Celebrating Contemporary Hymnody

Sponsored by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, this symposium, on May 31, 2013, will honor Ruth Duck’s work as a successful hymn text writer, a distinguished scholar, and a devoted teacher. Dr. Duck has served as Professor of Worship since 1989 and will retire in 2013. The symposium will feature keynote speaker John Thornburg, the director of A Ministry of Congregational Singing. Workshop leaders and special guests include:

Dan Damon, published writer of hymn texts
Chi-Yong Oh, hymnist from South Korea
Don E. Saliers, professor of theology and liturgy, Emory University
Robin Knowles Wallace, professor of worship
Cynthia Wilson, Grammy nominated musician
Brian Wren, internationally published hymn-poet

***Garrett-Evangelical is pleased to offer 0.5 CEU Credit for any person who attends all sessions on Friday, May 31st. For more information, please contact the Office of External Programs at 847.866.4547 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Schedule of Events

Friday, May 31, 2013

9:30 a.m. Morning gathering/welcome

10:00 a.m. Workshops: Participants Choose One

- - Dan Damon: Hymns Related to Peace and Justice
  - Cynthia Wilson: Music that Weaves Together Diverse Audiences
  - Chi-Yong Oh: Renewing Spirit-Filled Congregational Song in the Korean Church
  - Brian Wren: Revolving Work on Hymnody (writing workshop)

11:30 a.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. Keynote: John Thornburg

2:00 p.m. Writing Workshops: Participants Choose One

- - Ruth Duck and Dan Damon (text and tune)
  - John Thornburg

4:00 p.m. Robin Knowles Wallace Hymn Sing

6:00 p.m. Dinner starting with a table banquet liturgy led by Cynthia Wilson

Saturday, June 1, 2013

9:00 a.m. Hymn Festival Honoring Dr. Ruth Duck
Held at the Second Baptist Church of Evanston
1717 Benson Avenue | Evanston, Illinois 60201

About Ruth Duck

MG 5841 Ruth Duck is professor of worship at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, where she has been teaching since 1989. Ordained in United Church of Christ, she has served local churches in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. Duck's hymns appear in many hymnals and supplements, as well as in three single-author collections of her hymns, the most recent being Welcome God’s Tomorrow (G.I.A Publications, 2005). She has edited three books of worship resources, including Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship, edited with Maren Tirabassi published by The Pilgrim Press in 1990, and revised and updated in a 2012 edition. In 2013, Westminster John Knox will publish her textbook, Worship for the Whole People of God. Her favorite leisure activities are bird watching and water aerobics.

Registration Info

The registration fee is $75 and includes dinner on Friday night. If you register before April 30, 2013, the cost is $50.

A select number of rooms are available at Loder Hall, on the campus of Garrett-Evangelical, for $75 a night. To inquire, contact the Housing Office at 847.866.3950.

Hotel accommodations are available at the Hilton Garden Inn in Evanston, IL. To reserve a room please call the hotel directly at 847.475.6400 or 877.STAY.HGI and mention this symposium for a discounted rate of $149 per night.

Event Details

Event date:	05-31-2013
Event End Date:	05-31-2013
Capacity	Unlimited
Cut off date	05-31-2013
Individual Price	$50.00
Location	Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary