SPONSOR

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QUOTE - Beautiful young people are accidents of nature…but beautiful old people are works of art. (Irish Wisdom)

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SCRIPTURE – "Is not wisdom found among the aged?" Job 12:12

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PRAYER - "Father, Redeemer, Friend and Lover of My Soul, I offer this prayer today for all who are growing older, wiser, stronger and becoming sages in a world almost devoid of role models. Aging is a rare gift. Growing older can be difficult for Your people because the desire is to remain forever young. You, Sir, in Your divine wisdom, have allowed each of us a certain time upon this earth--to do what You have called us to do and to live out the life You had planned for us—even before the world came into being. It is our responsibility, then, to live the kind of life that would be pleasing to You, to bring honor to You by living as the Prophet Micah wrote so long ago,

"What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

What a difference it would make in our world if we did live that way. So today, bless all those who are becoming sages and role models for those younger generation to follow… that we might present ourselves a living testimony of Your grace and mercy in our hearts and in the way we live. I pray this prayer in behalf of all my brothers and sisters who are striving to live accordingly. Amen."

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WHAT THINK YE – THREE SCORE AND TEN

I was born on March 10 – three score and ten years ago – or, if you don’t know about "scores," that is 70 years ago. I never thought I’d be 70 years of age. I don’t feel 70. I don’t think I act 70. I sure don’t think I "think" like I’m 70! That’s nothing against those who are 70! Those are just my personal feelings.

I remember in 1972, when I turned 35 years old, I expressed one morning to my Samford University Freshman Music Theory Class, that I wanted to live to the year 2000 and write that first check in the new millennium. Then, I’d be content to go "home" to be with the Father.

But the older I became, and hopefully, wiser, with the addition of five grandchildren, and the growing love relationship to Esther, it was amazing how my prospective quickly changed!

I also remember at age 35, it was a depressing year…for I came to realize that at this age, 35, it was the "average" age of a man at that time…and I had lived half of my expected life span!

But, as of today, I’m still very active, to the point of even doing some keyboard work with our church praise band. Yes, that was "praise band," and yes, that was "keyboard work." Talk about not letting your right know what your left hand is doing! I’m also working out 3 days a week at the YMCA, doing lots yard work, writing music, doing some composer weekends, and "Driving Miss Esther" to most of her speaking engagements across the South. This gives us great "together" time in the car and allows her to miss the miss-adventures and hassles of flying.

One of the great joys of my life is the honor of creating the monthly issues of Monday Morning Email. Many readers from all over the USA have written lately to express their thoughts, offer suggestions, and writing in appreciation and support of MMEMail. Since going online to the CREATOR magazine website, June 2005, we have increased the MMEMail readership to over 7800+ church and school musicians, and a host of lay musicians who care deeply about the cause and future of church music.

I’m sure you realize there are very few publications available today especially for church musician to enjoy, be challenged, read reviews, find a fresh idea or thought, and basically, be inspired. Many good magazines and periodicals have gone by the wayside due to decreased circulation, which, translates into lack of readership. Seems more and more church and school musicians are choosing not to read as much as they once did. I would sure be curious as to the reasons why this is happening. So, it becomes very important for someone to keep writing for the church musician. CREATOR magazine does this very well. This is one of the best magazines available today and every church should subscribe. The cost is relatively low. MMEMail, of course, is FREE. All you have to do is go to www.creatormagazine.com the first Monday of each month to get it.

You will not or should not agree with everything in MMEMail, but something in each issue should make you think, give you cause to reflect, and/or form an opinion one way or the other. It is my desire and hope that Monday Morning Email does that for you. From my perspective and experience of 51+ years as a church musician (both fulltime and bi-vocational), church music educator in three universities, composer, and denominational church music leader, it is my hope that this experience somehow crafts a monthly issue that is stimulating for you as well as enjoyable to read.

When I become too OLD to do it effectively, or when the readers (or Esther) tell me it’s time to quit, then, I’ll quit! I promise.

So…I’ll celebrate March 10 with my sweetheart of 49 years and hope I can keep up with her! Esther’s Father turned 100 December 9. His sister turned 104 in January. Her grandmother lived to be 98.

I’d best quit writing this column and go work out!

Later!!

What think ye?

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LEADERSHIP- TWO BEST-KEPT SECRETS OF GOOD LEADERSHIP

From: THE NEXT GENERATION LEADER, Andy Stanley, Multnomah Publishers

1. The less you do, the more you accomplish.

2. The less you do, the more you enable others to accomplish.

Of the 2 or 3 things that define your success, which of those are in line with your giftedness? This is your sweet spot. This is where you must focus your energies. This is where you will excel. Best of all, you will begin to enjoy what you do in leadership.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of THE best books on leadership available today. Every church and school musician should have a copy. It is full of great tips!

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MARRIAGE SUGGESTION – FIFTY WAYS TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE

Mark and Chrissy Donnelly, Reprinted by permission of Mark and Chrissy Donnelly (c) 1999

Here are the first 10.

1. Love yourself first. Begin to feel good about who YOU are.

2. Start each day with a hug…and maybe a kiss.

3. Have breakfast in bed once in a while…with your spouse, of course!

4. Say, "I love you" every time you part ways.

5. Compliment freely and often in private AND in public.

6. Appreciate - and celebrate - your differences.

7. Live each day as if it's your last.

8. Write unexpected love letters.

9. Do the unexpected.

10. Go on a date once every week or at least every other week.

Want to hear more?

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PARENTAL SUGGESTION - SIGNS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION WITH PRETEENS AND TEENS--HomeLife, May 2006

If any of these signs are prevalent or beginning to show up with your teens, it might be time to seek professional help.

- Falling asleep often in class

- Difficulty getting fully awake in the morning

- Difficulty focusing and learning in school

- Regular napping after school

- Rather consistent and irritable, tearful, and/or hyperactive behavior

- Difficulty relaxing before bedtime.

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BY THE NUMBERS - FIVE REASONS MEN SHOULD JOIN THE CHURCH CHOIR (Arnold Epley)

5. Rehearsals are every Wednesday night, which means that for those few hours, you will have to significantly reduce the risk of contracting tendonitis from nonstop operation of a television remote control or computer mouse.

4. Because you wear a choir robe every Sunday, you are liberated from a task many men find quite challenging: finding matching clothes.

3. If you think your singing in the shower sounds good, just wait till you've been singing with REAL singers for a few weeks.

2. Choir rehearsal lasts half as long as a professional football game, but brings twice the satisfaction.

AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON MEN SHOULD JOIN THE CHOIR:

1. When people ask you whether you've been behaving yourself or not, you can say with the utmost sincerity, "Hey, I'm a Choir Boy."

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THIS IDEA WILL WORK – EMAIL ETIQUETTE

From THIS IDEA WILL WORK, Lorenz Corporation, #30/1794L – ($12.50

Anyone involved in church or school music ministry is certainly aware of the powerful tool of this age—EMAIL—and knowing how to use it effectively becomes increasingly important. EMAIL is the most efficient way of quick and easy communication and it is also cheaper. But, like a poorly written business letter, a poorly written EMAIL can lessen your credibility and respect.

Here are some hints for better EMAIL etiquette:

1. Always sign your EMAIL message. Sometimes, I receive an important email for a prayer request or big news to announce--but there is no name at the end...so I'm left guessing who sent it/ If I don't recognize the address...I can't answer. Always sign your name. Set up a signature file that is inserted at the end of every EMAIL sent. Every EMAIL program has a way to do this. This way, you'll never forget to sign an EMAIL.

2. Rarely is an EMAIL message best communicated using colors, images or cute type pictures and styles! I compare many of the messages I receive to sending an important business letter on colored notepaper with pictures of cats or butterflies in the margin. It just isn’t professional! And, many computers and servers don't have the fonts and colors required and the email comes to the person looking bland or whompy-jawed!

3. People sometimes send EMAILS in ALL CAPS. It feels like I'm being YELLED AT the whole time one is reading it! Caps mean EMPHASIS! Caps is the EMAIL way of YELLING.

4. Some EMAILS often have poor grammar and punctuation. Even though EMAIL is a primary tool for quick communication, it reflects on you and your professionalism as well as your personality just as much as a business letter. Always take an extra moment to check spelling, grammar and punctuation. If you don’t have a spell check program, get one!

5. Attached files are a primary way for computer viruses to spread, because they are designed to attach themselves to outgoing EMAIL. Make sure you know from whence a file comes before you send it on to someone else.

And, if you MUST pass along a joke or an inspiring story, take the time to erase all the other sources from which it comes. I recently received a four-line joke that was 7 pages long...because to all the addresses of all the ones who had previously sent the story! People are no longer bothering to read "passed on" materials with lots and lots and lots of previous stuff! If you must pass on a story...erase all the other "stuff."

6. When changing your EMAIL address, send both the OLD and the NEW address...so one can delete the old and add the new.

7. Check stories and prayer requests before forwarding them. The prayer request about "David," who is dying in China of intestinal virus, is 10 years old. David is well...came in the states and has returned to China...but the email is still being sent around. The O'Hair story about the FCC wanting to stop religious broadcasting is 21 years old...and she never did even put that request in to the government.

A good rule of thumb for EMAIL: before you forward a prayer request or an emergency email, check it out first to make sure it is true, current and NOT a hoax. There are lots of things going round that are simply no longer valid. This way, you won’t have to send a EMAIL apology later.

8. Answer EMAIL quickly. Usually when people send you an EMAIL, they are anxiously awaiting a response. Waiting 2-3 days is as slow as "snail mail."

This Idea Will Work !!

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WORSHIP - I don’t have any problem with consumer-oriented worship as long as we remember Who the Consumer is." (Eric Alexander, sermon tape)

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HUMOR - FOR SAFETY'S SAKE

* Do not ride in automobiles: they cause 20% of all fatal accidents

* Do not stay home: 17% of all accidents do occur in the home

* Be careful nearing your home. 25% of all accidents occur within 25 miles of home.

* Do not walk on the streets/sidewalks: 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.

* Do not travel by air, rail, or water: 16% of all accidents happen on these

* But, only .001% of all deaths occur in church worship services , and 99% of these are related to previous physical disorders.

* Hence, the safest place for you to be at any time is…in church!

* Bible study is also safe. The percentage there is even less.

So…always go to church! IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

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BOOK – 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN—A True Story of Death and Life, Don Piper, Revell Books, $12.99 (Available on AMAZON.COM for $7.99), 208 pages, ©2004

The music in heaven was the most beautiful and pleasant sound I’ve ever heard, and it didn’t stop. It was like a song that goes on forever. I didn’t just hear the music. It seemed as if I were part of the music—and it played in and through my body.

The praise was unending, but the most remarkable thing to me was that hundreds of songs were being sung at the same time—all of them worshiping God.

As strange as it seems, I could clearly distinguish each song, understanding words and music!

DON PIPER was pronounced DEAD on January 18, 1989, in a horrific auto crash with an 18-wheeler truck…on a small bridge in Texas outside of Houston. The EMTs saw that he was dead and ministered to others in the crash. Here are Don’s words:

The EMTs found no pulse and declared me dead. Immediately after I died, I went straight to heaven. While I was still in the wreck, a Baptist preacher came upon the accident scene. Even after being told I was dead, he rushed to my lifeless body and prayed for me over and over again. At least 90 minutes after the EMTs pronounced me dead, God answered that man’s prayers, I returned to earth. This is my story.

I could not put this book down. I read the 208 pages in – believe it or not – 90 minutes.

I found my inner spirit weeping for Don and the intense and extreme pain he had to endure during his recovery, and yet, rejoicing in what God revealed to him during his 90 minutes in heaven. There are several places where you will not be able to hold back tears. There are places where you will break out in rejoicing for what God did in this man’s life. One such occasion will be when Don finally attends the worship service in his church for the first time after the accident. It is really moving!

Don is an ordained pastor, lives in Pasadena, TX, is a member of a church staff and tells his story wherever God leads him to share it via TV, church gatherings, and through this book.

MMEMail would suggest that this is a MUST-READ for personal spiritual renewal and a glorious insight into what the Children of God can expect when they pass through the gates of Death and find themselves facing the Gates of Heaven.

You will also agonize with Don during his long and tedious recovery experience, and experience his pain, depression, awakening, and realize how important it is for people who visit those in the hospital to be BRIEF.

MMEMail highly recommends this marvelous book!

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WEB SITE – http://www.jeffbennettmusic.com

JEFF BENNETT is one of the most talented and gifted pianists around these days. His keyboard skills are amazing to hear and even more amazing to see! His newly designed webpage is well done. You will find information about Jeff's most current publications and recordings as well as information about his solo concerts and the four piano extravaganza, A Festival of Keyboards!

You can also listen to Audio Samples of Jeff’s recordings.

Jeff lists master classes that he offers on keyboard related subjects such as "Learning to Transpose," "Improving Your Sight Reading Skills", and "Great Resources at Your Fingertips." A new class is being offered: "Introduction to Finale," the music notation software. If you use FINALE in any way, this would be a wonderful resource. These classes are usually offered in reading sessions or conference where Jeff is a guest.

Visit the Current News page for Jeff's newest projects and ministry updates. He also offers the new convenience of using PayPal© to purchase publications and recordings online. It's easy and secure.

This site is worth a visit.

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COMPACT DISK - FOR THE LIVING OF THESE DAYS, Kate Campbell, with Spooner Oldham, $17. Includes Shipping & Handling – To purchase this album, go to http://www.katecampbell.com and then, go to STORE. This CD is the first on the list of several CDs…and you can check the box to receive an autographed copy.

This is one fine album!

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ANTHEM – BRODT MUSIC

In November, 2006, I had the pleasure of going to the Brodt Music Store, Charlotte, NC.

The President, LEE NORTHCUT, met Esther and me, and took us one a short tour of the facility. While viewing several boxes in the anthem library, two "old friends" caught my eye! I had not seen these two anthems in several years. So, I thought to myself, it would be a wonderful gift to many church and school musicians to be able to reviews these wonderful "war horses" from the 50s and make them "come to life" again. I asked permission to do so, and Northcut agreed. He even gave me complimentary copies!! The composer of these two pieces, M. THOMAS COUSINS, was an employee of BRODT MUSIC in the 50s. Here, for your pleasure, are the two reviews:

GLORIOUS EVERLASTING, M. Thomas Cousins, SSAATTB, Keyboard, Brodt Music, PO Box 9345, Charlotte, NC 28205, #504, $1.75, ©1950

Some anthems are eternal! They just never wear out! They may be forgotten for a time, but eventually, someone discovers them anew and they take on a new life. Such is the case for this challenging, inspirational, difficult, and most exciting anthem! I remember doing this with my 106-voice Chapel Choir (high school students), FBC, Abilene, TX. It was a barn-burner! I call this a "semester" piece—because it will usually take a semester or certainly several hard rehearsals to teach it so the choir can sing it with security. The accompaniment is difficult, supportive and doesn’t get in the way. The piece opens immediately with "bigness!" It will wake everyone who is even thinking about sleep! Soon thereafter, the tenors take off with a melodic line that is repeated by all parts in polyphonic round style, followed by a very surprising p. A very exciting section happens on page. 5 and it grows to a magnificent ff on page 7. The most exciting section is on page 8! Tough—you bet, but great fun to learn and sing! It builds and builds to the glorious ending and even has a high Bb for your sopranos!

If you do not know this, get a copy and see for yourself! You must have a choir of "horses" to do it well. It is a great Festival piece! Your choir will thank you for giving them this wonderful challenge.

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O CLAP YOUR HANDS, M. Thomas Cousins, SSAATTBB, Keyboard, Brodt Music, PO Box 9345, Charlotte, NC 28205, #525, $1.95, ©1959

This Cousins anthem will require singers who can sing multi-meter easily and, of course, a conductor who can conduct same!! The multi-meter is only at the beginning and toward the end. The rest is in 4/4 time…but with lots of emphasis in rhythm that must be adhered to. This is one of the most exciting anthems I’ve ever seen and when it is finished, the choir will should "HALLELUJAH!" and the congregation may join them!

The tempo is 138 throughout, so once the anthem begins, the choir must jump in quick and keep up. The accompaniment is so well written. Composers today would do well to study what Cousins did to support and not influence the singers so much! There are dynamic changes throughout…from p to ff…and quickly! I particularly love the section on page 9 with the "Al-le-lu-ya" section. This anthem would be wonderful for college/university/seminary choirs and church or community choirs who want a real challenge. The ending so magnificent that it will hold you spell-bound after the release.

These two anthems are MUST-BUYS if you have the horses to do them. Sad to say, but Cousins died some years ago, but his music will live on to future generations. Treat yourself and your choir to some really excellent music that will in both challenge and inspire them.

Brodt Music will offer a "MMEMail Special" to our readers. If you purchase either or both of these anthems, and mention MMEMail, you’ll receive a 15% discount!

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MUSIC MINISTRY NEWS

JIM CHAMBERS – former MoM in Texas, Oklahoma, a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and a very fine musician, died Wednesday, February 21, in Vanderbilt Hospital, Nashville, TN, due to injuries sustained in a car accident in Bellevue, TN on Valentine's Day. A memorial service was held in the chapel of Woodmont Baptist Church, Nashville, TN. If you know his wife, Donna Chambers, and wish to give her a call, her cell phone is (806) 239-1826.

PAUL CLARK is the Tennessee Baptist Church Music Director. He sent the following article to his constitutes and I think it is worth printing for our MMEMail readers.

The "news" released recently that the remains of Jesus, his mother and father, and wife had been discovered present us Resurrection people with another challenge in our doubting world. The melodramatic unveiling before the media cameras was typical Hollywood hype. It included all the usual disclaimers including the one that indicates that this is not intended to be an insult to anyone's faith, etc., etc. It is great promo for the Discovery Channel's upcoming special that will further reveal the details of this preposterous, yet not too surprising, "find."

I am disturbed about the ongoing "political correctness" (aka abject hypocrisy) of insulting Christianity at every point possible, while defending other belief systems even when they include violent hostilities toward anything other than themselves. I am not the one to tackle that politically. *Please note that this "discovery," and it's television debut will occur in the season of lent, a time of deep reflection for most of the Christian world.

What I would like to do is to CALL UPON WORSHIP MUSIC LEADERS TO SING THE TRUTH!!! We need the truth of the Gospel implanted in the heart and mind of every man, woman, boy, or girl who enters the worship environment of our churches to be exposed over and over again to the facts that change the world and change lives; CHRIST HAS DIED! CHRIST IS RISEN! CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN!

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is our work. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs must contain truth! Yes, we want people to "feel something" in the course of corporate worship. Yes, we want to make appeal through our singing that God can use to touch someone. Yes, people "like" this kind of music, and don't "like" that kind of music. We have to deal in some way with all of that "stuff" and we can help one another in that process, since this is the cultural context to which we have been called. But, we FIRST must tend to the work of what we are asking people to say and sing in worship. Check your service orders now! Are they saturated with scripture; spoken and sung? Do they allow the people of God to declare their faith in Christ? Do they lift up the Resurrected Lord; Creator, Redeemer, Savior?

Remember that we are at war with the powers of darkness. Music can be a mighty tool in the battle (see Old and New Testaments for examples), or it can be an anemic salve. Remember that "liturgy" (resist the flinch reflex) has to do with the "work of the people." Part of our "work" in worship is declaring truth; affirming to the Lord that "We Believe," encouraging our children and "weaker brother" to say and sing truth with us, to engage in spiritual formation through the "work" of worship, and to declare again to the world that "Jesus IS Lord!" So, CALL THEM: COME, CHRISTIANS, JOIN TO SING!

If you wish to email Paul Clark a note of appreciation, his address is: pclark@tnbaptist.org

KEITH CHRISTOPHER has accepted the position of DIRECTOR OF CHURCH MUSIC PUBLICATIONS for the Hal Leonard Corporation. This is a great honor for Keith. If you would like to send him an email of congrats, his address is: keith.christopher406@comcast.net

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CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS

MUSICALIFORNIA – 2007 – April 9-April 12, San Diego, CA

O.D. Hall, Jr., Director

NEW TECHNOLOGY TRACK TO BE OFFERED IN SEMINARS

A new Technology4Worship track is in the works for MusiCalifornia 2007. Experts from Aviom, Shure, Yamaha, and Integrity Media will be working together and bringing a series of exciting inter-active seminars.

PREMIERES ANNOUNCED FOR MUSICALIFORNIA 2007

CHRISTMAS MUSICALS

The Joy of Christmas [LifeWay] Arranged by Dave Williamson

Adore Him [Lillenas] by Stan Endicott

WORSHIP MUSICALS

Made To Worship [Brentwood-Benson] arranged by and presented by well Known worship leader, Travis Cottrell.

A Night of Worship with The Christ Church Choir [Brentwood-Benson] Landy Gardner directs the dynamic Nashville choir in the climactic closing concert on Thursday night.

God Is In This Place [Word] Created by and featuring Regi Stone

CHILDREN'S CHOIR MUSICALS

No Wonder [Integrity] by Annette Oden

The Mystery of the Manger [Clydesdale & Clydesdale] by Celeste Clydesdale

Christmas At Bethlehem Gulch [Lillenas] by Pam Andrews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT MUSICalifornia

"Each year I have returned home from MusiCalifornia with fresh enthusiasm, new ideas, as well as overloaded bags full of resources and economically purchased octavos [something that doesn't exist 'down under]."

Jill Hubbard --Sydney, Australia

"Every year, our exhibit booth gets great traffic from a lot of friendly people. Thanks, MusiCalifornia, for a quality event."

Beth Lewis--WorshipFilms.com--Rocky Mount, NC

MusiCalifornia is one of the major events of my year, and you know what I like best? I like seeing my friends, peers, cohorts in music ministry, and...I like meeting new friends. I've always said life is all about relationships, and what I've received from 23 straight years of attendance at MusiCalifornia is a prime example of that."

Tim Mayfield - Escondido, CA.

To Register for MUSICalifornia 2007, go to www.musicalifornia.com

and click on Registration.

For Hotel information go to www.musicalifornia.com and click on Location.

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ALLELUIA! MANY VOICES, ONE SONG, presented by the Baylor University Center for Christian Music Studies, July 17-July 20, 2007, Baylor University, Waco, TX

ALLELUIA! has joined forces with three other outstanding groups…to bring you one of the best and most beneficial conferences you will ever attend! Jubilate!, Choristers Guild, and Youth CUE will be featured at this unique event! Among the featured clinicians, you will find the following quality people:

* Brant Adams - Using Instruments for Worship
* Randall Bradley - Worship & Worship Leader
* Tim Cates - Working With A Praise Band
* Craig Courtney - From a Composer's Heart
* Joyce Jones - Organ
* Randy Kilpatrick - Youth Choir
* Joseph Martin - Composing/Piano
* Donald Neuen - Conducting
* Joel Raney - Piano
* and many other outstanding clinicians

You can see the whole brochure by going to www.baylor.edu/christian_music - and look for the ALLELUIA! Brochure.

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CHOIRFEST 2008 – The Huntsville Choral Festival, April 3-6, 2008

Anton Armstrong is the featured conductor and the award winning Cantus is the guest ensemble for Choirfest 2008 in Huntsville, Alabama. The even is presented by ChoirFest in association with The Huntsville Community Chorus and the Huntsvill Chamber Music Guild. For further information, contact info@choirfest.com.

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BITS AND PIECES

MMEMail wishes to express our deep appreciation to my friends at ChristianMusicPresenters for sponsoring the March issue of MMEMail. If you are looking for artists, performers, and world-class people to minister in your church, CMP is the place to go. They can answer all your questions and insure you the best possible service. I am grateful to my longtime friend, Jim Gibson and others at CMP for their support of MMEMail.

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MMEMail is looking for sponsors to complete the year 2007, from July to December. Further information may be obtained by emailing bbur65@aol.com. We are looking specifically for a sponsor for the August, 2007 issue…when MMEMail comes forth with a new format. Read below:

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MMEMail! August 2007 is MMEMail’s 10th birthday. A complete new look and format will happen in August. Be looking for that issue. Things will be different and better!

We’ll be celebrating each month with something from past issues, but in the June 2007 issue of MMEMail, we want to print YOUR comments about this monthly e-zine...what it means to you, what would be an improvement, what could/should be eliminated/added, and we’ll print some of these comments. You can send your comments NOW and we’ll hold them till the June issue. Don’t delay – send something today! Deadline is May 1, 2007. Send comments to bbur65@aol.com.

Here is a SIGN FOR THE TIMES, used in September 1997, that has something to say to us today:

The Church of the Good Shepherd, South Lee, Massachusetts, has a sign hanging above the door of the church that is read when members depart the sanctuary and re-enter the world. The sign simply says:

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FINAL THOUGHT

You’re only as old as you think you are! I’ve met 75-year old people in the bodies of 35 year old people. I’ve met 35-year old people in the bodies of 75 year old people. Comments such as: "My! He/she seems so young!" or "He/she seems much older than he/she really is" are statements we have all heard…or said. Nationwide Insurance has a funny commercial that ends with, "Life comes at you fast!" It is true. We were once 25 or 40 and now we are pressing retirement or retired. We once could play basketball, racquetball, or do the mountain climbing things with the best of them. Now, some are fortunate to get in a one mile walk without being winded! But those who keep doing, moving, dreaming, creating, mentoring, pushing the limits and loving people will stay more active and alert longer than those who just give up and rest on their laurels. When a friend heard I was playing keyboards in the praise band, he wrote: "Now you can ad this to your resume, and say you can teach old dogs new tricks." I firmly believe this! I hope you do, too.

The extravagant grace of Jesus Christ be with you.

Bob Burroughs

Bbur65@aol.com