The Hymn Society
2024 Annual Conference

Without Limits: Singing the Congregation’s Song

Atlanta, Georgia
Emory University

July 14-17, 2024

Plenary Speakers
James Abbington, FHS
Alisha Lola Jones
Khalia J. Williams

Hymn Festival Leaders
James Abbington, FHS
Alisha Lola Jones
Donté Ford
Raymond Wise

Organ Institute 
Nathaniel Gumbs, Organ Institute Director

Morning Prayer
Stephanie Budwey
Kai Ton Chau
Charlie Frost

During the pandemic, many of us have had to alter our worship practices to fit the new reality that was in front of us. We could no longer sing freely without fear. Changes were made to our services to keep the congregation safe. Some of our congregations will never return to what we previously had before, for better or worse. While it was challenging, it forced us to think outside of the box, outside of our own habits, to keep the church alive through such a challenging time.

While ruminating over this, I wondered how we could expand our language for singing in a new way as we live into this new reality. Our exposure to certain types of music often informs our choices as it relates to congregational song, but it can also limit our vision to new ways of singing. How can we overcome our own limitations when choosing music for worship? How do we come out of our season of survival with a fresh new song and new spirit for expanding congregational song?

– Felicia Patton, Program Committee Chair