Church music and liturgy conference 'a real blessing and pleasure'

Professor TIna Beattie addresses the conference

Many famous hymn writers were in a packed room of nearly 100 pastoral musicians at the Hayes conference centre in Derbyshire last weekend for the National Network of Pastoral Musicians Conference (NNPM), which happens every two years. The Network brings together people around the UK committed to Church music. It is ecumenical and open to all. Well-known hymn-writers included John Bell (The Summons), Christopher Walker (Because of Lord is my Shepherd), and Marty Haugen (Gather Us In).

The theme was 'Christ Be our Light', taken from the famous Bernadette Farrell hymn, which was sung with great enthusiasm over the weekend. The chance for participants to make music with well-known names was described at the end as "A thoroughly wonderful weekend", "A real blessing and a pleasure", and "Another inspirational conference".

Saturday's keynote speaker, John Bell of the Iona Community, spoke to the title 'Jesus, be our Way' on how the songs and hymns shape our faith. A Church of Scotland minister, he is an inspiring preacher and prolific hymn-writer. He pointed out that popular hymns can be used many times - unlike a homily, for example - nurturing faith, and broadening understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. His music is strong on "good news" for the poor and vulnerable.

On Sunday, speaker Professor Tina Beattie explored the theme of, 'The Dark Night and the Flickering Light'. A theologian, writer and broadcaster, she explored questions of how liturgical worship, including music, "might allow space for those struggling with faith and those on the margins, either because they are seeking meaning or because they are alienated by their experiences of church."

Marty Haugen held a workshop on why what we sing matters and told stories behind some of our most popular hymns. He is sensitive to the link between faith and what Vatican II called the 'signs of the times'. A great admirer of 'Laudato Si' he has written a special hymn, 'For Our Common Home', dedicated to the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales.

A 'Big Sing' led by Christopher Walker left everybody stunned at how wonderful the hymns sounded with limited rehearsal. The former Director of Music at Clifton Cathedral also ran a popular workshop on how liturgical music has developed over the centuries and its current direction. Many talked about their connection with Church music and a desire to use some of the great new material being produced back in their parishes and schools.

"I'm just grateful for any opportunity to be part of meaningful liturgies," said participant Marion Hill, a member of the 10am Mass music group at St Dominic's Priory in North London who is also involved in Taizé Prayer and other occasional services in a variety of churches.

Marion Hill added: "It's always good to meet friends old and new at the NNPM gatherings which I've been attending since the first in 1996. They're a wonderful opportunity to mix with people from very different church backgrounds, experience a wide variety music and liturgy and generally be challenged and inspired.

Highlights for me this year included the reflective 7.30am Saturday Morning Prayer with Vicky Dearing; John Bell's Saturday morning talk and his leading the final worship before Sunday lunch; and Marty Haugen's workshop with the stories behind the songs. It was also interesting to hear new voices, including Rebekah Okpoti's study of faith development with the choristers at Lancaster Priory and Nick Baty's suggestions for liturgy planning.

And as ever, what makes the NNPM gatherings so special for me is being able to play recorder alongside clarinet, oboe, flute, violin, guitar, cello ... and the amazing Mags Shephard at the piano. And just being part of the greater whole when so many people can instantly sing brand new music in harmony."

The NNPM magazine Accord is published three times a year and includes information on all the events which are happening around the country for all denominations. All subscribers to the NNPM (£15 for two years) receive Accord free of charge while they are members.

For more information about the NNPM visit: www.nnpm.org