Marty Haugen at Wintershall

After over 20 years of enjoying his music and envying his talent I experienced a music workshop with Mr Haugen in the Rehearsal Barn at Wintershall, near Guildford on November 14^th, 2005. 

Set on a clear, crisp, moonlit evening with flaming torches to guide us in, and a warming cuppa to greet us, it was an evening to savour with other Christians of all ages. 

Peter Huttley, owner of Wintershall, welcomed Marty and all present, and thanked the Diocesan Music Committee for organising the evening. We started by singing “Gather Us In”.    

Marty explained that he was brought up in the Lutheran Church, had worked for 15 years in the Roman Catholic Church and belonged, to the American, equivalent of our English United Reformed Church.

As well as explaining how some pieces of his music came into being, and singing many of them with us, Marty spoke mostly about our common Christian Ministry and stated that all “signed with the cross of Christ are challenged to serve”.   At the heart of our worship is God’s love, revealed to us in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  At Mass we gather together, break bread at table, and go out into the world.

He gave some welcome practical tips on teaching music to the congregation (who may last have sung 7 days ago!)  Singing at Mass should not be “a pleasant option but an absolute essential”.   Like Jesus, who was always present to those he dealt with, he stressed that this ministry should be done well and with care, and he thanked all involved – adding that usually musicians only ever get spoken to when they have done something wrong!

Music in Christian worship, he stressed, is critical to the formation not only of adults but the next generation and generations to come.

Rosie Read [19.11.05]