Adult and Young Adult Classes

CEU  Indicates that a course or session can be counted for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

PAM Cert Indicates that a course or session counts toward specific requirements of PAM Certification

IG Indicates that a course or session is an intergenerational offering.

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Adult Bible Study: "Transformed by the Stranger" (Justin Reed) 

Through close reading, incisive questions, and engaging activities, participants will encounter the Bible with the goal of meaningful transformation. By focusing on Genesis 1 and Matthew 25, this Bible study will aim to deepen our understanding of the stranger not only among us but also within each of us. CEU PAM Cert I.3

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Adult Choir (André Thomas)

This choir is open to all registered Adult and Young Adult conferees. Two rehearsals each day prepare the choir to sing for worship and the Friday concert. The music packet, the cost of which is included in the registration fee, is distributed at check-in. PAM Cert IV.1&2

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Adult Chamber Choir (André Thomas)

This auditioned ensemble rehearses twice each day, Monday through Thursday. The choir sings several times during the week, including the Thursday evening Chamber Choir Concert. On-site auditions take place during Sunday check-in hours. Those selected to be in the choir must purchase a music packet from the on-site store prior to the first rehearsal on Monday morning. PAM Cert IV.1&2

 

Art Workshop: “That’s great, but how do we do that at our church?”

The Nuts and Bolts of Creating and Using Art for the Work of the People.

(Ellen Phillips and David VanderMeer)

In this Liturgical Art class, David and Ellen will discuss the nuts and bolts of what is involved in creating, developing, and maintaining a church arts ministry: everything from theology and history to a sense of playfulness.  We will also experience the fellowship and hospitality that result as we create together.  The process is as important as the product, and through the use of paper, color, fabric, and nature elements, we will make art for the worship experience.  Artists of all skill levels and all church sizes are welcome. A $15 art supply fee is required.

CEU PAM Cert I.1 IG

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Every Time I Feel the Spirit: Performance Practice Considerations of Negro Spirituals and Folk Tunes (Brandon A. Boyd)

Music of the Black Spiritual and Gospel traditions has become a common element in choral programs across the country and the world. This session will feature a historical overview, vocal techniques, conducting considerations, and repertoire examples appropriate for choirs of all levels. The Thursday session will be the Middler choral reading session. PAM Cert IV.1&2

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Expanding Your Repertoire: Honoring Diverse Peoples and Cultures (John Sherer & Samuel Gaskin)

Church music has been changing rapidly for a long time and the pandemic has only accelerated those changes for many of us.  In this workshop we will consider ways of expanding the tradition and opening the organ loft to other ideas and people such as playing a jazz prelude on the organ or starting an entire service of using jazz music.  We'll explore and share ideas about organ music written in the gospel tradition, by African Americans and organ music from many cultures.  We will feature organ music being written by women and we'll think about adding other instruments with the organ.  We'll consider ways of making the organ more accessible through youtube videos, for church groups and community gatherings.  Come prepared to share your own ideas and music so we can learn from each other and together expand the tradition.     CEU PAM Cert IV.1&2 IG

 

Global Connection Through Drumming (Clarice Cast)

In this 50-minute class, we will experience drumming from around the world while connecting with and fine tuning our internal rhythm. PAM Cert IV.1&2 IG

 

Handbells (Carlos Rivera and Angela Hampton)

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced handbell choirs rehearse once daily. Several choirs will play in the Friday evening concert. A music packet must be purchased from the on-site Jeffers Handbell Supply Store. Ringers must provide their own gloves and music folders. A limited supply will be available for purchase on-site.

 

• Beginning: You are relatively new to ringing with limited handbell experience (Music level 1, 2).
  PAM Cert IV.1&2 IG

• Intermediate: You have rung in bell choirs before and feel moderately proficient in reading music and most handbell techniques (Music level 2+, 3+). PAM Cert IV.1&2 

• Advanced: You ring regularly and feel confident in all handbell techniques and upper-level performance (Music level 3+, 4+). PAM Cert IV.1&2 IG

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Instrumental Ensembles (Mark Britt and Phil Kent)

These ensembles provide opportunities for instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday check-in. PAM Cert IV.1&2 IG

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"Let’s Start at the Very Beginning” (Mary Biddlecombe)

 Do you have tone chimes, a white board, a hymnal, and really busy children in your congregation? If you said yes, let’s chat about giving our children some building blocks to becoming music readers!

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Liturgy Writing Seminar: Holy Words for the Whole Service (Sudie Niesen-Thompson)

The word read and proclaimed is central to Christian worship, especially in the Reformed tradition. As such, worship planners and participants often give particular attention to the sermon. But what about the rest of the service? From the Gathering Words that invite us to stand on holy ground to the Charge that sends us forth to proclaim the good news, the words we use in worship have power to shape our faith and faithfulness as the people of God. In this workshop, led by liturgist Sudie Niesen Thompson, we’ll explore creative approaches to proclaiming the word throughout the whole service. CEU PAM Cert I.1

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Ministry in Motion: A Worship Experience (Tina Yarborough-Liggins)

This course is designed to uplift the message of Jesus Christ through movement, facial expressions and emotions. Participants will move through creative worship to warm-up the body, mind and spirit. Technical dance skills will be intertwined as a means to formulate ministry in motion. PAM Cert I.1 IG

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Organ Improvisation Workshop (Samuel Gaskin)

Improvisation for all levels of organists, from beginner to advanced. CEU PAM Cert IV.1&2​ IG

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Preaching Seminar: Matthew 25 – Stories from the Street (Aisha Brooks-Johnson)

Sermons are filled with theological reflection and practical application. Sermon illustrations bring to life the truth of God's word in tangible and tactile ways. It is important to remember how to pay attention with all of our senses as we discover God's message in real time and in unlikely places. During our time together, we will explore the art of finding surprising sermon illustrations in a diverse and digital age. Remember, your next sermon illustration is either a click, a blink, or a breath away!

 

Professional Concerns: From Postlude to Prelude (Mark Kemp)

The hidden part of ministry that often goes unseen can be the most challenging! Establishing routines for the day-to-day work, continuing education opportunities, relationships with colleagues, and personal expectations are only a few of the things that need to go well so that worship leadership can be effective. In this seminar we will discuss important resources as well as how to honor our God's calling to our communities of faith. CEU PAM Cert II.1

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Reading Sessions

Monday: Adult Choir (André Thomas), 1:30 pm

Tuesday: High School Choir (Tucker Biddlecombe), 1:30 pm

Wednesday: Children's Choir (Mary Biddlecombe), 1:30 pm

Thursday: Middler Choir (Brandon Boyd), 10:00 am during "Every Time I Feel the Spirit" seminar

Thursday: Small Church Choir (Phillip Morgan) 1:30 pm

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Routley Lectures: Jesus Sought Me When a Stranger (David Gambrell)

How strange (and wonderful) a thing that Christ is with us when we sing! The 2022 Routley Lectures will consider the strangeness of congregational song, reflecting on the unexpected encounters with God and surprising gifts of the Spirit that come when we make music together as the body of Christ. CEU PAM Cert I.1

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The Rhythms of Justice: A Missional Engagement of the Faithful in the Work of Proclaiming Justice (Alonzo Johnson)

Issues of justice continue to be of great concern to our churches and their surrounding communities. With biblical emphasis on caring for the stranger as its backdrop, this workshop will examine justice and its intersectional issues. With an emphasis on multigenerational ministry, music, the arts and social media, this workshop will also equip participants with effective strategies centered around spirituality and relationship building in engaging issues of justice. The use of worship, direct action, and advocacy will also be utilized as strategies. IG

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What’s All the Fuss? (Justin Reed)

Certain church denominations, politicians, and school districts condemn critical race theory (CRT) as racist, anti-American, and incompatible with the Bible. But there are some Christians who believe that CRT is exactly what Christianity needs to live out the kingdom of God. In this class, we will compare and contrast how each side defines critical race theory. Then we will experiment with how concepts from CRT might make a difference in how we read the Bible.

 

Worship Reflections (Worship Team)

Worship Reflections gives conferees a behind-the-scenes understanding of how our worship services are planned and implemented with the intent of helping conferees take ideas, approaches, and understanding home to assist in enhancing worship in congregations "back home." The moderator leads discussion and fields questions for our panel comprising the preacher, the liturgist, the visual artist, and the organist. CEU PAM Cert I.1&2

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Senior High Classes

 

Senior High conferees are those exiting grades 9-12.

All Senior High conferees enroll in the following two core classes:

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Senior High Choir (Tucker Biddlecombe)

Choir rehearses twice daily to prepare for singing for worship and the Friday concert. The music packet, the cost of which is included in the registration fee, is distributed at check-in.

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Youth Small Groups (Linda Kurtz, Facilitator)

Small groups are designed to give youth a smaller group of conferees to connect with! Small group curriculum will focus on fellowship and the exploration of scriptural themes from the conference through art, games, and guided conversations. The goal? To learn more about God and one another in a space that is safe and fun.

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Senior high conferees may choose up to three electives.

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Art Workshop: (Ellen Phillips and David VanderMeer)

In this Liturgical Art class, David and Ellen will discuss the nuts and bolts of what is involved in creating, developing, and maintaining a church arts ministry: everything from theology and history to a sense of playfulness.  We will also experience the fellowship and hospitality that result as we create together.  The process is as important as the product, and through the use of paper, color, fabric, and nature elements, we will make art for the worship experience.  Artists of all skill levels and all church sizes are welcome. A $15 art supply fee is required. IG

​

Expanding Your Repertoire: Honoring Diverse Peoples and Cultures (John Sherer & Samuel Gaskin)

Church music has been changing rapidly for a long time and the pandemic has only accelerated those changes for many of us.  In this workshop we will consider ways of expanding the tradition and opening the organ loft to other ideas and people such as playing a jazz prelude on the organ or starting an entire service of using jazz music.  We'll explore and share ideas about organ music written in the gospel tradition, by African Americans and organ music from many cultures.  We will feature organ music being written by women and we'll think about adding other instruments with the organ.  We'll consider ways of making the organ more accessible through youtube videos, for church groups and community gatherings.  Come prepared to share your own ideas and music so we can learn from each other and together expand the tradition.  IG

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Fun and Games (Montreat Staff)

Games and other activities in the outdoor beauty of Montreat.

​

Global Connection Through Drumming (Clarice Cast)

In this 50-minute class, we will experience drumming from around the world while connecting with and fine tuning our internal rhythm. IG

​

Handbells (Carlos Rivera and Angela Hampton)

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced handbell choirs rehearse once daily. Several choirs will play in the Friday evening concert. A music packet must be purchased from the on-site Jeffers Handbell Supply Store. Ringers must provide their own gloves and music folders. A limited supply will be available for purchase on-site.
 

• Beginning: You are relatively new to ringing with limited handbell experience (Music level 1, 2). IG
   

• Intermediate: You have rung in bell choirs before and feel moderately proficient in reading music and most handbell techniques (Music level 2+, 3+).
   

• ​Advanced: You ring regularly and feel confident in all handbell techniques and upper-level performance (Music level 3+, 4+). IG

​​

Instrumental Ensembles (Mark Britt and Phil Kent)

These ensembles provide opportunities for instrumentalists to rehearse and perform during the conference. An on-site interview for ensemble placement is required during Sunday check-in. IG

​

Ministry in Motion: A Worship Experience (Tina Yarborough-Liggins)

This course is designed to uplift the message of Jesus Christ through movement, facial expressions and emotions. Participants will move through creative worship to warm-up the body, mind and spirit. Technical dance skills will be intertwined as a means to formulate ministry in motion. IG

​

Organ Improvisation Workshop (Samuel Gaskin)

Improvisation for all levels of organists, from beginner to advanced. IG

​

Senior High Chamber Choir (Tucker Biddlecombe)

This auditioned ensemble rehearses twice each day, Monday through Thursday. The choir sings in worship and at the Thursday evening Chamber Choir Concert. On-site auditions take place during Sunday check-in hours. Those selected to be in the choir must purchase a music packet from the on-site store prior to the first rehearsal on Monday morning.

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​Songwriting Made Simple (David Gambrell)

Imagine that — you wrote a song! (You had it in you all along.) Through a variety of engaging, accessible exercises, we will explore the art and craft of musical composition, including texts and tunes both sacred and secular. Participants will be equipped and encouraged to write an original song during the week. No previous experience is required.

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The Rhythms of Justice: A Missional Engagement of the Faithful in the Work of Proclaiming Justice (Alonzo Johnson)

Issues of justice continue to be of great concern to our churches and their surrounding communities. With biblical emphasis on caring for the stranger as its backdrop, this workshop will examine justice and its intersectional issues. With an emphasis on multigenerational ministry, music, the arts and social media, this workshop will also equip participants with effective strategies centered around spirituality and relationship building in engaging issues of justice. The use of worship, direct action, and advocacy will also be utilized as strategies. IG

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Youth Activities Class (Lauren Scott)

God calls us to be in relationship with one another! During this Youth Activities Class, we will play games that focus on being in relationship with one another through recreation.

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Middler Classes

Middler conferees are exiting grades 6-8.

All Middler conferees enroll in the following two core classes:

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Middler Choir (Brandon A. Boyd)

Choir rehearses twice daily to prepare for singing in worship and the Friday concert. A music packet, the cost of which is included in the registration fee, is distributed on-site at check-in.

 

Middler Small Groups (Linda Kurtz, Facilitator)

Small groups are designed to give youth a smaller group of conferees to connect with! Small group curriculum will focus on fellowship and the exploration of scriptural themes from the conference through art, games, and guided conversations. The goal? To learn more about God and one another in a space that is safe and fun.

 

Middler conferees may choose up to three electives.

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Art Workshop: Space for Holy Creativity (Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks)

Whether you love to create or are looking to try something new- you are invited to join us as we make space for holy creativity.  Using a variety of mediums we will combine sacred stories, personal narrative, and a variety of mediums to create together.  This is an opportunity to create hospitality for the creator within.

​

Expanding Your Repertoire: Honoring Diverse Peoples and Cultures (John Sherer & Samuel Gaskin)

Church music has been changing rapidly for a long time and the pandemic has only accelerated those changes for many of us.  In this workshop we will consider ways of expanding the tradition and opening the organ loft to other ideas and people such as playing a jazz prelude on the organ or starting an entire service of using jazz music.  We'll explore and share ideas about organ music written in the gospel tradition, by African Americans and organ music from many cultures.  We will feature organ music being written by women and we'll think about adding other instruments with the organ.  We'll consider ways of making the organ more accessible through youtube videos, for church groups and community gatherings.  Come prepared to share your own ideas and music so we can learn from each other and together expand the tradition.     IG

​

Fun and Games (Montreat Staff)

Games and other activities in the outdoor beauty of Montreat.

​

Global Connection Through Drumming (Clarice Cast)

In this 50-minute class, we will experience drumming from around the world while connecting with and fine tuning our internal rhythm. IG

 

Handbells (Carlos Rivera and Angela Hampton)

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced handbell choirs rehearse once daily. Several choirs will play in the Friday evening concert. A music packet must be purchased from the on-site Jeffers Handbell Supply Store. Ringers must provide their own gloves and music folders. A limited supply will be available for purchase on-site.
 

• Beginning: You are relatively new to ringing with limited handbell experience (Music level 1, 2). IG
   

• Intermediate: You have rung in bell choirs before and feel moderately proficient in reading music and most handbell techniques (Music level 2+, 3+).

​

Middler Instrumental Ensembles (Mark Britt and Phil Kent)

Orchestra, band, or other Middler instrumentalists will rehearse once daily and may play for conference events. An on-site interview is required during Sunday check-in.

​

Ministry in Motion: A Worship Experience (Tina Yarborough-Liggins)

This course is designed to uplift the message of Jesus Christ through movement, facial expressions and emotions. Participants will move through creative worship to warm-up the body, mind and spirit. Technical dance skills will be intertwined as a means to formulate ministry in motion. IG

​

Organ Improvisation Workshop (Samuel Gaskin)

Improvisation for all levels of organists, from beginner to advanced. IG

​

The Rhythms of Justice: A Missional Engagement of the Faithful in the Work of Proclaiming Justice (Alonzo Johnson)

Issues of justice continue to be of great concern to our churches and their surrounding communities. With biblical emphasis on caring for the stranger as its backdrop, this workshop will examine justice and its intersectional issues. With an emphasis on multigenerational ministry, music, the arts and social media, this workshop will also equip participants with effective strategies centered around spirituality and relationship building in engaging issues of justice. The use of worship, direct action, and advocacy will also be utilized as strategies. IG

​

Youth Activities Class (Lauren Scott)

God calls us to be in relationship with one another! During this Youth Activities Class, we will play games that focus on being in relationship with one another through recreation.

​

 

Children's Classes

Children conferees are exiting grades 3-5.

All children conferees enroll in the following classes:

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Children's Bible Study (Omar Rouchon)

Children will experience the Bible story of the day in a variety of ways, play with symbols from the stories, and learn ways of walking with Jesus that they can do at home.

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Children's Choir (Mary Biddlecombe)

Choir rehearses twice daily to prepare for singing in worship and the Friday concert. A music packet, the cost of which is included in the registration fee, is distributed on-site at check-in.

​

Fun and Games (Montreat Staff)

Games and other activities in the outdoor beauty of Montreat.

​

Creating in Spirit: Let’s Make Art Together! (Rhneea Riddle)

Join us for a fun-filled week of creativity and exploration of the conference themes and scriptures through visual art. We will experiment with a variety of art mediums and techniques while pondering the beauty and mystery of God’s creative Spirit in us.​

 

Children's Music: Making Music, Making Friends! (Briana Belding-Peck)

Throughout the week, we will discover Christ in one another through music and fellowship!  Children will have the opportunity to make music together on a variety of instruments, including handbells, percussion, and Orff instruments.  We will also sing some fun songs, play games, and make new friends!