Hymn Contest
Thank you to all of the talented musicians who submitted compositions for our first-ever hymn contest in conjunction with this year's Synod Assembly theme, "With All Our Heart." Our judges worked hard to review the 43 submissions before coming up with two grand prize winners and one honorable mention. The three winning songs were announced and premiered during the assembly.
Synod congregations are invited to use the winning songs as part of their worship services. Just read the information below for the composers' preferences on obtaining permission. Congratulations to Paul Damico-Carper, Cathy Skogen-Soldner and William Brueggemann on their selection as winners of the Hymn Contest!
This composition earned praise from the hymn contest judges who said its rich, multifaceted text works well in many thematic contexts. "The author's care in crafting this text and tune are self-evident: the rhyme scheme, melody and harmonization are thoughtful throughout. The result is a highly singable new hymn that stands in line with much 'traditional' hymnody."
Paul Damico-Carper is the Assistant Music Director and Worship Producer at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul. He has led music at ELCA Churchwide and Synod assemblies, at conferences of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and at Holden Village. His songs for assembly and arrangements of ELW Settings 6 & 8 are published by Augsburg Fortress.
Interested in using this song with your congregation?
You may download the files right here:
The hymn contest judges said, "This hymn is a fine combination of text and tune, drawing skillfully on folk idioms and praise and worship conventions. It has an inherently lovely and natural simplicity and could be led equally well by an organist, pianist or worship band."
Cathy Skogen-Soldner is a composer and the owner of Cathy’s Music (www.cathysmusic.com). She works part-time as the Coordinator of Children’s Worship Participation at St. Timothy Lutheran, St. Paul. Cathy has never turned down a good piece of chocolate.
Interested in using this song with your congregation?
Please contact Cathy directly at cathy@cathysmusic.com.
Like our judges, you're sure to enjoy this hymn's
"catchy melody and lyrics that are easy to memorize after only a few repetitions, but are still varied." The judges note that this song is a great addition to the repertoire of any thoughtful worship leader.
William Brueggemann is a composer, arranger, podcaster and performer whose passion for melody has ignited the imaginations of people around the world. Until recently, William served as the Director of Music at Luther Memorial in South St. Paul. William accepted a scholarship to the graduate program at Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois, this fall, where he will receive his Masters in Fine Arts for Music Composition for the Screen. Learn more at www.williambmusic.com.
Interested in using this song with your congregation?
You may download the files right here: