The Lutheran church and Good Shepherd has a strong history of music! In December of 2025 Good Shepherd hired Music Director Parker Hinnenkamp!

Parker's hope to build the music ministry into a community will include children's music and lessons, small group ensembles, including vocal and instrumental, and a variety of styles of music incorporated into worship!

We encourage you to get involved!

August 2026

Dear friends in Christ,

Thank you to the congregation, Church Council, and especially the Endowment Committee for making it possible for me to attend the 2026 Annual Conference of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada.

This year's conference, Rebirth: Singing Death, Singing Life, was held at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. Church musicians, pastors, composers, scholars, and educators from across North America gathered to explore the role of congregational song through worship, hymn festivals, lectures, and practical workshops. The Hymn Society exists to encourage and enliven congregational singing, recognizing that singing together is one of the church's most important acts of worship and formation.

Each evening concluded with a hymn festival highlighting different expressions of congregational song, including contemporary hymnody led by Mark Miller, a festival of unaccompanied Mennonite singing led by Myron Sauder and Jerome Weaver, and a celebration of music from the global church. Plenary sessions and lectures addressed topics ranging from hymn history and worship leadership to accessibility and disability, including a keynote by Dr. Miriam Spies on disability and congregational song and a presentation by my former sacred music professor, Dr. Joshua Taylor, on American patriotic hymnody. One of the greatest gifts of the conference was the opportunity to deepen friendships with colleagues who share a commitment to accessible worship. Those conversations have already led to the beginnings of a new Disability and Church Music Network, connecting church musicians, scholars, pastors, caregivers, and disabled leaders who hope to strengthen the church's song for all people.

Throughout the conference, I found myself thinking often about Good Shepherd. Our mission, “A Community of Christ experiencing God, reaching out, nurturing faith,” was reflected in many of the conversations and workshops. The conference affirmed our commitment to worship that is rooted in the Church's rich musical tradition while remaining welcoming, participatory, and accessible. The ideas, relationships, and resources I brought home will help strengthen our congregational singing and continue to support the vibrant worship life we share together.

Thank you again for investing in continuing education and for supporting the ministry of music at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. It is a privilege to represent our congregation, and I look forward to sharing these experiences as we continue to grow together in faith and song.

Grace and peace,

Cantor Parker, Director of Music 
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 

Music Lessons for All Ages, Abilities & Backgrounds – Taught with Care

Have you — or someone you love — ever wanted to learn piano or organ?  Now’s a beautiful time to begin.

Parker MacIver Hinnenkamp is offering private lessons for children, teens, and adults, including beginners, returning players, and those with disabilities or learning differences. Lessons are tailored, patient, and grounded in the joy of music — whether you're learning for fun or hoping to play in worship someday.

All are welcome. Lessons are accessible, creative, and filled with grace.