St. Stephen Presbyterian Church
2700 McPherson Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76109

Registration will be in the parish hall, which is the old chapel.  

Friday, June 14:

6-7 pm: Registration and Browse CMI Libraries (Parish Hall/105)

7 pm: Hymn Festival with David Cherwien (Sanctuary)

Saturday, June 15:

7:30-8:30 am: Browse and snacks (Room 105/Parish Hall)

8:30-8:50: Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

9-10: Plenary

"A Dialogue on Texts and Interpretation" by David Cherwien, Musician, and Paul Westermeyer, Theologian (Sanctuary transept)

10-10:15: Break

10:15-11:15: Breakout

A) "Twenty-First Century Organ Music for the Liturgical Year," Roseann Penner Kaufman (Choir loft)
B) “How to Think Stylistically,” Cherwien (Room 115/Eastminster Room)
C) Choral Reading Session I, Emery (Room 226/Choir room)

11:30-12:30 pm: Breakout

A) "Handbells: Technical Foundations for Musical Results," Sueda Luttrell (Room 210/Children's Choir Room)
B) “Using the CMI Libraries: Creative Organ Settings,” Benjamin Kolodziej (Choir loft)
C) “How Music Forms Faith from Childhood to Adulthood," Sam Eatherton (Room 226/Choir room)

12:30-1.30: Lunch (Parish Hall)

1:30-2:30: Plenary

"The Church's Song in Your Place: A Roundtable Discussion with the Lilly Scholars" moderated by Paul Westermeyer (Sanctuary transept)

2:30-2:45: Refreshments

2:45-3:45: Breakouts

A) Choral Reading Session II, Emery (Room 226/Choir room)
B) "Engaging the Wisdom of Children in Worship," Kaufman (Room 142/Chapel)
C) "Communicating and Conducting from the Console," Cherwien (Choir loft)

3:45-4:15: Evening Prayer (Sanctuary)

Logistical note: There are no elevators in either building. However, the sessions in the choir loft will be available for viewing on screens in the nave. 

Breakout Session Presenters:

Sam Eatherton

Sam Eatherton is the minister of music at Zion Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas, where he directs the choirs and instrumentalists of the church and school and assists in leading the liturgy and hymns for weekly chapel and Sunday services. With a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia University—Nebraska, and a master’s degree in church music from Concordia University—Chicago, he is currently pursuing a doctorate in church music at Baylor University, studying organ with Isabelle Demers. Eatherton enjoys composing for both choir and organ and has had several works published by Concordia Publishing House. His research interests include 19th century Lutheran church music in America and the participation of children in the worship life of the congregation.

James C. Emery

James C. Emery recently celebrated twelve years on the staff of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas where he serves as Director of Music. One highlight of his leadership at the church includes the installation of the Casavant pipe organ that graces the beautiful sacred space of Shipp Chapel.

A devoted collaborative performer, Jimmy has served twelve seasons on the artistic staff of the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas and performs regularly with The Texas Voices and Resounding Harmony. He recently performed at the 2016 Texas Choral Directors Association Convention as the accompanist for the featured Festival Chorus. Jimmy is also regularly sought after as an accompanist and coach for numerous public school instrumental and choral programs throughout the Dallas/Fort-Worth metroplex.

​Jimmy, a summa cum laude graduate of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, earned a Master of Music degree in Music Education with a Concentration in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy, and Music Education.

Roseann Penner Kaufman

Roseann Penner Kaufman serves as Minister of Music and Worship for Rainbow Mennonite Church in Kansas City, Kansas, and served as the organ instructor at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas from 2002-2013. She is an active member of the American Guild of Organists, serving as Dean of the Greater Kansas City Chapter and most recently as Program Chair for the 2018 National Convention. She completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Kansas and holds degrees from the University of Iowa and Bethel College. Her teachers include James Higdon, Michael Bauer, Delbert Disselhorst, Delores Bruch, and Shirley King. Her interest in the “mechanics” of organ building led to a job with a local organ builder, and she has served as an organ consultant for various churches and schools. Roseann lives in Prairie Village with her husband Mitch and has two adult children.

Sueda Luttrell

Sueda Luttrell is a native of Lufkin, Texas, and received the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Organ Performance from Baylor University. Having served as organist of Lutheran, Baptist and Episcopal churches in Texas and Georgia, she currently holds the position of Organist/Music Associate at Gambrell Street Baptist Church in Fort Worth.

A clinician for Handbell Musicians of America, Greater Dallas Handbell Association, Church Music Institute, and Chorister’s Guild, Sueda is also a published author on handbell related topics. Her solo compositions are available through sonologymusic.com, Lifeway Press, Red River Music, and From the Top. She has served as Georgia State Chair for Handbell Musicians of America (formerly AGEHR) Area 4, Secretary of Handbell Musicians of America Area 9, Secretary of Greater Dallas Handbell Association, and as the handbell resource person on the advisory board of Church Music Institute. Sueda’s work in Handbell Musicians of America also includes presenting the featured solo ringing concert at the 50th anniversary of that organization in Norfolk, Virginia, and serving on the committee for the 2010 Handbell and Handchime Notation guide. In addition, her ringing experience has encompassed small ensemble to full choir work through memberships in Golden Bells of Atlanta, Atlanta Bronze Ensemble, Concert Bells of Fort Worth, East Texas Handbell Ensemble, and Cast of Bronze.