By Sara Therlonge
The idea was simple: offer worshipers, worship leaders, singers, and musicians a weekend of training and renewal focused on music. The challenge, however, was comple: finding someone who could address a subject as sensitive as worship music in a context as diverse as Quebec, and who would do so with expertise, discernment, and above all, with love.
Dr. Adriana Perera responded to our call with flying colors. Director of the Department of Worship and Musical Arts at Loma Linda University and author of the book More Than Music: Worship, this accomplished musician, composer, and renowned speaker not only instructed but also edified all participants through her visible passion for Christ and the ministry of music.
Thus, from August 8 to 10, 2025, the Seventh-day Adventist Church—Quebec Conference held its first seminar on music and worship under the theme: “Beyond Music: Worship.” The seminar kicked off on Friday evening at Ruby Foo’s Hotel with a relevant workshop on Adventist liturgy. From the outset, the audience was captivated by the depth and clarity of Dr. Perera’s teachings. This became even more apparent the following day when she analyzed the cultural influences on worship music and the different connotations and perceptions that music can evoke.
Our sister Adriana, as she likes to be called, was not the only one presenting workshops that day. Members of our community also shared their knowledge and experiences with the participants. Pastor Rémy Ballais, from the Intervocal singing group, presented on “Roles and Responsibilities of a Worship Leader.” Sister Galina Virlan gave a practical workshop on vocal techniques, and Brother Kleyton Hees, in tune, gave a presentation on vocal arrangements.
But what would a seminar on music and worship be without music and worship? Fortunately, we didn’t have to find out. The weekend was enlivened by special pieces performed by talented instrumentalists and harmonious singing. Whether it was Daniel Clemente on the cello, Melissa Enache on the piano, Sam-Lauraly Doval on the violin, Myriam Roy on the flute, or Pastor Edley Chineegadoo on the guitar, all of them brought the souls present closer to the throne of grace through their performances. Not to mention the Conference’ worship team, composed of Pastor Believe Agboli and sisters Ronilde Jeudy, Eli Comlan-Koumi, and Mélissandre Morinville. Their rendition of the theme song “Heart of Worship” was a melodious reminder of the primary purpose of the weekend.
The seminar ended on a high note. After Dr. Perera’s final workshop on Sunday, August 10, this time at the Westmount Seventh-day Adventist Church, participants who wished to do so joined a large choir to sing Yolanda Adams’ “Goodness of God.” It was a fitting way to thank God for His blessings throughout the seminar.
The success of this event has not only renewed the commitment of worshipers in local churches, but also prompted our Conference to consider the next steps for music ministry in Quebec. Stay tuned: we may very soon announce the revival of an active music department within the Conference! In any case, let us pray that a “new song” centered on Christ and pleasing to God will rise up throughout the province of Quebec.
The seminar in a few pictures
Immerse yourself in the seminar experience as though you were there!
