SEPTEMBER 2020
FROM THE PRESIDENT Learning how to swim
L
ast December, no one could have ever imagined the onslaught of a life-altering world-wide pandemic that would eventually
steal more than a half million lives. Who knew what was on the horizon—a shut down United States economy with massive unemployment, quarantined living and a staggering infection rate that would overload numerous hospitals across the world.
As early March approached, in a tiny area in Maryland, the NPM national office could not even imagine the cancellation of the in-person Louisville Convention. Surely, the pandemic that was introducing us all to social distancing would be under control by July. No one foresaw the deep, rugged, and unfamiliar waters into which NPM was about to be thrown, as we created a virtual convention.
At the end of May, social unrest swept the streets of a nation outraged by the systemic racism that pervades the United States. No one could have predicted how the tragic death of George Floyd would motivate citizens across America to protest the distressing realities of racial inequality and white privilege all around us.
And when mid-June rolled around, with the staff neck- deep in the work of the convention conversion, none of us expected the tremendous success that would follow. We all hoped for a positive outcome, but the profound results produced with NPM’s first all-virtual convention was a blessing beyond anyone’s vision.
Sometimes when you are cast into turbulent waters without a life jacket, you learn how to swim.
We are indebted to the more than 1,000 participants of this year’s convention who trusted and believed in the unknown virtual experience. Based on the
Steve Petrunak NPM President
stevep@npm.org
7
extremely positive responses from attendees, the risk was well-worth the outcome. Some of the best feedback received declared how the convention successfully brought people together. And while the human connection was not the same as in- person gatherings, the chat boxes, live events and meetings brought people together in a new way. What a meaningful experience for those who stepped out in faith and took a chance.
Te content for this September issue of Pastoral Music builds upon this year’s convention theme of Baptism and Christian Initiation. You’ll hear from this year’s Jubilate Deo award winner Dr. Elaine Rendler and NPM’s Pastoral Musician of the Year Tom Stehle. Tese reflections and others will likely lead us back to our computers to view more of the virtual convention content.
While none of us know exactly how the current pandemic will unfold, we DO know that God will be right by our side, accompanying us on the way. I pray that as our journeys continue, many more unforeseen successes will inspire our continued work in music ministry.
One more thing—while you’re enjoying this magazine, know that this is the first complete edition by our new Pastoral Music editor Jennifer Kerr Budziak. We are so blessed to have Dr. Budziak leading the work of our flagship publication!
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