15 September 2010

And now a word from our readers

In a move that might be seen as abdication, I want to invite readers of Knowing the Score to consider contributing to Knowing the Score. Here's why, what, and how ...

WHY?
  • After 14 years of writing this column, I feel I am not offering as much as I'd like to.
  • During a very busy season of life and ministry, it is not as easy to get to the column each week, and I find that I am not as fresh as I'd like to be, when I do sit down to write.
  • I am learning that an engaging feature of "blogs" is the community that can develop through them. At some point this year, through our church website, this blog format will change and this page will become much more interactive and communal.
  • In the meantime, I invite all who may be interested to submit material for posting here. And I look forward to reading what others may bring!
WHAT?
  • Contrary to my own practice, blog entries need not be lengthy, wordy, mini-sermons or rants! Some of my favorite blogs to read are short, pithy, clear, and often they point to something found elsewhere (an article, a video, a song, etc.)
  • Some ground-rules and expectations: 1) entries must be under 500 words in length, not including the quotation of scripture, hymns, or sacred songs. 2) entries may be biblical, theological, hymnological, liturgical, or observational. 3) entries should have some connection to private, devotional, or gathered worship, whether specifically musical or not.
  • In general we will look for stand-alone (one-off) submissions. But ideas for a series will be entertained.
  • My role as pastor/editor: I retain the right to edit contributions. I do not promise or guarantee that I will print whatever is submitted. I may return an item with suggestions or questions, and invite you to re-submit it. 
HOW?
  • Contributions may be sent to me through this email address: music@college-church.org 
  • Articles may be in a Word document, or in the body of an email.
  •  Embedded photos or video will be welcomed.
The College Church website is currently under revision. In its new form, it will have a much simpler interactive page for Knowing the Score. In that format, contributions to the blog will be much more organic, more widely shared, and ultimately I hope contributed to and updated with a greater frequency. It will be easier to leave a comment, and in fact will even be able to foster (foment?) online conversations on posts.

I'm eager to see what you have to bring to our shared ministry on this page. Meanwhile, I'll continue to write as well. So you see, it's not a complete abdication!

Sing on!
P.S. - not counting this p.s., this post is 458 words long. That gives you an idea of maximum length