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NURTURING SPIRIT THROUGH SONG
The Life of Mary K. Oyer
Edited by Rebecca Slough and Shirley Sprunger King

"Those of us who have had the privilege of being mentored by Mary Oyer applaud this well-deserved documentation of her remarkable life, wisdom, and spirit. Those who come to this story now in its written form will find the inspiration of what it means to be fully alive to one's potential, the dedication to excellence, to the community of faith, and most importantly, to being fully human. Of these examples" there are hardly enough. The path Mary leaves for us to follow—invaluable."
—Marilyn Houser Hamm, Music Committee Chair for Hymnal: A Worship Book; and former Director, Worship and Spirituality, Mennonite Church Canada

"Shakespeare once wrote, in praise of a significant woman,
Who is Silvia, what is she, that all her swains commend her?
Holy, fair and wise is she, the heavens such grace did lend her…
Then to Silvia let is sing, that Silvia is excelling…
With a deletion "Silvia," and insertion of "Mary," these lines would accurately represent the aim of this book. Rebecca and Shirley took upon themselves an extraordinary challenge to fashion an appropriate tribute to one incredible woman, Mary Oyer. Their work is, in my view, a successful captured-in-print embodiment of the life and energy and imagination and intelligence of one whose life, energy, imagination and intelligence have always resisted summation. Each of us – her students, her colleagues, her friends, singers in her congregations—has been immeasurably influenced by this entirely rich and full life. And it is an incredible compliment to her grace and wisdom that our students, our colleagues, our friends, and singers in our congregations have been touched by her as well, even though they may never have had the pleasure of her company. This book sings, with deep gratitude, that, for sure, Mary Oyer is excelling!"
—Ken Nafziger, Professor of Music, Eastern Mennonite University

"This is a tribute to an extraordinary woman—musician, teacher, mentor, and builder of cultural bridges through song. Mary Oyer’s generosity of spirit shines through every facet of this portrait. Her love for and skill in making music is manifest here, as well as her gifted teaching and nurturing of each individual student.

"Who would have thought that this rather demure Mennonite young woman would grow into an accomplished cellist, edit a hymnal, and keep growing into an internationally recognized authority on integrated arts and inter-cultural understanding. Her friends around the world love her enthusiasm and sensitivity—as do we."
—Alice Parker, composer and conductor

"Part biography, part history, part hagiography, part anthology Nurturing Spirit Through Song provides multiple prisms through which readers catch glimpses of Mennonite teacher and musician Mary K. Oyer and the world(s) she has inhabited. Stitching together contributions from a dozen other writers and Oyer herself, editors Slough and Sprunger King offer a global, informative patchwork. Several essays explore and comment on family, academic, church and institutional influences on Oyer’s life and work. Others report the influences of this remarkable woman on their lives and communities in Indiana, Kenya, Taiwan and elsewhere. Selected writings by Oyer herself aid in understanding her thoughts on hymnody, pedagogy, and cross-cultural learning. This creative compilation successfully communicates a sense of the person and persona of Mary K. Oyer."
—Joe Springer, Curator, Mennonite Historical Library, Goshen College

"‘I thank my God every time I remember you.’" What Paul said to the Philippians expresses exactly what many of us across the ecumenical spectrum feel about Mary Oyer. Mary’s lifetime of faithful service has inspired and challenged us to sing, think, teach, and live with more vitality, rootedness, and Christian imagination. (There are even a number of us who consider 606 one of our personal favorites). This book vividly illustrates and reflects on the significance of her life’s work. Its retrospective view functions as a compelling prospectus for all who teach, lead, and sing in the church today. May this book be used to stoke the imagination of a new generation of leadership."
—John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan"

Nurturing Spirit Through Song orders:

• Cascadia Publishing House Online Order Form
• Cascadia, Herald Press, and other order options
• Online shopping basket card orders through Nurturing Spirit Through Song page, MennoLink Online Bookstore