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Join Grammy-nominated composer Kile Smith to look at introits, psalms, alleluias and canticles that he has composed for non-professionals to offer at weekly services. Designed to serve the musical resources of a cantor, a small to medium choir and the congregation, these settings provide flexible options for churches large and small. Attendees will have fun learning and singing through each setting and will discuss technical issues of text-setting, singability, practicality, and the more general issues of liturgical appropriateness, working with the pastor, meeting people where they are, and involving and uplifting them.

Bio:

The music of three-time Grammy-nominated composer Kile Smith is hailed internationally for its beauty and “profoundly direct emotional appeal.” He has composed anthems, hymns, sacred vocal and service music his entire career; many of his anthems are published. Four of Kile’s hymns were accepted into the new Anglican hymnal, Sing Unto the Lord. Professional, university, church and community choirs commission him; major works of his are heard throughout the U.S. and in Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand and Latvia. He and his wife — the singer, organist and conductor Jacqueline Smith — live outside Philadelphia.

This session recording is from the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music held July 9–12, 2024 in Seward, Neb. For more information on the Institute, please visit https://resources.lcms.org/worship-planning/2024-institute-on-liturgy-preaching-and-church-music-resources.

Morning Prayer Venite from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. Setting by Paul Soulek.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) Worship ministry aims to nurture a culture of confessional faithfulness, artistic excellence and integrity in the presentation, distribution and reception of God’s life-giving gifts in Word and Sacraments. This ministry seeks to develop and deepen an understanding and love for the Lutheran heritage in Christian worship, and promotes the Lutheran Service Book as the core worship resource for the LCMS while also identifying and encouraging the many musical treasures and gifts that the Holy Spirit continues to pour upon the church. For more information: lcms.org/worship/institutes; lcms.org/worship.

Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.