Hymnwriters Conference set for Jan. 27-29

To foster LCMS members in their love of faithful hymnody and in an effort to cultivate and develop aspiring writers, the LCMS Worship Department, under the auspices of the Office of National Mission, will host a Hymnwriters Conference Jan. 27-29 in Columbia, Ill.

First-time hymnwriters will have a venue to showcase their work, receive feedback and collaborate with seasoned, published authors. Staff members from Concordia Publishing House, publisher of Lutheran Service Book, will be on hand to offer advice and support as well.

“This conference will educate, encourage and enlighten LCMS hymnwriters as they develop poetically sound and evangelically rich hymns for use in our churches,” says the Rev. William Weedon, director of worship and LCMS International Center chaplain. “Our time together will be framed according to the church’s orders for daily prayer with ample time for reflection, visiting and singing.”

Prospective attendees are asked to submit three of their original hymn texts by Oct. 15. After reviewing those hymn texts, a panel will select 30 participants to attend the conference. Each attendee’s conference expenses will be covered in full by the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation.

Those interested in submitting original work are encouraged to go to lcms.org/hymnwriters to learn about deadlines, hymn content and more.

“It is our prayer that this conference will be a blessing to all who attend,” says Weedon, “and will be another step in the never-ending joy of expanding the church’s wondrous treasury of song.”

Posted Aug. 23, 2012 / Updated Sept. 6, 2012