Authors: Tammy-Jo Mortensen


February 19, 2024

The Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) has been developing an online resource with the support of Heritage Canada called “OrganistLaunchpad/Tremplin pour Organistes.” In the online sessions, you can find informative lessons on good stewardship of your instrument, manual technique, pedal technique, improvisation (two sessions), as well as a panel...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Theme(s)
Education
Music and Singing
Worship Column
February 19, 2024

In Canada, Entandem is a joint venture between RE:SOUND and SOCAN, created to simplify the licensing process, so you can play all the music you want in your business legally and ethically, ensuring that those who made the music are compensated. Entandem licensing applies to recorded and live music in...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Theme(s)
Copyright
Worship Column
January 30, 2024

The theme of this issue is copyright justice. How do we ensure that we are using material in the most appropriate manner, giving credit, and in many cases, paying royalties to a creator? First, let us begin with what copyright is. According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, “Copyright protects...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Blog
December 27, 2023

I have had the pleasure of working in many different denominations in Canada, yet the majority of my career has been spent in various positions within The United Church of Canada. While I was baptized Lutheran, my family wasn’t really the churchgoing type, so for me, it all started with...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Blog
October 14, 2023

Many of us look forward to the new music from Then Let Us Sing! , but what happens if you don’t currently have a musician at your church, or your music leader is suddenly ill? The Hymnal Project is a free resource that might help you get through a service...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Theme(s)
Music and Singing
Worship
Worship Column
October 14, 2023

It is interesting to trace the life and work of The United Church of Canada and its worship resources since the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and Union churches in 1925. Below is a timeline of hymn and song books used by the United Church (published by The United...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Susan Lukey
Blog
October 14, 2023

Why is it that we sing hymns? Why is it that Christians as well as people from many other faiths sing hymns, spiritual songs, and contemporary music in their churches today? There are so many references in the Bible regarding singing. David, the writer of the psalms, intended the poetry...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Blog
June 27, 2023

I have a secret…. Shh!!!… I like playing funerals. Well, let me qualify that statement. It’s not that I find them enjoyable, but I have always felt a special place of privilege there, and I experience an element of satisfaction in helping a family prepare for a funeral of a...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Blog
May 27, 2023

Summer is always a great time for getting away from the usual tasks of the week and taking some study leave or professional development time. Now that most programs are up and running again after a pause during the pandemic, here are a few events that you might want to...

Author(s)
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Blog
May 22, 2023

As the world around us changes, so does our use of language. Although we have some common images and words that we use often in “church-speak,” we are all becoming more aware of how our language can aid inclusion, honour diversity, and assist with striving for equity and justice. If...

Author(s)
Susan Lukey
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Blog