Hosted by The Abbey, Saint Alban's, Saint Thomas and Grace Church

Paperless singing is an ancient practice that has enabled music to be passed down for generations, without the need for hymnals or bulletins. Today, it is used to encourage faith communities to engage with one another, to spark joy and meditation, and to help people co-create something beautiful.

In this workshop, we will learn practices of effectively leading paperless singing in community. We will also share and learn songs that work well in small congregations, or in settings like house eucharists, feeding ministries and retreats. You do not have to be a paid church musician (or consider yourself a music leader at all) to attend! We believe that paperless singing can also encourage a community to grow deeper spiritually, in their capacity to invite and connect, and in lay leadership.

Charles Murphy, our trainer, is a singer/songwriter raised in Alabama and currently living in Chicago. Charles has played in several Chicago venues with the folk duo, Duck and Goose, as well as with the band, The Diving Bell. He is currently the director of the Chapel Music Team at First Presbyterian Church in Libertyville, IL as well as music leader for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan. A trained leader with Music that Makes Community, he loves the sound of a group of people singing more than just about anything, and believes that everyone is a musician, the only question being whether or not they share their songs.

5:00pm - Dinner Church + Singing with Charles Murphy, at the home of Susan and Steve Oaks

10:00am - Worship with St. Alban's, Bluff Park

11:30am - Lunch

12:00 - Singing in Community workshop

4:00 - Closing Worship

Cost: $25

Maximum of 20 participants. Register by January 17, here: