Sound Connections - Unity Worldwide Ministries

Sound Connections
Unity’s New Thought Music Resource
Issue #95
October/November 2013
Produced by Music Ministry Team and the Sacred Music Resources Department
Richard Mekdeci, Editor
Sue Riley, Team Chair
Blair Tabor, David Ezell, Melinda Wood-Allen, Todd Lowry, Sheryl Meyers, Megon
McDonough, Jacquie Lenati
This Issue’s Highlights—page 2
Lots of holiday music resources, Ninth Annual Posi Award Nominees announced and more
2013 Sound Connections Music Conference at Sheraton Kansas City─page 3
Best Sound Connections yet! Sue Riley recaps, Attendees’ testimonials
Feature Article—page 6
Resources for your Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years services
Unity’s Online Choral andEnsemble Library submission criteria—page 10
Great new songs are being added all the time. Submit your own choral originals.
CD Review—page 11
More Than a Season—a new classic CD of New Thought seasonal songs
emPower Announces This Year’s Posi Award Nominees and Video Winner—page 13
The best of the best from hundreds of submissions will go on to the 9th Annual Posi Awards.
New Releases, Resources & Events—page 14
Christmas Dreams by Michael Allen Harrison, Piano Love by Janice Scroggins and In The
Spirit by Sharon and Shelly, Ninth Annual Posi Music Festival, New Thought Music Festival
and more
Employment Opportunities─page 17
Unity of Birmingham, Ala., seeking experienced Music Director
This Issue’s Free Sheet Music Offering─page 18
“Let Us Live in Unity” – a new congregational song by Sharon Rae and Shelly Davis
New Thought’s First Music Director Listing: Online Only
Reverends and music directors (MDs), check your listing and help us make this a complete
listing for all of New Thought. Update/add your name to this valuable resource.
Master Index of All Songs Offered Through UWM: Online Only
Over 300 songs listed alphabetically, with songwriters and the book or resource they
appear in to make it easy for you to find and buy the right music for your ministry.
Click here to download.
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
1
This Month’s Highlights
Greetings, Sound Connections Family!
There is always a sense of post-conference blues after an event like Sound
Connections. The entire Music Team works so hard and long to create
something awesome and beautiful and before we know it, poof, it’s over.
Of course the over-the-top comments we’ve received from attendees
(Page 4), and the excitement that is still reverberating throughout our
music departments helps our slow re-entry back to earth.
Yes, our first Sound Connections “off-grounds” worked out great and proved that, like a
church, Sound Connections is a community without walls that supports and appreciates
each other wherever we meet up.
Congratulations to Barbara Wilkinson for winning the drawing for a free registration to
the next Sound Connections. SC-10 will be held in February of 2015 in sunny Orlando,
Florida, as part of the Posi Music Festival’s New Thought Music Week! We’re trying this
arrangement because it was very popular when we combined the events for SC 3 and 4 and
many attendees tell us they have to choose each year which event to attend. Besides that,
it will be the 10th Annual for both events so a reunion is definitely in order.
Lots of great info in this issue. I’ve collected suggestions from our Music Team for music to
get you through our busiest season. You’ll find suggestions for Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year from our Online Choral and Ensemble Library and from the personal libraries of
our team members. There’s also a link to a document that gives you New Thought lyrics to
eleven Christmas carols as well as some wonderful new lyrics by Tricia Alexander to the
tune of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” (Page 6)
Music Team Chair Sue Riley gives a beautiful and touching re-cap of this year’s music
conference (Page 3), and a review of a very exciting new CD from emPower Music & Arts of
all new classic seasonal songs written and performed exclusively for this project by Posi
Music’s top writers and artists. (Page 11)
emPower announces the nominees for this year’s Posi Awards with a new category, Spoken
Word, and the winner of the third annual Posi Music Video winner. (Page 13)
Thanks to Sharon Rae and Shelly Davis, music directors at the Unity church in Littleton,
Colo., for contributing this month’s free sheet music offering, “Let Us Live in Unity.” It is a
wonderful opening or closing song for any service with positive upbeat words and melody
that make it easy to learn and remember. (Page 18)
No Mailbox questions this issue. I hope that means we’ve been doing our job of keeping you
up-to-date and well-informed in your music ministry.
Next issue will be December/January so, happy planning this year’s holiday music at your
churches and centers. Never hesitate to email me with your questions or comments and
always remember: You are vital to the growth of your ministry and this movement!
Richard Mekdeci
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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Sacred Music Resources Coordinator
Unity Worldwide Ministries
PS: Many of you already know that I have moved to Virginia Beach, Va., with my beloved
wife Rev Paula Coppel, who is the new senior minister at Unity Renaissance in Chesapeake.
We’ve been here almost two months now and are loving this vibrant area and amazing
hospitality.
Sound Connections Music Conference Re-Cap
By Sue Riley, Music Team Chair
“We were never a building, we were never a stone, when we’re together,
we’re always a home.” No truer words could have been spoken or sung.
This is the chorus of a wonderful song by Janell Sitton-Coats singing about
the loss of her church home, Unity of Joplin, Mo., in a devastating tornado
and the subsequent bonding of the spiritual community that overcame the
loss of a building.
This year, Sound Connections also proved that our strength lies in our community, not
where the event is hosted. The most common remark about this year’s conference was
“It’s the best one, ever!”
Michael Gott was a new and vibrant presenter. His heart-opening workshops left us in awe
of the beautiful gifts we each have to offer. Our new mantra was “Oh, my Gott!” Daniel
Nahmod’s Water retreat opened our eyes to the possibility that we could sometimes let go
of the steering wheel and relax into the day. Jennifer Ferren put together the Grace Note
presentation and it was so beautiful to witness how Daniel’s music has impacted so many
lives. Dr Judy Blackwelder shared her vast experience of composition and choirs and firsttime presenter Mark Stanton Welch’s morning chanting sessions were packed! We danced,
chanted and connected—all at 7:30 a.m. Who knew that could be possible?
As with any event that is hosted in a new place, some things were different. But as a
community we adapted and went on. The Silent Spirit Sharing concerts offered beautiful
songs by the attendees. Our presenters’ concert was awesome with Mark Welch, Michael
Gott and David Roth (dubbed “The Testoster-tones” by David). Everyone chipped in to help
move the stage one night, and Steve McBride created wonderful, professional sound for us.
And we absolutely could not do the event without Debbie Ball, Kim Shawd and Meredith
Tabor in our Music Store. Meredith comes from California with her husband Reverend Blair
Tabor because she loves what we do, and although Kim and Debbie work for Unity
Worldwide Ministries, they go above and beyond the call of duty. All three “super women”
believe in our music and our mission and are tireless cheerleaders for us out in the field.
We are blessed and grateful!
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
3
The 9th Annual emPower Posi Music Festival will be Jan 17-20, 2014, with the 3rd Annual
"Totally Cool Song School" pre-event on Jan 16-17, 2014.
In 2015, Sound Connections will be connected to the emPower Posi Fest. We did it this
way the first two years, and it was hugely popular. It will be the 10-year anniversary for
both events, and we plan to make a huge, Posi splash!
That means we will start with the emPower “Totally Cool Song School,” followed by the
Posi Festival, followed by Sound Connections. It will be an awesome, total immersion into
Positive Music. It also means you won’t have to choose between which event you can
attend.
The events in 2015 will be hosted in Florida, and we are moving the dates to February 2627 for the Song School, Feb 27–March 1 for the Posi Fest, and March 2–5 for Sound
Connections. Mark your calendars now for an event you won’t want to miss!
WHAT SOME OF THIS YEAR’S ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY
I thank everyone who made this experience possible. I’ve never experienced anything like
it. By day two I had begun to really understand what I had been missing and I felt an
internal shift that I intend to use to add to our music ministry. I learned not to take myself
so seriously and to serve. Thank you all. Lyn Atterbury
I want to let you know how awesome my experience was at SC this year. It rates as one of
my top ten lifetime experiences. Last year was my first time. I can so relate to Jannell's
song with the line, “We were never a building, we were never a stone....” The energy and
spirit bathed my soul in love and light! I feel a big shift in our message. I am a beginning
songwriter. Spirit has already gifted me with two songs. I am open to receive and will have
lots to share next year! Thank you sooo much for all your efforts getting it together. Love
and Blessings, Doreen Lowery
I came here as a fan, not a musician. Because I don’t work as a musician, I thought I would
need to stay in the background. The spirit of this conference wouldn’t let me. I also came
here because being in an audience of musicians during a music performance is like nothing
I’ve ever experienced—first time was at the 2013 Posis! “Listening” to music here is living
the music. It feels like a prayer 1000xs over. Thank you for providing this opportunity.
Angel Smith
This was my 8th Sound Connections. I came with open mind and heart and I received
overflowing blessings. I’d like to see David Roth receive a Grace Note award for his energy
and faithfulness in gifting our conference. Sally Applegate
This was my first time. The energy, the people, the knowledge and fun were so very
exceptional. I was moved to tears, laughter and inspiration many times throughout the five
days. The only thing I would have liked was an hour for chanting in the moment. Debbie
Long
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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This conference was so beneficial to me! I love you all and feel connected to Unity like
never before. Thank You, Barbara Wilkinson
Thank you! What a privilege and blessing it was to attend Sound Connections 2013! I
appreciate all the work you and the rest of the Music Ministry Team did to make it
outstanding for all of us. Jackie Ambrow
Thank you! A truly wonderful week! Who needs Unity Village! Let’s go to Florida! The
conference was awesome! Thank you for your unending enthusiasm and hard work. "Let the
church say Amen!" Natalie Coffin
Thanks so much (Music Team) for all you did—and continue to do—to make this conference
possible. It was wonderful to connect with other New Thought musicians and to share
music, thoughts and ideas. I really appreciated all the key notes and the sharing of all the
presenters as well. Wonderful! Thank you! Cindy Novello
Fantastic event, beautiful people, powerful portal of growth and transformation!
Christopher Hewat
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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This Month’s Feature Article
Here are some ideas for finding the perfect Thanksgiving and holiday songs for your
special services from your Music Team.
Richard’s Suggestions:
I always first recommend the music resource Bible, Sue Riley’s Posi(tive) Music Resources
for New Thought Churches, Fifth Edition. It does not contain printed music but is a
resource guide to finding the music you need. Over 600 New Thought songs are categorized
into over 50 topics and occasions including an entire section of “Seasonal Resources” for
Christmas, Lent, Ash Wednesday and Easter.
Each listing has a sample of the lyrics from the song, and how you can find and purchase
the song. Most songs are listed in pairs too, usually an upbeat and a slower song, to make it
easier for you to plan your entire service. Some categories include Congregational,
Gathering and Prelude/Meditation/Closing, Humor, Loss and Transition, Meet and Greet,
Prosperity and Tithing─everything from “Animal Blessings” to “Yoga and Meditation.”
Under “Gratitude” I found four pages of song suggestions and pairings.
For Christmas there is a complete Christmas Musical, Christmas Solo, and Christmas Choral
section.
Kudos to Sue for creating this much-needed resource. It is a huge undertaking and an
amazing bargain at only $25. Go to www.empowerma.com and click the Store, then Books,
to order.
When asked to perform at a Burning Bowl service I enjoy doing my song, “Goodbye Old
Friend.” Although it is used a lot for memorial services, it was written as a song of release
for any habits or old thought patterns you wish to “burn.” It has a lovely Celtic feel and
the sheet music and audio file is available in the emPower Music & Arts store.
Of course the perfect song for ringing in the New Year (in my humble opinion) is “Here's to
Life (The Toast)” from my Shortcut to Paradise CD. A sentimental song in waltz time, it
encourages us to accept life as it is, to start from where we are and move forward. Its
concluding lyrics are: "Here's to peace, in our world far and near. And to our health, I'm
just glad we're all here. To the tears that were cried, and the love that survived, And to
all, A Happy New Year!" The Online Choral and Ensemble Library (OCEL) offers this song in
SATB and SAB arrangements, and it can also be sung as a solo. The Piano/Vocal score is in
the emPower store as well.
Last year there was a stimulating discussion about “Unitizing” the lyrics to traditional
Christmas carols which resulted in a document on the UWM website with 11 Christmas
Carols with words that align with our New Thought theology. Cut and paste this link to
download the PDF.
www.unityworldwideministries.org/eleven-christmas-carols-suggested-alternate-words
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
6
And finally, take a look at the end of this article for a bonus song that came out of our
“What’s a New Thought Song?” workshop at this year’s Sound Connections. Thanks to Tricia
Alexander for this beautifully updated version of the classic, “God Rest Ye Merry
Gentlemen.”
From DAVID EZELL who administers Heartwind Music and Unity’s Online Choral and
Ensemble Library
Music for your holiday services is available from Unity Worldwide Ministries' Online Choral
and Ensemble Library. It's a time of year when it's good to find songs for the season that
express our particular point of view about our relationship with God, about Jesus and the
Christ spirit he expressed, and about new beginnings.
For Thanksgiving, many churches like selections that speak to God within, rather than
giving thanks to an external God.
“I Am Anointed” by Rev. Blair Tabor is a rousing gospel selection, which is in the OCEL
arranged for SAB or SATB with soloist. The lyrics for the chorus are: "I am anointed by the
Holy Spirit, I am anointed by the power of God. I am anointed with the joy of living. I am
anointed and give thanks for it all!" A solo version of “I Am Anointed” is included in Unity
Worldwide Ministries’ (UWM's) songbook Can I Get an Amen? (#2275)
“May You Know God” is a more contemplative song for SAATB by Revs. Don and Patricia
Lansky, Sue K. Riley, Karen Taylor-Good and Laurence Elder. It includes the lyrics: "Open
your heart with praise and thanksgiving. May you see God. May you feel God. May you know
God." A solo version of “May You Know God” is available from empowerma.com.
For Christmas, various churches may want to emphasize different aspects of the spirit of
the season.
“A Tiny Little Shepherd Boy,” written by Roger Tomhave and arranged by Carole
Tomhave, is a solo with SATB backup voices. It refers directly to the Biblical story, and
tells of the impact one person's expression of Spirit can have.
Other Christmas selections refer to Jesus and/or Christ without referencing the Biblical
Christmas story. An example of this type of song is “Illumination” by David Ezell. It is an
easy-to-learn candle lighting song for SATB that talks of Jesus, as well as teachers from
other spiritual traditions. These songs are part of the OCEL.
For New Year's, songs appropriate for Burning Bowl, Letters to God and White Stone
Ceremony will be useful for many churches. The OCEL includes several of these selections.
“Amazing Things,” by Megon McDonough and Jana Stanfield, is suggested for Letters to
God. It tells us: "You don't have to work it out. Just stay in the here and now. Let your
mind rest for a little while. Sometimes deepest answers come When you're out there
having fun, So close your eyes, and take a breath and smile." It is available at the OCEL for
SATB with soloist, and as a solo in UWM's songbook Special Services and Chants I (#2262).
“Letting Go of Holding On,” by Mario Friedel and Richard Mekdeci, is a gospel duet with
SAB or SATB choir that will work well for Burning Bowl. It is also available as a solo in
UMW's songbook Spirit Is Joy (#2255). (Accompaniment CD #2256)
For White Stone Ceremony, we recommend “May You Know God.” (See Thanksgiving info
above.)
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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As we put New Thought into our selection of holiday music, we can help ourselves, our
fellow musicians and our congregants internalize a clearer understanding of spiritual
principles. This understanding will guide all of us in knowing and expressing our inner
spiritual beauty.
UWM's Online Choral and Ensemble Library is administered and hosted by Heart Wind
Music, LLC, David Ezell, President. While you are perusing seasonal selections available
from the OCEL, you can also see Heart Wind's many other appropriate selections. You will
find it all at http://www.heartwindmusic.com/litosoforsea.html.
Here are some suggestions from Todd Lowry, MD at Unity of Albuquerque, N. Mex.:
Thanksgiving Songs
For Thanksgiving songs, one can't beat David Roth's "May the Light of Love."
However, there are two Thanksgiving songs that aren't listed in Sue Riley's Posi(tive) Music
Resources (because they aren't New Thought songs) that I think are great Thanksgiving
songs.
One is "Grateful" by New York City composer John Bucchino. This is a truly wonderful song,
with both beautiful lyrics and beautiful music (not easy to play or sing, though). It can be
found in the songbook Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino (Hal Leonard) or you can
download it on www.johnbucchino.com for a hefty $7.95.
The other song is "Thankful" by pop hit monsters David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager and
Richard Page, which has been recorded by Josh Groban. The lyrics are good and the music
is anthemic. Choral versions are available. You can get the sheet music at
www.musicnotes.com for $5.25.
And from Rev Blair Tabor, Unity in San Diego, Calif., and Music Team member:
For Thanksgiving
Karen Drucker’s “Thank You for This Day” and “I Am So Blessed” that our music team
loves.
There is a beautiful arrangement of “For the Beauty of the Earth” with new music by Lynn
DeShazo arranged by BJ Davis.
“Quiet Waters” #309 from Wings of Song is always one of my favorites for leading into
meditation.
“Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter is about gathering together, family and
forgiveness.
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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Good Rest, Ye Gentle People
Traditional Melody: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
New Thought lyrics written by Tricia Alexander
Good rest, ye gentle people
Let nothing you dismay
Remember peace and goodness
Flow surely through this day
Remember we are made from Love
And Love will light the way
We are tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
We are tidings of comfort and joy.
On that first Christmas morning
They traveled near and far
To celebrate a Holy child
Born underneath a star
And so the world was filled with love
Remember who we are
We are tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
We are tidings of comfort and joy.
Across this great round Earth of ours
The people meet in prayer
One heart, one mind, one family
A single vision share
We only have to live as Love
and Love will lead us there
We are tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
We are tidings of comfort and joy.
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
9
Unity’s Online Choral/Ensemble Library
Features you can find when you visit the library include:
 Sheet music for various types of choral groups
 Sheet music for small vocal ensembles
 Sheet music that can be used as solos
 Links to recordings of Positive Music
 Links to the websites of well-known and emerging New Thought songwriters
 Contact information for ordering custom arrangements for the performers in your
church
 A spreadsheet listing songs found in Unity Worldwide Ministries’ print publications
 Instant access
 Easy evaluation of songs through sheet music samples, audio samples and complete
lyrics
 Search capability, so you can find songs containing keywords in a minister’s talk
 Easy-find features, with every song listed by Musical Style, Performance Medium
and Subject
 Integrity with copyright
For a small choir (up to 10 members), full choral arrangements are $15.00. For a larger
choir, the price is $25.00.
Online Choral/Ensemble Library Submission Criteria
 We are asking for “print-ready” arrangements in PDF format, professionally
transcribed in Sibelius or Finale formats with piano or lead sheet and voice parts
included. (Contact Richard Mekdeci for a list of qualified arrangers who can help
prepare your scores for publication.)
 When possible, please include an MP3 audio of the song being performed. This
does not have to be a professionally-done studio recording, but enough to give the
buyer an idea of the complexity and feel. A good-quality, live church performance
should be adequate in most cases.
 Please include a lyric sheet for each title and a suggested usage for each song
(e.g., Christmas, Volunteer Sunday, Burning Bowl, general use, etc.).
 Songs will be screened for quality, sing-ability, and lyric content to insure
compatibility with New Thought theology.
 If you submit an arrangement to an existing song that you did not write, you
should have permission from the songwriter for that arrangement. When you are
paid for sales, you will be responsible for compensating the authors through
whatever agreement you have with them.
To select and purchase choral music, you can go to
http://www.heartwindmusic.com/unwomionchli.html.
For information about submitting songs for inclusion in the library, go to
http://www.heartwindmusic.com/absusotobein.html.
The OCEL is administered and hosted by heartwindmusic.com, David Ezell, President.
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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CD Review
More Than a Season
A Universal Celebration of Love, Joy, and Peace
In May of 2013, emPower Music & Arts hosted a Pro Member
writing retreat with the express purpose of creating New
Thought holiday music. This CD is the result of what happens
when you put Karen Drucker, Faith Rivera, Richard Mekdeci,
Jana Stanfield, JD Martin, Jan Garrett, Megon McDonough,
Robert Anderson, Sloan Wainwright, Sue Riley, Glen Roethel,
and Kelly Corsino together in a house for a few days with paper
and pens and a sound engineer/producer (none other than Daniel Nahmod)! Voila, a brand
new CD sprinkled full of magic, joy, and holiday cheer!
Faith Rivera and Sue Riley wrote the title track, “More Than a Season,” and the song
reminds us that even though the holidays seem to appear in the wink of an eye, the true
gift of the season is not in the things we feel we have to do. The wonder of the season is in
touching that place within us that contains the wonder of a child and of looking at the
world with new eyes.
Jan Garrett, Sloan Wainwright, and Megon McDonough wrote a stunning song called
“Solstice Lullaby” that is sure to become an instant ensemble piece. Containing beautiful
3-part harmony, it invites us to “let the world go for awhile, for deep inside this winter’s
night is birthed the coming of the light.” This song is hauntingly beautiful.
Robert Anderson and Kelly Corsino penned “It’s a Wonderful Life” which is sure to become
a classic holiday song. “Stop, look, it’s a beautiful life, that same star shining so bright, a
lifetime of memories as we hold hands tight, ‘cause right here and now it’s a wonderful
life.”
Karen Drucker and JD Martin collaborated on a rousing number called “Hope in Our Hearts”
which will have everyone jumping to their feet and singing along.
The new CD also contains some songs written expressly for New Year’s Eve: Faith Rivera
and Jana Stanfield’s “Countdown (This Is Gonna Be My Year),” which is a wonderful upbeat
affirmation for the New Year. When you pair this song up with the catchy “Fill My Cup”
written by Glen Roethel, Megon McDonough and Sue Riley, you can’t help but have a
rousing great start to your New Year.
There is something on this CD for everyone, from heartfelt ballads such as “The Perfect
Place to Start” written by Sloan Wainwright and Richard Mekdeci, reminding us that the
true spirit of the season lives in our hearts, to the touching and poignant “Last Christmas
Eve” by Megon McDonough and JD Martin.
For the playful at heart, there is “Santa Bought Me Breakfast” by Sloan Wainwright and Sue
Riley, and a fun, romantic duet by Glen Roethel and Faith Rivera, called “Christmas Is Easy
on Me.”
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
11
In fact, the most difficult task we faced was deciding which of the 25 great songs to
include on this first holiday compilation. So, the compilation will contain 13 of these songs,
performed by the songwriters themselves with harmonies and instrumental magic sprinkled
in by the other songwriters.
More Than a Season is produced and engineered by Daniel Nahmod, and you will hear his
magical touches on every track. We think you will find this CD to be a valuable resource for
your ministries and a wonderful new edition to your holiday music collection at home.
The CD is expected to be completed by mid-November and available for digital download
as well. Watch the emPower website at www.empowerma.com for ordering information. If
you pre-order the CD, in early November you will get free shipping.
There will also be a songbook to accompany this CD.
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
12
Empower Music & Arts Announces This Year’s Posi Award
Nominees and Winner of the Best Posi Music Video
Each year emPower Music & Arts receives hundreds of submissions that are rated and
reviewed by our Pro Members and past nominees to select the final 3 songs in each
category. These songs are placed on the yearly “Tribute” CD and sent to a panel of
professional judges who will decide by their ratings the winner in each category.
This year a new category, “Spoken Word,” was added and each year the “Citizens of
emPowerville” vote for the best Posi Music Video. Here is the winner of this year’s video
contest and the Nominees for the 9th Annual Posi Awards. Congratulations, Finalists!
Video Winner
That’s None of My Business – Darcy Stevens
New Thought Nominees
Burning of the Day – Chris R Pfeiffer
Thankful – Ginger Doss
One Step – Amy Steinberg
Social Action & Justice
What if We – Troy Horne
Beautiful Now – Glen Roethel
Blessed Unrest – Zo Tobi
Uniting Nominees
Xtraordinary – Darius Lux
Together We Can Change the World – Mark Shepard
One Face, One Race – Lisa Bell, Lisa Simmons, Bob Story
Healing Nominees
Love Is Unbroken – Robert Anderson and JD Martin
Family – Glen Roethel and Sue Riley
God Is Holding Me Now – Michael Hatfield
Personal Transformation Nominees
Flying in Faith – Amy Steinberg
Let the Rain Fall – John Hegner
Taking Back My Day – JD Martin, Jan Garrett, Richard Mekdeci, Paula Coppel
Music That Matters Nominees
I Know God – Denise Rosier
Put a Little More Love – Bob Sima
That’s What Love Is – Freebo
Spoken Word Nominees
Pretty – Tom Kimmel
Fractions – Nafeesa Monroe
There Are Times – David Ault
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
13
New Releases, Resources & Events
We invite you to send us news of CD releases, concert events, or YouTube links that you
have come across that would be of interest to our community. It could be New Thought
songs you’ve discovered on YouTube, touching stories for sermons, new music from your
favorite artists or from your church.
Links will be rotated off every 2 issues. Send your link to [email protected].
New Releases
Christmas Dreams by Michael Allen Harrison
Enjoy Michael’s unique and beautiful arrangements of your
holiday favorites. Sure to be a standard holiday fare at your
home and office.
http://www.michaelallenharrison.com/dep/null/pro/christmas_dreams
10-11/13
In the Spirit by Sharon and Shelly
New spiritual jazz CD, In the Spirit, with songs about love, forgiveness,
prayer, faith, meditation, peace and unity
Listen and buy at:
10-11/13
http://sharonandshelly.com/albums/in-the-spirit/
Piano Love by Janice Scroggins
The new incredible, soulful piano solo CD by one of the most in-demand
pianists in the Northwest today. Listen and order at:
http://www.michaelallenharrison.com/dep/null/pro/piano_love_janice
_scroggins_cd
10-11/13
The Italian Project by Lisa Bell
This CD is the product of a beautiful dream of co-creation between two
high school friends who reconnected after 25 years and discovered they
had a gift to share together. With excellent production, and fun jazzy
rhythms, this is a very pleasant CD to listen to.
8-9/13
So Far So Good by Richard Mekdeci
Includes “All Is Welcome Here,” “No One Gets to Heaven,” plus originals
written and co-written by Richard. Daniel Nahmod’s production gives
this a fresh new sound and flavor. “So Far So Good is so delightful, I
recommend it only to folks who want to hear great singing/musicianship,
uplifting lyrics and heart healing songs! So far ... very good!” Megon
McDonough.
www.emPowerma.com/so-far-so-good-cd-richard-mekdeci
8-9/13
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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Resources & Links
Free Music from Lorraine Nelson Wolf
A new church season has begun. In celebration, I'd like to offer you a gift of music
for your music ministry. Visit the sheet music pages of my website at:
www.nelsonwolf.com/sheetmusic.htm
Look, listen, and choose a piece. Then reply to [email protected] and
include the song title along with your name and church name. Your gift will arrive
in a few days.
Many blessings to you in music and in life!
Spirit SongScribe Music Transcription
My name is Deana Ingraham Gurney. I transcribe your original songs, creating professionalquality lead sheets (vocal melody in standard notation, with full lyrics and chord
symbols), in high-resolution printable PDF form.
www.spiritsongscribe.com
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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Events
NINTH ANNUAL POSI MUSIC
FESTIVAL!
January 17-20, 2014 – Orlando, Florida
Three nights and four days of concerts, Pajama Jams, Artist lunches, Song Circles,
workshops, and inspiration culminating with the 9th Annual Posi Music Awards.
Appearing this year: Karen Drucker, Harold Payne, Faith Rivera, Daniel Nahmod, David
Roth, Jana Stanfield, The Woodys, Jan Garrett, JD Martin, Robert Anderson, Megon
McDonough, Tom Kimmel, Karen Taylor Good, Stowe Dailey Shockey, Freebo, Sloan
Wainwright and many more.
Info and registration at www.emPowerma.com
Saturday, March 8, 2014 – Riverside, Calif.
The new, redesigned and updated website for the 2014
New Thought Music Festival is now alive and kicking! Just
click here to check out the artists who've agreed to
perform for the fourth annual festival, along with their
bios and links to their websites where you can learn more
about these significant voices in our movement. Together,
we're changing the world through music, one heart at a
time. Thank you.
Festival Website FaceBook Page YouTube Channel
Check out www.InnerNetEvents.com for upcoming festivals, concerts and events in the
Southern California area.
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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Employment Opportunities
Unity of Birmingham, Ala., is seeking an experienced and versatile Music Director to lead
all phases of our music ministry. The ideal candidate will have experience directing both
vocal and instrumental groups, be an above-average pianist/keyboard player (may consider
someone whose primary instrument is guitar), have good music theory and arranging skills
and know computer music writing fundamentals. Primary areas of responsibility include
Sunday morning worship service, special services and coordinating guest artists and
soloists. Please contact Rev. Charles Perry at [email protected].
Experienced Music Director Seeking Church - Greetings from beautiful Miami, Florida! I
am a choral director/musician seeking a musical director post in a vibrant community,
preferably in an inspiring natural environment. My years of being a church musician,
educator and director are diverse, ranging from directing traditional choirs, gospel choirs
and jazz ensembles, to assembling original music ensembles, facilitating circle singing and
creating space for collective compositions. I am committed to raising humanity's
vibrational level and fostering a deeper spiritual connection through music. Will relocate
for the right position. Kathleen Hollingsworth: [email protected]
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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This Month’s Free Sheet Music
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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This congregational song is offered by Sharon Rae and Shelly Davis, music directors
at Unity of Littleton, Colo. It is from their new CD In the Spirit. Follow the link
below to listen and buy more of Sharon and Shelly’s music or contact them directly
at [email protected].
http://sharonandshelly.com/albums/in-the-spirit/
This service is offered with permission from the author. Please contact the author to
request more copies or other arrangements. If you would like a piece of your sheet music
offered in Sound Connections, just send a PDF file of your song to [email protected].
To sign up for any of Unity Worldwide Ministries’ e-newsletters, go to
www.unity.org/enews.
401 SW Oldham Pkwy, Lees Summit MO 64081
© 2013 all rights reserved
www.unity.org/music
[email protected]
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