Current Conferences

2008 Worship & Music

June 15-21 & 22-28, 2008

“Christ Be Our Light: Advent Through Epiphany”

General Information

Download the 2008 Worship and Music Booklet

The Advent–Christmas–Epiphany season is a time of movement from darkness into light. It is a period of preparation for the coming of Christ, a time of anticipation of the reign of God in our lives and in all the world. There is a sense of expectancy and joyful longing, of penitence and preparation. The journey through Advent begins in the darkness of human sin and suffering and moves steadily toward the light of Christ. The 2008 Montreat Worship and Music Conference will focus on this movement; you will see these themes reflected in our conference worship services, in the classes that are offered, and in conversations and discussions that grow out of the conference experiences.

The context for our conference worship services will be the Sundays of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany and the lectionary texts associated with this part of the liturgical year. The Routley lectures, the Bible studies, and many other classes and seminars will reinforce and provide a time to explore more deeply the implications of what has become a highly secularized season. Although the conference provides a rich musical experience for all the participants, there are many classes specifically designed to include pastors and church members who are not involved in music programs. And of course, all the elements that have made the Montreat Worship and Music Conferences so rewarding will be in place: an adult choir with hundreds of voices; brilliant and inspirational organ playing; a full instrumental program including handbells, Orff instruments, African drums, strings, brass, and woodwinds; liturgical art; liturgical dance; and a setting in the North Carolina mountains that, in itself, inspires worship.

Come join in a time of hope and preparation and celebration, a time of worship and learning, of silence and song, of promise and joy. Whether you have been coming to Montreat for as long as you can remember, or you have never been before, we hope you will come with us on our journey from Advent through Epiphany as we study and worship together in the ever-brightening Light of Christ.

The Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) sponsors two Worship and Music Conferences at Montreat Conference Center each summer. Adhering to the principles of Reformed worship, PAM conferences seek to model a high standard of worship through the promotion of worthy liturgy, church music, and other arts, providing spiritual enrichment and nurture to children, youth, and adults. The conferences are designed for everyone committed to worship in the church – pastors, musicians, choir members, worship committee members, children, and youth. Join us as, together, we move from Advent through Epiphany. There’s a place for you at the Montreat Conferences on Worship & Music.

Key Leaders

  • Ted Wardlaw, Preacher
  • Kimberly Bracken Long, Liturgist
  • Eric Nelson, Adult Choral
  • Bradley Ellingboe, Youth I Choral
  • Phillip Shoultz, Youth II Choral
  • Faye Timmer, Children’s Choirs
  • Michael Burkhardt, Service Organist
  • Mary Louise Bringle, Routley Lecturer
  • Beth Watson, Handbells
  • Daniel Otu, African Drumming
  • Kerri Lynn Nichols, Orff
  • Christine Yoder, Adult Bible
  • Ellen Phillips, Visual Artist
  • Amanda Lower, Dance

Program Fee

  • EARLY FEE (Before April 15): Adults (22 and older) – $330; Young Adults (18-21) and Children and Youth (rising grade 4-age 17) – $210
  • STANDARD FEE (April 16-May 24): Adults (22 and older) – $380; Young Adults (18-21) and Children and Youth (rising grade 4-age 17) – $260
  • LATE FEE (After May 24): Adults (22 and older) – $405; Young Adults (18-21) and Children and Youth (rising grade 4-age 17) – $285

Registration Information

Registration opens December 15, 2007. Please direct all questions regarding conference registration to pam[at]ctr.pcusa.org or 888.728.7228, ext. 5288. No walk-in registrations please.

All current PAM members will receive brochures for all PAM conferences. If you would like to be added to the list for receiving PAM conference brochures, please email your name and mailing address to pam[at]ctr.pcusa.org, or call 888.728.7228, ext. 5288. If you would like a 2008 Worship & Music brochure mailed to you, email carolo[at]montreat.org.

Child Care Information

Care for children is available during this conference. Download explanation of offerings for children and families attending the Worship & Music Conference. Pre-registration is required for daytime & evening child care and the Montreat Clubs program.

PLEASE NOTE: ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED. You must register at least 30 days in advance to guarantee enrollment in the program. Enrollment is not guaranteed for walk-in registrations.

Evening childcare is available for children of registered conferees during the following events:
(additional fee applies; pre-registration required)

  • Sunday – 7:15 pm until 15 minutes after the opening worship service
  • Monday – 6:30 pm until 10:15 pm following the organ recital
  • Tuesday – 7:45 pm until 15 minutes after the Talent Show
  • Wednesday -7:45 pm until 15 minutes after the Hymn Festival
  • Thursday -7:45 pm until 15 minutes after the Chamber Concert
  • Friday – 7:00 pm until 15 minutes after the closing concert

Housing Reservations

Please note: Housing is still available in the Glen Rock Inn and Winsborough for Week I AND in the Montreat College dormitories for both weeks. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list for Assembly Inn for either week, please email Susan at susana[at]montreat.org.