Music at Ministry Days
Jen Hayman is an accomplished choral conductor, educator, singer, and pianist who believes in the power of music to change lives and culture. In Jen’s 18 years of working in Unitarian Universalism, Jen has served congregations in Philadelphia PA, Washington DC, Arlington VA, and Cambridge, MA. Jen is currently serving as President of the Association for UU Music Ministries (AUUMM), and directs the women’s vocal group, bēheld.
Laura Weiss serves as the Director of Music and Arts at the UU Congregation of Fairfax in Oakton, Virginia. Laura is one half of the duo, Unfolding, the artists behind the album “Not Your Mamas’ Hymns.” Laura teaches over 40 piano students out of a private music studio and serves as the program director for advocacy and professional support for the Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries, providing music directors and musicians nationwide with conflict resolution and low-level mediation as they navigate collegial concerns or conflicts. Laura was band leader for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s national conference, General Assembly, in 2019.
We are thrilled our Ministry Days worship experience on Monday will be enriched by music from bēheld. https://www.beheldmusic.com
The choir is invited to sing at the Ministry Days Celebration of Ministry worship service on Wednesday, June 18, 11:00 am-12:15 pm and at the UUA General Assembly Service of the Living Tradition, on Thursday, June 19, 7:00-8:30 pm.
Message from Jen Hayman:
Greetings, beloveds!
I am so excited to be leading the Singers of the Living Tradition Choir this year in Baltimore, alongside my dear friends and sistren in song, bēheld! We are supported by a FABULOUS band and some wonderful worship leaders. In these dark and disorienting times, I am clinging to the things that remind me that there is power, beauty and even joy that can be found when we come together in community. Singing grounds me, and singing with others reminds me I am not alone. If you are craving some connection, and an opportunity to be part of something beautiful and heart-filled, I sincerely encourage you to join us this June. In spite of all that’s difficult, there is still much to celebrate, honor, and process together. Please indicate your interest by completing this form. Please let your staff who are members of LREDA, AUUMM, AUUA, UUAMP, or UUSCM know that they are welcome to sing with us!
Linked HERE is a document that includes recordings, guide tracks, scores and the performance/rehearsal schedule for Ministry Days and Service of the Living Tradition, (and this information is also available below). We will make the most of our rehearsal time together, but listening to rehearsing in advance will make our time together that much sweeter. I hope that you will make space for singing as part of your Ministry Days experience, and that you’ll feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
With love and anticipation,
Jen Hayman
President, Association of UU Music Ministries (AUUMM)
Ministry Days Choir Rehearsals:
Rehearsals and worship services:
Monday, June 16, 4-5p (Rehearsal)
Tuesday, June 17, 9-10:30a (Rehearsal)
Wednesday, June 18, 9-10a (Rehearsal) 11a-12:15p (Worship)
Choir rehearsals for Ministry Days on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be held in the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Key Ballroom #12.
Thursday Rehearsal and Sound Check for the SOLT – More Details
There will be a Dress/Tech Rehearsal on Thursday with beheld and the band from 3:00-4:00. Gather in Convention Room 349-350. We will rehearse and then travel together to the mainstage for sound check/rehearsal fro 4:15-5:30 (and hoping to dismiss the choir earlier).
[Note: Choir members must be registered for the UUA General Assembly to participate in the choir at the Service of the Living Tradition. Also, UUMA Members must be registered for Ministry Days, and members of other UU Professional Organizations need to request a Guest pass at the UUMA Ministry Days Check-In Desk.
Scores and listening links:
WEDNESDAY WORSHIP: A Celebration of Ministry
Attire: Come as you are!
We shall come together singing by Maggie Wheeler (HYMN, this will be taught in the oral tradition)
River by Emeli Sandé (SCORE and GUIDE TRACKS)
One Voice by Ruth Moody (SCORE)
We Shall Be Known by Karisha Longaker (HYMN, SCORE)
THURSDAY WORSHIP- Service of the Living Tradition
Attire: Bright solid colors!
I Am- Beautiful Chorus (SCORE)
This Joy by Shirley Caesar (HYMN, This will be taught in the oral tradition)
Thank You For Your Blessings- Beautiful Chorus (SCORE)
To My Old Brown Earth (choir)- Pete Seeger, arr. Paul Halley (SCORE)
One Voice- Ruth Moody (choir + beheld) REPRISE
Joy in the Morning- Adam Podd (music and score to be added)