Singing our Heart Prayers with Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is a Presbyterian pastor and acclaimed writer of over 500 new hymns set to traditional tunes, widely used across denominations and featured on PBS and the BBC. She co-pastors a church in Owego, New York, with her husband and is the author of several hymn collections, drawing on her Virginia roots and deep commitment to social justice.

8:45 a.m. - Depart RRCB to walk at
Those who wish to participate may ride the church bus (up to 14 passengers), or may carpool over to UR.

9:30 a.m. - Arrival and Welcome
For those who do not wish to participate in the eco-walk, should arrive at RRCB at 9:30 a.m. There will be a welcome and fellowship time with coffee and tea. Please use the Lower Commons entrance, accessed from the parking lot behind the church off of Ridge Road.

10:00 a.m. - Singing our Heart Prayers with Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
She will explore why and how she creates hymn texts that reflect important theological beliefs, especially about justice, mercy, and love for God and all that God has made.

11:10 a.m. - Hymn Writing Workshop
After a brief break, we will try our own hand at writing hymn texts. No experience is required. Carolyn will coach us along and we will get to sing some of her hymn texts and perhaps some that we write as well.

12:30 p.m. - Closing
After the program closing, participants can stay and continue to workshop their hymns until 1:15 p.m.

April 18 - Singing our Heart Prayers with Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
April 19 - Worship Service with liturgy and hymns created by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
April 19 - Lunch and Caring for the Beloved Creation with Bruce Gillette

Tending to our earth with love and respect is just one concern that lies close to the hearts of both Carolyn and Bruce, and in honor of the 56th Earth Day (April 22), we have asked them to focus on this particular area.

By using hymn texts, Carolyn invites us to hear and sing songs that offer gratitude and honor to the Creator, even as the words challenge our convictions and inspire us to live faithfully. Bruce has served as the moderator for “Presbyterians for Earth Care” and, along with Carolyn, expresses his heartfelt love for creation in worship and service.

We have the great fortune of enjoying both of these amazing individuals, learning from their areas of interest and focus, gaining worship ideas and skills, and having our energies renewed for the ongoing work of caring for our earth, God’s incredible gift to us.

Free parking across River Road and behind the church

Tickets are required and can only be purchased via Eventbrite

rrcb.org/distinguished-speaker-forum

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Host or Publisher River Road Church, 804-288-1131