Sound Connections Unity’s New Thought Music Resource

Issue #86 November 2012 Produced by Music Ministry Team and the Sacred Music Resources Department. Richard Mekdeci, Editor Sue Riley, Team Chair Blair Tabor, David Ezell, Carole Tomhave, Melinda Wood-Allen, Todd Lowry, Sheryl Meyers, Megon McDonough This Month’s Highlights─page 2 Introducing your Music Team’s newest member, Megon McDonough! 2012 Sound Connections Music Conference at Unity Village─page 3 Announcing next year’s keynotes. Make plans now to attend. Feature Article─Page 4 Thanksgiving and holiday music recommendations from your Music Ministry Team From the Road – Traveling Artist Review─Page 7 Jody Soland: Bring this awesome artist to your church or center. CD Review─page 8 Spirit Speak to Me─new from Jody Soland New Releases, Resources & Events─page 9 See what’s new and what’s coming up New Thought’s First Online Choral Library!─page 11 Find your holiday music here! Job Openings for Music Directors─page 12 Unity of Murfreesboro, Tenn./Unity of Davis, Calif./Unity Center for Creative Living, St. Johns, Fla./Center for Spiritual Living, Denver, Colo. This Month’s Free Sheet Music Offering─page 13 “I Thank God” by Todd Lowry

New Thought’s First Music Director Listing: Online Only Currently over 180 music directors in 41 states and Canada. Help us make this a complete listing for all of New Thought. Update/Add your name to this valuable resource.

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TThhiiss MMoonntthh’’ss HHiigghhlliigghhttss

Hello, Dear Connectors! Now, maybe it’s because my birthday is November 21 (I’m partial to emeralds), or because I’m the 7th of 9 kids, and comfortable with a crowded dinner table, that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. But every year at this time, I can just be walking down the street, minding my own business, and get mugged by gratitude! It just comes over me and fills me up. I had no idea I would grow up to be so crazy about gratitude, but I am. Ever since attending my first Unity service in 1979, and reading the works of Emmet Fox, Eric Butterworth, Catherine Ponder and

Florence Scovel Shin, I’ve been a huge fan of Unity, Science of Mind, and the whole New Thought/Ancient Wisdom Movement. I’ve seen the world differently. But, actually I think I’ve seen the world a little differently all along. From the time I was 5, and heard “ha ha ha ha ha … ha ha ha ha ha … It’s the Woody Woodpecker Show,” I have loved the sound of the voice. My mom was a singer with the USO and in nightclubs before I was born. So I’m sure I heard a lot of singing growing up, but I think it was the combination of a singer who was being funny that really struck me. I learned a few years ago that singer’s name was Grace Stafford and she was married to the creator of The Woody Woodpecker Show. He’d hired her to be the voice of Woody before he ever knew it was her demo tape he’d heard. She never took credit because she didn’t want children to be disappointed to learn that Woody was a girl! You just never know where your life and the music will take you. So, I’ve had a passion for music all my life. Especially after the passing of my father and oldest sister 3 months apart in 1965, it has been the great healer for me. “When I was 10 years old, The Beatles saved my life” is the opening line in my song “Beatle Love.” I have been trying to repay the music ever since. I am eternally grateful to it for all the love, healing, wisdom and joy─no, bliss─it gives my life every day. I know you know exactly what I’m talking about. I am especially proud, grateful and happy to have been asked to join the Music Ministry Team. Sue Riley and Richard Mekdeci are two of the most incredible musicians, songwriters and friends I’ve been blessed to know. It has been such a blast and a blessing to travel and play music with them at PosiPaloozas. We even went to Canada last month with Harold Payne. Oh m’gosh, my endorphins are still flying! Richard and Harold taught me and Sue a new game: Inkie Pinkie/Inkity Pinkity. Well, it’s more fun than Heaven allows! So, this is going to be a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our kitchen is even finished being remodeled. Oy, what an epic. Talk about grateful! I look forward to seeing you at The Posi’s this year in Orlando (I’ve got some great jammies) and at Sound Connections next Sept. I am so grateful for you. Blessings, Megon McDonough

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Sound Connections Music Conference

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ire and uplift you.

Announcing next year’s keynotes! Rev. Michael Gott

An amazing voice and an amazing minister. Formerly Music Director at Center for Spiritual Living in Reno, Nev., Michael now serves with Howard Caesar as Associate Minister of Unity in Houston, Tex. Michael’s music and message will insp

2013’s Grace Note Award Recipient – Daniel Nahmod Daniel has taken the New Thought message to literally millions of people around the world through his music. It crosses all religious, social and cultural boundaries, and is sung in practically every Unity and New Thought church and center in the world. Daniel is also known for leading inspiring retreats and workshops.

Plan now to attend New Thought’s Premier Music Conference.

Include it in next year’s music budget.

Be sure to become a Facebook “Friend” and rate the page after your visit.

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FFeeaattuurree AArrttiiccllee Thanksgiving & Holiday Music Recommendations From Your Music Ministry Team Here are some ideas for finding the perfect Thanksgiving and holiday songs for your special services. I always first recommend the music resource Bible, Sue Riley’s Posi(tive) Music Resources for New Thought Churches, Fifth Edition. It does not contain printed music but is a resource guide to finding the music you need. Over 600 New Thought songs are categorized into over 50 topics and occasions including an entire section of “Seasonal Resources” for Christmas, Lent, Ash Wednesday and Easter. Each listing has a sample of the lyrics from the song, and how you can find and purchase the song. Most songs are listed in pairs too, usually an upbeat and a slower song, to make it easier for you to plan your entire service. Some categories include Congregational – Gathering and Prelude / Meditation / Closing, Humor, Loss and Transition, Meet and Greet, Prosperity and Tithing─everything from “Animal Blessings” to “Yoga and Meditation.” Under “Gratitude” I found four pages of song suggestions and pairings. For Christmas there is a complete Christmas Musical, Christmas Solo, and Christmas Choral section. Kudos to Sue for creating this much-needed resource. It is a huge undertaking and an amazing bargain at only $25. Go to www.empowerma.com and click the Store, then Books, to order. Hope that helps! Richard Mekdeci Here are some choral selections from David Ezell, MD Unity of Columbia, S.C.: Unity Worldwide Ministries' new Online Choral Library has some seasonal selections to recommend: “I Am Anointed” is an upbeat gospel song by Rev. Blair Tabor which is appropriate for Thanksgiving. It works best with a dynamic soloist. The backup choir can be SATB or SAB. The lyrics for the chorus are: "I am anointed by the Holy Spirit, I am anointed by the power of God. I am anointed with the joy of living. I am anointed and give thanks for it all!" The verses are about Jesus and the comfort, peace and understanding he promised to those who follow him. “May You Know God” is a contemplative song by Rev. Don Lansky, Rev. Patricia Lansky, Sue Riley, Karen Taylor-Good and Laurence Elder. It is appropriate for Thanksgiving, Easter, Memorials, New Year's and General Use. Voiced for SATB, it can also be sung as a solo. The tenor section is featured in the middle part of the song. The opening lyrics are: "May you rejoice in the new life within you as you release the old and worn. Open your heart with praise and thanksgiving. May you see God. May you feel God. May you know God."

“One Small Voice,” for Christmas, is by Roger Tomhave, arranged by Carole Tomhave. To be sung at a moderate tempo, it is about a shepherd boy who spreads the news about Jesus and the Christ Spirit. It concludes with these lyrics: "Don’t be afraid to sing your song. Soon you will hear others sing along. Christ is born, Alleluia, born inside us, Born each Christmas. Bless one small voice." The music has three sections: a solo at the beginning which ranges from G to G, a middle section for SA choir, and a concluding section with soloist and SATB choir. It can be learned quickly, as each section is 8 to 12 measures. Another Christmas song which can be learned quickly is “Illumination” by David Ezell. Intended to be used at a candle-lighting service, it is for SATB choir, or can be sung as a solo. As is typical of many of David's choral arrangements, each section sings the melody part of the time. In a contemplative mood, the verses are about achieving personal transformation and then leading others, as we follow the teaching of Jesus, as well as the teaching of other ancient spiritual leaders Muhammad, Buddha and Moses. The chorus lyrics are: "Each one lights a candle bright, spreading out a beautiful light. In the glow we now invite all of us our spirits to unite." For New Year's the library has “Here's to Life” by Richard Mekdeci. A sentimental song in waltz time, it encourages us to accept life as it is, to start from where we are and move forward. Its concluding lyrics are: "Here's to peace, in our world far and near. And to our health, I'm just glad we're all here. To the tears that were cried, and the love that survived, And to all, A Happy New Year!" The library offers this song in SATB and SAB arrangements, and it can also be sung as a solo. The reader may notice that members of the Music Ministry Team have responded well to our requests for submissions to the Online Choral Library. We invite others to submit their selections also. The library includes songs for general use as well as seasonal selections. Information about submitting is at http://www.heartwindmusic.com/absusotobein.html or on page 10 of this newsletter. Here are some suggestions from Todd Lowry, MD at Unity of Albuquerque, N. Mex.: Thanksgiving Songs For Thanksgiving songs, one can't beat David Roth's "May the Light of Love." However, there are two Thanksgiving songs that aren't listed in Sue Riley's Posi(tive) Music Resources (because they aren't New Thought songs) that I think are great Thanksgiving songs. One is "Grateful" by New York City composer John Bucchino. This is a truly wonderful song, with both beautiful lyrics and beautiful music (not easy to play or sing, though). It can be found in the songbook Grateful: The Songs of John Bucchino (Hal Leonard) or you can download it on www.johnbucchino.com for a hefty $7.95. The other song is "Thankful" by pop hit monsters David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager and Richard Page, which has been recorded by Josh Groban. The lyrics are good and the music is anthemic. Choral versions are available. You can get the sheet music at www.musicnotes.com for $5.25.

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And from Rev. Blair Tabor, Unity in San Diego, Calif., and Music Team member:

For Thanksgiving Karen Drucker’s “Thank You for This Day” and “I Am So Blessed” that our music team loves.

There is a beautiful arrangement of “For the Beauty of the Earth” with new music by Lynn DeShazo arranged by BJ Davis.

“Quiet Waters” #309 from Wings of Song is always one of my favorites for leading into meditation.

“Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter is about gathering together, family and forgiveness. Tender Blessings! Blair

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FFrroomm tthhee RRooaadd –– TTrraavveelliinngg AArrttiisstt RReevviieeww Bring this awesome artist to your church or center!

Jody Soland Jody’s Core Message: “This journey we are on can be filled with many twists and turns, and unexpected roadblocks that seem insurmountable. “My goal is to help people appreciate the simple things, enjoy the journey, and find ways to embrace the challenges, using them as

springboards to something amazing! “I share the music, stories and insights that reflect this philosophy, to encourage and empower my audiences to be all they can be. “When we allow ourselves to be totally authentic, we say yes to who we really are. When we do that, we give others permission to do the same, and we bless the world with what it is we are here to do!” Jody offers a workshop called “Heartwork/Artwork” that includes a 35-minute musical journey, guided imagery, artwork, and group processing. Created from over 20 years experience as a Certified Holotropic and Integrative Breathwork practitioner, Jody uses her skills to create a safe, supportive environment.

Benefits include: *Release of tension and stress *New-found creativity *Sense of peace and connection * Release of fear, grief and loss *Joy, and new-found purpose in your life Jody has led Heartwork/Artwork workshops for a variety of groups

including Unity Women’s Groups, Unity Board Retreats, the YOU Rally, The Great Lakes Music Conference, and the Uniteen retreat where she has received exceptional reviews. Testimonials: It was not only a wonderful way to open our music conference and help people to connect to one another, but it also provided an outlet for our creativity to flow. It was a stimulating, wondrous workshop.─Martha Hall Bowman, LSCW, Director, Great Lakes Unity Music Conference As a facilitator of the women’s group at my church, I was part of the Heartwork/Artwork session that Jody led for our group. It was attended by most of the women in the group, and was voted as the Number One Workshop everyone wanted to do again!─Beverly Fox, Ohio I have done Heartwork/Artwork with Jody on two different occasions, and both times I was very impressed with Jody’s loving, insightful facilitation skills. I had powerful experiences each time, which led me forward on my spiritual path. I highly recommend this workshop!─Bonnie Smith, Ohio Contact Jody at songbirds100@aol.com and visit her website at www.jodysoland.com.

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CD Review

Spirit Speak to Me by Jody Soland Reviewed by Richard Mekdeci Jody Soland is well-known in the Great Lakes Region as a songwriter, speaker, teacher and music minister. She and husband Gary have been writing songs and facilitating workshops for many years. Jody has the ability to connect with her audience, and has the unique skill for capturing and

delivering a message through her music that deeply moves people, heart and soul. Spirit Speak to Me is Jody’s first full-length solo CD following What the Heart Feels which was more of a duet project with Gary. Jody and Gary traveled to Nashville to record both projects with co-producer, engineer and pianist Gerry Peters. Spirit Speak to Me is beautifully recorded, and not overproduced to reveal the beauty and simplicity of the songs, many of which you will want to use in your music ministry. All songs were written by Jody and Gary and are well-crafted from two deeply devoted and passionate songwriters sharing this journey together. The opening song immediately pushed a button or two for me using some traditional gender specific language referring to God. However the underlying message of the title, that “Everything Is God” prevails when in the chorus you are asked to “see beyond belief, listen with your heart and know it in your soul, everything is God you know.” This theme also pervades the gentle folk-flavored title track, “Spirit Speak to Me.” From then on, Jody sings of spiritual social action (Give A Little Bit), loving all (What Would Love Do Now), persevering (Becoming Who You Are), letting go (Let Go), going deeper (Inside of Me), flying higher (Going Deeper to Flying Higher) and simple comfort (Angels). My favorite cut would be “She Thought He Was Jesus,” the touching story about a life-long relationship between a young orphaned girl and the gardener at the orphanage. “He said ‘Jesus loves you’ and she thought he was Jesus, ‘cause Jesus lived in him.” The hook turns around in the third verse as she cares for him after he becomes homeless. Powerful. You’ll find as a music director that all the songs on this CD are beautifully melodic, passionately delivered, impeccably written and arranged, and produced to be easily accessible for any music team. Listen and buy at www.jodysoland.com..

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NNeeww RReelleeaasseess,, RReessoouurrcceess && EEvveennttss We welcome you to send us news of CD releases, concert events, or YouTube links that you have come across that would be of interest to our community. It could be New Thought songs you’ve discovered on YouTube, touching stories for sermons, new music from your favorite artists or from your church. Links will be rotated off every 3 months. Send your link to music@unity.org. New Releases

Move Ahead by Asha Lightbearer Acknowledging life’s challenges while offering release and the promise of peace, love and abundance. Listen: http://www.reverbnation.com/ashalightbearer 10/12 Martha Hall Bowman’s New Release Room in the Garden www.cdbaby.com/Artist/MarthaHallBowman www.createspace.com, search Martha Hall Bowman. 9/12

Jodi Soland’s New Release (reviewed this issue) Spirit Speak to Me www.jodysoland.com 9/12

Resources & Links For some humor, here is a link to a video that, apparently, a church uses during their service to promote good cell phone etiquette: http://www.youtube.com/embed/D2_c81Nnsc0 

I’m very excited to announce the launch of my new Imaginal World Free Online Interview Series, where I talk to experts about spirituality, creativity and social transformation. http://www.imaginalworld.com/love/dada/invite/ 10/12

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Just Like Butter - Karen Taylor Good and Stowe Dailey Shockey wrote and performed this fun song which they are submitting to the Prairie Home Companion Duet Contest. If you Like it, leave a comment on YouTube. http://youtu.be/UqVMjZTCESY 10/12

Kid Music Videos Go Global – Multi-cultural Performer Shares World Folk Music With A Quarter of A Million Viewers Worldwide. For complete info, visit DARIA’s Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/DariaMusic or her website at dariamusic.com. 10/12

Spirit SongScribe Music Transcription My name is Deana Ingraham Gurney. I transcribe your original songs, creating professional-quality lead sheets (vocal melody in standard notation, with full lyrics and chord symbols), in high-resolution printable PDF form. www.spiritsongscribe.com www.innernetevents.com The most extensive Spiritual Event Directory serving the southern California region Events

Mark your calendars to join us for the 2013 Unity People’s Convention June 8-13. www.unityworldwideministries.org/convention www.unityworldwideministries.org/convention

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UUnniittyy’’ss NNeeww OOnnlliinnee CChhoorraall LLiibbrraarryy NNooww AAvvaaiillaabbllee Unity Worldwide Ministries is now your source for New Thought choral music. After publishing many books of songs primarily for solo and congregation, we have developed a new online distribution model especially suited to choral music. As director of a choir or small vocal ensemble, you can download and print the required number of copies for your group. To help you choose just the right song, samples of the audio and sheet music, as well as complete lyrics, are as close as your internet connection. If your minister gives you a topic for a service, you can look up lyrics by subject, or search for keywords found in the lyrics on the site. For a small choir (up to 10 members) full choral arrangements are $15.00. For a larger choir the price is $25.00. Unity Worldwide Ministries has selected Heart Wind Music, LLC, David Ezell, President, as the sheet music host site for the library. Audio for many of the songs in the library is available from empower Music and Arts. Submissions will be an ongoing process, so if you have a choral arrangement of an existing New Thought song or an original choral song for any theme or special service, you can help us build a huge library of available material for you to have at your fingertips. Submission Criteria

• We are asking for “print-ready” arrangements in PDF format, professionally transcribed in Sibelius or Finale formats with piano or lead sheet and voice parts included. (Contact Richard Mekdeci for a list of qualified arrangers who can help prepare your scores for publication.)

• When possible, please include an MP3 audio of the song being performed. This does not have to be a professionally-done studio recording, but enough to give the buyer an idea of the complexity and feel. A good-quality, live church performance should be adequate in most cases.

• Please include a lyric sheet for each title and a suggested usage for each song (e.g., Christmas, Volunteer Sunday, Burning Bowl, general use, etc.).

• Songs will be screened for quality, sing-ability, and lyric content to insure compatibility with New Thought theology.

• If you submit an arrangement to an existing song that you did not write, you should have permission from the songwriter for that arrangement. When you are paid for sales, you will be responsible for compensating the authors through whatever agreement you have with them.

To select and purchase choral music, you can go to http://www.heartwindmusic.com/unwomionchli.html. For information about submitting songs for inclusion in the library, go to http://www.heartwindmusic.com/absusotobein.html.

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JJoobb OOppeenniinnggss ffoorr MMuussiicc DDiirreeccttoorrss Unity of Murfreesboro, Tenn. has an opening for a part-time music director. We are a small but warm and welcoming spiritual community. We are looking for some one who can read music and work well with others. Ability to lead and direct a team of volunteer musicians and singers, coordinate stage set-up, equipment and sound required. Will be required to develop a repertoire of both traditional and contemporary music appropriate for Sunday services and provide background music for meditations. Ability to write music a plus. Familiarity with PowerPoint also a plus. Familiarity with Unity spiritual principles preferred but not required. 4-5 hrs per week including 3 hours on Sunday. Call Rev. Shirley Bowman at 615.692.4636 to arrange for an interview. Unity Center of Davis, Calif., wishes to hire a part-time music director. We are enthusiastic about the prospects of finding a talented and dedicated musician who can lead and build our music program to a new level of inspiration and professionalism. The ideal candidate would have strong vocal skills, coaching and leadership ability capable of leading congregational singing, occasional soloing and selecting appropriate music for Sunday services. Guitar or other rhythm instrument skill a plus. We are offering a stipend of $250/week. Contact revlarry@unityofdavis.org for detailed job description. Unity Church for Creative Living, St. Johns, Fla., just south of Jacksonville, is looking for an experienced, professional musician with leadership ability to create inspirational upbeat music. We are looking for a talented person who can sing, lead congregational songs, read music and have the ability to play the piano (other musical instruments a plus). Primary duties include: selecting music for Sunday and special services, leading congregational songs, developing and leading a choir, and possibly creating a band. Prefer a bachelor’s degree in music or 5 years related experience. Please email Joanne Toates, Administration Manager, at joanne.toates@gmail.com with your resume, or call 904.287.1505 for more information. Check out www.unityinjax.com. Center for Spiritual Living Denver, Colo., is a spiritual community located in urban Denver, Colo. We are an Affiliate Member of Centers for Spiritual Living. (www.unitedcentersforspiritualliving.org) At this time in the development of our community, the Director of Music position we are seeking to fill is a part-time position. Currently 10-15% of our income is budgeted for the Music Ministry. The Director of Music is responsible for managing this budget. The budget for music will grow along with community growth. The Director of Music can benefit directly from them positive impact of the music program. To request an interview, or receive the detailed job description, please send resume and any other pertinent information to: Rev. Mary Jo Honiotes, revmaryjo@csldenver.org.

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TThhiiss MMoonntthh’’ss FFrreeee SShheeeett MMuussiicc Enjoy this lovely, simple, prayerful song for Thanksgiving or year round’ offertory or meditation lead in from Todd Lowry, Music Director at Unity of Albuquerque, N. Mex.

This service is offered with permission from the author. Please contact the author to request more copies or other arrangements. If you would like a piece of your sheet music offered in Sound Connections, just send a PDF file of your song to music@unity.org.

copyright © 2008 Todd Lowry

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