The Dean and Chapter of Lisburn Cathedral invite those interested in contemporary Christian music to a Sunday afternoon training session and to the Connor Big Sing service taking place on September 22.

The last Connor Big Sing training day and service was held six years ago. The facilitators of the training will be the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Stephen McLoughlin, and the Cathedral’s Church Warden and until last year the leader of the Lisburn Community Choir and Children’s Choir, Julie Harper.

Stephen will offer training for musicians on some new contemporary Christian songs and on the coordination of music groups. Julie will provide training for the singers and will cover vocal training exercises, posture and communication. 

Each church group should hopefully feel better equipped to go back to their parish with the confidence to use a wider variety of musical material. 

The Dean of Connor, the Very Rev Sam Wright, said: “The return of the Connor Big Sing provides an opportunity for all who are interested in contemporary worship songs to be stirred up in heart, mind and spirit as we come together to learn some brilliant new songs to bless our churches and to encourage everyone to a deeper devotion and love for Jesus.

“I recently attended an inspiring concert with Chris Tomlin where thousands of people were united in offering praise and worship to the Lord Jesus who is ‘Holy Forever.’ My prayer is that this Connor Big Sing 2024 would contribute to the worship and praise of Jesus in every congregation in our diocese and in other churches as well.

“So please plan to attend and encourage others to come as well, we would love to see the Cathedral filled with worship groups and worship leaders, singers, musicians, choirs and clergy on Sunday September 22.”

In advance of the day, those who have booked for the Connor Big Sing will receive recorded music for singers and musicians to familiarise themselves with the pieces. Events begin on September 22 at 2.30pm with an introduction to the new music and lyrics. This will be followed by a seminar and Q&A on worship. At 5pm, musicians and singers will come together for a full practice. Those taking part in the afternoon sessions are invited to the hall for tea and sandwiches.

The Connor Big Sing Praise Service at 7pm will be open to everyone – some churches may suggest their parishioners attend this service instead of holding their usual evening service on that Sunday. 

Dean Wright added: “The Dean and Canons in Lisburn Cathedral are thrilled to provide this worship training day in contemporary Christian music, we hope all ages of musicians and singers will attend and that a wide range of churches will be represented throughout the day and at the Connor Big Sing Praise Service.”

Programme for Sunday September 22 2024

2.30pm Welcome  

2.45pm WORKSHOPS.

1. Instrumental – Stephen (In the Cathedral)
2. Choral – Julie (In the Church Hall)

3.45pm Tea & Coffee

4.00pm Worship seminar and Q&A

4.45pm Full Rehearsal

5.45pm Tea/Coffee and Sandwiches (provided free of charge)

7pm Connor Big Sing Celebration Service

There is limited car parking space at Lisburn Cathedral- parking is available in the large car park on Linenhall St, Lisburn BT28 1LU. It is a short walk to Market Lane (between the Health Centre and the pharmacy), then up the lane, to Market Square, at the top on the right a further 100 yards are the main gates to Lisburn Cathedral.

Download a Big Sing booking form

Please return your booking form by July 31.