Hymnody – An informal compendium of Protestant Hymn Development:
This class will explore the vast musical traditions of the Western Church, focusing particularly on Protestant Hymns of the American tradition. The purpose of the class is to provide attendees with knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for church hymns of ancient and modern styles. The four week class is broken down as follows:
Week 1 – Introduction: Definitions, instrumental accompaniment, and early predecessors
During this week, we will define hymnody, discuss typical music accompaniment, and the early development of Christian Hymnody of the Catholic Church leading to the Protestant Reformation and subsequent (Catholic) Counter Reformation.
Week 2 – Wesley, The Second Great Awakening in America, and African American Spirituals
This week, we will focus on hymns of Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, Fanny Crosby and Philip Bliss and other composers from the era commonly referred to as the Second Great Awakening in America. We will also examine African American Spirituals and their texts.
Week 3 – Understanding Modern Music
Modern Music is a term that is used to describe music written after 1950. What does that mean? What classifies as Modern Music? We will read through music from a wide variety of composers including Eddie Espinosa, Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, and David Crowder.
Week 4 – Future Hopes for Church Music
In week 4, we will discuss the need for renewal. We will look at worship that is contemporary and traditional. We will argue the dilemma of musical distractions, and consider some guiding principles for the future of church music.
NOOMA DVD Series:
Rob Bell, a pastor of Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, who Time Magazine called the next Billy Graham, puts out a series of spiritual videos called the Nooma series. These videos deal with life issues from a Biblical perspective. Come join a discussion as we watch the Nooma videos together. This class is intended for Middle School and High School students.
The Book of Ruth:
God has saved his people through many different methods:Arks, Plagues and a woman named Ruth. Come and learn about this exciting tale of faith and reconciliation. We will also discuss the issues of woman in the Old Testament. This class will be taught by Nancy Blake.