Good Morning.

Is there anyone out there that doesn't know there is an election in the US tomorrow? Are you looking forward to the cessation and desistation (is that a word?) of all the political advertising? During the time I lived in Canada (yes...in a former life I was the Director of Choral Activities at an university north of the line), I grew to appreciate the parliamentary system of short election campaigns--generally six weeks or less. There was none of this run for two years to get into position to run for two years stuff that Americans have learned to live with. [pardon me while I get my soapbox] But the thing I learned to appreciate the most while living in Canada was the fact that, as an ex-pat, I could only vote for the president--no senatorial vote, no votes on harbor comissioners, statewide propositions, or local tax bonds. I promised myself when I came back that I would vote in every election and make as informed a decision on everything on every ballot for the rest of my life...and I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow. I know that, for the first time since I moved back to California, I will probably have to stand in a line...and I'm taking a book because I expect it to be a long line. But I'm looking at that line, and the wait it entails, like I do at the wait at a stop sign, when there is a child or a family crossing the street. Yes, I am inconvenienced, but it would be rude to not allow them the opportunity to cross at their own pace, and without fear. As one who had a portion of his enfranchisement withheld for ten years, I encourage you to vote. [storing soapbox...done]

Thanks for visiting Allan Petker's website last week. Continuing our "composers tour" his week, you might want to check out Mark Hayes' website here. You know...contrary to popularly held opinion, composers actually like to hear from those who use their music. And with the right encouragement (generally, but not always, financial) they'll write some new music just for you. I'm sure either Allan or Mark would be happy to talk with you about a commission. Tell them I sent you.

Don't forget to check out our new MasterClass section of the website. You'll be glad you did.

This week's reminder about the many things available at our website to help you do your ministry better: Help us help you by taking our brand new survey, which is found on our newly updated home page--yes we updated the home page...and the first person who emails me and is not a current subscriber to the magazine, and tells me what we did (besides change the survey topic) will get a free one year subscription. Just click here to check it out, and then come back to email me here. And, when you are finished checking out those things, why not stay a while and explore the rest of Creator's website? Thanks.

Finally, in this week's MME, Bob Burroughs has assembled so much helpful information that we couldn't conveniently fit it on one page. Bob works tirelessly each month to bring you tips, tricks, and inspirational materials. One of my favorite things in each of his Monday Morning Emails is "This Idea Will Work." Now Bob, being modest as he is, would never think to tell you that these ideas are actually excerpted from his gigantic accumulation of ideas in a book entitled...yep (ta da!) "This Idea Will Work." I talked to the folks at Pine Lake Music, and they were happy to offer MME readers a very special price on Bob's book. You can get your own copy (it also makes a great gift to that young(er) Minister of Music you are mentoring) by clicking here. Start your this week's MME reading here.

This week, pray for all those who are unable to vote, for whatever reason, and for all those who lead as a result of the electoral process, and please tell your friends and colleagues about Creator and MME too.

Blessings,

Vern Sanders
Publisher
Creator Magazine

Good Morning.

Is there anyone out there that doesn't know there is an election in the US tomorrow? Are you looking forward to the cessation and desistation (is that a word?) of all the political advertising? During the time I lived in Canada (yes...in a former life I was the Director of Choral Activities at an university north of the line), I grew to appreciate the parliamentary system of short election campaigns--generally six weeks or less. There was none of this run for two years to get into position to run for two years stuff that Americans have learned to live with. [pardon me while I get my soapbox] But the thing I learned to appreciate the most while living in Canada was the fact that, as an ex-pat, I could only vote for the president--no senatorial vote, no votes on harbor comissioners, statewide propositions, or local tax bonds. I promised myself when I came back that I would vote in every election and make as informed a decision on everything on every ballot for the rest of my life...and I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow. I know that, for the first time since I moved back to California, I will probably have to stand in a line...and I'm taking a book because I expect it to be a long line. But I'm looking at that line, and the wait it entails, like I do at the wait at a stop sign, when there is a child or a family crossing the street. Yes, I am inconvenienced, but it would be rude to not allow them the opportunity to cross at their own pace, and without fear. As one who had a portion of his enfranchisement withheld for ten years, I encourage you to vote. [storing soapbox...done]

Thanks for visiting Allan Petker's website last week. Continuing our "composers tour" his week, you might want to check out Mark Hayes' website here. You know...contrary to popularly held opinion, composers actually like to hear from those who use their music. And with the right encouragement (generally, but not always, financial) they'll write some new music just for you. I'm sure either Allan or Mark would be happy to talk with you about a commission. Tell them I sent you.

Don't forget to check out our new MasterClass section of the website. You'll be glad you did.

This week's reminder about the many things available at our website to help you do your ministry better: Help us help you by taking our brand new survey, which is found on our newly updated home page--yes we updated the home page...and the first person who emails me and is not a current subscriber to the magazine, and tells me what we did (besides change the survey topic) will get a free one year subscription. Just click here to check it out, and then come back to email me here. And, when you are finished checking out those things, why not stay a while and explore the rest of Creator's website? Thanks.

Finally, in this week's MME, Bob Burroughs has assembled so much helpful information that we couldn't conveniently fit it on one page. Bob works tirelessly each month to bring you tips, tricks, and inspirational materials. One of my favorite things in each of his Monday Morning Emails is "This Idea Will Work." Now Bob, being modest as he is, would never think to tell you that these ideas are actually excerpted from his gigantic accumulation of ideas in a book entitled...yep (ta da!) "This Idea Will Work." I talked to the folks at Pine Lake Music, and they were happy to offer MME readers a very special price on Bob's book. You can get your own copy (it also makes a great gift to that young(er) Minister of Music you are mentoring) by clicking here. Start your this week's MME reading here.

This week, pray for all those who are unable to vote, for whatever reason, and for all those who lead as a result of the electoral process, and please tell your friends and colleagues about Creator and MME too.

Blessings,

Vern Sanders
Publisher
Creator Magazine