VTS opens Center for Liturgy and Music

Virginia Theological Seminary announces the opening of the Center for Liturgy and Music (CLM) at VTS. The Center exists to serve clergy and musicians by helping them to discover resources and to develop skills in liturgy, music and preaching.

"The future of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. depends on high quality liturgical and musical experience," said the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary. "Whether it's a big church or a small church, liturgy and music need to be done with care and attention. As a service to congregations, we are now offering a consultancy service and rich website resources to support liturgical and musical excellence."

The Center will provide information, instruction and inspiration that will create the desire in leaders to grow beyond their current capacity via:

*    A website providing quick access to resources (www.liturgyandmusic.com)
*    A "Dear Ambrose" column for questions
*    An electronic newsletter
*    Conferences and workshops in the field and on-site
*    Consultations with parishes either in person or via Skype
*    Links with other groups who seek to enhance music and liturgy, i.e. the Leadership Program for Musicians, North American Academy of Liturgy, the Mentoring Program of the Association of Anglican Musicians, Episcopal Preaching Foundation
*    Distance learning in partnership with the Leadership Program for Musicians
*    Presentations at diocesan conventions or other diocesan gatherings
*    Exposure to models of effective music and liturgy in diverse styles and languages
*    Master classes in preaching

For more information about the Center's offerings, please contact Ellen Johnston, program coordinator for the Center of Liturgy and Music, by phone at 703-461-1792 or by email at clm@vts.edu.