A little something to brighten up your Monday evening (or whatever time it is where you are)...

I suddenly remembered how awesome this was and thought I'd post it again. Heart's Cry was the official song of the Papal Visit in 2010.

I found this on ChurchLeaders.com - it's actually a link to a page on worshiptogether.com.

I was wondering how best to describe this, but I don't think I can do much better than what they've written on ChurcLeaders.com:

'Download this anthem of praise from Matt Redman to help your church proclaim the glory of God to the ends of the earth. You can preview this song and find lyrics and chords online at the Worship Together site.'

Not a bad way of putting it there really. Anyway, you can download it all here.

I seem to have spend most of my career trying to get away from music ministry, but being dragged back in to it. That's right, I turn up for projects wanting to get into programme development, catechesis and other things, but then they are short of a guitarist, somebody remembers that I can play and it takes up pretty much all of my time. I feel like that famous Al Pacino line: every time I think I'm out, they drag me back in... It's definitely something I want to start leaving behind in 2012. The fact that I now have tendonitis in my hand also doesn't help!

A lot of youth ministers aren't trying to leave music ministry behind though. Many really love it. They want to do more of it, and they want to get better at it. If that's you, then fair play to you. It's a vital part of youth ministry and it's something that needs to be done well.

With that in mind, CatholicYouthMinistry.com has a great article asking how can I be a better music minister in 2012. It's worth a read.

I've found a lot of things that help over the years - rehearsal (and not rushing) is important. Asking the project leader to be clear about what he/ she wants from the music team is also important, as is the need to make sure those expectations are stuck to. Good equipment is a must too. And it's vital to pick music that the young people will actually respond to - and not just your latest craze that you really really want them to like!

CJM are doing a free Webinar (Web seminar - get it?) on the revised translation on Tuesday at 7.30pm UK time. You can find more info, and you can register too, on this page of their site. Here's a lowdown:

Not everyone involved in music and liturgy has been able to attend the workshops and training days that have been taking place across the country as we prepare to implement the new translation, so we thought we'd try something different and give you the opportunity to attend an online training and Q & A session.

Please put the date in your diary and visit our website to register for this informative webinar which will be presented by Jo Boyce and Mike Stanley with special guest, Fr Timothy Menezes.

WHEN & WHERE? Tue 29 Nov // 7:30pm to 8:30pm - in front of your computer in the comfort of your own home!