Why CommonMeter?

CommonMeter is a distinctive merging of the definitions of common and meter to create a multi-layered meaning of these words - an observation of the rhythms in faith-life that we share.  Indeed, the saying is true, "What is most common is truly most personal."

CommonMeter is 'composed' here to bring together my academic and ministerial endeavors.  As conductor of choral ensembles and from the ministry of church relations at Lindsey Wilson College, this location provides a space of reflection for leaders.  One aspect toward a deeper connection to our faith-life is discovering our common meters.

More about CommonMeter:
Meter is a term used in music and in poetry. In fact, common meter is an important term in  hymnology; it is meter at 8.6.8.6., meaning the alternation of eight and six syllables per line or phrase. For example, the majestic Charles Wesley hymn O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing is based on common meter:

O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer's praise,

The glories of my God and King,

The triumphs of His grace.

Notice that the first line is 8 syllables, the second line is 6 syllables, the third line is 8 syllables and the final line is 6 syllables. Ta-da!  Thus, the stanzas of this grand hymn are classic common meter - 8.6.8.6.

(Special note for all meter geeks:  Interestingly, the United Methodist Hymnal includes 37 hymns that are poems in Common Meter.  Don't worry, there's no need to count syllables in every poem to find them!  The entire list is in the Metrical Index, page 926.)
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Rich and poor have this in common:  The LORD is the Maker of them all.  (Proverbs 22:2)

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

CommonMeter:  Rhythms for Faith-Life!