Have you ever wondered why it is so easy to sing hymns and the liturgy led by some organists, but so difficult when led by others. Kantor Reuning will be revealing several secrets of organ (or keyboard) leadership, the mastery of which is guaranteed to encourage strong congregational participation. Technically, he will demonstrate how harmony and stylistic variety provide the rhythmic impetus and drive to accomplish that goal.
Presenters
Rev. Michael N. Frese earned a B.A. from Concordia University, Seward, in 1997. He completed the Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in 2002, having spent one of those years at the seminary in Oberursel, Germany. While studying for his Masters of Sacred Theology, which he completed in 2004, he stayed at CTSFW as a graduate assistant for the Systematics Department. He served as a parish pastor in Adell, Wisconsin, and a Military Chaplain (Active-duty Army) before accepting the call to become Associate Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran. Pr. Frese still serves as a Military Chaplain as the Wing Chaplain of the 122nd Fighter Wing in the Air National Guard in Fort Wayne. He is also the owner and operator of Emmanuel Press. He and his wife Janet have three children.
Mr. Matthew Garnett is the husband of Jennifer, the father of two children, a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, truck driver, and host of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast.
Revd. Dr. Gifford A. Grobien is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Director of the D.Min. Program at Concordia Theological Seminary. His research interests include Christian formation, the natural law, sanctification, and some topics in sacramental and liturgical studies. He teaches courses in the Lutheran Confessions, theological ethics, dogmatic theology, pastoral theology, and the Psalms. Dr. Grobien’s Christian Character Formation: Lutheran Studies of the Law, Anthropology, Worship, and Virtue was published by Oxford University Press in June. Dr. Grobien has been married to his wife Regina since 1995 and they have eight children and two grandchildren.
Mr. Jody Lent writes software for Grubhub, Inc., the top food delivery app in the US. He and his wife Rachel and their children are members of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes is assistant professor of historical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, and the editor-arranger of the Brotherhood Prayer Book
Rev. David H. Petersen has been Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church since 2000. He earned a B.S. in History from Central Michigan University as well as Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology, and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne. In addition to his pastoral duties he is also an editor of Gottesdienst: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgy, where he writes on the life and liturgy of the Church. He has been married to Jacqui for 31 years and they have three grown children and three grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Reuning has served Redeemer Lutheran Church as its Kantor since 1988. After completing his Seminary education, he attended the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where in 1962 he earned a Masters degree in Church Music, with concentrations in choral conducting, organ performance, and liturgy. As a pastor, Rev. Reuning has served a parish in New York City (1960-1962) and in rural Connecticut (1962-1968). Then from 1968-1999 he taught at Concordia Theological Seminary, serving as Professor of Liturgy, Dean of the Chapel, and Director of Choral Music. In 2001 he received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Illinois, with concentrations in sacred choral repertory and conducting. In 2002 he founded the Bach Collegium—Fort Wayne, a baroque music ensemble of 40 singers and 15 early instrumentalists, and this fall he begins his 16th season as its artistic director. As a conductor, Dr. Reuning has conducted more than 50 Bach cantatas, all the major works of J. S. Bach, and many works by other early music composers. His passion, whether at the organ bench or on the conductor’s podium, is leading church music that proclaims the Gospel.
Dr. Jason Thompson is a professional conductor and violinist. He has been teaching music at Indiana Wesleyan University for twelve years. He has a bachelor’s degree in violin and conducting from Indiana University, a masters in orchestral conducting from Bowling Green State University, and holds a Doctor of Music in Early Music from Indiana University.