr. Carl Schalk

The Topic: Worshipping Because it Matters:
                  The Design of Effective Congregational Song

Corporate worship through Word, Sacrament, and song is called “the source and summit of the Christian life.”  This retreat examines sacred song.  Led interactively by three major thinkers about worshipÑpastor and liturgical scholar Robert Rimbo, composer and musicologist Carl Schalk, and poet and hymn writer Herbert Brokering -- sessions will move from the setting, mission, ritual and community incorporated into worship, to the specifics of effective congregational song.  Schalk and Brokering will illustrate with poetry, melody, rhythm, and harmony what makes existing compositions work.  They will also demonstrate with an entirely new text and tune of their own collaboration how this happens.  Rimbo will explore how liturgical sequences, texts, and chants unite a people in seasonal stances toward their Creator and Redeemer.  Aspiring hymn writers or liturgists are encouraged to bring samples of their work for comment.  The retreat is aimed at those attentive to congregational song: parish musicians, pastors, supportive laity, teachers and students.  Though led by Lutherans, the content will be for all liturgical churches.

Who: Those who care about making Congregational Worship meaninful

When: Sunday, September 21 - Wednesday September 24, 2008

Where: Camp Arcadia

What: A symposium of Composers, Writers, and Pastors who study worship and the things that make it meaningful.

Why: To Celebrate and Uplift Congregational Worship

How Much: $250 per person

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The Speakers

Dr. Brokering is a pastor, poet, teacher, author, and Wheat Ridge Ministries staff member.  Author of more than 45 books he has written hundreds of hymn and anthem texts, and designed and led more than 120 pilgrimages into many countries.

Robert Rimbo is Pastor of The Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) of the Holy Trinity in the City of New York, parish home to the longest running Bach Cantata series in the country. Previously he served as Bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA.  He is the author of “Why Worship Matters.”  He is part of the Renewing Worship project of the ELCA which published the current ELCA hymnal in 2006. He writes a regular column, “Worship Whys”, for The Lutheran magazine.