‘Buzz’ a hit in Minnesota

Arkansan United Methodists weren’t alone in having special music for Annual Conference.

For the Minnesota Conference gathering, the Rev. Kay Hacklander adapted the Jesus Christ Superstar tune “What’s the Buzz,” changing the lyrics so that they’re about the fight against malaria.

“Hang a [mosquito] net over every bed,” goes the new version. “We have plans for treatment—medicine for this disease we dread.”

Ms. Hacklander, a minister of worship and music, said Bishop Sally Dyck of the Minnesota Conference asked her to do the adaptation for a celebration of the conference’s success at raising funds to fight malaria.

A band played and sang the verses, and conference members chimed in on the “what’s the buzz” refrain.

Ms. Hacklander noted that there was “handclapping, swaying, smiling—a positive reaction.”

The conference has obtained about $2.5 million in gifts and pledges for Imagine No Malaria, including collecting some $22,000 at Annual Conference.

Be the First to Comment!

The United Methodist Reporter wants to encourage lively conversation about The United Methodist Church and our articles in the belief that Christian conversation (what Wesley would call conferencing) is a means of grace. While we support passionate debate, we cannot allow language that demeans or demonizes others, and we reserve the right to delete any comment we believe to be harmful or inappropriate. We encourage all to remember that we are all broken and in need of Christ's grace, and that we all see through the glass darkly until that time we when reach full perfection in love. May your speech here be tempered with love, and reflection of the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. After all, "There is no law against things like this." (Galatians 5:22-23)