Earth and Heaven Sing!
GIA invites all ages, denominations, and levels of experience to join Dr. James Abbington for a special informance with hymns, spirituals, and inspirational songs.
Join in song with the expanded members of your local community while also learning the history behind the music.
Registration Includes:
- Experience the excitement of singing in a large group of enthusiastic people in your community.
- A music packet containing 10-15 pieces to add to your library.
- Choral and educational expertise from respected leaders Dr. James Abbington
- A rich, fulfilling afternoon of worship and song.
February 22, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Silver Spring, MD
Silver Spring United Methodist Church
8900 Georgia Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Early Registration: $25
Late / Walk-in: $30 (music packet not guaranteed)
This session will feature the One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism hymnal. A copy of the hymnal is included in the registration fee.
March 29, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Brandywine, MD
Union Bethel AME Church
6810 Floral Park Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
Early Registration: $25
Late / Walk-in: $30 (music packet not guaranteed)
This session will feature the One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism hymnal. A copy of the hymnal is included in the registration fee.
April 26, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Detroit, MI
St. Philips Evangelical Lutheran Church
2884 E Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48202
Early Registration: $25
Late / Walk-in: $30 (music packet not guaranteed)
This session will feature the One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism hymnal. A copy of the hymnal is included in the registration fee.
May 3, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Sacramento, CA
St. Andrews AME Church
2131 8th St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
Early Registration: $25
Late / Walk-in: $30 (music packet not guaranteed)
This session will feature the One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism hymnal. A copy of the hymnal is included in the registration fee.
Spirituals, Spirituals, Spirituals!
March 1, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Nashville, TN
Scarritt Bennett Center
1027 18th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
Early Registration: $25
Late / Walk-in: $30 (music packet not guaranteed)
A packet of 8 selected spirituals + 2 additional resources will be included in the registration for this event.
March 22, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Philadelphia, PA
The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
6361 Lancaster Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Early Registration: $25
Late / Walk-in: $30 (music packet not guaranteed)
A packet of 8 selected spirituals + 2 additional resources will be included in the registration for this event.
Hymn Festival
May 18, 2025
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Norwalk, CT
Grace Baptist Church
17 West Ave.
Norwalk, CT 06854
Early Registration: $20
Late / Walk-in: $25 (Hymnal may not be guaranteed)
Registration for this hymn festival includes one copy of One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.
Dr. James Abbington
James Abbington is currently Associate Professor of Church Music and Worship at Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and adjunct professor of Church Music at Morehouse College in Atlanta. He was recently reappointed National Director of Music for the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. and has been the Executive Editor of the African American Church Music Series published by GIA Publications for over 20 years.
Resources from Dr. James Abbington