All Things Bright and Beautiful

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all.

By Susan Shinn Turner

The music department of St. John’s will host “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” a free music and arts camp, from July 29-Aug. 2 from 9 am to noon, for rising kindergarteners through fifth-graders.

St. John’s has a long history of music and arts camps, and this year’s event will be in collaboration with music personnel from other local congregations, including St. Luke’s Episcopal, First Presbyterian, First Methodist, First Baptist, and Sacred Heart Catholic.

“Music is a huge part of children’s faith formation,” says Rob Durocher, minister of music and deacon. “They meet God in the music.”

So they decided to create a summer camp in order to expose children to all sorts of music in the church setting: singing, handbells, handchimes, drama, and visual arts.

“One goal of the camp is to show what children can do in worship,” Rosemary says.

The duo hopes each participant will discover their own musical talent. Children will likely be drawn to different components of the camp, Rosemary says. “Each will discover how they can praise their creator in their own unique way.”

At the end of the week, there will be a time of sharing for parents and other family members and friends.

As a group, the children will learn a processional based on “This Is My Father’s World” that will include singing, handbells, handchimes, and rhythm instruments.

Throughout, there will be age appropriate music for every group, and plenty of “silly songs,” too.

The camp will take place in the Sanctuary building, with Kim Lentz leading the handbells and handchimes sessions, and Corinne Mauldin leading the daily opening session with all campers.

“I’m here to do whatever needs to be done,” says Rob, who with Rosemary will facilitate the camp. Rosemary will lead the singing sessions. Other downtown musicians will fill in where needed once registration is complete.

Rob and Rosemary encourage parents who are planning summer activities to register now, as space is limited.

They hope that the children — and their instructors — will take what they learn to the other participating churches.

“We want to excite people in other places of worship,” Rob says. “This is all cool stuff to do.”

Contribute:
The duo say they will welcome volunteers, as well as financial contributions to help defray the cost of music, supplies, and materials. Participating churches are providing daily snacks.

Watch upcoming publications for more developments about the music and arts camp.

Register Online:
The camp is free, and open to the public, but space is limited so now.