Winter | December 2025-February 2026
Quiet Moments (Part 2 of 4) by Pamela Vandewalker
Choristers Guild Board of Directors Leadership Transition by Pam Harris
2026 FACULTY
JULY 13-16, 2026
BRENTWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (NEAR NASHVILLE, TN)
The Choristers Guild Institute training process is designed to strengthen directors’ musical and instructional skills to equip them to effectively integrate children in worship. Graduates become part of a close and supportive nationwide network of Institute alumni
Core Classes
Choristers Guild Sacred Choral & Curriculum Editor
Choristers Guild Institute
Co-Director
Choral Methods
Pedagogy
Conducting (Beginning-Advanced Levels)
Special Topics
Recruiting and Retention
Visuals for Teaching
Alexander Technique
Solfège
Rules of Music
Karol Kimmell
Choristers Guild Institute
Co-Director
Seasons of the Church Year
Hymnody with Children
Classroom Management
Teaching Children to React to Conducting Gestures
The Changing Voice
Repertoire
Reading Sessions
Repertoire-Based Classes
Worship
Experience daily worship services with children and youth in mind, using creative ideas for child/youth-led worship, including, yet moving beyond the anthem
Emily Floyd
Katie Houts
Vincent Oakes
Heather Potter
James Wells
Choristers Guild Staff
DAWN JANTSCH
Executive Director djantsch@choristersguild.org
Editors
KATIE HOUTS
Sacred Choral and Curriculum Editor khouts@choristersguild.org
VICTOR C. JOHNSON
School Choral Editor vjohnson@choristersguild.org
KATHY LOWRIE Handbell and Instrumental Editor klowrie@choristersguild.org
Directors
CORY CURVIN
Director of Education ccurvin@choristersguild.org
PAM HARRIS
Director of Marketing pharris@choristersguild.org
KAROL KIMMELL AND EMILY FLOYD
Choristers Guild Institute Directors institute@choristersguild.org
COLLEEN OATES
Director of Customer Enhancement coates@choristersguild.org
Managers
AMY FARNELL
Permissions Manager afarnell@choristersguild.org
KATHRYN MILLS
Customer Enhancement Manager kmills@choristersguild.org
MEREDITH SMITH Communications Specialist msmith@choristersguild.org
CHRIS WELCH Manager of Supply Chain cwelch@choristersguild.org
Advertising advertising@choristersguild.org or (469) 398-3606, ext. 107
The Chorister Editor Amy Farnell
The Chorister Design Kathy Lowrie
Cover photo
Participants of the 2025 Choristers Guild Institute
Photo by Richard Szucs
CHORISTERS GUILD
12404 Park Central Dr. Ste. 100-S Dallas, TX 75251-1802
800.246.7478 or 469.398.3606 www.choristersguild.org
Winter | December 2025-February 2026
2 From the Editor by Amy Farnell, The Chorister Editor
3 From the Executive Director by Dawn Jantsch
4 Choristers Guild Board of Directors Leadership Transition by Pam Harris
6 Right, Wrong, or ... Musical? by Katie Houts, Sacred Choral and Curriculum Editor
8 Plan Now to Be Part of the 2026 Choristers Guild Institute July 13-16, 2026
10 Quiet Moments (Part 2 of 4) by Pamela Vandewalker
16 2026 Chapter Events
18 Anthem Feature: God’s Promises (Unison/two part) Becki Slagle Mayo & Aren Newell Williams by Katie Houts
19 Tips with the Team - A Series of Easily Answered Questions The One License Team
20 Flexible Instrumental Music
21 Children’s Choir Devotionals by Daniel Banke (Dec), CG Staff (Jan), Meredith Smith (Feb)
27 List of 2025 Contributors
28 Supporting Our Mission
GO ONLINE WITH CHORISTERS GUILD
Explore members-only resources, including recorded webinars and past issues of The Chorister. If you can't log in as a member, go to “Member Log-in” and follow the prompts to retrieve your user name/password. www.choristersguild.org
Watch video previews of Choristers Guild music, perfect for selecting new music or for choristers to use in practice. www.youtube.com/c/choristersguild
Connect with other members, share ideas and get info on special offers and new music. www.facebook.com/choristersguild
Find advice, inspiration and resources for choral leaders. www.instagram.com/choristersguild/
Board of Directors
ELIZABETH SHEPLEY President Northfield, MN
DR. MEG GRANUM GURTCHEFF President Elect Johns Creek, GA
DR. TODD ARANT Past President Apex, NC
BETH DRAKE, CPA (RETIRED) Secretary-Treasurer La Crescenta, CA
DR. ANTON ARMSTRONG Northfield, MN
DANA EFFLER Dallas, TX
DR. ERIC POSADA San Angelo, TX
KELLY WEBSTER Northfield, MN
DAWN JANTSCH, APR, CAE
Executive Director Dallas, TX
Past Board Presidents
DR. TODD ARANT
DR. ANTON E. ARMSTRONG
DR. MADELINE S. BRIDGES
DR. LARRY K. BALL
DR. BETTY BEDSOLE
JUDY A. BRITTS
JOHN T. BURKE
DR. RANDALL D. ENGLE
TERRY GOOLSBY
DR. C. MICHAEL HAWN
DAVID HEIN
JOHN D. HORMAN
DR. MICHAEL JOTHEN
TERI LARSON
A. LEONARD LILYERS
HELENCLAIR LOWE
STEPHANIE MCILWAIN MILLER
DR. HEATHER POTTER
REV. BETH BROWN SHUGART
DR. JOHN SUTTON
DR. JOHN WITVLIET
Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission, unless otherwise indicated. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return and safety of artwork, photographs, or materials. Acceptance of advertising or rental of mailing list does not imply endorsement.
From the Editor
BY AMY FARNELL THE CHORISTER EDITOR
Happy December, Choristers! As we glide quickly into winter, I hope this season brings you moments of rest in between all your musical events!
In this issue, on page 10, don’t miss the second installment of Quiet Moments by Pamela Vandewalker, a resource to help your ensembles explore a few moments of stillness and presence together. We’ve also changed a favorite: our old Quick Tips with Katie Deaver has been revamped as Tips from the Team with the One License Team – in this issue’s question on page 19, the team answers a question about streaming worship services online. Also, if you’ve ever encountered the “6-7” trend, Katie Houts offers some thoughtful advice for guiding leaders through it on – you guessed it – pages 6-7! And be sure to check out pages 16–17 for details on three exciting upcoming chapter events in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Houston.
Finally, I’d like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dawn Jantsch, our Executive Director, who is retiring in the coming months. Dawn and I both began our journeys with Choristers Guild around the same time, and it’s hard to imagine this place without her. From my early days as an intern helping with shipping, cataloging, and conference prep, Dawn has always been a source of encouragement and kindness. It’s been an honor to work alongside her and to be part of the Choristers Guild family!
Wishing you all peace and joy this winter season,
HAVE YOUR WORK FEATURED IN AN ISSUE OF THE CHORISTER. Have you written a great teaching activity, Orff lesson, or choral warm-up that you would like to share? Simply send your original* items to afarnell@choristersguild.org and we will consider them for use in a future issue of The Chorister. *All work must be original. Please do not send copyrighted materials.
From the Executive Director
BY DAWN JANTSCH
A chance meeting turned into a sharing of God’s love.
In October, Meredith Smith and I attended a conference with over 600 grantees of the Nurturing Children in Worship and Prayer, by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Each nonprofit had been presented with $1.25 million dollars to create programs that would center children as active participants in the worship service, while learning to love and worship God. It was a powerful gathering, sponsored through a separate grant of Strengthening Ministries with Children. We spent hours sharing stories of we use the incredible gifts we were given to further this mission.
On our first day at the conference, our travels brought us an unexpected encounter: our Uber driver casually mentioned that he was a local pastor with a church of 45 members, 10 of whom are children. “I ask our members, some of whom are grandparents, to bring their grandkids to church. When the kids go home to their parents on Sunday… they take what they learned with them,” said Pastor Gawin Anderson. “And that will help us grow!”
Right there, in the Uber, we were hearing the mission of Choristers Guild. Our brief ride turned into a tour of SOBRO Community Church in Indianapolis, and of it’s amazing food pantry packed with huge boxes of dry and fresh food, as well as freezers full of meat that were being prepared for 100 families that evening. The pantry took up the entire
basement, thanks to wonderful donations from corporate givers.
While we had no abundance of food to give, we did have our grant works with us. Gawin’s mother was thrilled to receive Mark Burrows’ Worship and Wonder for the ten kids she teaches at Sunday school. The choral pedagogy books by Heather Potter were given to Gawin’s wife, Monique, a professional singer, in the hopes of growing future choir members. With all four books focused on Bible stories and repetitive verse, they are fantastic for sending a child home singing the love of the Lord.
I shared the story with our manager at the Lilly Endowment Inc. She got a little teary and said how incredible it was that we were sharing the gifts throughout the community, and that was what the grant intended. And that… is what Choristers Guild has done for 76 years… and will continue for many, many more years, with your love and help for its mission. It was a great retirement experience for me to actually partake in the good we do. And that being said… Blessings on the work that you do. You change many a life… for the good, and for the future of the Church. Soli Deo gloria.
Blessings on the work that you do.
Choristers Guild Board of Directors Leadership Transition
BY PAM HARRIS
Choristers Guild welcomes Elizabeth “Liz” Shepley to her new role as Board President, as confirmed during the Board’s annual meeting in November.
“As a volunteer and board member Liz has already done wonderful work in supporting our educational programming and chapters,” said Executive Director Dawn Jantsch. “We are excited to have her bring her talents to serving in this new way. Liz has a great heart for church music and Choristers Guild, and will no doubt be instrumental in growing the numbers of people who get involved with what we do, then choose to become a part of this special organization.”
Liz enjoyed 16 years as a conductor, teacher, and artistic director of the Northfield Youth Choirs, and 26 years as the director of children’s and youth music at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church Choir School in St. Paul and at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield. She has
taught music education in public and private schools and has led conferences and festival choirs nationwide.
Liz also has chaired inner-city music programs in Minneapolis and St. Paul, served as President of the Twin Cities Chapter of Choristers Guild, as a board member of MN-ACDA, and as adjunct professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. She holds an MA in Music Education with a Kodály emphasis (University of St. Thomas), a BA in Music Education (Concordia College, Moorhead, MN), and certifications in both Kodály and OrffSchulwerk.
Todd Arant will serve for an additional two-year term serving on the Board as the immediate past president. Todd has served on the Board for 10 years, through the challenges of the pandemic years to the celebration of Choristers Guild’s 75th anniversary in 2024. Todd help launch the 75th Anniversary Fund, which successfully achieved an ambitious goal of raising $75,000 toward sustaining our mission of enabling leaders to nurture the musical and spiritual growth of children, youth, and adults.
Todd serves as the Director of Traditional Worship Arts at Apex United Methodist Church in Apex, North Carolina, where he oversees a vibrant worship arts ministry including vocal and instrumental choirs for adults, youth, and children. He directs the Chancel Choir (adults), Youth Choir (6th-12th grade), and Children’s Choir
Elizabeth “Liz” Shepley
Todd Arant
(2nd-5th grade) in weekly rehearsals and worship services. He also leads the advanced adult handbell choir and oversees a number of wonderful volunteer directors for adults, youth, and children.
In addition, immediate past president John Sutton, who has served on the board of directors for over 25 years, will be retiring from the board at the end of his two-year term as past president. He took over as president of the Choristers Guild in November of 2021 and is a highly active leader in the choral arts.
He is a Professor in the School of Music at Azusa Pacific University (APU), located 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, where he conducts the University Choir, the APU Choral Scholars, and serves as the Director of Choral Activities. In addition, John is the Artistic Director of the Angeles Chorale; Conductor of Choral Ministries at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California; and Musical Director and Conductor for the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s annual Christmas Holiday Sing-a-Long. His work in the L.A. scene has included conducting on stage with Barbara Streisand and Julie Andrews, and he continues to work actively in the Hollywood Studios, conducting music heard on television and movie theater campaigns for the Spider Man and Harry Potter movie series, among others.
John is a member of the Cherokee Nation. He holds degrees in music from Northwest College, San Jose State University and UCLA, and keeps a busy schedule as workshop leader, choral clinician, and adjudicator in the areas of choral music, and worship leadership. His wife, Cecilia PatinoSutton, MD, PhD is Associate Professor of Clinical Preventive Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. John faithfully served on our board for ten years, and had also served on the board for many years in the past.
“It has been a joy to work alongside John and Todd over the years,” Dawn said. “We have found a way forward through challenges, and shared in many successes. We are grateful that John will continue to share his gifts as a leader and committed volunteer.”
One more leadership shift is coming in 2026, when a new executive director will step up as Dawn steps into a new chapter: retirement.
We are grateful that John will continue to share his gifts as a leader and committed volunteer.
John Sutton
Right, Wrong, or… Musical?
BY KATIE HOUTS SACRED CHORAL AND CURRICULUM EDITOR
...it
has helped me focus more intentionally on the whole humanness of
the child rather than just their behavior.
Each week, I work with seven different choral ensembles composed of elementary and middle school singers in different spaces - classrooms, choir rooms, atriums. Like you, I have a bunch of go-to activities that I love to use at the beginning of the year to establish various skills - steady beat, watching/responding to a director, dynamics, etc. One of these activities is a number chant from 1 – 8 where we incorporate accents and quarter rests on random numbers. This activity was always a big hit…until this fall.
6-7. Any elementary/MS teachers feel me on this one? My word. There’s a current trend among our elementary/MS friends of speaking “six SEHHHH-ven!” whenever those two numbers appear in sequence. I was not prepared for it; and although I attempted to redirect the flow of the activity, the 6-7 train had already left the station and there was no redeeming the exercise.
In moments like this, where something has gone awry and I need to swiftly transition to Plan B, oftentimes I feel like I’m looking past the singers rather than observing them. One of my wonderful colleagues shared helpful insight during a recent staff meeting. Our conversation focused on the very real challenges we’re encountering this year - and specifically what to do when we feel caught in a situation where the learning has been derailed by one or two.
Rather than allow ourselves to become frustrated at the instigators of mayhem, she encouraged us to become intent observers of those children. Look at their hands, she said. How do they hold their hands? What about their feet? Where are they pointed? Observe deeper than their problematic behavior.
This isn’t a magic formula for restoring a sense of calm to a choir that’s become a chorus of 6-7. But it has helped me focus more intentionally on the whole humanness of the child rather than just their behavior. I feel more connected to the children. Especially the instigators.
Similarly, I’ve incorporated new terminology to encourage observation when asking singers to demonstrate various skills. When I offer feedback to a choir, instead of describing their singing in terms of correct/incorrect, I’ve found that using the term “musical” helps singers take ownership of their choices.
Rather than saying: “That phrase wasn’t quite right - how could we make the word Lord sound better?”
I will often say: “Hmm, I wonder if we could make the word Lord a bit more musical. How would you do it?”
The latter question requires the children to first think about what “musical” means for them - to become more observant
about how they are singing. Singing musically might mean focus, vowel shape, adding dynamics, a connection to the text, avoiding a tone-stealer consonant, and more. Instead of feeling frustration at rehearsing a phrase one more time, they feel connected to the process.
In a world that too often pits one side versus the other, we can help our singers explore all the gray area where great music is often created. Yes, even between the numbers 6 and 7
MINI-MUSICAL!
A darling mini-musical based on the parable of The Lost Sheep. Written by bestselling composer Toni Sullivan, The Lost Sheep features three unison songs and flexible casting to meet the needs of churches large and small.
The story of the Good Shepherd caring for their sheep holds a relatable message for all ages: God’s love for us has no limits. The young shepherds in this mini-musical not only gain a greater understanding of God’s love for us, but also learn about God’s call to care for each other.
This short musical is designed for children in grades 1-6. It can be performed by a cast/choir of any size, and the run time is approximately 12-15 minutes. This production could take the place of the sermon for Good Shepherd Sunday, it could be used as the primary theme for a Music and Arts summer camp week, or it could be incorporated into a closing program for Vacation Bible School.
The Lost Sheep was first performed in a youth-led worship service at the Congregational Church of Brookfield in June 2023. This production is a wonderful way to highlight your children’s choir program in a meaningful way during a congregational worship service.
The endearing message of God’s love remains at the center of this mini-musical, with equal doses of honest questions and humor that will resonate with elementary students.
The Lost Sheep
The Lost Sheep features three songs for unison voices:
“The Life of a Shepherd” “When I’m Lost and Alone” “The Hands of Jesus”
The Lost Sheep includes:
• Reproducible script and score
• Singer’s pages
• Demo and accompaniment MP3 tracks
CGC70 The Lost Sheep by Toni Sullivan $29.95
The story of the Good Shepherd caring for their sheep holds a relatable message for all ages: God’s love for us has no limits
The Lost Sheep
Toni Sullivan By
Attending the Institute is a valuable investment in your own learning, growth, and readiness for leading children and youth in worship.
Plan Now to Be Part of the 2026 Choristers Guild Institute
July 13-16, 2026
Registration is open, and we encourage you to start getting those ducks in a row to make your return to the Institute – or join us for the first time – in 2026. Attending the Institute is a valuable investment in your own learning, growth, and readiness for leading children and youth in worship.
Co-director Karol Kimmell says the Institute gives you “the tools to see, and plan for, the big picture: the arc of the year – the next five years of your choir program – how you and your singers should progress.” It also provides “excellent, relevant and practical tools for each and every rehearsal, from the first rehearsal to the last of the choir year. No time or energy or topic is squandered in the curriculum,” Karol says. “At some point soon, you will use everything presented to you. That’s unique.”
Additional Institute leaders include:
Co-director Emily Floyd
Heather Potter
Vincent Oakes
Katie Houts
Host James Wells
Katie
Texas; Barbara Starkey, Year 1, Maryland; Ben Hutchens, Year 3, Virginia
Middle row, from left: Melissa Adams, Year 2, Utah; Landry Duvall, Year 2, North Carolina; Jennifer Holloway, Year 3, Texas
Bottom row, from left: Gunner Chancey, Year 1, Maryland; Melissa Robinson, Year 1, Virginia; Jeremy Roberts, Year 3, Nebraska
Participants from around the country are pictured checking in for the 2025 Institute.
Top row, from left:
Haring, Year 1,
Tom Shelton, far right, leads a 2025 class.
Emily Floyd, far left, leads a 2025 class.
Ideas and skills you will take home from the Institute:
Creative, purposeful integration of children into worship through song, spoken word, prayer, and movement
Choosing appropriate anthems
Plan engaging and effective rehearsals
Fine-tune conducting skills
Ways to develop a beautiful choral tone
Strategies for effective recruitment and retention
Gentle, effective approach for challenging behaviors
Awareness of vocal modeling
Props and visual aids for teaching
Songs and activities for marking seasons of the church year
Working effectively with volunteers and colleagues
Teaching music literacy: note and rhythmic training
Establishing traditions and milestones in your choir program
Reinforcing organizational skills for planning
Developing and communicating a vision for your children’s music program
Connections made during the Choristers Guild Institute prove invaluable to participants You’ll make friends across the country - colleagues - who can answer your questions, share advice, suggest repertoire, understand your disappointments, and rejoice in your successes
Our youth and children’s choirs are the beneficiaries of this wonderful continuing education program Join us!
“The Choristers Guild Institute is a transformative and uplifting program for children's choir leaders Whether you are a beginning children's choir director or quite advanced, the Choristers Guild Institute provides education, spiritual nourishment, and fellowship for you ”
Choristers Guild Institute Participant
“My time at the Choristers Guild Institute has transformed the way I direct children and youth choirs. I know of no other program that explores more pedagogy, choral methods, conducting, voice, and worship in such a practical and insightful way. The faculty is top-notch in each of their areas, and they care about making each student better teachers and leaders in their ministry settings.”
Choristers Guild Institute Year Three Participant
If you have questions about the Institute, contact us at institute@choristersguild org
Conference Site
Brentwood United Methodist Church 309 Franklin Rd Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
Conference Hotel Comfort Inn & Suites 111 Penn Warren Dr Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
Quiet Moments
BY PAMELA VANDEWALKER A SERIES, PART 2 OF 4
Indeed, one of the most important disciplines in the Christian life is listening to God and spending quiet time with Him.
Listening is a critical skill for developing musicians and deep spiritual saints. Simply stated, listening is a practice of focused attention. Spiritually, God desires us to listen... to still our hearts and minds and focus on Him. Indeed, one of the most important disciplines in the Christian life is listening to God and spending quiet time with Him. Isaiah 30:15 says, “Quiet is the way to our hearts. In quietness and trust, shall be your strength.”
Scot McKnight suggests, as quoted in Adam S. McHugh’s The Listening Life, “The word ‘listen’ appears in the Bible over 1500 times and the most frequently voiced complaint in the Bible is that the people don’t listen. We do not hear from God because our lives are too loud. We must learn to wait, quietly and humbly, for God to make His mark on us. Listening to God requires slow movement and a quiet search.”
Importantly, many neurological studies demonstrate that our technology is reshaping our brains so that it not only seems more difficult to concentrate on one thing, it is harder to concentrate on one thing. Technology writer Linda Stone says that our brains seem stuck in “continuous partial attention.” If we are constantly about being active, then we are unable to listen for God’s divine whispers. To listen, we must be silent.
As children’s choir directors, we need a plan to explore deep quietness and practice silence, allowing our students to grow in spiritual discipline; that practice will overflow making better musicians! You can incorporate short times of quiet in your rehearsals – below are nine suggestions for short yet meaningful quiet times that offer a break in the course of rehearsal as well as an opportunity to grow spiritually. Some of these ideas contain video links; you can access the video via this QR code:
tinyurl.com/quietmomentsvideos
If you don’t have video capacity, you could listen to the audio from the video and show still pictures. Use this QR code to access pictures:
tinyurl.com/quietmomentspictures
Quiet Moments #10-18
*Please read our past issue to find the first 9 Quiet Moments.
Quiet Moment 10
Quietly say, “When you are away from phones and screens, it’s easier to see God. Without screens, you can stop and really see God’s creations. When you see and hear His creation, you can tune into His majesty and brilliance – the gentle breeze, the sun’s rays, the song of a bird, the rustle of leaves, and the splash of water. Psalm 89:9 says, ‘You rule the mighty sea. You calm the stormy waves.’ Now, be calm and listen to God speak through His creation.”
Play the Quiet Moment – Beach video (https://youtu.be/dNoiL8kmuIg). If displaying video is not possible, just play the beach sounds heard on the video.
After watching/listening, quietly say, “Father, we pray Psalm 62:1 to You right now. ‘I must calm down and turn to God; only He can rescue me.’ Father, relax and quiet our spirits to listen to Your voice. Amen.”
Quiet Moment 11
Lead in a discussion asking, “What things did you hear this morning? Traffic? People talking? TV? Video games? In our noisy world we need to stop and learn to be alone and quiet with Jesus. Let’s quiet ourselves and remember that God is always with us keeping us safe as we watch this video in silence.”
Play the Resting Place video (https://youtu.be/NL0rbTqckNQ). If displaying video is not possible, play the music heard on the video and show the Quiet Moment 11 waterfall pictures 1 & 2.
After listening, quietly read this prayer by William Canton:
North, South, East, and West, May Your holy name be blessed. Everywhere beneath the sun May Your holy will be done. Amen.
Father, relax and quiet our spirits to listen to Your voice.
When we are still and quiet, we can hear God.
Quiet Moment 12
Gather a mellow bell or hand chime. Cultivate a quiet heart with a call to prayer. Ring a mellow handbell three times in a slow circular motion with a three second pause between each stroke.
Then, quietly read the following prayer:
Dear Lord,
In this quiet moment, help me be still. As I listen to the sounds around me, Listening to my soul deep inside me. Listening, knowing You hear me.
In this still moment,
Help me to listen to You and be still. Amen.
Close the quiet moment with three final rings in a slow circular motion with a three second pause between each stroke.
Quiet Moment 13
Softly tell the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42: Jesus had many friends and two of them were Mary and Martha. He enjoyed going to visit both of them in their home. One day He came to visit and Martha was busy cleaning the house, sweeping and preparing a big dinner. Martha’s sister, Mary, sat down at Jesus’ feet and listened to Jesus teach. Martha was upset and said to Jesus, “It’s not fair for me to do all the work with my sister Mary sitting here. Tell her to come and help.” Jesus replied, “You’re upset about a lot of things, but Mary is spending time doing the most important thing.” Mary listened to Jesus’ Word.
Now, turn down the lights and say, “Imagine that you are sitting at Jesus’ feet. When we are still and quiet, we can hear God. Let’s calm ourselves and listen and watch this video.”
Play the Be Thou My Vision video (https://youtu.be/ Wr6l76Fb7tA). If displaying video is not possible, play the music heard on the video and show the Quiet Moment 13 images of crosses (pictures 1 & 2.)
Alternative: Distribute paper and pencil. Encourage the students to quietly draw a picture of them encountering Jesus or a picture of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet.
QUIET MOMENTS
Quiet Moment 14
Quietly say, “Sign language is a form of communication used by our deaf friends; they can use their hands and fingers to talk. Today we are going to learn the sign language to the song ‘God is So Good.’ Let’s settle and watch this video together.”
Play the God is So Good video (https://youtu.be/4lG0eTd3uP8).
Sign “God is So Good” one more time silently. Close the time with this prayer by Ralph Waldo Emerson:
[God You are so good.]
For the new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health food, for love and friends, For everything Your goodness sends, Father in heaven, we thank You. Amen.
Quiet Moment 15
Quietly say, “We’re going to silent echo clap some rhythm patterns.” (Silent echo clapping is just like echo clapping except your hands do not touch.) Now, silent echo clap 8-10 measures of rhythm patterns.
Now say, “It’s pleasing to God when we quiet our minds and bodies. In the quiet God often speaks. Remember the story of Elijah? Elijah wanted to hear from God. He stood on a mountain and waited for God. God passed by in a windstorm, an earthquake, and a fire. After all that noise, there was the sound of a whisper. Elijah knew that God was speaking in that quiet whisper. God often speaks through gentle things. Let’s be silent for 10 seconds.”
Close by praying, “Lord, we want to be still to hear from You.”
Quiet Moment 16
Quietly say, “Let’s pause right now and make space for God. We can think about how big and grand He is and be quiet before Him.” Listen to what God says in Ezekiel 34:26 (ERV): “I will cause the rains to fall at the right time and will shower them with blessings.” Let’s stop and be still as we listen to this video.”
Play the Silent Moment – Rain video (https://youtu.be/QhD9iD7WWwg). If displaying video is not possible, just play the rain sounds heard on the video.)
It’s pleasing to God when we quiet our minds and bodies. In the quiet God often speaks.
When we are still and quiet, we can hear God speak
QUIET MOMENTS
After listening, quietly read this prayer by John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed):
Oh, the Lord is good to me, And so, I thank the Lord For giving me the things, I need: The sun, the rain, and the apple seed. Oh, the Lord is good to me. Amen.
Quiet Moment 17
Quietly say, ”The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:7: ‘There is a time to tear apart, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.’ Silence is a good thing. When we are still and quiet, we can hear God speak and remember songs and scriptures from the Bible. Let’s calm ourselves and listen and watch this video.”
Play the Be Thou My Vision video (https://youtu.be/ Wr6l76Fb7tA). If displaying video is not possible, play the music heard on the video and show the Quiet Moment 17 cross picture 1.
After watching, close this time, saying this quietly prayer by Ralph Waldo Emerson:
For flowers that bloom about our feet Father, we thank [You]!
For tender grass so fresh and sweet, Father, we thank [You]!
For the song of the bird and hum of the bee, For all things fair we hear and see, Father, we thank [You]! Amen.
QUIET MOMENTS
Quiet Moment 18
Softly say, “Close your hands and make fists. Do you feel tense and tight? Sometimes when you get mad or upset you can feel stiff and clinched. Now open your fists and relax. Don’t stretch your fingers but just open your hands in a position to receive.”
Read, “I Timothy 2:8 - So then, in every place where you meet together, I want the people to pray. Those who lift up their hands and pray must be those who live good lives. They must not be people who are angry or who quarrel with others.”
Continue, “Our open hands show we are ready to hear from God and feel His peace. Let’s keep our hands open and talk to God for 20 seconds inside our minds.”
Strive to be quiet for 20 seconds listening/talking to God with hands open and hearts quiet before God.
Close quietly saying this prayer:
Jesus, I’m so thankful that, with You, I can truly relax and rest.
Help me to remember You are always with me.
Forgive me for getting upset when things don’t go the best.
Help me to trust in Thee.
Amen.
Look for the next two installments of Quiet Moments by Pamela Vandewalker in the upcoming issues of our magazine vol 78! Check out the first installment in the previous issue.
Pamela Vandewalker has served at churches in Missouri and Texas and is presently a full-time Minister of Worship Programming and Kids Music serving a congregation of over 7,000 active worshipers and 700 kids involved in Kids Music in Georgia. She is passionate about leading all generations in authentic, meaningful worship. Pamela earned Magna Cum Laude undergraduate and graduate degrees from Houston Baptist University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, respectively and is Orff Level 3 certified. She is the author of more than forty books and children’s musicals, including the Dove Award winning, “God Made Me Special”, and has served with a variety of publishing houses as a creative arts, devotional, and curriculum writer for worship, drama, and children’s music.
Those who lift up their hands and pray must be those who live good lives.
2026 Chapter Events
Atlanta Chapter Mid-Winter Workshop
Jan. 23-24, 2026
Johns Creek United Methodist Church
Atlanta, GA
Join us for two wonderful days of workshops with clinician Tom Shelton! Plus: a reading session of new music, breakout interest sessions on a variety of topics, creative worship and the opportunity to connect with fellow children and youth choir directors and teachers.
Register by Dec. 15 to receive our early bird rates. After Dec. 15, all registration fees will increase by $30. Student rates are also available.
For registration, go to: www.cgatlanta.org.
Twin Cities Children and Youth Choir Festival
Feb. 28, 2026
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
Minneapolis, MN
Clinicians
Jennifer Cadwell (Children’s Choir) and Paolo Debuque (Youth Choir)
Repertoire Lists
Combined Choirs
Tunaomba Mungu Atawale (We Pray God to Reign) - arr. John Paradowski (CGA1171)Unison
Children’s Choir
Lord, You Are Near Me - Mark Patterson (CGA1075) - Unison/two-part
My Faith’s Got Shoes - Mark Burrows (CGA1754) - Two-part God’s Hands (From Again, I Say Rejoice!)- Mark Burrows (CGC56)
Youth Choir
You Will Be Found (From Dear Evan Hansen) - arr. Mac Huff (Hal Leonard) - SATB
I Believe - Mark A. Miller (CGA1310) - SATB
Shall We Gather at the River (From Old American Songs) - Aaron Copland - Unison Be the Change (From Justice Choir Songbook)
For registration, go to: www.choristersguild.org
Tom Shelton
Jennifer Cadwell
Paolo Debuque
Houston Chapter Children and Youth Choir Festival
April 19, 2026
First Presbyterian Church of Houston Houston, TX
The Houston chapter of Choristers Guild will host its 2026 Children and Youth Choir Festival on Sunday, April 19, inviting choirs from K-6th and 6th-12th grades.
Clinicians
Katie Houts (Children’s Choir) and J.R. Smith (Youth Choir)
Schedule
2:00pm Registration
2:30pm Rehearsals begin
5:00pm Worship featuring the children’s and youth Choirs
Repertoire
Combined Repertoire
Sizohamba Naye - arr. Terry D. Taylor (CGA1250) - SATB + Unison Choir
Children’s Choir
My Faith’s Got Shoes - Mark Burrows (CGA1754) - Two-part
Take This Light - Mark Patterson (CGA1776) - Unison
Welcome Song - Toni Sullivan (CGA1700) - Unison
Youth Choir
Come, Thou Fount - Marianne Forman (CGA1743) - SAB
Elijah Rock - arr. Victor C. Johnson (CGE384) - Three-part Mixed
A New Way - Mark Burrows (CGE504) – SAB
For registration, go to: www.choristersguild.org
Katie Houts
J.R. Smith
Anthem Feature: God’s Promises
FROM THE CHORISTERS GUILD CATALOG | USES & TIPS BY KATIE HOUTS
God's Promises
*See the article on page 8 for more explanation
Becki Slagle Mayo and Aren Newell Williams | CGA1794 | Unison/two-part
DESCRIPTION AND IDEAS FOR USE
“God’s Promises” by Becki Slagle Mayo and Aren Newell Williams gives children’s choirs the opportunity to sing scripture with confidence and joy. Set for unison or two-part voices with piano, it combines memorable, easily-learned melodies with foundational biblical truths from Psalms, Lamentations, and Deuteronomy. The piece nurtures faith formation and music development, a winning combo for church choirs!
Intro to Independent Harmony
During the second semester, your singers might be ready for independent harmony. This piece offers two supported opportunities for this to happen:
1. The refrain is split between two groups, and while Part I holds out the last syllable of You keep your promises, Part II finishes the phrase: oh, my Lord. Splitting the familiar melody allows children to hone their listening skills and raises their awareness of when they should/shouldn’t sing.
2. The song’s tag includes a short echo (which uses a melody/rhythm the children already know). Pay careful attention to both groups’ cutoff here (m41 - promises) to be sure that measure is not filled with stray s consonants.
Beautiful Vowels and Lyric Clarity
The refrain presents a great chance to hone the production of beautiful vowels: Oh, my Lord! Work to create tall space, to support the phrase with an excellent singer’s breath, and to avoid tone-stealers (w, m, y, r) that hinder great choral tone. Young singers will love this challenge and rise to the occasion! Be sure to model great tone when teaching by rote (and any time you sing for the children). There is also opportunity to focus on the word stress that will help the lyrics to be crisp, clear, and natural.
Once you’ve learned a section of music, check singers’ learning/retention by making it playful:
1. Choose a phrase to sing for the children and make a mistake (collapsed vowel, not enough breath support, insert a tone stealer). Ask them to identify the word that you could have sung more *musically. Then ask them to demonstrate how they would sing it.
2. Invite someone to rehearsal who does not know the anthem. Play a game of “Can You Understand What We’re Singing?” This is a light-hearted way to make sure the choir’s diction and clarity is on point. Basic premise: the choir will sing a short phrase/sentence for the visitor, and the visitor will speak back the text they heard/ understood (do choose to go phrase-by-phrase, for the visitor’s benefit!). When I’ve played this with my choirs, it has been great fun - and sometimes a surpriseto discover which words are misunderstood!
Tips from the Team
A series of easily answered questions with the ONE LICENSE Team
Q: Hello, ONE LICENSE! One of the other staff members at our church is concerned that we need podcast/streaming permissions. We post videos of our worship services online, but I was under the impression that because all of our music comes from our purchased hymnal, and we don’t use any downloaded music from your website, we do not need licensing. Can someone please clarify?
A: Hi, Mike,
Great question!
— Mike R., Indianapolis, IN
I’m happy to clarify. If your organization is live streaming or posting videos of its worship services online, any copyrighted music that is heard in those videos requires licensing. This is true even when singing from a purchased score or hymnal.
If the copyright holder(s) of the music you use are ONE LICENSE Member Publishers, then your organization needs a Podcast / Streaming License.
Our Podcast / Streaming License options cover self-made recordings or live worship services that contain approved copyrighted titles from our Member Publishers. These services can be live streamed or stored on any internet platform, including YouTube, Facebook, StreamSpot, your organization’s website, Zoom, etc. No use of commercial masters, other people’s YouTube videos, or publisher-owned recordings is covered. Videos may remain accessible on those online platforms for as long as the license is in force.
I hope this helps shed some light on the subject. Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information on how to purchase the appropriate License for your organization’s needs. We are happy to serve you!
Have a question for the ONE LICENSE Team? Submit it at info@onelicense.net with the subject line “Tips from the Team.”
If your organization is live streaming or posting videos of its worship services online, any copyrighted music that is heard in those videos requires licensing.
Flexible Instrumental Collections
Creative Arrangements by Stan Pethel for Solo Instrument to Full Orchestra
Flexible for any number or combination of instruments with piano or orchestrated accompaniment tracks
Available Books for Each Series
Full Score
Piano
Flute(s)
Oboe
Bb Clarinet(s)
Eb Alto Saxophone(s)
Horn(s) in F
Bb Trumpet(s)
Trombone(s)/Bassoon(s)/BC Euphonium(s)
Tenor Saxophone(s)/Bass Clarinet(s)/ TC Euphonium(s)
Baritone Saxophone
Tuba
Violin(s)
Viola
Cello/Double Bass Percussion
The following sets of flexible instrumental collections are currently available, and more are being planned. Watch for the release of Global Praise, Set 1 – our next publiation in this amazing flexible series.
Hymns of Praise
arr. Stan Pethel
Tune names: DIADEMATA; BUNESSAN; GO TELL IT; BEACH SPRING; TRURO; HYMN TO JOY; AURELIA; NOEL NOUVELET/FRENCH
CAROL: HYFRYDOL
Many of the tunes are associated with multiple hymn texts
Spirituals of Faith
arr. Stan Pethel
Titles: Every Time I Feel the Spirit; Give Me Jesus (In the Morning When I Rise); He’s Got the Whole World; I’m Going to Sing (I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing); Lord, I Want to Be a Christian; Mary Had a Baby; Rise Up, Shepherd (There’s a Star in the East); Steal Away; There Is a Balm in Gilead; Were You There
Options for Use Include
• Solo instrument with piano or orchestrated accompaniment track.
(The piano serves as accompaniment for all instruments as do the accompaniment tracks)
• Multiple instruments and piano or accompaniment track
• Full orchestra
Each book (except percussion) includes a Solo Part and an Ensemble Part for each arrangement.
When all instruments are covered and everyone plays their Ensemble Part, melodies will naturally flow from one instrument to another.
When a smaller number of instruments are used, someone may be assigned to play the Solo Part throughout or for designated parts of the arrangement to ensure that the melody is covered.
Hymns of Praise 2
arr. Stan Pethel
Tune names: CANTIQUE DE NOEL; DUKE STREET; EASTER HYMN; EIN FESTE BURG; ELLACOMBE; NICAEA; PEACE LIKE A RIVER: PICARDY; St. DENIO; WONDROUS LOVE
Many of the tunes are associated with multiple hymn texts
Carols of Christmas, Set 1
arr. Stan Pethel
of
Carol Titles: Gentle Mary, Laid Her Child (Good King Wenceslas); O Come, Little Children; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; O Little Town of Bethlehem; On Christmas Night, All Christians Sing; Once in Royal David’s City; Prepare the Royal Highway (Prepare the Way, O Zion); The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy; We Three Kings; What Child Is This
Hymns Praise of
Carols
Christmas
Scripture
Children’s Choir Devotionals
BY DANIEL BANKE (DEC) | CG STAFF (JAN) | MEREDITH SMITH (FEB)
DECEMBER
DEVOTIONALS BY DANIEL BANKE
Week of December 7
The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6
Devotional
I wonder how many times somebody has asked, “Can’t we all just get along?!” People of all ages – children, youth, and adults –argue and even fight with each other about the smallest things, and the idea of peace is so hard to imagine sometimes.
But the prophet Isaiah gives us one of the most beautiful images of peace. Here we see all the animals in God’s creation getting along, and even a little child is leading them!
Jesus is the ultimate Prince of Peace, and we’re only a few weeks away from him being born anew within us. Peace will always be with us when we ask Jesus to be there with us too.
Prayer
Dear God, I can hardly wait for the Prince of Peace to come and make our world a more peaceful place to live with my family, friends, and neighbors. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1508 Dona Nobis Pacem with I’ve Got Peace Like a River | Frances T. Sinclair | Unison/two-part with piano and optional cello
Week of December 14
Scripture
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant.” Luke 1:46-48a
Devotional
Praising God through singing is one of my favorite things to do at church. I love to sing out loud and make a joyful noise! Even if I was sad before I got to choir, I usually leave choir feeling much more joyful.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is such a great role model for us as we learn how to praise God. She’s singing a song that we now call the “Magnificat” during a time when she thought she was only a lowly servant. But now, as she learns that she’ll give birth to
Jesus, she’s making a joyful noise, so that the world will know God more for years and years to come.
Just like a magnifying glass makes things bigger, our joyful praises make God’s name look HUGE to the rest of the world!
Prayer
Dear God, just like Mary, I want to magnify the Lord through my singing this Advent. Help me to sing my best, so that the world will take notice. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1498 Mary’s Song | Meg Baker | Unison/ two-part
Dona Nobis Pacem with I’ve Got Peace like
River
Week of December 21
Scripture
Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us.”
Matthew 1:23
Devotional
Christmas is almost here! We’re only a few days away, and I can hardly wait! There are so many presents under the tree with my name on it, and the smells coming out of the kitchen are some of my favorite smells of the year!
Even with all the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas, the best gift of all can be found right here in this scripture verse from Matthew. “Emmanuel” means that God is with us. God isn’t somewhere thousands of miles
away – God is right here with me in this room.
We can’t see God under the Christmas tree or in the kitchen, but God IS here. When we sing “Joy to the World” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” this Christmas Eve, our joy comes from knowing that Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for being Emmanuel. Thank you for being with us, especially during times when we’re sad. Bring joy to our hearts today and always. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1458 Emmanuel | Peter Johns | Unison/ two-part with piano or guitar
Week of December 28
Scripture
The night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12
Devotional
Have you ever noticed that there’s less daylight during the winter? So, it may seem like there’s more darkness in the world at the exact same time when we’re celebrating that Jesus brought light into the world.
The good news is that Jesus isn’t just bringing light to the world, but he also IS the Light of the World! During these days of less light from the sun, Jesus wants us to walk as children of the Light so that the world will know the brightness of God.
How can we shine Jesus’ light as we journey through the Christmas season?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the Light of the world. Help me to celebrate your light during this lifelong journey with you. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1770 The First Light of Christmas | Mark Burrows | Two-part with piano
Scripture
Week of January 4
“Let your light shine so others will see it and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Devotional
Have you ever carried a lantern or flashlight in the dark? When you turn it on, the darkness isn’t so scary anymore. You can see where you’re going, and maybe even help someone else find their way too!
When Jesus was born, His light came into the world to show us God’s love. Now, we get to carry that same light everywhere we go! We shine God’s light when we are kind, when we help a friend, or when we share love with someone who’s sad. Every time we do something loving, it’s like turning on a little light in a dark place.
What have you done this week to share Jesus’ light?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing your light into the world. Help us to carry your light and share your love with everyone we meet! Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1776 Take This Light | Mark Patterson | Unison with piano and seven optional handbells or handchimes
Scripture
Week of January 11
Every good and perfect gift is from God. They come down from God who made all lights in the sky. God does not change like shadows that move. James 1:17
Devotional
This Bible verse says EVERY gift is from God. Have you ever thought about all the big and little gifts God gives us every day? The food on our table, the air we breathe, the laughter of friends – those are all gifts from God! Even when we don’t have everything we want, God always gives us what we need.
When we pray before we eat or thank God for a beautiful day, we are showing that we notice His blessings. Gratitude turns our hearts toward God. The more thankful we are, the more we see how much God loves
us! And there’s so much around us to be thankful for. Can you think of any right now?
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for all the gifts you give us – food, family, and friends. Help us to always be thankful and to share what we have with others. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1420 All Good Gifts | arr. Nancy Raabe | Unison/two-part with piano
Week of January 18
Scripture
You are the light of the world. Like a city on a hill, everyone can see it shining.
Matthew 5:14
Devotional
Can anyone tell me what a lighthouse is? What’s its purpose? Have you ever seen one? Been inside of one?
A lighthouse’s beam shines out over the dark ocean so that ships don’t get lost, right? Jesus said that we are like that lighthouse! When we love others and do good things, we show them the way to God’s love. Everyone needs this help!
Sometimes it’s hard to “shine” when we’re shy or when others aren’t kind – but even a tiny light, like a nightlight can make a big
difference in a dark room when you’re scared at night! Your smile, your helping hands, and your kind words all shine bright for God, no matter how small it feels.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for making us your lights in the world. Help us to shine brightly so others can see your love through us. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1361 #2 Shine Your Light | Terry D. Taylor | Unison with piano
Week of January 25
Scripture
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” John 8:12
Devotional
Have you ever woken up at night when it’s really dark, and then someone turns on a light? Suddenly, you can see clearly again, all of a sudden! Jesus is like that light for the whole world. When things seem sad or confusing, his love helps us see what’s good and true, in an instant. Without him, we are lost in darkness, unable to find our way.
When we pray, sing, or show love to others, we are letting Jesus’ light fill our hearts. His light helps us see with kindness, love with joy, and praise with thankful hearts. He gives us a reason to do these things. Even on our
dark days, his light never goes out! Can you imagine a light that never goes out? That’s pretty hard to imagine right? Jesus is always there for us with his light, ready to show us the way.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, you are the light that never burns out. Fill our hearts with your love and help us to see, love, and praise you every day. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1162 Light of Light | Nancy Gifford | Unison and piano
Scripture
FEBRUARY DEVOTIONALS BY MEREDITH SMITH
Week of February 1
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God… Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” Matthew 5:8-9, 12
Devotional
Have you ever searched for happiness in all the wrong places? Sometimes we try to find it in toys, winning games, getting good grades, or being liked by others. But Jesus teaches us that true happiness doesn’t come from those things. It comes from knowing Jesus.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us the eight beatitudes. These are the attitudes as followers of Jesus that we should be, that seem upside down compared to what the world says. Instead of focusing on power, fame, or stuff, Jesus tells us that the blessed life is about being humble, merciful, and desiring to do what is right. It’s not about
having an easy life; it’s about being close to God, no matter what happens. As we follow Jesus, He helps us grow in these qualities and live a life that shows His love to others.
We can trust that God’s blessings last forever. The world may offer temporary happiness, but the joy that comes from following Jesus is better, and never fades. As we live out the Beatitudes, we not only experience God’s peace but also point others to Him.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us the beatitudes and showing us how to live. Help us to trust God despite our circumstances, and to show your love to everyone we meet.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1731 Blessed Is the One | Becki Slagle Mayo | Unison/Two-part with piano and optional percussion
Week of February 8
Scripture
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31
Devotional
Valentine’s Day is such a fun day! It is a day when we tell others how much we love them, often through cards, candy, and flowers. In the Bible, there are four different types of love that are mentioned. Jesus talked about a type of love called “philia”, which is the love you have for your friends. Friendship love means being there for each other. It means sharing, helping, and cheering each other on. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This means we should be kind to our friends. We should also be kind to everyone we meet. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Think about your friends at school, on your team, or in your neighborhood. How can you show them love this week? Maybe you can include someone who feels left out, share something special, or say something kind to brighten their day. Even a simple smile or a listening ear can make someone feel loved. Let’s make it our mission this Valentine’s week to love others as ourselves – just as Jesus asks!
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me. Help me to love my friends and neighbors the way You want me to. Show me ways I can be a good friend this week. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1220 A Love Round | Nancy Gifford | Unison round with piano
Week of February 15
Scripture
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Devotional
Have your lights gone out during a storm? Things can seem a little scary! Did you know Jesus talks about darkness? He said, “I am the light of the world.” That means we never have to be afraid of the dark – not just the kind when the lights go out, but also when we feel sad, worried, or unsure. Jesus brings light into our hearts and helps us see the right way to go.
There is more! Jesus wants us to let His light shine through us. Then others can see it too. When we are kind, tell the truth, help others, or stand up for what is right, we share Jesus’ light. Even a small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. It is like a flashlight that helps you see in a dark room.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for being my light. Help me not to be afraid and show me how to shine Your light for others to see. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA745 | God Shines Forth | Hank Beebe | Unison/two-part
Week of February 22
Scripture
“Show me you are sorry – not just on the outside, but deep inside your heart.” The Lord is kind and loving and slow to get angry.” Joel 2:12-13
Devotional
Imagine you’re setting out on a long journey, like an explorer preparing for an adventure. You might pack your backpack and think about what you’ll need for the trip. That’s what Lent is like – a special journey we take to grow closer to Jesus by preparing our hearts, minds, and actions for Easter.
For 40 days, we get our hearts ready for Easter by spending more time with God. Even Jesus went on a 40-day journey in the desert, where He prayed and listened to God, preparing His heart too.
Prayer
Please help me remember Jesus’ love every day. Show me how I can share Your love with others during Lent. Amen.
Coordinating Anthem
CGA1768 | Forty Days of Lent | Brian Childers | Unison with piano and optional two octaves handbells or handchimes
Daniel Banke is the Director of Music and Worship at Reveille UMC in Richmond, VA, where he directs the Chancel Choir, Youth Choir, and Reveille Ringers. Daniel received a Bachelor of Music Education from Samford University and a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of North Texas. He also received a Master of Arts in Christian Practice from Duke Divinity School. Before leading the music ministry at Reveille, Daniel served in a similar capacity at Caswell Springs UMC in Mississippi, and First UMC in Gainesville, Texas. He is actively involved with Choristers Guild and The Fellowship of Worship Artists.
Forty Days of Lent
List of 2025 Contributors
GIFTS RECEIVED BETWEEN JANUARY 1 AND OCTOBER 17, 2025
Thank you for your ongoing support of Choristers Guild! With your contributions, you further a mission that enables leaders to nurture the musical and spiritual growth of children, youth, and adults. Together we are creating a brighter future for the next generation of church leaders.
Principals
Dawn Jantsch in honor of Victor C. Johnson
Margaret McMillan
Benefactors
Kathy Lowrie in memory of John Ferguson in memory of Oscar Page
Colleen Oates
Elizabeth & Bob Shepley
Sponsors
Todd Arant
Beth Clark Drake
C. Michael Hawn in honor of Dawn Jantsch, Executive Director
Michael Jothen
Larry McCain
Stephanie McIlwain Miller & Kevin Miller
Patrons
Rebecca and Dean Thompson
Margaret R. Tucker in memory of Mary M. Coulson in memory of Hal Hopson
Friends
Patty Austin dedicated to Mary Goetze
Randall Bradley
Jean Braun in honor of all the support you provide directors of children’s choirs
Patricia Clark
Ken and Mary Jane Cooper
Judith Davidson
First Baptist Church of Easley
Meg Granum Gurtcheff in memory of Helen Kemp
Jennifer Harvill
Jan and Chris Hughes
Steven Jobman
Juliann Jones
Covenant Society
Since 1949, Choristers Guild has supported music ministries and choirs with educational programs, teaching resources, and music publishing of the highest quality. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donations make possible the work we do.
Karol Kimmell in support of the Choristers Guild Institute
Teri Larson dedicated to Dawn Jantsch
Andrew & Kathi Masetti in honor of the Choristers Guild Board in memory of all those who have served and are no longer with us
Jennifer Remillard
Pat Rowlett
Tom Shelton in honor of Choristers Guild’s 75th Anniversary
Daniel & Meredith Smith
Donna Snell
William Tell
Sustainers
Melissa Alexander
Kenneth Axelson
Katherine Connally in honor of Brian Bentley
Jayne Southwick Cool
Kirsten Foyles
Joy Gibbons in memory of Helen Kemp
Cathy Moklebust
Thomas Mustachio
Joanna Pertz-Anderson
Harold C. Redline
Julie Stuneck
David Yoder in memory of John and Helen Kemp
Contributors
Brittney Axton
Barbara Hamm
Darleen Herriman
Stephanie Rhoades
Phylis Wilson
While a number of members are constant donors, others have chosen to support us with their future gifts through wills or trusts. Others have chosen a method as simple as naming Choristers Guild as a beneficiary from banking and investment accounts, or life insurance policies. This method can often be as simple as contacting your bank or investment plan, or making a change online. And some, in serving as an artist in the music world, have chosen to make their royalty payments payable directly to Choristers Guild, either from their work with Choristers Guild or from other publishers.
For more information, please contact our executive director, at 1.800.246.7478.
Thank you to all our donors, and blessings to our Covenant Society members.
Covenant Society Members
Larry K. Ball
Betty Bedsole
Judy and Larry Britts
Rev. Richard F. Collman
Judith E. Dardaganian
Janet M. Davidson
Philip Dietterich
Norman and Ethel Geist
Terry and Pam Goolsby C. Michael Hawn
Dawn Jantsch
Helen Litz
Kathy Lowrie
Susanne Melton
Sue Ellen Page and Eric Johnson
Carolyn Perkins
Joanna E. Pretz-Anderson
Jim and Stephanie Rindelaub
David Leigh Shearer
Mary Louise and Don VanDyke
Priscilla B. Zimmermann
Supporting Our Mission
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT CHORISTERS GUILD’S MISSION
Facebook Fundraisers
Are you on Facebook? One of the fun ways to raise donations to Choristers Guild is through Facebook, by hosting a fundraiser for your special occasion. It may be for your birthday, anniversary, celebrating a milestone….whatever occasion that makes you who you are. Since we are a nonprofit organization, Facebook makes it easy to have your friends and family know about the charities that affect your life. Won’t you consider making a fundraiser in your name on Facebook and sharing it? You will be surprised how many contribute, and every contribution makes a difference in keeping the world in song.
Create a nonprofit fundraiser
1, On your computer, login to Facebook
2. On the left, click Fundraisers Tip: If you don’t see Fundraisers on the left, then click See more
3. On the left, click Raise money.
4. Click Nonprofit.
5. You can either:
• Scroll to find the nonprofit you want to raise money for, or
• Type into the search bar to find the nonprofit you want to raise money for
6. Select Choristers Guild.
7. On the left, enter:
• The goal amount of money you want to raise
You’ll see a screen pop up where you can invite your friends to donate to your fundraiser, share your fundraiser in your news feed, or donate to the fundraiser yourself.
Choristers Guild thanks you for helping us meet our mission!
Our mission is to Enable Leaders to Nurture the Musical and Spiritual Growth of Children, Youth, and Adults.
Do You Shop at Albertson’s, Safeway, Randalls or Tom Thumb?
* The currency you want the funds to be in
8. Click Create.
If you grocery shop at one of the Albertson’s Safeway stores, you can have your loyalty card become part of their Good Neighbor program, and have the store donate one percent of your grocery bill to Choristers Guild without any cost to you!
All you need to do is ensure your card is linked to Choristers Guild. Stop by the Courtesy Desk at your local store, and use our Good Neighbor number: 10468. Have the store donate one percent of your grocery bill to Choristers Guild without any cost to you!
FAITH FORMATION
“Our youngest are naturals at wonder. And they need the powerful, meaningful ritual of worship every bit as much as our older children do. It’s our mission to discover what works best for this age group and embrace it fully. Some things that might not look like worship from the outside –action songs, floor time, and lots of play – are precisely what our younger friends need at this stage.”
CGC74 Worship and Wonder, Vol. 2: Story, Song, and Ritual for Preschoolers by Mark Burrows
Nurture the faith of young children with this all-inone worship resource of twelve curated experiences that provide a dependable routine of song, movement, prayer, story and other ritual elements. This resource provides a year’s worth of monthly worship experiences alongside a helpful introduction for leaders and sixteen songs with piano accompaniment and chords for guitar or ukulele.
Through gentle and sacred ritual, Worship and Wonder helps young children understand how dear they are and helps them see that they are part of a loving faith community.
CHOIR CURRICULUM
“Quoting Alfred Lord Tennyson: ‘I am a part of all that I have met.’ I most certainly am a part of all the wonderful teachers I have witnessed, read, and sought to emulate. Their wisdom has woven into my pedagogical vocabulary, teaching strategies, and educational priorities. I am indebted to each for being a part of the teacher I am today. I’ve incorporated ideas from so many people and for many years, that it is impossible to credit each individually. My hope is that you will take this pedagogical collage and make it your own.”
CGBK89 A Year of Beautiful Singing, Vol. 2: Addressing the Basics by Heather Potter
This curriculum for ages 7-12 was created with ministry leaders in mind. This resource includes:
•24 sequenced lesson plans
•Complete teaching sequences for eight unison/twopart choral anthems, including rehearsal objectives, warmups and vocal technique exercises •Visual aids and an appendix of articles to enrich the skills of the director
Addressing the Basics is the second volume in the A Year of Beautiful Singing series. The second year’s thematic content focuses on the basics of musicmaking in a choral setting, including pitch matching, recognition/demonstration of musical terms, and responding to basic rhythmic notation.
MARK BURROWS
HEATHER POTTER
Flexible Voicing Handbell Collection
4-5 ringers or 2-3 octave ensembles and piano
Reproducible
CGB1402 Print Edition
CGB1402e Digital Download Edition
Gifts of Grace
Arranged by
Karen L. Buckwalter
Creatively arranged by
Karen L. Buckwalter
Gifts of Grace is a unique reproducible collection of three hymn tunes: Lasst Uns Erfreuen, Land of Rest and the Spanish hymn tune, Somos Del Señor.
Each arrangement has 3 separate lines of music which may be combined in a variety of ways depending on the number of ringers available. Part 2 is always the essential part and requires 4-5 ringers. If you have 6-9 ringers you will be able to add Parts 1 or 3. (Part 1 is also playable on a bell tree.) If you have 10-11 ringers you will be able to ring each tune as a 2-3 octave arrangement.
We all need flexibility in our handbell ministries and these well-crafted compositions will be a great addition to your library!
