December 2012 MMU Newsletter

Page 1

Issue 39 - December 2012

Welcome

Contents

Dear Friends, Once again, we are all in the midst of Christmas activities. Again this year, the team here at MMU are involved in several carolling events, including London Bridge and Waterloo stations, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and Oxford Street. As a matter of interest, the ISB were once again at Westminster for the annual Parliamentary Carol Service. This season is always an excellent opportunity here in the UK to show The Salvation Army and communicate something of what we are. Let’s look our best, (it is important how we look) sound our best, (consider the balance of the group) and present music to match the ability of the ensemble. Remember, we are giving a public performance to our biggest audience. It is a time of cheer – so a welcoming word, smile and a thank you will go a long way with our public. Above all, it is an excellent opportunity to share the real message and meaning of Christmas through our music and witness. Following Christmas, MMU’s first main event will be the Territorial Youth Band and Choir courses in February. The success of these two courses has been well documented and reflects the talented youth musicians we have in our Territory. These will again take place in Bournemouth, culminating with a concert at the Lighthouse Theatre, Poole (details in the newsletter). In early February, Andrew Blyth and I have the exciting prospect of a visit to Brazil (the first such visit from the UK Territory, I

Derick Kane ). believe). We are indebted to the Condon Trust for their financial support for this visit. We would simply ask for your prayerful support for the work we will do and the encouragement we will offer, and I know, receive. I look forward to reporting on this unique and special visit in the next newsletter. Various members of MMU have been involved throughout the year in various rehearsal visits, corps weekend visits and music training events. We are here to help, support and resource you, so please let us know if we can help you in anyway in your music ministry. Christmas time can be a hectic month of activity and we wish you well in providing the music and message where you are. People are still captivated by The Salvation Army band and warm to the nostalgic Christmas carols. However, maybe it’s a good time for us all to consider the lyrics as expressed by Joy Webb – And here, for a moment, again today, In the midst of all you must do, Let the surprise catch your heart once more, Making the old story new.

Publishing news The upcoming publications here at MMU plus latest news from SP&S.

Interviews Dr Kenneth Downie talks to Derick about his Christmas memories and Christmas music. Craig Buchan talks about his role as Bandmaster at Leeds Central Corps.

Training Article discussing the health benefits of singing.

Other Creative Worship Specialist Ira Thomas announces her new project. Information on Regent Hall’s lunchtime concerts.

INNOVATE RESOURCE DEVELOP ENCOURAGE

Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas! Derick Kane

Music Ministries Unit Newsletter DECEMBER 2012


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