poet/songwriter

Michael
Stern

guest leader
for our
2002
Winter Retreat

Michael has served as
a resource leader and presenter for:

Workshops
Camps/Retreats
Conferences
Pulpit vacancies
Sermon in Song
Concerts
Special events
Children s performances
Weddings
Commissioned songwriting
Composer/conductor for choirs

 

Mike and his wife Carol
live in Seattle, Washington

          Michael’s presentations blend meaningful content with humor. He accompanies himself on banjo or guitar and encourages group participation. He can be joined by various ensembles of talented supporting musicians for special events. Many of Michael s songs are based on biblical themes, while others are inspired by diverse literary, personal and historical influences. His lyrics express compassion, concern for social justice, peace & healing. His music evokes feelings of joy, passion & wonder at the beauty of creation & human diversity. He is prepared to speak about the subjects of his music as well as to lead others in singing or discussion.
         Michael has performed over the last 18 years throughout the US, in Central America and as part of a singing Habitat For Humanity group in Zimbabwe and Malawi. Michael s music has been welcomed into many religious and secular settings, and utilized by groups such as:

Habitat For Humanity
Physicians For Social Responsibility
Fellowship of Reconciliation
Christian Peacemaker Teams
Ground Zero Community For Creative Non-Violence
Hiroshima to Hope

Mike’s Albums:
  

Not In My Wildest Dreams
         Features:
Everyone of Us Deserves a Home
In Wonder
Standing in Oppression’s Way
Hurt Not the Earth

Come What May
Features:    
Jubilee
Love’s Melody
Glory
What Does the Lord

It s Nothing Fancy
Features:     
It’s Nothing Fancy
The Moment
Revive Us Again

Fight No More Forever
         Features:
Mediocrity Rejected
May Your Hope Arise
How Similar Our Differences

All Colors, Shapes and Sizes
Features:           
If You Go On A Safari
One World
Love Makes A Family
You Are A Miracle

  
All are available on CD

For more info, email Mike

  

Commendations

"Mike Stern displays both political keenness & an impressive grasp of Biblical non-violence & justice. He ranks with Pete Seeger & Charlie King as a troubadour of the new millennium."
               - Phil Berrigan

"His music has a clarity & purity that has been formed by faith & strengthened in hope."
               - Jim Douglass

"... a steady & vibrant voice for justice in the face of violence & oppression."
               - Dave Hall
                  Physicians for Social Responsibility

"... tender & powerful lyrics..., subjects that matter..., warm voice, beautiful poetry, & rich arrangements draw us into the heart of compassion..."
               - Maureen Jackson
                  Victory Music Review

"Amazing voice, musicianship, & poetry ... He recasts the language of biblical traditions in a manner all his own."
               - Brooks Rolston, campus pastor
                  Campus Christian Ministry

"Mike s music can nourish the soul & fan a fire in the heart that drives each one of us to make a difference in the world."
                                                        - Dan Buttry
                                                           Baptist Peace Fellowship

"Mike continues to support the mission of Habitat For Humanity with his gift of poetry in song. His ‘Everyone of Us Deserves a Home reminds all our volunteers why they give of themselves to help provide decent, affordable shelter for everyone."
                                                        - Linda Murtfeldt, Executive Director
                                                           Seattle Habitat For Humanity

"Mike’s leadership at our Fall Spiritual Focus Week was entertaining, uplifting & well received. His gentleness, humor, penetrating lyrics & engaging tunes slipped past our defenses & into our hearts, inviting us to embody God s justice, mercy & peace."
                                                        - Robbie Miller, Chaplain
                                                           Bridgewater College, Virginia

"We are especially grateful to Mike for donating his talents toward making so many of our events successful. He has often warmed my heart with his fine music & meaningful lyrics."
                                                        - Nan McMurry, Coordinator
                                                           Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation

"Mike has led two of our Sunday worship services & a weekend retreat with enthusiasm, joy, conviction & deep spiritual integrity. His programs are thought provoking, intergenerational & fun. We have invited him back several times & would recommend him highly."
                                                        - Robin Reed, pastor
                                                           Keystone Congregational Church, Seattle

"His songs translate the message of the bible into contemporary & compelling terms."
                                                        - former Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen
                                                           Seattle Archdiocese

"Everyone who was at the concert really liked it. I have heard a lot of comments from people who were deeply moved, particularly by the songs Mike wrote."
                                                        - Jean Buskin
                                                           Fellowship of Reconciliation

"Mike incorporates humor, warmth & inspiration into his songs, sermons & retreats. He addresses universal concerns of peace & social justice in a manner suitable for all ages."
                                                        - Ann Pierson
                                                           Tibbetts United Methodist Church, Seattle

"Mike s ‘Sermon in Song presentation was both inspirational & informative for our entire congregation. Young & old alike responded with enthusiasm to his humor & his message of peace & love. I would definitely recommend him to congregations seeking a change of pace to inspire their worship."
                                                        - Mike Burr, pastor
                                                           Community Church of Issaquah

"It is Mike s own life commitment to love and justice that most commends his music. You will laugh. You will be moved. But don t expect to get too comfortable. You will also be challenged and, I expect, changed."
                                                        - Rev. Tim Phillips
                                                           University Baptist Church, Seattle
 

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