On September 17, 2020, Giving Day kicked off a fall of record generosity to support increasing opportunities from CMI donors to assist congregations who must navigate this unusual season of ministry. At the end of the day on 9/17, donors had given a record number of gifts, and in greater amounts, including funds toward a […]
The Influence of Vatican II on the Music of One Church
By Jeanne Dold St. Cecilia is a small, Catholic, urban parish of about 300 families, reminiscent of a small country church. The building itself is over 100 years old. It lies on the border between St. Paul and Minneapolis in Minnesota. Since “St. Cecilia” is the Patron Saint of music and musicians, we feel a […]
Congregational Members Respond to Online Worship
In preparation for the 2020 annual Summer Workshop, CMI solicited information from congregation members about their experiences with online worship. Their responses informed programming for the summer and fall at CMI, to focus on the worshipper rather than those behind the camera. Here are some of the findings. Music is important to viewers, especially familiar […]
Welcome, New Board Members!
A special message from Board President, Annell Williams: I am very excited about the mission of CMI and happy to announce the addition of our two newest Board members! Dr. Tim Sharp (left), most recently the Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association, joined the Board in September. Tim is also Vice-President of the […]
Goodness, Revisited
by Dr. Charlotte Kroeker In one of the first churches I served as musician were two sisters described by the pastor as “without guile.” They were retired from professional positions and applied their skills to whatever needed doing at the church. Tasks were done with grace and dignity. They were very quiet. One might not […]