A seminar on renewing congregational song led by Rev. John L. Bell of the Iona Community in Scotland will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit on May 19, 2012 from 10AM to 2PM. It will explore fresh ways to enliven church congregations through passionate singing.

John Bell lectures and leads seminars all over the world. He is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland. He is a music writer and song leader, but his interests are much broader than that. His lectures span a range from Celtic traditions and putting Paul in context to global warming, consumerism and Facebook. He tends toward the off-beat, but with a strong respect for tradition. His forte is congregational song. He teaches techniques ranging from the simplistic to the professional, to allow song leaders of varying talents to bring out the best in as heterogeneous a group as a church congregation, even those who have always been told that they cannot carry a tune in a bucket.

This seminar is open to all who are interested in the role of church congregations in singing. It is appropriate for all denominations. The cost of the seminar is $10, which covers lunch. To register send an email to registrar@fpccs.org.