Transformation and Renewal conference to celebrate life and music of Dr. Horace Boyer

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — Inspirational music and a focus on clergy and congregational wellness are on tap for the sixth Transformation and Renewal conference Nov. 15-19 at Kanuga Conferences.

With the theme "Let Those with Eyes See," the event will seek to find a balance between preserving culture and moving forward in an ever changing church and world. The biennial conference provides models and resources for congregational development in historically black Episcopal churches.

The Rev. Junius B. Dotson, senior pastor of Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kan., the largest African-American church in the state, will serve as keynoter. A dynamic preacher, public speaker and experienced church planter, he is highly respected for his ability to establish networks that get things done in the faith and larger communities. His ministry focuses on training, developing and empowering leaders to establish ministries that address the needs of the whole person.

This year's conference also will include a memorial celebration of the life and music of Dr. Horace Boyer, general editor of Lift Every Voice and Sing II and music leader for three Transformation and Renewal conferences. He died July 21 at age 73

"Dr. Boyer understood music as a source of parish growth and development," said the Rev. Lynne Washington, conference coordinator. "We look to continue Dr. Boyer's passion for parish life through music and leadership development."

The Rev. Canon Dr. Harold Lewis, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, will preach during the celebration of life. An author and musician, Lewis wrote hymns published in Lift Every Voice and Sing II.

The memorial promises an impressive display of talent from several prominent church musicians inspired by Boyer, including conference music leader Carl Maultsby, a New York-based singer, composer and former student of Boyer's; David Hurd, music professor at General Theological Seminary in New York; Carlos Prescod, director of music ministries at the Church of St. Mark in Brooklyn; and Waltier Blocker, gospel choir director at historic St. Thomas Church in Philadelphia.

They also will lead a series of workshops on how music can inspire worship and congregational growth.

Jill Mathis, canon for congregational development and deployment in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, will be helping congregations in the search for clergy leadership. CREDO staff will lead a workshop on clergy and congregational wellness. The Episcopal Church's Office of Black Ministries will give a special presentation on its New Vision/New Ventures initiative.

Dr. Matthew Price, director of analytic research strategy and service development for the Church Pension Group, and Dr. C. Kirk Hadaway, director of research for the Episcopal Church, also will lead workshops.

The Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, the first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion, will preach one evening during the conference.

Begun in 1996, Transformation and Renewal is co-sponsored by Kanuga, the Episcopal Church Office of Black Ministries and the Union of Black Episcopalians.

Affiliated with the Episcopal Church since 1928, Kanuga is a 1,400-acre camp and conference center in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Hendersonville, N.C. Group discounts or financial aid are available to those who qualify. For more information, visit www.kanuga.org or call 828-692-9136.