Glad to be back!

Whew! What a crazy summer it's been! Since Memorial Day I've been working in Indianapolis, Palestine, Lake Junaluska, Pittsburgh and San Antonio! In the midst of that work we've been continuing to rock it at Grace Avenue and I've finished the work on my first album, "Pilgrimage." It's been a blast but also pretty exhausting. This fall I am looking forward to releasing the album, starting an amazing fall season at Grace Avenue (including a visit from the amazing Mark Miller) and some continuing education in Chicago!

TCDA

I'm spending a few days in San Antonio (how I miss it so!) at the Texas Choral Directors Association! Good times were had by all!

The Fellowship's National Convocation

I'm in Pittsburgh this week for The Fellowship's National Convocation! It's amazing! Check out the twitter hash tag #umfellowship for great quotes and pictures!

On the road again!

This week I am in Indianapolis for a planning/design/scouting trip for the 2015 National Convocation of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music in Worship Arts. Currently, I am surrounded by an incredible group of talented, thoughtful artists, ministers and thinkers and we are visiting potential site, dreaming about themes and asking the major question: what question does this convocation need to answer?

The conversation continues to be rich, challenging, occasionally frustrating, and collegial God is really doing something at this gathering of artists!

Earlier this morning I had the great honor of meeting Robert Schilling, who was an "almost charter member" (he missed the founder meeting by four months) and a Past Predsident of the Fellowship. Being in his church, North UMC in Indianapolis and experiecing many of the things he's built in his 41 years of service at North UMC.

The experience was so moving that I found myself wanting to stay in my current appointment for a long time so as to have the opportunity to accomplish half of what he has done!

Stuff I Like Part 2

Smokers! Specifically this smoker. It's been with our family since 2003 and has been a loyal companion. I often refer to this piece of alchemic equipment is one of my 'happy places' in life! This weekend I am smoking two racks of baby back ribs (one in a traditional Memphis style, the other with a Parmesan Garlic rub) sweet corn and a variety of cheeses. The smoker symbolizes home and rest for me.