My blogs seem to be getting later and later. The days are getting longer. By tomorrow the day will be 26 hours long!
Today started with skipping breakfast and getting some extra sleep. Not my favourite way to start things, but sleep is just so precious right now. I'm in danger of over-extending myself with extra lessons and extra rehearsals. (Gerald, don't say a thing!) So I'm trying to be very conscious of finding quiet times, especially for my voice.
Theory continues to be a challenge. Writing parts was fine until we were "allowed" to use inversions. (For the non-musical, this is when you take a chord and sort of mix up the order. If that doesn't make sense to you, don't worry. You fit right in!) I am at a disadvantage in the class. Because I'm in a class of keyboard players, most of these people can look at the chords on the page and know what it will all sound like. I'll know what the tune is like, but I can't read the whole thing and hear it in my head. Finding it a little frustrating. Sticking to it though ... at least til some tiny part of my brain explodes.
Had a great songwriting lesson with Daryl today. A few months ago, Gerald gave me a hook for a song. He would have used it himself, but it just screams 'gospel', so he thought I'd enjoy it. The chorus came easily, but I haven't been able to get any verses out of it. I told Daryl about it yesterday, so he asked me to bring it in today. This morning, I worked out a structure for the song and scratched out a first verse and a bridge. I brought it all in, and Daryl really liked it. I'm going to keep working on it over the week, with a goal to have it finished by the end of school. Sleep? Ha!
This afternoon brought another voice lesson with Glenn. So awesome! Today he brought me up to a high E. And not just any high E, but an easy high E! We continued to sing through "He Touched Me" in several keys, working on tone and vowels and easy high notes. Really great work!
Every afternoon, you can take an elective. Most days I want to do Allison's class, but today I did career development with Nick Bruno. Nick is a pianist, producer, and just all around gospel music man. I have his book, so I went in with lots of questions. The class was packed and we hardly touched the list of questions we all had, so we're back at it again tomorrow. I took this class last year, but this year, with our move to Nashville impending, I feel it is critical for me to take it again.
We have 30 minutes of free time a day, after supper. Tonight I took that time to practice our duet, "I've Just Seen Jesus". It's such a huge sing, so it's going to take a fair bit of work. We'll do little things this week, but I think we'll do some hardcore work on the weekend and present it next week.
Group singing continues to be a great time of joyful noise. We're now learning songs from 2 books. One is classic southern gospel, like "Where Could I Go?", and the other is full of new convention songs from contemporary writers, including some of our faculty. I continue to become a brilliant shape-note singer.
Our concert tonight was a real treat: Stephen Hill and Reggie and Ladye Love Smith. I'd seen Stephen's concert last year, and I was really excited about seeing it again. Partly because I really enjoy his music. But also because he plays guitar. His show is a mix of tracks and guitar songs, and includes a lot of his own originals. I figure his show might be a good model for me. (I actually sat there with my notepad taking notes all through the show. I am my father's child.) Stephen played 30 minutes, and then Reggie and Ladye Love came on and did 30 minutes. If you've never seen this duo, you're missing out. Reggie and Ladye Love are a married couple who sing in amazingly strong and vibrant harmonies. Their individual voices are beautiful, but together they are just magic. I'd seen them in the Gaither shows, so it was a real treat to see them in this setting. Lots of energy, and great song choices. They also have a wonderful on-stage chemistry that's just infectious. Why, yes! I did get rid of some of my American money tonight!
After the concert, I rehearsed "Moving Up To Gloryland" with the quartet again. One of our members has written a very funky ending, so it took a bit to pound that out. But it's really starting to come together. It's such a fun song that you can't help but get all worked up over it. And all our members are some degree of crazy, so it's all good!
Oh, and I forgot to tell this story yesterday. Since getting here, I have seen the weirdest sight: Americans going crazy over Coffee Crisp. Now, Canadians reading this will say, "Who really cares about a chocolate bar?". But apparently, you can't get them here, so some of the other Canadians brought down a boxes of them to give out, and they're like gold. I swear you could use them for currency! Funny, wha?
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Stamps-Baxter - Day 2
Long and tiring and excellent day.
This morning started with devotions by Connie Northam. She told a great story about crashing her Daddy's car the first day she ever got her driver's license. Her message was one of mercy, and how we will all make mistakes today, but we will still have the love of God. What a great way to start the day.
I had my first of five private songwriting lessons today with Daryl Williams. I worked with Daryl last year, so I'm very excited to be back with him this year. I played my new song for him (on my lovely lender guitar!). He really liked it and could see how I'm applying his lessons from last year. He thought it might be a suitable song for a church musical. Given my musical theatre background, this is definitely an area of interest for me. We talked about some writing goals for the year ahead, and some possible avenues for my songs. For tomorrow, I'm bringing in a song from home that I've started but now I'm stuck on. I was hoping to do a little writing on it tonight, but tonight has gotten later than planned, as you'll see as you read on...
More theory... We're working with part writing. It's going okay. ... Yes, that's all I have to say about that right now.
This afternoon, I sang for Allison Durham Speer's class. I did my Sandy Patti version of "It Is Well". I just love singing this song, but when I stood up today, I got hit with a nasty case of nervousness. This is such a rare occurance for me, so of course I love that it happened today! I still got through it and hit all the high notes, but it was a little frustrating. Allison gave me some great feedback, both positive and constructive. There is so much to learn from her! Again, so glad I'm here.
Tonight's concert was Johnny Minnick, former singer with the Happy Goodmans and now a pastor with a large recording and performing ministry. What a voice! And what a presence! He opened with a solo, but then brought out his wife and son, and they were all joined by Allison, Ben, Mike Allen, and Daryl. What a powerhouse of voices! They did a lot of great classics, and it was amazing! The voices were incredible, but it was just so amazing to watch the spirit on stage. They all loved each other and were having so much fun. It really was awesome. I could have watched them all night.
Oh, I'm in a quartet! After the concert and performance opportunity, I rehearsed with the group. We're singing "Moving Up To Gloryland". Love that song, and just so thrilled to be asked to join in. I think we'll sing it later on this week.
Every night, after all the formal stuff, any one with an instrument can join in on a jam session of bluegrass music. Clearly, I'm not going to grab any instrument and join in, but I usually like to drop by and hear a song or two before coming here to write. Well, tonight, we had a special guest: Earl Scruggs sat in! The legend himself. He sat on the couch, surrounded by bass, fiddle, several guitars, and a huge audience of fans. So awesome to watch a master at work.
I think that's one of the things I love best about this place. You never know who's going to drop by. You never know what special event is going to take place. You just have to stay open and see what's going to happen next!
This morning started with devotions by Connie Northam. She told a great story about crashing her Daddy's car the first day she ever got her driver's license. Her message was one of mercy, and how we will all make mistakes today, but we will still have the love of God. What a great way to start the day.
I had my first of five private songwriting lessons today with Daryl Williams. I worked with Daryl last year, so I'm very excited to be back with him this year. I played my new song for him (on my lovely lender guitar!). He really liked it and could see how I'm applying his lessons from last year. He thought it might be a suitable song for a church musical. Given my musical theatre background, this is definitely an area of interest for me. We talked about some writing goals for the year ahead, and some possible avenues for my songs. For tomorrow, I'm bringing in a song from home that I've started but now I'm stuck on. I was hoping to do a little writing on it tonight, but tonight has gotten later than planned, as you'll see as you read on...
More theory... We're working with part writing. It's going okay. ... Yes, that's all I have to say about that right now.
This afternoon, I sang for Allison Durham Speer's class. I did my Sandy Patti version of "It Is Well". I just love singing this song, but when I stood up today, I got hit with a nasty case of nervousness. This is such a rare occurance for me, so of course I love that it happened today! I still got through it and hit all the high notes, but it was a little frustrating. Allison gave me some great feedback, both positive and constructive. There is so much to learn from her! Again, so glad I'm here.
Tonight's concert was Johnny Minnick, former singer with the Happy Goodmans and now a pastor with a large recording and performing ministry. What a voice! And what a presence! He opened with a solo, but then brought out his wife and son, and they were all joined by Allison, Ben, Mike Allen, and Daryl. What a powerhouse of voices! They did a lot of great classics, and it was amazing! The voices were incredible, but it was just so amazing to watch the spirit on stage. They all loved each other and were having so much fun. It really was awesome. I could have watched them all night.
Oh, I'm in a quartet! After the concert and performance opportunity, I rehearsed with the group. We're singing "Moving Up To Gloryland". Love that song, and just so thrilled to be asked to join in. I think we'll sing it later on this week.
Every night, after all the formal stuff, any one with an instrument can join in on a jam session of bluegrass music. Clearly, I'm not going to grab any instrument and join in, but I usually like to drop by and hear a song or two before coming here to write. Well, tonight, we had a special guest: Earl Scruggs sat in! The legend himself. He sat on the couch, surrounded by bass, fiddle, several guitars, and a huge audience of fans. So awesome to watch a master at work.
I think that's one of the things I love best about this place. You never know who's going to drop by. You never know what special event is going to take place. You just have to stay open and see what's going to happen next!
Stamps-Baxter - Day 1
Okay, first for my guitar update: I love my husband!
Seemly unrelatedly facts, but read on...
This morning, my honey called to see if the guitar is still under warranty, and it is! If I bring it back to Toronto, the repairs will be covered by the manufacturer! So happy! It took hours to get any info from the airline about making a claim, and then they told me it would take 4-6 weeks to even get a proper response. But the guitar is so new that Gerald figured the warranty would still fit and voila! I am just so relieved that it will be taken care of with some speed and without expense. I just couldn't stomach the idea of spending hundreds of dollars right now, not to mention having to deal with the airline.
On a wonderfully related note, someone has lent me a guitar for my stay at Stamps-Baxter. So awesome and generous!
Well, today was long and great. We started with devotions with the always elegant Aunt Faye, who reminded us to be true to ourselves all week, and not be tempted to copy others who we might believe to be more talented that us. (Whew! Bad sentence structure!)
Then we were all put in theory classes. I'm in Shawn Degenhart's class, and our focus will be writing SATB parts. (For the non-musical, that the parts sung when men and women sing together in 4 part harmony.) The first part of the day went a little over my head. Everyone else in the class is a keyboard player, so I feel they're speaking a different language sometimes. But I've been told that this is the right class for me, so I'm sticking it out and planning on asking tonnes of questions.
I had my first private voice lesson of the week with the amazing Glen Wilson. Glen came highly recommended to me, and I'm so thrilled to be working with him this week. He's crazy in all the best ways. He made me reach down to touch my toes, while singing, and then he pushed me into a wall, again while singing. Don't laugh too hard - the man clearly knows what he's doing. I sang a very easy high D today. Hello!
There's a change in schedule this year, so next we had group singing. Group singing! I love it! How many people get to sing every day with 200 other people? It's just awesome. We have a different song book from last year, so the first few days will be all about learning new songs. Next week, we'll do the recording, so this time is so important for developing a good blend in the group.
Fabulous and amazing news: I can sing shape-notes!!!! Seriously! I'm clearly no expert. I can't pick up a piece of music and just sight-read the shapes acapella. But when we're sight-singing a song with the piano, I can not just read the song, but I can sing the shape-note names! It's sooo much fun! Now that I've got it, I get frustrated when one the conductors skips the shape notes. Bring 'em on! I can take them!
Oh, and a small but interesting piece of info. The chicken today, not fried! Has the devil learned to skate?
Oh, but let's go back to one more wonderful thing: I've been asked to sing a duet with someone. And not just any duet. "I've Just Seen Jesus". Such a thrilling song! More to come on this...
This afternoon was more theory. My head is spinning. We're learning "figured bass". Don't ask.
This afternoon also started our time with the always awesome Allison Durham Speer. She started with 30 minutes of vocal technique, and then opened the floor to performance training. I'm planning on singing tomorrow.
Tonight was more group singing, and then outside for the school photo. After, we had our first concert, performed by Darlene Neptune. Darlene is an expert on the life and music of Fanny Crosby, so she opened with a little story about Blessed Assurance, and then invited us to all sing along. Such a great hymn! Actually, part of her concert was a little hymn-sing, so that was great. We even sang Peace in the Valley. *sigh*
After the concert, we had the first "performance opportunity". This is when any student can get up and sing. I chose to stay quiet tonight. I'm just so tired with the traveling and the guitar trials. I have many plans to sing over the next few weeks, but not tonight. Tonight is quiet and a phone call home and an early night...
Seemly unrelatedly facts, but read on...
This morning, my honey called to see if the guitar is still under warranty, and it is! If I bring it back to Toronto, the repairs will be covered by the manufacturer! So happy! It took hours to get any info from the airline about making a claim, and then they told me it would take 4-6 weeks to even get a proper response. But the guitar is so new that Gerald figured the warranty would still fit and voila! I am just so relieved that it will be taken care of with some speed and without expense. I just couldn't stomach the idea of spending hundreds of dollars right now, not to mention having to deal with the airline.
On a wonderfully related note, someone has lent me a guitar for my stay at Stamps-Baxter. So awesome and generous!
Well, today was long and great. We started with devotions with the always elegant Aunt Faye, who reminded us to be true to ourselves all week, and not be tempted to copy others who we might believe to be more talented that us. (Whew! Bad sentence structure!)
Then we were all put in theory classes. I'm in Shawn Degenhart's class, and our focus will be writing SATB parts. (For the non-musical, that the parts sung when men and women sing together in 4 part harmony.) The first part of the day went a little over my head. Everyone else in the class is a keyboard player, so I feel they're speaking a different language sometimes. But I've been told that this is the right class for me, so I'm sticking it out and planning on asking tonnes of questions.
I had my first private voice lesson of the week with the amazing Glen Wilson. Glen came highly recommended to me, and I'm so thrilled to be working with him this week. He's crazy in all the best ways. He made me reach down to touch my toes, while singing, and then he pushed me into a wall, again while singing. Don't laugh too hard - the man clearly knows what he's doing. I sang a very easy high D today. Hello!
There's a change in schedule this year, so next we had group singing. Group singing! I love it! How many people get to sing every day with 200 other people? It's just awesome. We have a different song book from last year, so the first few days will be all about learning new songs. Next week, we'll do the recording, so this time is so important for developing a good blend in the group.
Fabulous and amazing news: I can sing shape-notes!!!! Seriously! I'm clearly no expert. I can't pick up a piece of music and just sight-read the shapes acapella. But when we're sight-singing a song with the piano, I can not just read the song, but I can sing the shape-note names! It's sooo much fun! Now that I've got it, I get frustrated when one the conductors skips the shape notes. Bring 'em on! I can take them!
Oh, and a small but interesting piece of info. The chicken today, not fried! Has the devil learned to skate?
Oh, but let's go back to one more wonderful thing: I've been asked to sing a duet with someone. And not just any duet. "I've Just Seen Jesus". Such a thrilling song! More to come on this...
This afternoon was more theory. My head is spinning. We're learning "figured bass". Don't ask.
This afternoon also started our time with the always awesome Allison Durham Speer. She started with 30 minutes of vocal technique, and then opened the floor to performance training. I'm planning on singing tomorrow.
Tonight was more group singing, and then outside for the school photo. After, we had our first concert, performed by Darlene Neptune. Darlene is an expert on the life and music of Fanny Crosby, so she opened with a little story about Blessed Assurance, and then invited us to all sing along. Such a great hymn! Actually, part of her concert was a little hymn-sing, so that was great. We even sang Peace in the Valley. *sigh*
After the concert, we had the first "performance opportunity". This is when any student can get up and sing. I chose to stay quiet tonight. I'm just so tired with the traveling and the guitar trials. I have many plans to sing over the next few weeks, but not tonight. Tonight is quiet and a phone call home and an early night...
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Stamps-Baxter - Orientation
I'm here. I can't believe I'm finally here. It's so awesome and wonderful, but I can't write anymore til I share some awful news...
My guitar has broken in half. I am completely heartbroken! I brought it here with great expectations of sharing my songs, and even playing a few open mics on my extra days. But when I opened the case in Nashville, my heart sank. The headstock had completely broken off. I am so crushed. But not just for the practical reasons. It meant so much for me to buy that guitar. It meant that I was moving from a hobby player to a gigging musician. It took hours and hours to find it. It took so long to get the money to finally make this special purchase. And now it sits in 2 completely separate pieces, utterly useless.
Everyone here has been very supportive. Offering to help me get it fixed. Offering to lend me their instrument. I'm still waiting to hear from the airline about how to properly file my claim. It's so gross. I'm just sick to my stomach over it.
But with a deep breath, I have to remember that I am in the most awesome place imaginable, and I am so blessed to be here on a scholarship. As I write, there is a group of people jamming and singing. Kids are chatting and starting new friendships. Faculty are studying theory tests and trying to make up classrooms of like-skilled students. People are relaxed and friendly and open to this great new place.
My flight and travels went well. I spent the afternoon unpacking, and took a quick drive to Walmart with a fellow Canadian for some chocolate and batteries. By the way, a TONNE of Canadians are here this year. (Yes, Canadian spelling of tonne! My spellcheck will freak out!) Can't wait to meet them all. Oh, and the Walmart was more like a Costco. Ginormous! And they sell beer. Just weird.
Tonight we had chicken for dinner. Yes ... it was deep-fried!
But the highlight of the night was orientation. At first, it didn't seem like much of a highlight. People were still registering, and nothing seemed very organized. But then they asked me to come up and share my experience of a Day-in-the-life-of-Stamps-Baxter. Me! I felt - well, put on the spot - but also just so honoured that of all the people in that room, that they would ask me to share my experience!
Not being one to shy away from a mic, I jumped up, and started an improv, tag-team discussion with Stephen Speer about life at Stamps-Baxter. Geeky as it may seem, I told everyone to get lots of sleep and lots of water cause they're about to work their butts off! I also warned them about the deep-friend food. I don't think they took me seriously. Oh, the lesson they are about to learn!
On a serious note, I talked a little about the classes, and then told them how lucky we all are to have this experience lying before us. I encouraged them to be open to new ideas, new people, and new experiences with God.
Afterwards, I got to meet lots of new people, and even met a few who've read my blog. A couple of people mentioned how this blog helped them learn about the school or prepare for coming here. That felt pretty awesome. This started as a simple way to let my family know about my Nashville adventures without having to send too many emails. To think that it has actually helped someone is just such an honour! (And yes, I am blushing like crazy as I write this!)
Tomorrow will start the big stuff: Theory. Group singing. Voice lessons. Songwriting. Concerts. Learning. Singing. Growing. Praising.
*sigh* Time to follow my advice. Off for a good night's sleep...
I am so happy to be here!
My guitar has broken in half. I am completely heartbroken! I brought it here with great expectations of sharing my songs, and even playing a few open mics on my extra days. But when I opened the case in Nashville, my heart sank. The headstock had completely broken off. I am so crushed. But not just for the practical reasons. It meant so much for me to buy that guitar. It meant that I was moving from a hobby player to a gigging musician. It took hours and hours to find it. It took so long to get the money to finally make this special purchase. And now it sits in 2 completely separate pieces, utterly useless.
Everyone here has been very supportive. Offering to help me get it fixed. Offering to lend me their instrument. I'm still waiting to hear from the airline about how to properly file my claim. It's so gross. I'm just sick to my stomach over it.
But with a deep breath, I have to remember that I am in the most awesome place imaginable, and I am so blessed to be here on a scholarship. As I write, there is a group of people jamming and singing. Kids are chatting and starting new friendships. Faculty are studying theory tests and trying to make up classrooms of like-skilled students. People are relaxed and friendly and open to this great new place.
My flight and travels went well. I spent the afternoon unpacking, and took a quick drive to Walmart with a fellow Canadian for some chocolate and batteries. By the way, a TONNE of Canadians are here this year. (Yes, Canadian spelling of tonne! My spellcheck will freak out!) Can't wait to meet them all. Oh, and the Walmart was more like a Costco. Ginormous! And they sell beer. Just weird.
Tonight we had chicken for dinner. Yes ... it was deep-fried!
But the highlight of the night was orientation. At first, it didn't seem like much of a highlight. People were still registering, and nothing seemed very organized. But then they asked me to come up and share my experience of a Day-in-the-life-of-Stamps-Baxter. Me! I felt - well, put on the spot - but also just so honoured that of all the people in that room, that they would ask me to share my experience!
Not being one to shy away from a mic, I jumped up, and started an improv, tag-team discussion with Stephen Speer about life at Stamps-Baxter. Geeky as it may seem, I told everyone to get lots of sleep and lots of water cause they're about to work their butts off! I also warned them about the deep-friend food. I don't think they took me seriously. Oh, the lesson they are about to learn!
On a serious note, I talked a little about the classes, and then told them how lucky we all are to have this experience lying before us. I encouraged them to be open to new ideas, new people, and new experiences with God.
Afterwards, I got to meet lots of new people, and even met a few who've read my blog. A couple of people mentioned how this blog helped them learn about the school or prepare for coming here. That felt pretty awesome. This started as a simple way to let my family know about my Nashville adventures without having to send too many emails. To think that it has actually helped someone is just such an honour! (And yes, I am blushing like crazy as I write this!)
Tomorrow will start the big stuff: Theory. Group singing. Voice lessons. Songwriting. Concerts. Learning. Singing. Growing. Praising.
*sigh* Time to follow my advice. Off for a good night's sleep...
I am so happy to be here!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
One day til Stamps-Baxter!
This time tomorrow, I will be in Nashville, TN, ready to start my second year of Ben Speer's Stamps-Baxter School of Music. I am freaking-out-excited!!!
I have almost everything packed, my final load of laundry is drying, and I think I've chosen a hotel for my extra days. (I'm going to stick around Nashville a few extra days so I can play open mics, etc.)
I've also just taken a few minutes to re-read my blog entries from last year. I am just so thankful for that time! I can't wait to see what experiences lie ahead in the next week. (Wow, that's a bad sentence!)
I guess, on this day, I just want to say I am so grateful for what God has done in my life, especially over the past year. I feel so blessed, and not just because of the obvious stuff. I feel blessed to know that I am following God's will in my life. I put my art, my career, my life in His hands, and I just feel so supported in all of it.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend Stamps-Baxter again, especially on a scholarship. I pray this time will be a blessing for all of us!
Amen.
I have almost everything packed, my final load of laundry is drying, and I think I've chosen a hotel for my extra days. (I'm going to stick around Nashville a few extra days so I can play open mics, etc.)
I've also just taken a few minutes to re-read my blog entries from last year. I am just so thankful for that time! I can't wait to see what experiences lie ahead in the next week. (Wow, that's a bad sentence!)
I guess, on this day, I just want to say I am so grateful for what God has done in my life, especially over the past year. I feel so blessed, and not just because of the obvious stuff. I feel blessed to know that I am following God's will in my life. I put my art, my career, my life in His hands, and I just feel so supported in all of it.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend Stamps-Baxter again, especially on a scholarship. I pray this time will be a blessing for all of us!
Amen.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Singing at my home church!
Today was a rare occurrence: I actually sang in my own home church!
More often than not, most Sundays are now spent singing at different churches. And trust me, I have no complaints about this! I've been working now for a year at trying to build up this kind of ministry, and I feel so blessed that it's actually working. Some Toronto churches are very closed to 'outside' musicians. They have their own choir or band, and don't really want other musicians on a regular Sunday. It can be a real challenge for Toronto singers to find churches to visit and minister. So, I've been very fortunate to be welcomed in so many places.
But today, it was lovely to sing "at home". It was great to see familiar faces, sit in the pew with Mom, and watch Dad lead the service.
For my solo, I did "He Saw It All", with the Booth Brothers track. I've been trying to learn more songs to tracks, so this was one more great opportunity to work on this skill. My goal is to have a full show's worth of songs to tracks by the time I hit Nashville this fall. I will still include guitar in my 'act', but I do want to give myself lots of options.
I was also just so thrilled to sing "He Saw It All" at St. John's, because most of the congregation had never heard it before! Last year, several of us heard it for the first time at the Gaither's Toronto taping, and we were so excited by it. I remember the first time I heard that chorus. I just wanted to yell, "Yes!". What a great song! So this morning, I was just so excited that someone else would get the opportunity for that "Yes!" moment.
During communion I sang "In the Garden", accompanied by Boni on piano. It is always such a pleasure to sing with Boni. She's a master at following a singer. I know I can add a chorus or go for the high note and she'll be there to support me. Just awesome!
The rest of the day was still musical - I wrote a new song last night, so I took the chance to play it several times for different people. Basically everyone I met today got greeted with, "Hi, want to hear it?". The reaction has been good, so that's encouraging. I wrote it last night, and after the first draft, I got very strict with myself. I kept going over every note and every syllable thinking, "Okay, if I brought this into NSAI for a critique, what would people say?". It was actually a really good exercise to do. I found several things to fix, and that ultimately led to a more coherent finished piece.
Only one week til Stamps-Baxter!!! One week tonight, I'll be getting ready for bed, decorating my room with wedding pictures, and trying to remember my shape notes. So excited!!!!!
More often than not, most Sundays are now spent singing at different churches. And trust me, I have no complaints about this! I've been working now for a year at trying to build up this kind of ministry, and I feel so blessed that it's actually working. Some Toronto churches are very closed to 'outside' musicians. They have their own choir or band, and don't really want other musicians on a regular Sunday. It can be a real challenge for Toronto singers to find churches to visit and minister. So, I've been very fortunate to be welcomed in so many places.
But today, it was lovely to sing "at home". It was great to see familiar faces, sit in the pew with Mom, and watch Dad lead the service.
For my solo, I did "He Saw It All", with the Booth Brothers track. I've been trying to learn more songs to tracks, so this was one more great opportunity to work on this skill. My goal is to have a full show's worth of songs to tracks by the time I hit Nashville this fall. I will still include guitar in my 'act', but I do want to give myself lots of options.
I was also just so thrilled to sing "He Saw It All" at St. John's, because most of the congregation had never heard it before! Last year, several of us heard it for the first time at the Gaither's Toronto taping, and we were so excited by it. I remember the first time I heard that chorus. I just wanted to yell, "Yes!". What a great song! So this morning, I was just so excited that someone else would get the opportunity for that "Yes!" moment.
During communion I sang "In the Garden", accompanied by Boni on piano. It is always such a pleasure to sing with Boni. She's a master at following a singer. I know I can add a chorus or go for the high note and she'll be there to support me. Just awesome!
The rest of the day was still musical - I wrote a new song last night, so I took the chance to play it several times for different people. Basically everyone I met today got greeted with, "Hi, want to hear it?". The reaction has been good, so that's encouraging. I wrote it last night, and after the first draft, I got very strict with myself. I kept going over every note and every syllable thinking, "Okay, if I brought this into NSAI for a critique, what would people say?". It was actually a really good exercise to do. I found several things to fix, and that ultimately led to a more coherent finished piece.
Only one week til Stamps-Baxter!!! One week tonight, I'll be getting ready for bed, decorating my room with wedding pictures, and trying to remember my shape notes. So excited!!!!!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Gage Park.
What an awesome and blessed night! Tonight, I sang in the Inspirational Music concert series in Brampton's Gage Park. This series of summer concerts, organized by Lesley Morgan, has been running for several years, but if you stick to Toronto, like I do, you might never hear of this awesome ministry.
Every Tuesday throughout the summer, audiences in Brampton are treated to two hours of free Christian music. The city donates the use of their park and gazebo, and all the artists and organizers volunteer their time as well. People can bring their lawn chairs, get a free Bible or Christian book, and enjoy a variety of musicians from choirs to soloists to bands. Each night features 4 or 5 different performers, so there is really 'something for everyone'. (I hate that phrase, but it really does work here!)
Tonight had a theme of Hymns, which was great for me. I'm trying to get more experience singing with tracks, so I chose 3 tracks and one guitar song. I opened with a Sandi Patty arrangement of "Amazing Grace". Yes, it is done sooo often, but I really wanted a good singalong song to open my set. And it worked - lots of people joined in. Next I did another Sandi Patty arrangement - "It Is Well With My Soul". Not only is it one of my very most favourite hymns, but it's a killer arrangement that gets nice and high at the end. People sang along, which was awesome, but this song also got a great response from the audience. They actually clapped twice for it! (This year on American Idol, David Foster said you know you have a great song when you can get applause in the song as well as at the end. I couldn't help but think of this tonight. It really is such a great song!)
Next I moved on to my guitar song. I spoke about how great it is that we're still singing hymns like "It Is Well", but how it's also important to be writing new hymns for the church. (I got a little applause for this!) I taught everyone the chorus for "I Call Out Your Name", and then sang it on guitar. I did hear some people singing, so that was pretty cool. It might just have been my parents, but still - people were singing :)
I ended my set with Allison Durham Speer's track for "Upon This Rock". It's such a great song and such a great arrangement. And with all those high notes, it's a good one to end on.
Tonight was great and fun and I really enjoyed being a part of it. It was wonderful to meet the audience, and so awesome to meet the other musicians. But here was the coolest part: We were singing the Gospel in public! Not in a church or our living room or in a concert hall. Right out in the open, where everyone could hear us! How often do you get to see that in this politically correct city? What a great opportunity for all of us! I feel so blessed to have been there!
Every Tuesday throughout the summer, audiences in Brampton are treated to two hours of free Christian music. The city donates the use of their park and gazebo, and all the artists and organizers volunteer their time as well. People can bring their lawn chairs, get a free Bible or Christian book, and enjoy a variety of musicians from choirs to soloists to bands. Each night features 4 or 5 different performers, so there is really 'something for everyone'. (I hate that phrase, but it really does work here!)
Tonight had a theme of Hymns, which was great for me. I'm trying to get more experience singing with tracks, so I chose 3 tracks and one guitar song. I opened with a Sandi Patty arrangement of "Amazing Grace". Yes, it is done sooo often, but I really wanted a good singalong song to open my set. And it worked - lots of people joined in. Next I did another Sandi Patty arrangement - "It Is Well With My Soul". Not only is it one of my very most favourite hymns, but it's a killer arrangement that gets nice and high at the end. People sang along, which was awesome, but this song also got a great response from the audience. They actually clapped twice for it! (This year on American Idol, David Foster said you know you have a great song when you can get applause in the song as well as at the end. I couldn't help but think of this tonight. It really is such a great song!)
Next I moved on to my guitar song. I spoke about how great it is that we're still singing hymns like "It Is Well", but how it's also important to be writing new hymns for the church. (I got a little applause for this!) I taught everyone the chorus for "I Call Out Your Name", and then sang it on guitar. I did hear some people singing, so that was pretty cool. It might just have been my parents, but still - people were singing :)
I ended my set with Allison Durham Speer's track for "Upon This Rock". It's such a great song and such a great arrangement. And with all those high notes, it's a good one to end on.
Tonight was great and fun and I really enjoyed being a part of it. It was wonderful to meet the audience, and so awesome to meet the other musicians. But here was the coolest part: We were singing the Gospel in public! Not in a church or our living room or in a concert hall. Right out in the open, where everyone could hear us! How often do you get to see that in this politically correct city? What a great opportunity for all of us! I feel so blessed to have been there!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Sing of Eve
Today I did my first solo recital in years! I was able to be a part of the fabulous Music Mondays concert series at the Church of the Holy Trinity (a fabulous church in its own right!). Music Mondays has been offering free summer concerts to the downtown area for 15 years. I did a show there a few years ago, and it was great to be invited back.
My show was called SING OF EVE - SONGS OF WOMEN OF THE BIBLE. I got the idea for it years ago when I discovered that Shubert's Ave Maria was not actually written as a prayer to Mary, but as a setting for a secular poem. It wasn't until later in the tune's life that it became a setting for this holy prayer. So it got me thinking, "If this song wasn't written for Mary, then what songs were? And in that case, what songs have been written for the other women of the Bible?".
I started searching through all my music books - classical, hymns, music theatre, opera, cabaret, etc. - and I found women of the Bible every where! I've collected about 30 songs to date, and today I sang 13 of them in a 45 minute program.
I was accompanied on piano by the ever-talented William Shookhoff, and I also did 2 songs on guitar, and 2 acapella. Bill and I did a version of this show a few years ago, so it was a real pleasure to investigate this music together again.
I tried to include a wide variety of genres, and I only sang songs that either directly told a woman's story or quoted her words. Lots of songs have a passing reference to Mary or Eve, but I wanted to find songs that really teach us about these women and their role in the Bible.
I sang about: Mary the Mother of Jesus, Eve, Susanna, Ruth, Miriam, The Woman at the Well, and Mary Magdalene. For most of them, I just had one song, but I had a little group of songs for each Mary. I arranged these particular songs in an order that would follow the life of Jesus. Before each song of the program, I would give a little background on each woman and her story. I really hoped I might excite people about delving into their Bibles and finding out more about these women.
I would love to do this program again and again. There are just so many great songs to chose from. I did include "I Call Out Your Name", as that was written as a compliment for the book of Susanna. But wouldn't it be wonderful to write some new songs about different Biblical women? Or maybe even to commission people to write some songs? One of the things I've loved about this journey is seeing the different perspectives each writer takes on each particular story. So fascinating!
And I have to say, it was so awesome to be singing in Holy Trinity. What an acoustic! I could sing there all day!
My show was called SING OF EVE - SONGS OF WOMEN OF THE BIBLE. I got the idea for it years ago when I discovered that Shubert's Ave Maria was not actually written as a prayer to Mary, but as a setting for a secular poem. It wasn't until later in the tune's life that it became a setting for this holy prayer. So it got me thinking, "If this song wasn't written for Mary, then what songs were? And in that case, what songs have been written for the other women of the Bible?".
I started searching through all my music books - classical, hymns, music theatre, opera, cabaret, etc. - and I found women of the Bible every where! I've collected about 30 songs to date, and today I sang 13 of them in a 45 minute program.
I was accompanied on piano by the ever-talented William Shookhoff, and I also did 2 songs on guitar, and 2 acapella. Bill and I did a version of this show a few years ago, so it was a real pleasure to investigate this music together again.
I tried to include a wide variety of genres, and I only sang songs that either directly told a woman's story or quoted her words. Lots of songs have a passing reference to Mary or Eve, but I wanted to find songs that really teach us about these women and their role in the Bible.
I sang about: Mary the Mother of Jesus, Eve, Susanna, Ruth, Miriam, The Woman at the Well, and Mary Magdalene. For most of them, I just had one song, but I had a little group of songs for each Mary. I arranged these particular songs in an order that would follow the life of Jesus. Before each song of the program, I would give a little background on each woman and her story. I really hoped I might excite people about delving into their Bibles and finding out more about these women.
I would love to do this program again and again. There are just so many great songs to chose from. I did include "I Call Out Your Name", as that was written as a compliment for the book of Susanna. But wouldn't it be wonderful to write some new songs about different Biblical women? Or maybe even to commission people to write some songs? One of the things I've loved about this journey is seeing the different perspectives each writer takes on each particular story. So fascinating!
And I have to say, it was so awesome to be singing in Holy Trinity. What an acoustic! I could sing there all day!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Father's Day at St. John's West
Happy Father's Day!
As always, it was such a blessing to be at St. John's West this morning. Today, my role was to lead the congregation in music, and to provide a solo song for reflection after the sermon. And, like last time, I also had the awesome role of choosing the music. We usually work with themes from the readings, but this time, Gary really wanted to focus on Father's Day, and especially reminding us of the great father we have in God.
I pulled out every father and family song I could think of - Abba Father, The Family of God, and Daddy Sang Bass. Gary passed on a great new lyric for Faith of our Fathers, so that's how we opened the service. We had a huge closer with Days of Elijah. We put drums and shakers in the pews for the congregation, so everyone just rocked out!
My solo piece was new song I've written called Walking With My Father. I was, of course, terrified just before I started it. (What if they walk out? What if I drop my guitar? You know, all those rational fears!) But I think it went really well.
We also did a new (well, 'new' for me) version of the Eucharistic prayer. The Sanctus, responses, and Great Amen were sung, but under the spoken parts, there were solo guitar chords. It was pretty huge to get the hang of it, but it's really quite wonderful. I'm always so conscious of creating good flow in the service. I always want the music to just come out of things naturally, and I never want the priest or congregation standing awkwardly, waiting for me to start. I actually had someone comment on how well I followed the service and how the music was always ready at the right time, so that was a pretty awesome moment for me. Little did they know, it's from years of watching brilliant church musicians who always know how to time things out so that the hymn ends just as the communion elements are ready, etc. It also helps to watch the priest and look for the one-verse-more-panic in the eyes.
I actually had several wonderful comments after the service, and that was really pretty awesome. If only they knew how much I am blessed to be there!
I'll be back again in August, and I'm really looking forward to it. Maybe I'll have a new Stamps-Baxter song to bring with me!
As always, it was such a blessing to be at St. John's West this morning. Today, my role was to lead the congregation in music, and to provide a solo song for reflection after the sermon. And, like last time, I also had the awesome role of choosing the music. We usually work with themes from the readings, but this time, Gary really wanted to focus on Father's Day, and especially reminding us of the great father we have in God.
I pulled out every father and family song I could think of - Abba Father, The Family of God, and Daddy Sang Bass. Gary passed on a great new lyric for Faith of our Fathers, so that's how we opened the service. We had a huge closer with Days of Elijah. We put drums and shakers in the pews for the congregation, so everyone just rocked out!
My solo piece was new song I've written called Walking With My Father. I was, of course, terrified just before I started it. (What if they walk out? What if I drop my guitar? You know, all those rational fears!) But I think it went really well.
We also did a new (well, 'new' for me) version of the Eucharistic prayer. The Sanctus, responses, and Great Amen were sung, but under the spoken parts, there were solo guitar chords. It was pretty huge to get the hang of it, but it's really quite wonderful. I'm always so conscious of creating good flow in the service. I always want the music to just come out of things naturally, and I never want the priest or congregation standing awkwardly, waiting for me to start. I actually had someone comment on how well I followed the service and how the music was always ready at the right time, so that was a pretty awesome moment for me. Little did they know, it's from years of watching brilliant church musicians who always know how to time things out so that the hymn ends just as the communion elements are ready, etc. It also helps to watch the priest and look for the one-verse-more-panic in the eyes.
I actually had several wonderful comments after the service, and that was really pretty awesome. If only they knew how much I am blessed to be there!
I'll be back again in August, and I'm really looking forward to it. Maybe I'll have a new Stamps-Baxter song to bring with me!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Fundraising and funerals.
Today was a huge singing day. I was supposed to sing at a child's birthday party this morning, but it was delayed due to illness. I'm not happy about that, but at least it eased up on things a little.
The first part of the day was a fundraiser for the Salvation Army and their series of group homes for developmentally delayed adults. A friend of mine works at one of the homes, so he gave me a call, and asked if I could help out. It was Strawberry Festival, which basically translated into a community festival - lots of booths, artisans, etc. They had a small stage with live music all day, and that's where I fit in. My job was to fill a 40 minute set. This ended up being a challenge for several reasons. The first is - I had no accompanist! I've been playing by myself more and more over the last year, but I've never had to do an entire set by myself. I picked out all my favourite songs, with not-too-difficult chords, prayed for steady hands and strong calluses (guitar players, you know what I mean!), and off I went. The next challenge came in the form of weather. Today was bright and sunny, but unseasonably chilly. So I had bright sunshine tearing up my eyes, while great gusts of wind took control of my music binder, my stand, my mic... Every once in a while I'd need to shoot my foot out to stop my stand from falling over. Guitar, singing, and gymnastics - I am soooo talented!
When I was booked, I asked what kind of music they wanted. They said they'd like Christian, but it didn't need to be. I was like, "Are you kidding? Bring it on!". I'm happy with the songs I did. They got a great response, and lots of people were singing along. I even did a few of my own: "I Call Out Your Name", and "All Because Of You". Today was a real challenge for me, but I'm glad I did it. I think I really held my own. The only weird part was when somebody called my music "country". Arg! Save that compliment for Gerald. I'll take "soulful" and "spirited" and "completely brilliant", thank you! ...... Oh, who am I kidding? I'll take any compliment!
After the fundraiser, I rushed back to church for a funeral, where I was the soloist. I'm not going to discuss any of the family's details, except to say it was a beautiful service, filled with great words and wonderful songs. I guess I just want to say how much events like this mean to my ministry. I feel a strong urge to provide comfort to the grieving, and I feel I can offer genuine support through my music. Clearly, all of this is influenced by my own experience with grief over the last few years. (It will actually be five years this December since we lost Steve. I can't believe it's been that long!) I feel I have a real understanding of the grieving process and I think I can provide a useful tool through music. I am so thankful for opportunities like today. It's certainly not enjoyable, but I take strength in knowing that I'm doing something good for people in this difficult time. I pray that my songs were a benefit to all those in attendance today.
I'm just craving more and more opportunities to minister to people through music. I just continue to pray, "Yes, Lord." Whatever you ask of me, I say, "Yes Lord."
The first part of the day was a fundraiser for the Salvation Army and their series of group homes for developmentally delayed adults. A friend of mine works at one of the homes, so he gave me a call, and asked if I could help out. It was Strawberry Festival, which basically translated into a community festival - lots of booths, artisans, etc. They had a small stage with live music all day, and that's where I fit in. My job was to fill a 40 minute set. This ended up being a challenge for several reasons. The first is - I had no accompanist! I've been playing by myself more and more over the last year, but I've never had to do an entire set by myself. I picked out all my favourite songs, with not-too-difficult chords, prayed for steady hands and strong calluses (guitar players, you know what I mean!), and off I went. The next challenge came in the form of weather. Today was bright and sunny, but unseasonably chilly. So I had bright sunshine tearing up my eyes, while great gusts of wind took control of my music binder, my stand, my mic... Every once in a while I'd need to shoot my foot out to stop my stand from falling over. Guitar, singing, and gymnastics - I am soooo talented!
When I was booked, I asked what kind of music they wanted. They said they'd like Christian, but it didn't need to be. I was like, "Are you kidding? Bring it on!". I'm happy with the songs I did. They got a great response, and lots of people were singing along. I even did a few of my own: "I Call Out Your Name", and "All Because Of You". Today was a real challenge for me, but I'm glad I did it. I think I really held my own. The only weird part was when somebody called my music "country". Arg! Save that compliment for Gerald. I'll take "soulful" and "spirited" and "completely brilliant", thank you! ...... Oh, who am I kidding? I'll take any compliment!
After the fundraiser, I rushed back to church for a funeral, where I was the soloist. I'm not going to discuss any of the family's details, except to say it was a beautiful service, filled with great words and wonderful songs. I guess I just want to say how much events like this mean to my ministry. I feel a strong urge to provide comfort to the grieving, and I feel I can offer genuine support through my music. Clearly, all of this is influenced by my own experience with grief over the last few years. (It will actually be five years this December since we lost Steve. I can't believe it's been that long!) I feel I have a real understanding of the grieving process and I think I can provide a useful tool through music. I am so thankful for opportunities like today. It's certainly not enjoyable, but I take strength in knowing that I'm doing something good for people in this difficult time. I pray that my songs were a benefit to all those in attendance today.
I'm just craving more and more opportunities to minister to people through music. I just continue to pray, "Yes, Lord." Whatever you ask of me, I say, "Yes Lord."
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Back on set!
Whoo-hoo! A great day and I am so thankful for it! And yes, cliche as it may be - God does work in mysterious ways!
Two weeks ago, I made a decision. In my blog, I described it as visiting the potter's house. I felt like I had been broken down, and was now allowing God to build me back up in His own design. Well, that "breaking down" had to do with my career in acting - I decided to give it up.
It just seemed so out of context with the things I want to do now. Not that we can't use acting and drama to tell the story of the gospel. I'm actually a huge advocate for using drama for that purpose. My only complaint was - I was not getting those opportunities! I was spending countless hours and tonnes of energy on auditions that went no where, for shows I didn't want to do. It just didn't make sense anymore. I decided that I would call my agent and break it all off. I told my family, and they told me they would support my decision.
Well, God had a bit of a different plan.
The day I was going to call my agent to tell him "God's" plan for me, my agent called with an audition for me. This was not a theatre audition, but a commercial audition. I accepted the audition, with a full plan to call my agent again the next day to call everything off.
Then I received a second phone call.
This time, it was for a call back, or second audition. They liked me and wanted to see me again! I took the second audition, and started to plan my big acting cancellation for the next day.
Then I received a third phone call!
I got the gig! After months of not being on set, I booked a major commercial with a print ad campaign. This is huge! Work has been scarce lately, plus I will not be able to work this summer while I'm in Nashville, so this paycheque is a huge relief at the perfect time!
I shot the commercial today, and it was a wonderful experience. I got to talk about music and sing a little. I got to eat chocolates from the Nutty Chocolatier (my favourite!), wear a gorgeous silk dress, and even play with a sweet little canary. Off camera, I got to tell people about gospel music and the singing schools.
On my way home, I started to think about that phone call to my agent. Maybe God just wanted me to take more time with my decision? Maybe He wants me to keep some options open? Maybe I shouldn't just ditch it all at once? After all, God has given me my talent in acting. Who am I to decide how it shall be used?
So, after much prayer and listening, and with the support of my family, this is my decision - For the time being, I am going to stop auditioning for theatre. I will put those skills on the back burner til God wants me to use them again. Practically speaking, it's too hard to commit to a play right now anyways - it's too long a contract when we're hoping to move in the fall. Also, theatre in Toronto can be risqué and I don't want to do things that will conflict with my message and ministry. I am, however, going to keep on auditioning for TV and commercials. The time commitment is short, so it doesn't conflict with my time for music. The content will always be clean, as TV is still a family-based medium. And it will help fund our way to Nashville - definitely a plus!
What am I trying to say by telling this convoluted story?
Sometimes when God speaks, you can't just catch the headline.
Sometimes, you have to wait til He's told you the whole story.
Two weeks ago, I made a decision. In my blog, I described it as visiting the potter's house. I felt like I had been broken down, and was now allowing God to build me back up in His own design. Well, that "breaking down" had to do with my career in acting - I decided to give it up.
It just seemed so out of context with the things I want to do now. Not that we can't use acting and drama to tell the story of the gospel. I'm actually a huge advocate for using drama for that purpose. My only complaint was - I was not getting those opportunities! I was spending countless hours and tonnes of energy on auditions that went no where, for shows I didn't want to do. It just didn't make sense anymore. I decided that I would call my agent and break it all off. I told my family, and they told me they would support my decision.
Well, God had a bit of a different plan.
The day I was going to call my agent to tell him "God's" plan for me, my agent called with an audition for me. This was not a theatre audition, but a commercial audition. I accepted the audition, with a full plan to call my agent again the next day to call everything off.
Then I received a second phone call.
This time, it was for a call back, or second audition. They liked me and wanted to see me again! I took the second audition, and started to plan my big acting cancellation for the next day.
Then I received a third phone call!
I got the gig! After months of not being on set, I booked a major commercial with a print ad campaign. This is huge! Work has been scarce lately, plus I will not be able to work this summer while I'm in Nashville, so this paycheque is a huge relief at the perfect time!
I shot the commercial today, and it was a wonderful experience. I got to talk about music and sing a little. I got to eat chocolates from the Nutty Chocolatier (my favourite!), wear a gorgeous silk dress, and even play with a sweet little canary. Off camera, I got to tell people about gospel music and the singing schools.
On my way home, I started to think about that phone call to my agent. Maybe God just wanted me to take more time with my decision? Maybe He wants me to keep some options open? Maybe I shouldn't just ditch it all at once? After all, God has given me my talent in acting. Who am I to decide how it shall be used?
So, after much prayer and listening, and with the support of my family, this is my decision - For the time being, I am going to stop auditioning for theatre. I will put those skills on the back burner til God wants me to use them again. Practically speaking, it's too hard to commit to a play right now anyways - it's too long a contract when we're hoping to move in the fall. Also, theatre in Toronto can be risqué and I don't want to do things that will conflict with my message and ministry. I am, however, going to keep on auditioning for TV and commercials. The time commitment is short, so it doesn't conflict with my time for music. The content will always be clean, as TV is still a family-based medium. And it will help fund our way to Nashville - definitely a plus!
What am I trying to say by telling this convoluted story?
Sometimes when God speaks, you can't just catch the headline.
Sometimes, you have to wait til He's told you the whole story.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Unite in Worship - Day 3
Today was awesome, but it's been a long few days, so I'm glad it's done!
This morning started with music by Craig Davis, and our speaker was Chris Seay. Chris is young and cool and a family man. He pastors a church in Texas, and he spoke about many things, but his starting point was this: Often we open the Bible and ask, "God, what you do want me to do?", but we should really be asking, "God, who am I?". From there, Chris talked about our role as artists in the church, and the importance of creativity in spreading the Gospel. He emphasized the importance of beauty and truth in our art, and how those are the elements that will attract people to our songs and writing, and that's how souls are saved. He also talked about the importance of actually living IN the world and in our culture. So many Christians like to separate themselves from the rest of the community. They hide themselves in the cloister of the church and fellow Christians. But when Jesus was on Earth, he went deep into the communities and spoke to all kinds of people. He recognized that there was valuable work to be done in the messiest, dirtiest parts of town. So important for us all to remember!
My first session was a songwriting panel with Noel Richards and Robin Mark. There were some technical questions addressed, but most people asked about tools for opening up their creativity. I just wanted to shout, "Read the Artist's Way!". Robin really emphasized using your whole life in a song. Get to know all about yourself and use it all in your songs.
This afternoon, we had a presentation by Door 217, a music ministry for terminally ill patients and their caregivers. This family is creating a line of cds that can be distributed in hospitals, nursing homes, and anywhere than is involved in palliative care. The music is soothing and uplifting. As someone with too much experience with grief, I really appreciate what they are trying to do.
My second session was incredible! It was, again, with Andy Piercy, and he was talking about recording songs. He is just so smart and so full of information. I wish we could have talked all day! The session actually ran so far over time that we all had to be asked to leave the room. So brilliant!!!
My final session was on communication with Jason Hildebrand. I'm sure for most people it was great, but it really wasn't what I needed. About 15 minutes in, I realized this was Acting 101 For Non-Actors, and by then it was too late for me to leave without being completely rude. Deep breathing, being open to your audience, blah, blah, blah. Don't get me wrong - It's great and important stuff. But I did 4 years of theatre school. I really didn't need another hour of it today.
Overall, I'm really glad I went to this conference. I learned a tonne of stuff, heard some amazing music, and met some great people. I also had a revelatory moment last night. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, cause it's going to involve some changes that will affect other people. But it's all good. It's actually so good!
Let's just say: I have visited the potter, and I have been broken!
This morning started with music by Craig Davis, and our speaker was Chris Seay. Chris is young and cool and a family man. He pastors a church in Texas, and he spoke about many things, but his starting point was this: Often we open the Bible and ask, "God, what you do want me to do?", but we should really be asking, "God, who am I?". From there, Chris talked about our role as artists in the church, and the importance of creativity in spreading the Gospel. He emphasized the importance of beauty and truth in our art, and how those are the elements that will attract people to our songs and writing, and that's how souls are saved. He also talked about the importance of actually living IN the world and in our culture. So many Christians like to separate themselves from the rest of the community. They hide themselves in the cloister of the church and fellow Christians. But when Jesus was on Earth, he went deep into the communities and spoke to all kinds of people. He recognized that there was valuable work to be done in the messiest, dirtiest parts of town. So important for us all to remember!
My first session was a songwriting panel with Noel Richards and Robin Mark. There were some technical questions addressed, but most people asked about tools for opening up their creativity. I just wanted to shout, "Read the Artist's Way!". Robin really emphasized using your whole life in a song. Get to know all about yourself and use it all in your songs.
This afternoon, we had a presentation by Door 217, a music ministry for terminally ill patients and their caregivers. This family is creating a line of cds that can be distributed in hospitals, nursing homes, and anywhere than is involved in palliative care. The music is soothing and uplifting. As someone with too much experience with grief, I really appreciate what they are trying to do.
My second session was incredible! It was, again, with Andy Piercy, and he was talking about recording songs. He is just so smart and so full of information. I wish we could have talked all day! The session actually ran so far over time that we all had to be asked to leave the room. So brilliant!!!
My final session was on communication with Jason Hildebrand. I'm sure for most people it was great, but it really wasn't what I needed. About 15 minutes in, I realized this was Acting 101 For Non-Actors, and by then it was too late for me to leave without being completely rude. Deep breathing, being open to your audience, blah, blah, blah. Don't get me wrong - It's great and important stuff. But I did 4 years of theatre school. I really didn't need another hour of it today.
Overall, I'm really glad I went to this conference. I learned a tonne of stuff, heard some amazing music, and met some great people. I also had a revelatory moment last night. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, cause it's going to involve some changes that will affect other people. But it's all good. It's actually so good!
Let's just say: I have visited the potter, and I have been broken!
Friday, May 12, 2006
Unite in Worship - Day 2
Long and awesome day! The morning began with more wonderful music by Robin Mark. Our keynote speaker was Ruth Haley Barton, who spoke about finding God in solitude and silence. It was a heavy topic for nine-in-the-morning, but just so good! Her speaking style was gentle and intimate, and she led us through her own journey of finding a discipline of solitude and silence. She also spoke a lot about the barriers we create to prevent us from sitting in that place, and how we can fight those barriers. Finally, she brought us into a brief time of silence. I just loved her talk. I even bought her book. (Poor, Visa! Working so hard these days!)
My first seminar was on Improving Worship Leading Skills, and I was so excited about this one. I'm starting to do a little worship leading, and I truly desire to learn more about this skill. Our workshop leader was Andy Piercy, who's from Holy Trinity Brompton in England, which is famous for being the home church of Nicky Gumbel and the Alpha course. (Love the Alpha course!) Andy gave us lots of tips and guidelines for leading worship, but the best of the bunch had to be "love your congregation". What simple advice, yet something so few of us have consciously considered. In loving them, you want to earn their trust, and then lead them into a joyous and accessible worship experience. Andy was awesome! I could have studied with him all day.
I missed the mid-day section as I had to run downtown to teach a baby-music class, but I got back in time for Robin Mark's talk entitled Warrior Poets of the 21st Century. This was great! I've heard the term "warrior poet" before in discussions of archetypes, but Robin used a story from Judges to show the role and importance of warrior poets in the church and in society today. He helped us all to see our personal role as warrior poets, and then brought it around to show how Jesus was the ultimate warrior poet. Just so powerful!
In a side story, Robin told us how he has no real education in music. His degrees are in business and math and such. He didn't start to play guitar til he was 20. And yet God has chosen him to write songs that bless people around the world. What an awesome testimony! If God wants us in His service, He will give us the tools we need!
Our evening musical worship was led in 2 parts. The first was by Vicky Beeching, a young worship leader from the UK. She was at the conference last year, with a few songs and an EP. This year, she's back from a stint in Nashville and a new full-length CD. She's obviously doing well - everyone there knew her songs! Our second leader was Paul Baloche, who's written such songs as "Open the Eyes of My Heart" and "Above All". What great energy! He's just full of joy, and he filled the house with praise.
Our speaker tonight was Mike Breen, an ANGLICAN vicar from England! He was very funny and charming, with a great message called The Grace of Evangelism. He started by saying that most of us have some fear and hesitancy about sharing our faith with others. But he then reminded us of how Jesus prepared his disciples for ministry, and from that lesson, he gave us tools to use in finding opportunities to talk about our faith. I'm not from an evangelical background, and I will completely admit that I've never brought anyone to Christ, nor have I even invited anyone to Christ. But Mike's talk encouraged us all to simply be ready for the moment when someone asks about our faith. Have an answer when someone says, "What's your secret?"
It's been a long day. I'm drained and invigorated. Looking forward to tomorrow ...
My first seminar was on Improving Worship Leading Skills, and I was so excited about this one. I'm starting to do a little worship leading, and I truly desire to learn more about this skill. Our workshop leader was Andy Piercy, who's from Holy Trinity Brompton in England, which is famous for being the home church of Nicky Gumbel and the Alpha course. (Love the Alpha course!) Andy gave us lots of tips and guidelines for leading worship, but the best of the bunch had to be "love your congregation". What simple advice, yet something so few of us have consciously considered. In loving them, you want to earn their trust, and then lead them into a joyous and accessible worship experience. Andy was awesome! I could have studied with him all day.
I missed the mid-day section as I had to run downtown to teach a baby-music class, but I got back in time for Robin Mark's talk entitled Warrior Poets of the 21st Century. This was great! I've heard the term "warrior poet" before in discussions of archetypes, but Robin used a story from Judges to show the role and importance of warrior poets in the church and in society today. He helped us all to see our personal role as warrior poets, and then brought it around to show how Jesus was the ultimate warrior poet. Just so powerful!
In a side story, Robin told us how he has no real education in music. His degrees are in business and math and such. He didn't start to play guitar til he was 20. And yet God has chosen him to write songs that bless people around the world. What an awesome testimony! If God wants us in His service, He will give us the tools we need!
Our evening musical worship was led in 2 parts. The first was by Vicky Beeching, a young worship leader from the UK. She was at the conference last year, with a few songs and an EP. This year, she's back from a stint in Nashville and a new full-length CD. She's obviously doing well - everyone there knew her songs! Our second leader was Paul Baloche, who's written such songs as "Open the Eyes of My Heart" and "Above All". What great energy! He's just full of joy, and he filled the house with praise.
Our speaker tonight was Mike Breen, an ANGLICAN vicar from England! He was very funny and charming, with a great message called The Grace of Evangelism. He started by saying that most of us have some fear and hesitancy about sharing our faith with others. But he then reminded us of how Jesus prepared his disciples for ministry, and from that lesson, he gave us tools to use in finding opportunities to talk about our faith. I'm not from an evangelical background, and I will completely admit that I've never brought anyone to Christ, nor have I even invited anyone to Christ. But Mike's talk encouraged us all to simply be ready for the moment when someone asks about our faith. Have an answer when someone says, "What's your secret?"
It's been a long day. I'm drained and invigorated. Looking forward to tomorrow ...
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Unite in Worship - Day 1
Tonight is the start of a three day conference here in Toronto called Unite in Worship. The next few days are full of workshops, keynote speakers, and awesome music. There are lots of topics, including youth and children's ministry, but I'll be focusing on the worship leading workshops.
Most of the music for the conference is praise and worship, and I have to say: This is not my favourite kind of music. Yes, there are some great praise songs. But overall, I find the lyrics are too simplistic for my taste, and the repetition drives me nuts. Sixteen repeats of "God, you're good" is not particularly inspiring for me. That said, I get the importance of this music, and I can't help but be amazed by the impact it's having on people. It's drawing people to the church and to God, and you can't brush off the importance of that.
I have a lot to learn about leading worship, and I feel this conference is one of the best opportunities for doing this. In just a few days, I'll get to experience the worship styles of at least 8 different bands and leaders, plus songwriting seminars, recording information, and keynote speakers. That's just good learning! In addition, despite my non-love of most praise and worship music, I just think it's so important to keep exposing yourself to different styles of worship and music. As a musician and songwriter, it's critical to take in all kinds of music. But as a Christian, I also think it's important not to get stuck in the my-worship-is-the-best-worship situation.
Tonight opened with a worship session led by Robin Mark. Robin has achieved some fame for an awesome praise song, Days of Elijah. (I told you I liked some praise songs. This is one of them!) He led music for about an hour with his band, which included some beautiful Celtic details with flute and recorders. He ended the set with Days, and it was amazing! To sing the song, led by the man who wrote it, with a great band, and a completely psyched-up audience was just incredible. God had already entered the house several songs ago, and now it was time to celebrate!
The keynote speaker tonight was David Edwards, a 6-foot-4 southerner with ADD and a killer sense of humour. At times, he was so quick and so funny you'd think you were watching stand-up. And then in the blink of an eye, he had you turned back to God. He spoke about creating an environment in worship that makes space for, and welcomes, God. He brought us into the book of Exodus, when Moses is about to follow God's plan and is expressing his doubts about his mission. God gives Moses three signs to show the people so that they will believe that he is an ambassador of God. David showed us the lesson in each of these three signs, and related it to how we can prepare ourselves for ministry. He also had some great words to say about researching the Biblical references in the songs you sing. All of this was such a valuable talk for me. As my ministry starts to grow and take shape, it is so important to keep God in the front, and to use it all just to serve him. Tonight was a humbler and a boost all in one shot. (Not quite sure 'humbler' is a noun, but you know what I mean.)
The night ended with the Late Night Cafe, featuring the band newworldson. I heard them last year in a smaller set up, but tonight, they were amazing! They mix sounds of gospel, reggae, soul, and funk to make their own spiritual sound. The audience was tired when they entered the room, but by the end, they were grooving and clapping, and even a little dancing. Very cool, and yet completely focused on God.
Tonight was great, but tomorrow is a very long day. Off for sleep ...
Most of the music for the conference is praise and worship, and I have to say: This is not my favourite kind of music. Yes, there are some great praise songs. But overall, I find the lyrics are too simplistic for my taste, and the repetition drives me nuts. Sixteen repeats of "God, you're good" is not particularly inspiring for me. That said, I get the importance of this music, and I can't help but be amazed by the impact it's having on people. It's drawing people to the church and to God, and you can't brush off the importance of that.
I have a lot to learn about leading worship, and I feel this conference is one of the best opportunities for doing this. In just a few days, I'll get to experience the worship styles of at least 8 different bands and leaders, plus songwriting seminars, recording information, and keynote speakers. That's just good learning! In addition, despite my non-love of most praise and worship music, I just think it's so important to keep exposing yourself to different styles of worship and music. As a musician and songwriter, it's critical to take in all kinds of music. But as a Christian, I also think it's important not to get stuck in the my-worship-is-the-best-worship situation.
Tonight opened with a worship session led by Robin Mark. Robin has achieved some fame for an awesome praise song, Days of Elijah. (I told you I liked some praise songs. This is one of them!) He led music for about an hour with his band, which included some beautiful Celtic details with flute and recorders. He ended the set with Days, and it was amazing! To sing the song, led by the man who wrote it, with a great band, and a completely psyched-up audience was just incredible. God had already entered the house several songs ago, and now it was time to celebrate!
The keynote speaker tonight was David Edwards, a 6-foot-4 southerner with ADD and a killer sense of humour. At times, he was so quick and so funny you'd think you were watching stand-up. And then in the blink of an eye, he had you turned back to God. He spoke about creating an environment in worship that makes space for, and welcomes, God. He brought us into the book of Exodus, when Moses is about to follow God's plan and is expressing his doubts about his mission. God gives Moses three signs to show the people so that they will believe that he is an ambassador of God. David showed us the lesson in each of these three signs, and related it to how we can prepare ourselves for ministry. He also had some great words to say about researching the Biblical references in the songs you sing. All of this was such a valuable talk for me. As my ministry starts to grow and take shape, it is so important to keep God in the front, and to use it all just to serve him. Tonight was a humbler and a boost all in one shot. (Not quite sure 'humbler' is a noun, but you know what I mean.)
The night ended with the Late Night Cafe, featuring the band newworldson. I heard them last year in a smaller set up, but tonight, they were amazing! They mix sounds of gospel, reggae, soul, and funk to make their own spiritual sound. The audience was tired when they entered the room, but by the end, they were grooving and clapping, and even a little dancing. Very cool, and yet completely focused on God.
Tonight was great, but tomorrow is a very long day. Off for sleep ...
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
NSAI Toronto!
I'm so excited! We were scanning around the NSAI web site yesterday (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and we discovered they have a Toronto chapter. Who knew?
This is a great organization, and we fully intended to become members once we moved to Nashville, but with a Toronto chapter, we can get involved right away.
I sent and email and found out there was a meeting tonight. Sooo excited! Gerald wasn't able to go, so I just went solo. The first part of the meeting was an intro for myself and another new member. We also found out about the group's upcoming festival: Tin Pan Alley North. The performers are booked already, but I've volunteered to help out with front of house.
The next part of the meeting was lesson time. Tonight's lesson was "extended rhyme". I'd never really heard of this concept, so it was a great thing for me to learn. We read through the lesson and did a few practical exercises too. I'm working on a new Mother's Day song right now, so maybe I'll try to put it in there.
The final part of the evening was dedicated to song critiques. Because I only found out about the meeting at the last minute, I couldn't get home to get a CD of any recent songs. So I brought in "You Noticed Me". This is a very personal song I wrote after the death of family friend and awesome man of God, Archbishop Edward (Ted) Scott. The song is two years old, and I know I've grown since then. However, I've had so few songs critiqued that any feedback opportunities are good. We played the CD, and then the floor was opened for everyone to give feedback. The overall comments were very good, with some lines and details receiving high praise. The critical feedback was really useful. It was mostly about how to make the song more commercial. I know this is not a song that anyone else would sing, but I do want to write commercially viable songs, so it was great info for me to have.
We've started the process of applying for our work visas. There are a tonne of practical things to do before we can hit Nashville, but creative, artistic, and spiritual things still need to be a priority. I think being involved with this group will be a very good thing for both of us.
"All glory comes from daring to begin!"
This is a great organization, and we fully intended to become members once we moved to Nashville, but with a Toronto chapter, we can get involved right away.
I sent and email and found out there was a meeting tonight. Sooo excited! Gerald wasn't able to go, so I just went solo. The first part of the meeting was an intro for myself and another new member. We also found out about the group's upcoming festival: Tin Pan Alley North. The performers are booked already, but I've volunteered to help out with front of house.
The next part of the meeting was lesson time. Tonight's lesson was "extended rhyme". I'd never really heard of this concept, so it was a great thing for me to learn. We read through the lesson and did a few practical exercises too. I'm working on a new Mother's Day song right now, so maybe I'll try to put it in there.
The final part of the evening was dedicated to song critiques. Because I only found out about the meeting at the last minute, I couldn't get home to get a CD of any recent songs. So I brought in "You Noticed Me". This is a very personal song I wrote after the death of family friend and awesome man of God, Archbishop Edward (Ted) Scott. The song is two years old, and I know I've grown since then. However, I've had so few songs critiqued that any feedback opportunities are good. We played the CD, and then the floor was opened for everyone to give feedback. The overall comments were very good, with some lines and details receiving high praise. The critical feedback was really useful. It was mostly about how to make the song more commercial. I know this is not a song that anyone else would sing, but I do want to write commercially viable songs, so it was great info for me to have.
We've started the process of applying for our work visas. There are a tonne of practical things to do before we can hit Nashville, but creative, artistic, and spiritual things still need to be a priority. I think being involved with this group will be a very good thing for both of us.
"All glory comes from daring to begin!"
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Gaithers in London.
I'm exhausted today after a very late night of awesome gospel singing! Last night, the Gaither Homecoming crowd was performing just outside Toronto. After finishing a full day of work, I jumped in the car and made the two hour drive out to London, ON. The venue was half the size of the ACC, so it was a much more intimate concert than I've seen before.
The opening was great. All the singers walked through the audience singing "Lean On Me" - a great and soulful way to open the show. If you've seen a live Gaither show before, then you know how the rest of the show unfolds - solos in the first half, group singing after intermission. ("Intermission" is really just another word for "CD-buying-time". My poor Visa nearly exploded!) Everyone was in great form. The Booth Brothers sang "I'm Feeling Fine", which has extra significance since our wedding. Ben Speer opened his heart and tore up the stage with "Til the Storm Passes By". Signature Sound just ripped everything apart with their snazzy stylings! I love their arrangement of "Then Came the Morning". It never fails to inspire me and remind we that we are an Easter people! The Isaacs are always awesome. I'm always impressed with their mix of technical skill, great songwriting (especially "Yours and Mine", which they performed last night), and truly anointed praise. They did their fantastic version of "It is Well". It's no secret this is one of my favourite songs of all time, and their arrangement is just so powerful. God just fell upon that place. The air was potent with His presence!
But the musical highlight for me was the newest member of the Gaither gang - pianist Gordon Mote. I am completely in love with this man's music. It is my new official Latest Favourite CD. Gordon is a Nashville session player who is using his talents in ministry. As a session player, I'm sure he's played everything, but his playing last night could only be categorized by one word: Soul. And lots of it! You could hear it in the classic quartet songs, as well as the newer jazzy stuff that GVB is doing. He sang two songs, and they both brought the house down. I had the chance to meet him after the show, and he's so funny! I cannot say it enough: I love this man's music! I hope I get the opportunity to work with him someday. (Yes,subtle hinting!)
The group singing was, as usual, a great way to end the show. Lots of classic SG sung with great gusto. We even got the rare opportunity to hear Mike Allen do a solo. I think people get so used to hearing him drop in those low notes that they forget he's a beautiful singer who can really do justice to a song. The show ended with "Because He Lives" with Charlotte Ritchie on the solo verse. What a voice! I bought some of her tracks. (Thank you, Visa!) We have the same vocal range, so I think they should work well.
I was hesitant about going to the concert last night. I worked all day yesterday and today, so driving two hours there and two hours back, all by myself, was not a wonderful prospect. But I'm so glad I went. It reminded me what I'm aiming for: A career writing and singing gospel music, specifically southern gospel music. To live in Nashville where I will be surrounded by some of the best writers and singers in the world. To travel and bring the music and message to different areas.
But mostly, I just want to use my talents to serve God. Last night, in the concert, I prayed that God would bless my efforts to serve Him. And I reminded myself of the prayer that I started last summer:
"Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord! What ever you ask, I say, Yes, Lord!"
The opening was great. All the singers walked through the audience singing "Lean On Me" - a great and soulful way to open the show. If you've seen a live Gaither show before, then you know how the rest of the show unfolds - solos in the first half, group singing after intermission. ("Intermission" is really just another word for "CD-buying-time". My poor Visa nearly exploded!) Everyone was in great form. The Booth Brothers sang "I'm Feeling Fine", which has extra significance since our wedding. Ben Speer opened his heart and tore up the stage with "Til the Storm Passes By". Signature Sound just ripped everything apart with their snazzy stylings! I love their arrangement of "Then Came the Morning". It never fails to inspire me and remind we that we are an Easter people! The Isaacs are always awesome. I'm always impressed with their mix of technical skill, great songwriting (especially "Yours and Mine", which they performed last night), and truly anointed praise. They did their fantastic version of "It is Well". It's no secret this is one of my favourite songs of all time, and their arrangement is just so powerful. God just fell upon that place. The air was potent with His presence!
But the musical highlight for me was the newest member of the Gaither gang - pianist Gordon Mote. I am completely in love with this man's music. It is my new official Latest Favourite CD. Gordon is a Nashville session player who is using his talents in ministry. As a session player, I'm sure he's played everything, but his playing last night could only be categorized by one word: Soul. And lots of it! You could hear it in the classic quartet songs, as well as the newer jazzy stuff that GVB is doing. He sang two songs, and they both brought the house down. I had the chance to meet him after the show, and he's so funny! I cannot say it enough: I love this man's music! I hope I get the opportunity to work with him someday. (Yes,subtle hinting!)
The group singing was, as usual, a great way to end the show. Lots of classic SG sung with great gusto. We even got the rare opportunity to hear Mike Allen do a solo. I think people get so used to hearing him drop in those low notes that they forget he's a beautiful singer who can really do justice to a song. The show ended with "Because He Lives" with Charlotte Ritchie on the solo verse. What a voice! I bought some of her tracks. (Thank you, Visa!) We have the same vocal range, so I think they should work well.
I was hesitant about going to the concert last night. I worked all day yesterday and today, so driving two hours there and two hours back, all by myself, was not a wonderful prospect. But I'm so glad I went. It reminded me what I'm aiming for: A career writing and singing gospel music, specifically southern gospel music. To live in Nashville where I will be surrounded by some of the best writers and singers in the world. To travel and bring the music and message to different areas.
But mostly, I just want to use my talents to serve God. Last night, in the concert, I prayed that God would bless my efforts to serve Him. And I reminded myself of the prayer that I started last summer:
"Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord! What ever you ask, I say, Yes, Lord!"
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Gospel Vespers - end of the season!
Today was our last Gospel Vespers service this season, and what a blessing it was!
Our Gospel theme today was The Feeding of The 5000. Mary gave the message in the form of a dramatization. She played the mother of the little boy who gave his loaves and fishes to Jesus. She ended her story at the altar, letting us know that there is always enough at God's communion table.
Our music leaders today were the Voices of Joy gospel choir, directed by Peggy Downes. A few years ago, there was a big fundraising service at St. Paul's on Bloor St. A church in Lunenburg, NS, had burned to the ground, and all the funds raised went to rebuild and restore this historic church. Being an east-coast girl myself, I was eager to offer my talents to the cause. I sang a new hymn, written for the occasion, by Herbert O'Driscoll. Andrew Ager played piano, and Gerald accompanied me on djembe. Great fun! The whole service was filled with the awesome music of bagpipes, handbells, and choirs. Folk legend, John Allan Cameron, even lead the congregation in Lord of the Dance. (Wee bit of trivia: Gerald's dad used to play in a band with John Allan Cameron!). But at that service, the mood was set by the Voices of Joy choir. They opened everything with soulful gospel singing. I remember they sang "Holy Ground", and you could feel God's presence in the house.
So that's how they came to sing at Gospel Vespers today. When brainstorming about good music leaders, Dad and I immediately remembered the Voices of Joy, and gave Peggy a call. And we're so glad they came! They were a great fit for our service. Their music was rhythmic and singable. It was full of praise and joy, but when needed, it was also a tool for peace and reflection. The choir itself was small, but the voices were strong and passionate. I love this kind of choral sound. The harmonies were strong and present; not necessary refined and perfect, but full of power and life. I was inspired to sing and clap and move, and I was not the only one. Today was a smaller crowd, but they were definitely excited by the music and the energy!
Gospel Vespers has a been a real blessing for me, and, I believe, for our church. It has brought in people who have never been to St. John's. It has introduced new music and new musical sounds to our congregation. It has inspired some very creative and dramatic preaching on some very traditional gospel stories. And it has given us a place where we, as Anglicans, can be passionate about praising Jesus. We don't need to be locked into tradition and weekly formats. Dad has a favourite term: "Carving out new ministries." Gospel Vespers is such a perfect example of this. We are finding new ways to express our love, our joy, and our excitement about the Gospels and their stories of Jesus. What an honour for me to be a part of this!
Our next season of Gospel Vespers will start next September. I don't know where I'll be by then, but I'll be praying that lots of people find the joy that I have found in this great service.
Our Gospel theme today was The Feeding of The 5000. Mary gave the message in the form of a dramatization. She played the mother of the little boy who gave his loaves and fishes to Jesus. She ended her story at the altar, letting us know that there is always enough at God's communion table.
Our music leaders today were the Voices of Joy gospel choir, directed by Peggy Downes. A few years ago, there was a big fundraising service at St. Paul's on Bloor St. A church in Lunenburg, NS, had burned to the ground, and all the funds raised went to rebuild and restore this historic church. Being an east-coast girl myself, I was eager to offer my talents to the cause. I sang a new hymn, written for the occasion, by Herbert O'Driscoll. Andrew Ager played piano, and Gerald accompanied me on djembe. Great fun! The whole service was filled with the awesome music of bagpipes, handbells, and choirs. Folk legend, John Allan Cameron, even lead the congregation in Lord of the Dance. (Wee bit of trivia: Gerald's dad used to play in a band with John Allan Cameron!). But at that service, the mood was set by the Voices of Joy choir. They opened everything with soulful gospel singing. I remember they sang "Holy Ground", and you could feel God's presence in the house.
So that's how they came to sing at Gospel Vespers today. When brainstorming about good music leaders, Dad and I immediately remembered the Voices of Joy, and gave Peggy a call. And we're so glad they came! They were a great fit for our service. Their music was rhythmic and singable. It was full of praise and joy, but when needed, it was also a tool for peace and reflection. The choir itself was small, but the voices were strong and passionate. I love this kind of choral sound. The harmonies were strong and present; not necessary refined and perfect, but full of power and life. I was inspired to sing and clap and move, and I was not the only one. Today was a smaller crowd, but they were definitely excited by the music and the energy!
Gospel Vespers has a been a real blessing for me, and, I believe, for our church. It has brought in people who have never been to St. John's. It has introduced new music and new musical sounds to our congregation. It has inspired some very creative and dramatic preaching on some very traditional gospel stories. And it has given us a place where we, as Anglicans, can be passionate about praising Jesus. We don't need to be locked into tradition and weekly formats. Dad has a favourite term: "Carving out new ministries." Gospel Vespers is such a perfect example of this. We are finding new ways to express our love, our joy, and our excitement about the Gospels and their stories of Jesus. What an honour for me to be a part of this!
Our next season of Gospel Vespers will start next September. I don't know where I'll be by then, but I'll be praying that lots of people find the joy that I have found in this great service.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Faith Gospel Tabernacle
This morning, I had the great pleasure of singing at Faith Gospel Tabernacle in Brampton.
It's a pretty little white church, right by a pond and surrounded by long lawns and new housing developments. The church was started 22 years ago by Pastor John Williamson, who is still leads the parish. They are obviously doing well in the area. They have started a campaign to build a new building on those lawns to house the growing congregation. In a day when many churches are suffering from declining attendance, this is such encouraging news!
Sunday mornings have two services, and I sang at both this morning. Both services are exactly the same format, but they need two times to accommodate all the people. I arrived at 8:30am for a sound check, and we started at 9 sharp.
The service began with 35 or so minutes of praise and worship music with the band. Eight people playing and singing and just leading everyone in song. The music was great, and the spirit was wonderful. Then I sang my first song, Shout To The Lord. It's a new Sandy Patti track I bought in Nashville. (Well, new for me!) I sing it in her key, so I get to use the track with all the back-up vocals. And it's a great arrangement, going from the very low to the very high. People were singing and clapping along, so that was wonderful to see.
Next were some parish announcements. I always like hearing this, as it gives me insight into the workings of the parish and its people. This is clearly a dedicated community of Christians. At the later service, they gave attendance awards to the young people who have been attending youth group over the winter. It seems like such a small thing, but it's saying, "We value that you come out." It's just so importance to let teens know that their presence is respected in church!
The message was preached by Pastor Roland, who read and preached on the Palm Sunday readings in all four gospels. He ended with a great meditation on "the approaching Jesus" - the Jesus who walked into Jerusalem, who walks into our lives, and who, one day, will walk back into our world.
I ended the service with my second song, Upon This Rock, using Allison Durham Speer's track. Again, a good track for me as we have a similar vocal range. This song received great response! It felt especially appropriate given their new building campaign. "I will build my church upon this rock".
A few weeks ago, I called the church to see what they would like from me. I asked if there were any special readings or themes they would like reflected in the songs. The response was, "Sing what you like. Somehow it always seems to work out". And it did. What a great lesson about the workings of God!
When you bring your best and offer it to the Lord, somehow, it always seems to work out!
It's a pretty little white church, right by a pond and surrounded by long lawns and new housing developments. The church was started 22 years ago by Pastor John Williamson, who is still leads the parish. They are obviously doing well in the area. They have started a campaign to build a new building on those lawns to house the growing congregation. In a day when many churches are suffering from declining attendance, this is such encouraging news!
Sunday mornings have two services, and I sang at both this morning. Both services are exactly the same format, but they need two times to accommodate all the people. I arrived at 8:30am for a sound check, and we started at 9 sharp.
The service began with 35 or so minutes of praise and worship music with the band. Eight people playing and singing and just leading everyone in song. The music was great, and the spirit was wonderful. Then I sang my first song, Shout To The Lord. It's a new Sandy Patti track I bought in Nashville. (Well, new for me!) I sing it in her key, so I get to use the track with all the back-up vocals. And it's a great arrangement, going from the very low to the very high. People were singing and clapping along, so that was wonderful to see.
Next were some parish announcements. I always like hearing this, as it gives me insight into the workings of the parish and its people. This is clearly a dedicated community of Christians. At the later service, they gave attendance awards to the young people who have been attending youth group over the winter. It seems like such a small thing, but it's saying, "We value that you come out." It's just so importance to let teens know that their presence is respected in church!
The message was preached by Pastor Roland, who read and preached on the Palm Sunday readings in all four gospels. He ended with a great meditation on "the approaching Jesus" - the Jesus who walked into Jerusalem, who walks into our lives, and who, one day, will walk back into our world.
I ended the service with my second song, Upon This Rock, using Allison Durham Speer's track. Again, a good track for me as we have a similar vocal range. This song received great response! It felt especially appropriate given their new building campaign. "I will build my church upon this rock".
A few weeks ago, I called the church to see what they would like from me. I asked if there were any special readings or themes they would like reflected in the songs. The response was, "Sing what you like. Somehow it always seems to work out". And it did. What a great lesson about the workings of God!
When you bring your best and offer it to the Lord, somehow, it always seems to work out!
Monday, April 03, 2006
There is a season...
I don't even know how to start this post. This is my third attempt to be witty and profound. But all I'm doing is struggling for words. So, instead of searching for perfection, I'm just going to be honest: I'm struggling because today, we announced one of the biggest changes our family has ever faced:
Today, my Dad announced his retirement from full-time ministry.
We knew it was coming. Gerald and I went to church and sat with Mom and Dad while the announcement was being made. Dad had written a letter, and it was beautifully read by one of the church wardens. After reading the letter, some really awesome words were said in honour of Mom and Dad, and the congregation gave them a huge and lengthy standing ovation.
He won't retire officially til next January, but he wanted the church to have lots of time to find a new rector. He knows this is a busy and vibrant church, and a smooth transition from one rector to another would be ideal.
For most people, retirement is a big party, and the next day you wake up in your house and decide how best to spend your days. I don't see it being that simple for Mom and Dad. For one thing, they have to move. Mom and Dad have lived in church-owned homes for almost 25 years. They now have to buy a house and move out of the only area they have lived in Toronto. They will also need to find a new church home. And it will be the first time in ages that they have attended a church without working in it.
It will be big for me too. I have never been a member of a church where Dad was not a member of the clergy. I've attended other churches, but never been a member of one. We have done so much ministry work together, and I'm afraid of losing those opportunities. I love all the times Dad has come to me and said, "I want to have this song in my sermon. Will you sing it?". And my answer is always a resounding, "Of course!".
I know it will also be a big change for Dad because this is not simply a job. It's his life's calling. How do you simply stop doing that? As an artist, I know I will never really "retire" from what I do. I couldn't if I tried. It's too deeply entrenched in everything I do. I sort of feel that it will be like this for Dad. I'm sure that he will still find opportunities to minister. He will probably do interim work for churches that need someone short term. He will also be able to devote time to his loves of writing and photography.
It's such a vibrant time for our family. There will be great challenges and great rewards. But we must always remember that God is in control of it all. And with Him at the wheel, how can we go wrong?
Today, my Dad announced his retirement from full-time ministry.
We knew it was coming. Gerald and I went to church and sat with Mom and Dad while the announcement was being made. Dad had written a letter, and it was beautifully read by one of the church wardens. After reading the letter, some really awesome words were said in honour of Mom and Dad, and the congregation gave them a huge and lengthy standing ovation.
He won't retire officially til next January, but he wanted the church to have lots of time to find a new rector. He knows this is a busy and vibrant church, and a smooth transition from one rector to another would be ideal.
For most people, retirement is a big party, and the next day you wake up in your house and decide how best to spend your days. I don't see it being that simple for Mom and Dad. For one thing, they have to move. Mom and Dad have lived in church-owned homes for almost 25 years. They now have to buy a house and move out of the only area they have lived in Toronto. They will also need to find a new church home. And it will be the first time in ages that they have attended a church without working in it.
It will be big for me too. I have never been a member of a church where Dad was not a member of the clergy. I've attended other churches, but never been a member of one. We have done so much ministry work together, and I'm afraid of losing those opportunities. I love all the times Dad has come to me and said, "I want to have this song in my sermon. Will you sing it?". And my answer is always a resounding, "Of course!".
I know it will also be a big change for Dad because this is not simply a job. It's his life's calling. How do you simply stop doing that? As an artist, I know I will never really "retire" from what I do. I couldn't if I tried. It's too deeply entrenched in everything I do. I sort of feel that it will be like this for Dad. I'm sure that he will still find opportunities to minister. He will probably do interim work for churches that need someone short term. He will also be able to devote time to his loves of writing and photography.
It's such a vibrant time for our family. There will be great challenges and great rewards. But we must always remember that God is in control of it all. And with Him at the wheel, how can we go wrong?
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Praising and Pubs?
Today included one of my favourite experiences: hearing gospel music performed in a bar!
I truly love this. I know lots of singers who would never dream of singing gospel music in a bar. On one side, they think it would be offensive to the customers. On the other side, they are so offended by the behavior of the customers that they think it's not a worthy place for the Gospel to be sung. (Clearly these people need to re-read the parts of the Bible where Jesus is hanging out with hookers and tax collectors!)
Once a month, local music club, Hugh's Room, hosts a Gospel Lunch, for two hours of solid gospel music. It's hosted by Ken Whitely, who surrounds himself by best friends and awesome musicians. Today, the theme was "siblings". The Levy sisters did some killer vocals, while the Patrick siblings sang and played keys and hand drums. Ken's son played bass, and his brother, Chris, sang and played guitar, trumpet and harmonica. Just no talent in that family! (Actually, Chris probably doesn't remember, but I sat in with his group for a song last summer at the Distillery District.)
So, you have this amazingly talented group of musicians, and room full of people. And it just started to rock. The music was mix of things, but a lot of old school gospel, bluesy stuff and spirituals. They did a great version of Wade in the Water that started with a solo walking bass. And they tore the roof off the place with Yolanda Adams' "I Believe I Can Fly".
One of the best moments, however, was completely improvised. Canadian blues legend, Salome Bey, was in the audience, and they invited her up to sing. I hadn't seen her for a while, but she's aged a lot. It was a little worrisome at first. She had a lot of trouble walking, and then couldn't remember the words to Amazing Grace. But once they got going, no one could touch her. She passed the solos around, and they would all take turns singing harmonies. And that voice! Rich and full and powerful and ready to rip out your soul. She knew all the right places to riff, and all the right places to just sing. As they say in basketball, we were taken to school! It was really tremendous.
I love moments like this. I love taking the Gospel into unexpected places. I love bringing it into untraditional venues. And I tip my hat to Hugh's Room for being brave enough to feature gospel music in it's monthly line up.
I truly love this. I know lots of singers who would never dream of singing gospel music in a bar. On one side, they think it would be offensive to the customers. On the other side, they are so offended by the behavior of the customers that they think it's not a worthy place for the Gospel to be sung. (Clearly these people need to re-read the parts of the Bible where Jesus is hanging out with hookers and tax collectors!)
Once a month, local music club, Hugh's Room, hosts a Gospel Lunch, for two hours of solid gospel music. It's hosted by Ken Whitely, who surrounds himself by best friends and awesome musicians. Today, the theme was "siblings". The Levy sisters did some killer vocals, while the Patrick siblings sang and played keys and hand drums. Ken's son played bass, and his brother, Chris, sang and played guitar, trumpet and harmonica. Just no talent in that family! (Actually, Chris probably doesn't remember, but I sat in with his group for a song last summer at the Distillery District.)
So, you have this amazingly talented group of musicians, and room full of people. And it just started to rock. The music was mix of things, but a lot of old school gospel, bluesy stuff and spirituals. They did a great version of Wade in the Water that started with a solo walking bass. And they tore the roof off the place with Yolanda Adams' "I Believe I Can Fly".
One of the best moments, however, was completely improvised. Canadian blues legend, Salome Bey, was in the audience, and they invited her up to sing. I hadn't seen her for a while, but she's aged a lot. It was a little worrisome at first. She had a lot of trouble walking, and then couldn't remember the words to Amazing Grace. But once they got going, no one could touch her. She passed the solos around, and they would all take turns singing harmonies. And that voice! Rich and full and powerful and ready to rip out your soul. She knew all the right places to riff, and all the right places to just sing. As they say in basketball, we were taken to school! It was really tremendous.
I love moments like this. I love taking the Gospel into unexpected places. I love bringing it into untraditional venues. And I tip my hat to Hugh's Room for being brave enough to feature gospel music in it's monthly line up.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
He knows already!
I've found myself in a number of discussions lately about God's version of time versus our version of time. It started a few weeks ago in our Passport to Easter discussion: If we have free will, how can God know everything we are going to do? We discussed this to great lengths, but none of the answers were satisfying to me. Then I found this quote from Clifford Longley, of "The Times" in London:
"If God lives in the eternal present, He hears all prayers simultaneously. Therefore He can appropriate a prayer from next week, and attach it to an event a month ago. Prayers said after the event can be heard before they are spoken and taken into account before the event."
I had to read this about six times before I could really start to understand it, but what a comfort it has become for me. It means that God knows all the needs and prayers I will ever have, or have ever have. (Bad English, but you know what I mean.) He is constantly listening to and answering my prayers. It may not be in my time, but that's okay because it is in His time, which is a completely different system. I think C.S. Lewis illustrates this wonderfully in the Narnia books. In his stories, London-time is as we know it, but when they go into Narnia, which is Aslan's country (Aslan, of course being God), time takes on a whole other meaning. A thousand years in Narnia can equal a week in our world.
And so it is in God's "world". He can hear my prayers today and attach them to the need I had last week. He knows what my prayers will be next month, and He's already working on a solution for them. What an awesome and comforting thought!
I'm facing some challenges these days as we prepare to bring our music to Nashville. Work is scare right now. Auditions are basically non-existent. And a class I was supposed to teach was cancelled. Unexpected expenses are coming up, my personal favourite being the night I went to visit a friend and my car was towed. (Parking signs in Toronto aren't always what they seem!)
I'm reminded of the warnings in the Bible about working for God. We are told that Satan hates it when we work for the glory of God. Well, I'm working harder and harder for God and, some days, I feel like Satan is upping his attack on me.
But I shall continue to fight the good fight. Fight the "God" fight. I'm praying constantly. My Passport to Easter journey is bringing me into daily contact with the Gospel of Matthew, and especially with the ever-beautiful Sermon on the Mount. I'm reading "Questions of Life" by Nicky Gumbel, the founder of the Alpha course. I am listening to gospel music and surrounding myself by supportive loving Christians.
If God wants me to change my mind about singing gospel music or moving to Nashville, that's fine. He can tell me. But I will not let Satan or any of his attacks hold me back.
So I'm praying for strength and energy and peace of mind. But what a comfort to know that God has already heard my prayers before they have even formed in my head! He is already working on a solution. I don't know how or when He will answers these prayers, but I don't need to worry. My prayers are heard. And God is in control of it all.
I lift my eyes and say, to everything He asks of me, "Yes, Lord!".
"If God lives in the eternal present, He hears all prayers simultaneously. Therefore He can appropriate a prayer from next week, and attach it to an event a month ago. Prayers said after the event can be heard before they are spoken and taken into account before the event."
I had to read this about six times before I could really start to understand it, but what a comfort it has become for me. It means that God knows all the needs and prayers I will ever have, or have ever have. (Bad English, but you know what I mean.) He is constantly listening to and answering my prayers. It may not be in my time, but that's okay because it is in His time, which is a completely different system. I think C.S. Lewis illustrates this wonderfully in the Narnia books. In his stories, London-time is as we know it, but when they go into Narnia, which is Aslan's country (Aslan, of course being God), time takes on a whole other meaning. A thousand years in Narnia can equal a week in our world.
And so it is in God's "world". He can hear my prayers today and attach them to the need I had last week. He knows what my prayers will be next month, and He's already working on a solution for them. What an awesome and comforting thought!
I'm facing some challenges these days as we prepare to bring our music to Nashville. Work is scare right now. Auditions are basically non-existent. And a class I was supposed to teach was cancelled. Unexpected expenses are coming up, my personal favourite being the night I went to visit a friend and my car was towed. (Parking signs in Toronto aren't always what they seem!)
I'm reminded of the warnings in the Bible about working for God. We are told that Satan hates it when we work for the glory of God. Well, I'm working harder and harder for God and, some days, I feel like Satan is upping his attack on me.
But I shall continue to fight the good fight. Fight the "God" fight. I'm praying constantly. My Passport to Easter journey is bringing me into daily contact with the Gospel of Matthew, and especially with the ever-beautiful Sermon on the Mount. I'm reading "Questions of Life" by Nicky Gumbel, the founder of the Alpha course. I am listening to gospel music and surrounding myself by supportive loving Christians.
If God wants me to change my mind about singing gospel music or moving to Nashville, that's fine. He can tell me. But I will not let Satan or any of his attacks hold me back.
So I'm praying for strength and energy and peace of mind. But what a comfort to know that God has already heard my prayers before they have even formed in my head! He is already working on a solution. I don't know how or when He will answers these prayers, but I don't need to worry. My prayers are heard. And God is in control of it all.
I lift my eyes and say, to everything He asks of me, "Yes, Lord!".
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Gospel Vespers
I'm in a quiet mood after a great day. This afternoon, it was my turn to be the music leader at our Gospel Vespers service. This new monthly worship service was my Dad's brainchild. The idea is to have a monthly, music-driven worship service, that is based on one of the stories of the Gospels. Each service has a different music leader, representing all forms of gospel and contemporary Christian music.
Our Gospel reading today was The Two Housebuilders. One build a house on the sand and it was washed away by rain. But one built a house on the rock, and it stood strong through the storms. Dad was our preacher today, and he did an awesome telling of the story by acting out the "characters" of Sandy and Rocky, and telling about the houses that were built on each of them. He then told the story from the point of view of Jesus, and how all houses should be built on Him. It was great. Really great.
My job was to lead the congregational singing, and to choose music that reflected our gospel theme. I was so lucky that Monika and Gerald jumped in at the last minute to join in the music. The last time all three of us performed together was two years ago when we worked on the cd. What a blessing to be together today! Gerald and I took turns on guitar. Monika sang harmonies and played tambourine. Gerald also played djembe (an African hand-drum) and I lead the singing.
We opened the service with We Have Come Into His House, as a way in inviting God into our presence, and as a way of getting people in the mood for worship. We then lead everyone in some great and joyful singing on Standing in the Need of Prayer, Great is Thy Faithfulness, and Give Me Oil. I had placed drums and shakers in the pews, and everyone picked them up and played along. I had fears of a stiff crowd who wouldn't want to play along, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Everyone sang and clapped and even boogied a little!
After the sermon, I sang my solo piece: Upon This Rock. I sang it to one of Allison Durham Speer's tracks. What an awesome arrangement! It just builds and builds til it ends on a super-high-B-something. I was pretty nervous about it leading up to today. Not only is it a challenging piece, but I had never sung with a track before! Never! I realize this is second nature for a lot of people, but it's not done a lot up here, and I'd never done it at all. So I practiced like crazy and visited the church for a dry run yesterday. I think I found it intimidating because you're completely on your own. There is no accompanist to follow you, and no one to cover up your mistakes. But in the end, I really enjoyed the experience. I'm building up my track library, and today was a great way to start this new skill.
After the solo, we returned to group singing. We did Spirit of the Living God acapella. So beautiful! There were a lot of singers in the congregation, and we had lots of spontaneous harmony. We sang What a Friend We Have in Jesus, and then taught the congregation I Go To the Rock. ( A standard down South. Not so much up here. )
One of the things I really wanted to do was to have seamless transitions between the singing and the prayers. I invited people to stand, sit, or kneel for a time of prayer. When everyone was settled, we sang one verse of Sweet Hour of Prayer, with Gerald on guitar. As the singing ended, Gerald started to improvise some gentle lyrical tunes on the guitar. It was over this that I began to pray. I didn't have any prayers planned, I just asked God to help me address the needs of the congregation. The whole thing felt beautiful and easy. As I felt this time coming to a natural closure, I invited the congregation to stand and sing The Lord's Prayer. We have a great arrangement where the words fit the tune of Amazing Grace, so everyone sang out.
We then sang one of the greatest "rock" songs ever - Rock of Ages. After a quick thank you from the church warden, we ended with my favourite, This Little Light of Mine. I rewrote a few verses so they reflected our Gospel theme. "When I'm in the sinking sand, I'm gonna let it shine!". Again, people sang, clapped, shook, drummed, and boogied out to the song. It was just awesome!
My main goal today was to lead people in worship of God, and I think I accomplished that. I, of course, had some technical things I wanted to accomplish - singing to a track, smooth transitions, working with our trio - and there were definite successes in all these areas. But the main goal was to allow a space where people could feel comfortable to sing out and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. A space where they could pray. A space where they could feel the presence of God.
I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. When you give it all to God, it's amazing how much He gives in return!
Our Gospel reading today was The Two Housebuilders. One build a house on the sand and it was washed away by rain. But one built a house on the rock, and it stood strong through the storms. Dad was our preacher today, and he did an awesome telling of the story by acting out the "characters" of Sandy and Rocky, and telling about the houses that were built on each of them. He then told the story from the point of view of Jesus, and how all houses should be built on Him. It was great. Really great.
My job was to lead the congregational singing, and to choose music that reflected our gospel theme. I was so lucky that Monika and Gerald jumped in at the last minute to join in the music. The last time all three of us performed together was two years ago when we worked on the cd. What a blessing to be together today! Gerald and I took turns on guitar. Monika sang harmonies and played tambourine. Gerald also played djembe (an African hand-drum) and I lead the singing.
We opened the service with We Have Come Into His House, as a way in inviting God into our presence, and as a way of getting people in the mood for worship. We then lead everyone in some great and joyful singing on Standing in the Need of Prayer, Great is Thy Faithfulness, and Give Me Oil. I had placed drums and shakers in the pews, and everyone picked them up and played along. I had fears of a stiff crowd who wouldn't want to play along, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Everyone sang and clapped and even boogied a little!
After the sermon, I sang my solo piece: Upon This Rock. I sang it to one of Allison Durham Speer's tracks. What an awesome arrangement! It just builds and builds til it ends on a super-high-B-something. I was pretty nervous about it leading up to today. Not only is it a challenging piece, but I had never sung with a track before! Never! I realize this is second nature for a lot of people, but it's not done a lot up here, and I'd never done it at all. So I practiced like crazy and visited the church for a dry run yesterday. I think I found it intimidating because you're completely on your own. There is no accompanist to follow you, and no one to cover up your mistakes. But in the end, I really enjoyed the experience. I'm building up my track library, and today was a great way to start this new skill.
After the solo, we returned to group singing. We did Spirit of the Living God acapella. So beautiful! There were a lot of singers in the congregation, and we had lots of spontaneous harmony. We sang What a Friend We Have in Jesus, and then taught the congregation I Go To the Rock. ( A standard down South. Not so much up here. )
One of the things I really wanted to do was to have seamless transitions between the singing and the prayers. I invited people to stand, sit, or kneel for a time of prayer. When everyone was settled, we sang one verse of Sweet Hour of Prayer, with Gerald on guitar. As the singing ended, Gerald started to improvise some gentle lyrical tunes on the guitar. It was over this that I began to pray. I didn't have any prayers planned, I just asked God to help me address the needs of the congregation. The whole thing felt beautiful and easy. As I felt this time coming to a natural closure, I invited the congregation to stand and sing The Lord's Prayer. We have a great arrangement where the words fit the tune of Amazing Grace, so everyone sang out.
We then sang one of the greatest "rock" songs ever - Rock of Ages. After a quick thank you from the church warden, we ended with my favourite, This Little Light of Mine. I rewrote a few verses so they reflected our Gospel theme. "When I'm in the sinking sand, I'm gonna let it shine!". Again, people sang, clapped, shook, drummed, and boogied out to the song. It was just awesome!
My main goal today was to lead people in worship of God, and I think I accomplished that. I, of course, had some technical things I wanted to accomplish - singing to a track, smooth transitions, working with our trio - and there were definite successes in all these areas. But the main goal was to allow a space where people could feel comfortable to sing out and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. A space where they could pray. A space where they could feel the presence of God.
I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. When you give it all to God, it's amazing how much He gives in return!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Me and the monks.
So, for Lent this year, I decided not to give up chocolate or ice cream or driving too fast. (Sorry, Mom!) Instead, I decided to take up a dedicated study of the Bible and my own spirituality. Some days I think it might have been easier to give up chocolate.
The first thing I've done is join in our church's Lenten study: Passport to Easter. (We actually have a blog for it. The link is in the column to the right.) Each day, we read a passage from Matthew's Gospel. We have a study guide with questions and "food for thought". I like having the booklet cause I can write all my thoughts down in one place. Once a week, we meet for a discussion. It usually starts with a question about the last week's readings, but it's been delving into some pretty deep territory. For example, if Jesus was God and Man, then who died on the cross - God or Man? Or did just part of Him die? It's like the angels-dancing-on-the-head-of-a-pin debate everyone tries to do in university. No firm answers, but a great journey!
Today was the second part of my Lenten intention. I attended a quiet day of prayer and meditation at a local monastery. I will first admit that I have never stepped foot into a monastery, and was a little nervous as to what I may find. Would it look like a church, or worse, like some kind of chamber? What should I wear? Was my pink fuzzy coat inappropriate? Would I have to speak Latin? Luckily, my fears were as silly as they sound now as I write them out in black and white. (Awkward sentence, but you know what I mean!)
The monastery is actually in a gorgeous old Victorian house in the west end of town. In the corner of a large living room is a small altar, but other than that, it just looks like a lovely old home. (The furniture is a little out of date, but I digress.) The second floor has rooms for overnight guests, and the third floor is for full-time members. The brothers were very welcoming, and were a wide variety of ages. About thirty guests gathered for our quiet day.
The theme of our meditations were prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. One brother lead each meditation. We started with prayer, which was a great way to calm our minds for the day. We then had an hour of silence. We could find any spot in the house, and being such a large place, it was easy to find a quiet corner. They had a few suggested guidelines on how to spend this quiet time, so, Bible in hand, I curled up in a cozy chair and opened up a passage in Luke about how to pray. I spent time reading, meditating, and taking little notes in my journal. (I may have the start of a new lyric!) After an hour, we all returned to the living room for a service of Holy Communion, and the second meditation on fasting. I always considered fasting to be all about food and the not-eating of it. But the brother introduced all sorts of ideas on fasting from other cultures and religions. He suggested that instead of simply giving up food, we can give up any thing, any vice, that separates us from God.
In a funny bit of scheduling, lunch followed the talk on fasting. Lunch was also silent. Frankly, a little dinner music would have been nice, but it did kept the calmness of the day intact. Actually, lunch did have one really cool moment. I looked over at a man whose shirt had a logo of St. Thomas's church on it. This is the church in Newfoundland that I grew up in! Dad was the rector there! This man had moved to Newfoundland just after we moved to Toronto, and St. Thomas became his home church! How's that for a small world?
After lunch followed another hour of silence. I jumped into the Bible again, and had a nice little romp through Psalms. Listen, I don't know if this was a certain translation or what, but in this edition, the Psalms talked about unicorns! Seriously! No one ever told me there were unicorns in the Bible. Between the unicorns in Psalms and the giants in Genesis, I'm getting a whole new view on the Bible. No one taught this stuff in my Sunday School!
Our final meditation was on almsgiving. The brother related his stories of living in New York and being repulsed by street people. And let's be honest, everyone who's lived in a big city has had that feeling. He mentioned that, in his past, he never gave money to street people because he figured he couldn't cure their poverty. However, almsgiving is not necessarily about curing poverty, but about relieving the poverty and discomfort of the current situation. We can't fix a street person's life by giving them a dollar, but we can possibly relieve their hunger on that day. If we don't want to give a dollar, we can buy them a coffee or a meal. After all, we all need to eat. We all need a warm place to sleep. We all need eye contact and a friendly smile. It won't fix everything, but it will relieve the weight of that day.
Today was great. I will admit that I'm not usually very good at inviting quiet into my days. I like to fill my hours with music and words and activity. It was nice to slow down and relax into the great silences. To "be still and know that you are God". I will definitely do this again.
The first thing I've done is join in our church's Lenten study: Passport to Easter. (We actually have a blog for it. The link is in the column to the right.) Each day, we read a passage from Matthew's Gospel. We have a study guide with questions and "food for thought". I like having the booklet cause I can write all my thoughts down in one place. Once a week, we meet for a discussion. It usually starts with a question about the last week's readings, but it's been delving into some pretty deep territory. For example, if Jesus was God and Man, then who died on the cross - God or Man? Or did just part of Him die? It's like the angels-dancing-on-the-head-of-a-pin debate everyone tries to do in university. No firm answers, but a great journey!
Today was the second part of my Lenten intention. I attended a quiet day of prayer and meditation at a local monastery. I will first admit that I have never stepped foot into a monastery, and was a little nervous as to what I may find. Would it look like a church, or worse, like some kind of chamber? What should I wear? Was my pink fuzzy coat inappropriate? Would I have to speak Latin? Luckily, my fears were as silly as they sound now as I write them out in black and white. (Awkward sentence, but you know what I mean!)
The monastery is actually in a gorgeous old Victorian house in the west end of town. In the corner of a large living room is a small altar, but other than that, it just looks like a lovely old home. (The furniture is a little out of date, but I digress.) The second floor has rooms for overnight guests, and the third floor is for full-time members. The brothers were very welcoming, and were a wide variety of ages. About thirty guests gathered for our quiet day.
The theme of our meditations were prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. One brother lead each meditation. We started with prayer, which was a great way to calm our minds for the day. We then had an hour of silence. We could find any spot in the house, and being such a large place, it was easy to find a quiet corner. They had a few suggested guidelines on how to spend this quiet time, so, Bible in hand, I curled up in a cozy chair and opened up a passage in Luke about how to pray. I spent time reading, meditating, and taking little notes in my journal. (I may have the start of a new lyric!) After an hour, we all returned to the living room for a service of Holy Communion, and the second meditation on fasting. I always considered fasting to be all about food and the not-eating of it. But the brother introduced all sorts of ideas on fasting from other cultures and religions. He suggested that instead of simply giving up food, we can give up any thing, any vice, that separates us from God.
In a funny bit of scheduling, lunch followed the talk on fasting. Lunch was also silent. Frankly, a little dinner music would have been nice, but it did kept the calmness of the day intact. Actually, lunch did have one really cool moment. I looked over at a man whose shirt had a logo of St. Thomas's church on it. This is the church in Newfoundland that I grew up in! Dad was the rector there! This man had moved to Newfoundland just after we moved to Toronto, and St. Thomas became his home church! How's that for a small world?
After lunch followed another hour of silence. I jumped into the Bible again, and had a nice little romp through Psalms. Listen, I don't know if this was a certain translation or what, but in this edition, the Psalms talked about unicorns! Seriously! No one ever told me there were unicorns in the Bible. Between the unicorns in Psalms and the giants in Genesis, I'm getting a whole new view on the Bible. No one taught this stuff in my Sunday School!
Our final meditation was on almsgiving. The brother related his stories of living in New York and being repulsed by street people. And let's be honest, everyone who's lived in a big city has had that feeling. He mentioned that, in his past, he never gave money to street people because he figured he couldn't cure their poverty. However, almsgiving is not necessarily about curing poverty, but about relieving the poverty and discomfort of the current situation. We can't fix a street person's life by giving them a dollar, but we can possibly relieve their hunger on that day. If we don't want to give a dollar, we can buy them a coffee or a meal. After all, we all need to eat. We all need a warm place to sleep. We all need eye contact and a friendly smile. It won't fix everything, but it will relieve the weight of that day.
Today was great. I will admit that I'm not usually very good at inviting quiet into my days. I like to fill my hours with music and words and activity. It was nice to slow down and relax into the great silences. To "be still and know that you are God". I will definitely do this again.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Adventures of a ... Wife!
Wow, it has truly been a life-time since I wrote in my blog. How warm and reassuring to return to this place. The last few weeks have just been tremendously wonderful. If I were to write my own script, I don't think I'd change a moment.
On February 10, at 4:30pm, I walked into my home church to marry my beautiful Gerald. It was completely overwhelming! (a.k.a.: I couldn't stop crying all day!) Mom and Dad both walked me down the aisle, preceded by my best friend as my "Babe of Honour". Dad did the ceremony, and let me tell you: It may be generally intense when the priest asks if you want to take this man for the rest of your life, but try having your own Father ask you! After the ceremony, we all shipped off to a gorgeous hall for a night of great food, dancing, and much love all around.
For anyone who's interested (and I guess I'm saying this cause I always want to know), here's a list of our wedding music:
- Attendants' processional: This Little Light of Mine.
- Bridal processional: I Vow to thee my Country (Holst)
- Hymn: I feel the winds of God
- Choir anthem: The Wedding at Cana (written by Me!)
- Signing of the register: Because He Lives.
- Solo: Perfect Picture (written and sung by Gerald!)
- Lord's prayer: sung to Amazing Grace tune.
- Communion hymns: Be Our Chief Guest Lord, and Here I am Lord.
- Marriage processional: I'm Feeling Fine.
- First dance: Have a little faith in me
- Last dance: Take it with me
I do have to share this really great moment: Gerald and I used the vows written in the Anglican wedding service, but later in the service, we each had special words written for each other. I had given Dad my speech to hold, but he thought that was my speech for the reception. So when it came time to read my special words, they were in another room. Dad made sure everyone had a little laugh over the upset, and went out to get the speech. In the gap, Boni reprised Because He Lives, but we were all standing there a little awkwardly. Gerald looked at me and said, "Well, what do we do now?". And I said, "Well, I guess we sing!". I turned to the congregation, and we had this spontaneous singalong of Because He Lives. It was awesome. Lots of people knew the song, and those who didn't had huge smiles on their faces. As soon as we hit the final bar, Dad walked back in with my speech. A slight mishap that spawned a perfect moment!
Two days later we were on the plane for Costa Rica. If you haven't been to Costa Rica, I highly recommend it. The people are great and the food amazing, but the real show is the natural surroundings. On a daily basis we were treated to volcanos, wildlife, waterfalls, rainforests, cloud forests, and the Pacific Ocean. I didn't have a moment when I wasn't overwhelmed by the beauty and wonder of creation. How people can see this stuff and not believe in God, I don't know!
On a day trip we visited a church that had been made from parts of an old ship. All of the exterior and interior walls were metal! It was just gorgeous, but even more importantly, it was acoustically stunning! I asked if I could sing a little, permission was granted, and I sang It Is Well With My Soul. The sound was awesome. The tiniest softest note traveled right through the whole space. A few days later, I was talking with a woman who had been there. She and her family were on the trip because that day was the anniversary of losing a family member. They didn't want to face their grief surrounded by reminders of daily life. How completely did I understand this! She told me how they were all Christians and how their faith was getting them through. She told me how my song had brought them comfort during these days. I just felt so blessed that she would share this story with me. A few years ago, her story would have been my story, but now God is using me to bless those in mourning. It is awesome what can happen when you just say "Yes, Lord!".
After a week of beaches and sunburns, we hopped on the plane again, this time to spend the final leg of our honeymoon in Nashville. I can't remember if I've mentioned this in the blog yet, but Gerald and I are planning on moving to Nashville this year to further our musical pursuits. Ger had never actually been there, and since we were traveling anyways, we thought we might as well spend some time in Music City and have a little fun. What a great time! Our first night there, we played an open mic at the Hall of Fame Lounge. Ger did "So Far" and "The Last Chapter", the latter of which made the emcee cry! Then I jumped up on stage and we did "My Father's Arms". Everyone was so generous, and we've been invited to perform there when we get back to Nashville.
The next night was the Bluebird Cafe, and an awesome in-the-round concert. The songs were great, and all four singers are friends, so the energy was just infectious. After the show, we followed the crowd to Hotel Preston and continued the musical party. The next day was bumming around downtown, and at night, we saw the Opry at the Ryman. What a treat! I, of course, didn't know any of the country singers or their songs. But the final act was Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder. Yee-haw! They were amazing! There are no real words to capture that kind of skill and passion. Just impressive!
We got to see some friends, and make some new ones. We met Canadians who had moved to Nashville in various ways, all to follow the big dream. We got great encouragement, and hard advice. And we got tonnes of inspiration! It is so clear to me that God wants us to follow this path. I'm such a homebody, that the idea of actually selling everything and moving is absolutely terrifying. But we are truly fighting for a greater good. We are going for the dream that so many people pack away in comfortable jobs and old age pensions. And the truly awesome part is that we're facing this journey together. Hand in hand. With God and family supporting our every move.
"I feel the winds of God today. Today, my sail I lift!"
On February 10, at 4:30pm, I walked into my home church to marry my beautiful Gerald. It was completely overwhelming! (a.k.a.: I couldn't stop crying all day!) Mom and Dad both walked me down the aisle, preceded by my best friend as my "Babe of Honour". Dad did the ceremony, and let me tell you: It may be generally intense when the priest asks if you want to take this man for the rest of your life, but try having your own Father ask you! After the ceremony, we all shipped off to a gorgeous hall for a night of great food, dancing, and much love all around.
For anyone who's interested (and I guess I'm saying this cause I always want to know), here's a list of our wedding music:
- Attendants' processional: This Little Light of Mine.
- Bridal processional: I Vow to thee my Country (Holst)
- Hymn: I feel the winds of God
- Choir anthem: The Wedding at Cana (written by Me!)
- Signing of the register: Because He Lives.
- Solo: Perfect Picture (written and sung by Gerald!)
- Lord's prayer: sung to Amazing Grace tune.
- Communion hymns: Be Our Chief Guest Lord, and Here I am Lord.
- Marriage processional: I'm Feeling Fine.
- First dance: Have a little faith in me
- Last dance: Take it with me
I do have to share this really great moment: Gerald and I used the vows written in the Anglican wedding service, but later in the service, we each had special words written for each other. I had given Dad my speech to hold, but he thought that was my speech for the reception. So when it came time to read my special words, they were in another room. Dad made sure everyone had a little laugh over the upset, and went out to get the speech. In the gap, Boni reprised Because He Lives, but we were all standing there a little awkwardly. Gerald looked at me and said, "Well, what do we do now?". And I said, "Well, I guess we sing!". I turned to the congregation, and we had this spontaneous singalong of Because He Lives. It was awesome. Lots of people knew the song, and those who didn't had huge smiles on their faces. As soon as we hit the final bar, Dad walked back in with my speech. A slight mishap that spawned a perfect moment!
Two days later we were on the plane for Costa Rica. If you haven't been to Costa Rica, I highly recommend it. The people are great and the food amazing, but the real show is the natural surroundings. On a daily basis we were treated to volcanos, wildlife, waterfalls, rainforests, cloud forests, and the Pacific Ocean. I didn't have a moment when I wasn't overwhelmed by the beauty and wonder of creation. How people can see this stuff and not believe in God, I don't know!
On a day trip we visited a church that had been made from parts of an old ship. All of the exterior and interior walls were metal! It was just gorgeous, but even more importantly, it was acoustically stunning! I asked if I could sing a little, permission was granted, and I sang It Is Well With My Soul. The sound was awesome. The tiniest softest note traveled right through the whole space. A few days later, I was talking with a woman who had been there. She and her family were on the trip because that day was the anniversary of losing a family member. They didn't want to face their grief surrounded by reminders of daily life. How completely did I understand this! She told me how they were all Christians and how their faith was getting them through. She told me how my song had brought them comfort during these days. I just felt so blessed that she would share this story with me. A few years ago, her story would have been my story, but now God is using me to bless those in mourning. It is awesome what can happen when you just say "Yes, Lord!".
After a week of beaches and sunburns, we hopped on the plane again, this time to spend the final leg of our honeymoon in Nashville. I can't remember if I've mentioned this in the blog yet, but Gerald and I are planning on moving to Nashville this year to further our musical pursuits. Ger had never actually been there, and since we were traveling anyways, we thought we might as well spend some time in Music City and have a little fun. What a great time! Our first night there, we played an open mic at the Hall of Fame Lounge. Ger did "So Far" and "The Last Chapter", the latter of which made the emcee cry! Then I jumped up on stage and we did "My Father's Arms". Everyone was so generous, and we've been invited to perform there when we get back to Nashville.
The next night was the Bluebird Cafe, and an awesome in-the-round concert. The songs were great, and all four singers are friends, so the energy was just infectious. After the show, we followed the crowd to Hotel Preston and continued the musical party. The next day was bumming around downtown, and at night, we saw the Opry at the Ryman. What a treat! I, of course, didn't know any of the country singers or their songs. But the final act was Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder. Yee-haw! They were amazing! There are no real words to capture that kind of skill and passion. Just impressive!
We got to see some friends, and make some new ones. We met Canadians who had moved to Nashville in various ways, all to follow the big dream. We got great encouragement, and hard advice. And we got tonnes of inspiration! It is so clear to me that God wants us to follow this path. I'm such a homebody, that the idea of actually selling everything and moving is absolutely terrifying. But we are truly fighting for a greater good. We are going for the dream that so many people pack away in comfortable jobs and old age pensions. And the truly awesome part is that we're facing this journey together. Hand in hand. With God and family supporting our every move.
"I feel the winds of God today. Today, my sail I lift!"
Friday, February 10, 2006
I'm getting married in the morning!
Okay, technically, it will be late afternoon, but the song still applies.
I can't believe it's actually going to happen. All this planning, and it's finally come to pass. Today, I took Mom and Aunt Pauline out for manicures and pedicures. It was the first time for all of us. Just to look over and see the two of them being pampered in a way they deserve but would never give themselves - it was just awesome!
Tonight, we all just sat around eating great food and telling good stories. I finally got to meet Tim, the best man, who just flew in from Edmonton. And even more family friends flew in today. This is the greatest family reunion!
I have just finished writing my speeches. I will probably fuss over them again tomorrow. I'm so nervous about saying all the things I want to say, and making it efficient and effective and beautiful and memorable and blah, blah, blah... I know it doesn't need to be perfect. I guess what I really want is for it to be accurate to what is in my heart.
I really try to use this blog for my creative and spiritual adventures, and not for my personal events. But I can't imagine any part of my creative and spiritual life that will not be affected by this decision for the rest of my life.
I'm feeling so blessed, so special, so loved, and so loving.
Time for deep breaths, good sleep, and a prayer of thanksgiving for such an incredible twist in my life.
Peace...
I can't believe it's actually going to happen. All this planning, and it's finally come to pass. Today, I took Mom and Aunt Pauline out for manicures and pedicures. It was the first time for all of us. Just to look over and see the two of them being pampered in a way they deserve but would never give themselves - it was just awesome!
Tonight, we all just sat around eating great food and telling good stories. I finally got to meet Tim, the best man, who just flew in from Edmonton. And even more family friends flew in today. This is the greatest family reunion!
I have just finished writing my speeches. I will probably fuss over them again tomorrow. I'm so nervous about saying all the things I want to say, and making it efficient and effective and beautiful and memorable and blah, blah, blah... I know it doesn't need to be perfect. I guess what I really want is for it to be accurate to what is in my heart.
I really try to use this blog for my creative and spiritual adventures, and not for my personal events. But I can't imagine any part of my creative and spiritual life that will not be affected by this decision for the rest of my life.
I'm feeling so blessed, so special, so loved, and so loving.
Time for deep breaths, good sleep, and a prayer of thanksgiving for such an incredible twist in my life.
Peace...
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Too tired to title.
I read an article about blogging yesterday that stated a "finding" on blogging. Apparently, the less going on in your life, the less you blog. Right now, I would completely disagree.
Things are insanely busy right now, and I'm taking no time to blog. I'm also behind in my email, which never happens. I'm actually just fighting to get all sorts of things done.
But I really don't want to complain about this busy-ness, because it's all awesome stuff. And to complain about it would make me a bit of a jerk.
It is now less than ten days til the wedding! I can't say I was really excited until the shower last week. I mean, I've always been excited about marrying Gerald, but I don't think I was excited about the wedding til just recently. Last week, my Babe of Honour threw a surprise party for me, and that was just incredible. It was very girly and very wonderful. It wasn't the stupid fun I would imagine for a bride in her twenties. It was the awesome fun of women who've lived and loved and know that a good party comes from just spending time with good friends. Of course, crazy coloured wigs and a feather boa helped too! (I'll just let your imagine go on that one.)
The following day, Gerald and I had a really interesting gig: We performed at a Robbie Burns dinner. As a good Irish child, I knew no Scottish songs, so I had to do some research, and then, as luck would have it, Gerald was available to accompany me. We did "Lass from the low country" and "Ye Bank and Braes" with guitar, and they were both really fun. I have to say, there is one thing I miss when I sing gospel music: I love to sing a good sad song! Some story with no hope and no redemption that tears your heart into little pieces. That's just good singing!
The other song was "Ca' the Yowes to the Nowes", a Burns poem written in an old Scottish dialect. I actually Googled the text to find out (A) What it means? and (B) How to pronounce it? We did this one with voice and djembe. Gerald has done much more Celtic music than me, and I was incredibly grateful for his support!
The next morning, I returned to All Saints Church and Community Centre to add some music to their morning service. The building of All Saints is a work of art - red and yellow brick, dark wood, stained glass. The congregation is made up of people most of us would never choose to look at - homeless, addicts, 'those people'. Sunday morning finds a small congregation of about 25 people. The congregation is fully involved in the service. They read the lessons and manage the overhead projector. (And yes, I don't mean 'power point presentation', I mean 'overhead projector'. Just like we all had in high school.) During the prayers, a mic is passed around so people can add their own petitions. People feel very safe, and some of the requests are personal and heartbreaking. After the sermon, the priest opens the floor to a discussion, and the congregation jumps in with ideas. When it comes time for the offering, a donation box is brought up to the altar, but a plate is never passed. Why make it stand out that some people can give and others can't?
I felt so blessed to share in their worship. I played guitar and sang a few songs. During communion, I sang "I Call Out Your Name" and "Spirit of the Living God". For my two solo pieces, I did "Down on my Knees" and "He Touched Me". Some people started to sing along on the last one, so I repeated a chorus and invited them to join in. The whole service was wonderful. They always have lunch after the service, so I stayed for that as well. Everyone was welcoming and generous. I've been invited back, and I'll go sometime in the spring.
The rest of the week has mostly been filled with wedding madness. Things like place cards and chair covers have reached a new priority in my day to day routine. I'm completely overwhelmed with the whole business of thank you cards. I'm one of those rare people who still handwrites thank you cards for everything - gifts, meetings, special kindnesses. But I currently have to send the same person three or four thank you notes: one for the shower gift, one for the party gift, one for the wedding gift... Can't I just have a singing telegram show up in church some morning and thank everybody?
Speaking of singing telegrams, I had a funny little gig tonight. I did another Marilyn Monroe look-a-like thing. This time it was for a man's 70th birthday party. His wife threw him a surprise party, and I was a bonus surprise. He just loved it! I sang "I want to be loved by you" and then opened the floor for photographs. At the end, I did the classic Marilyn Happy Birthday, blew him a kiss, and made a grand exit. That's it. I was back in my car in twenty minutes. They were great people and they all had a great time. And I got to make a little spending money for the honeymoon!
Tomorrow, I'm teaching a new class, working on an audition song, going with Gerald to book his tux ( I can't believe that's not done yet!) , painting a basket for the flower girl, finalizing the honeymoon plans, and continuing to write thank you notes. I'd love to get some sleep, but I don't think I'll get that any time soon. Maybe on the honeymoon?
Things are insanely busy right now, and I'm taking no time to blog. I'm also behind in my email, which never happens. I'm actually just fighting to get all sorts of things done.
But I really don't want to complain about this busy-ness, because it's all awesome stuff. And to complain about it would make me a bit of a jerk.
It is now less than ten days til the wedding! I can't say I was really excited until the shower last week. I mean, I've always been excited about marrying Gerald, but I don't think I was excited about the wedding til just recently. Last week, my Babe of Honour threw a surprise party for me, and that was just incredible. It was very girly and very wonderful. It wasn't the stupid fun I would imagine for a bride in her twenties. It was the awesome fun of women who've lived and loved and know that a good party comes from just spending time with good friends. Of course, crazy coloured wigs and a feather boa helped too! (I'll just let your imagine go on that one.)
The following day, Gerald and I had a really interesting gig: We performed at a Robbie Burns dinner. As a good Irish child, I knew no Scottish songs, so I had to do some research, and then, as luck would have it, Gerald was available to accompany me. We did "Lass from the low country" and "Ye Bank and Braes" with guitar, and they were both really fun. I have to say, there is one thing I miss when I sing gospel music: I love to sing a good sad song! Some story with no hope and no redemption that tears your heart into little pieces. That's just good singing!
The other song was "Ca' the Yowes to the Nowes", a Burns poem written in an old Scottish dialect. I actually Googled the text to find out (A) What it means? and (B) How to pronounce it? We did this one with voice and djembe. Gerald has done much more Celtic music than me, and I was incredibly grateful for his support!
The next morning, I returned to All Saints Church and Community Centre to add some music to their morning service. The building of All Saints is a work of art - red and yellow brick, dark wood, stained glass. The congregation is made up of people most of us would never choose to look at - homeless, addicts, 'those people'. Sunday morning finds a small congregation of about 25 people. The congregation is fully involved in the service. They read the lessons and manage the overhead projector. (And yes, I don't mean 'power point presentation', I mean 'overhead projector'. Just like we all had in high school.) During the prayers, a mic is passed around so people can add their own petitions. People feel very safe, and some of the requests are personal and heartbreaking. After the sermon, the priest opens the floor to a discussion, and the congregation jumps in with ideas. When it comes time for the offering, a donation box is brought up to the altar, but a plate is never passed. Why make it stand out that some people can give and others can't?
I felt so blessed to share in their worship. I played guitar and sang a few songs. During communion, I sang "I Call Out Your Name" and "Spirit of the Living God". For my two solo pieces, I did "Down on my Knees" and "He Touched Me". Some people started to sing along on the last one, so I repeated a chorus and invited them to join in. The whole service was wonderful. They always have lunch after the service, so I stayed for that as well. Everyone was welcoming and generous. I've been invited back, and I'll go sometime in the spring.
The rest of the week has mostly been filled with wedding madness. Things like place cards and chair covers have reached a new priority in my day to day routine. I'm completely overwhelmed with the whole business of thank you cards. I'm one of those rare people who still handwrites thank you cards for everything - gifts, meetings, special kindnesses. But I currently have to send the same person three or four thank you notes: one for the shower gift, one for the party gift, one for the wedding gift... Can't I just have a singing telegram show up in church some morning and thank everybody?
Speaking of singing telegrams, I had a funny little gig tonight. I did another Marilyn Monroe look-a-like thing. This time it was for a man's 70th birthday party. His wife threw him a surprise party, and I was a bonus surprise. He just loved it! I sang "I want to be loved by you" and then opened the floor for photographs. At the end, I did the classic Marilyn Happy Birthday, blew him a kiss, and made a grand exit. That's it. I was back in my car in twenty minutes. They were great people and they all had a great time. And I got to make a little spending money for the honeymoon!
Tomorrow, I'm teaching a new class, working on an audition song, going with Gerald to book his tux ( I can't believe that's not done yet!) , painting a basket for the flower girl, finalizing the honeymoon plans, and continuing to write thank you notes. I'd love to get some sleep, but I don't think I'll get that any time soon. Maybe on the honeymoon?
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Worship, wedding, and wine.
Today has been long, but really, really great.
This morning, I returned to St. John's West Toronto to sing and lead the music. Since I'd been there before, I was a little less nervous than last time. But, of course, I was trying a few new things, so that sort of made up for any lost nervousness.
My main job was to lead the singing, so I really tried to keep that as my focus when I was preparing. I was fine with all the hymns they suggested - Here I am Lord, The Summons, Seek ye first - but the Sanctus didn't have chords, and it was a little beyond my scope to figure them out. So, I wrote a new one. (Oh, the Sanctus is that "holy, holy, holy" part of the communion liturgy.) I can never figure out how congregations sing along on the Sanctus. Most of them are pretty complicated and, in my humble opinion, quite uninteresting. I wrote one that was very singable with a little swing. I'd say it sounds a little Celtic (big shock). I played it in the prelude, and again early in the service. It was really new to people, but they still sang along, so that was cool.
The message today was about stewardship, so for my solo piece, I chose "Lord, when you came to the seashore". I learned this song years ago for a World Day of Prayer service, and I thought it would be a perfect fit. I'd lost the music, so I thought I'd maybe google it. Ends up it's a really popular piece in the Catholic church. It was even sung at some Papal event. It's originally written in Spanish, so I did the chorus in Spanish and the verses in English. I was a little nervous at this part of the service - solo singing, chorus in another language, still nervous on guitar - but God was definitely on my side. I thought, "I can mess up the words, the chords, and the tune. But the important thing is to tell this message". Sounds silly to say out loud, but it worked. The words, the chord, and the tune fell into place, and people really got the message.
But here was the best moment of them all. During communion, I started to sing "He Touched Me". (Such a great song!!!) A few people started to sing along. So I took a second to tell them where to find the words, and then started the piece over again. Well, then, everyone started to sing. And not just sing, but sing to God. Something powerful was moving in the room, and it had nothing to do with me. The spirit of the Lord came into the sanctuary, and it was awesome!
At the end of the service, they asked for a few upbeat songs to send everyone out on a high note, so I did "Standing in the need of prayer", "Down by the riverside", and "Down on my knees". Before leaving, I was asked back for a service in the spring. Yay!
This morning was yet another reminder that this is truly what I want to be doing. I am no longer satisfied to simply sing beautiful songs. I want to be a vessel that God can use to His purpose. I want to offer people something greater than just a song well sung. I want to tell them this great message of peace ... hope ... love.
This afternoon was a complete switch. Today, I participated in my first bridal shower. I really didn't want one, so I kept calling it the anti-shower. (Hello, have you met my Auntie Shower?) It was really pretty cool. I got to wear a tiara and eat chocolate-dipped strawberries, so no complaints there.
And, of course, I also got to sit on a comfy chair and open presents. I was a little worried about walking home with an armload of blenders and tea towels, but God bless my Mom. It was a wine shower! Everyone brought me a bottle of their favourite wine. Practical and decadent in one shot!
I predict that the next three weeks will be pretty full. Between developing a new career path and finalizing the details of the wedding, every day counts. But I'm looking forward to it. I'm definitely a happier person when I'm working towards a goal, and these days of full of great goals!
This morning, I returned to St. John's West Toronto to sing and lead the music. Since I'd been there before, I was a little less nervous than last time. But, of course, I was trying a few new things, so that sort of made up for any lost nervousness.
My main job was to lead the singing, so I really tried to keep that as my focus when I was preparing. I was fine with all the hymns they suggested - Here I am Lord, The Summons, Seek ye first - but the Sanctus didn't have chords, and it was a little beyond my scope to figure them out. So, I wrote a new one. (Oh, the Sanctus is that "holy, holy, holy" part of the communion liturgy.) I can never figure out how congregations sing along on the Sanctus. Most of them are pretty complicated and, in my humble opinion, quite uninteresting. I wrote one that was very singable with a little swing. I'd say it sounds a little Celtic (big shock). I played it in the prelude, and again early in the service. It was really new to people, but they still sang along, so that was cool.
The message today was about stewardship, so for my solo piece, I chose "Lord, when you came to the seashore". I learned this song years ago for a World Day of Prayer service, and I thought it would be a perfect fit. I'd lost the music, so I thought I'd maybe google it. Ends up it's a really popular piece in the Catholic church. It was even sung at some Papal event. It's originally written in Spanish, so I did the chorus in Spanish and the verses in English. I was a little nervous at this part of the service - solo singing, chorus in another language, still nervous on guitar - but God was definitely on my side. I thought, "I can mess up the words, the chords, and the tune. But the important thing is to tell this message". Sounds silly to say out loud, but it worked. The words, the chord, and the tune fell into place, and people really got the message.
But here was the best moment of them all. During communion, I started to sing "He Touched Me". (Such a great song!!!) A few people started to sing along. So I took a second to tell them where to find the words, and then started the piece over again. Well, then, everyone started to sing. And not just sing, but sing to God. Something powerful was moving in the room, and it had nothing to do with me. The spirit of the Lord came into the sanctuary, and it was awesome!
At the end of the service, they asked for a few upbeat songs to send everyone out on a high note, so I did "Standing in the need of prayer", "Down by the riverside", and "Down on my knees". Before leaving, I was asked back for a service in the spring. Yay!
This morning was yet another reminder that this is truly what I want to be doing. I am no longer satisfied to simply sing beautiful songs. I want to be a vessel that God can use to His purpose. I want to offer people something greater than just a song well sung. I want to tell them this great message of peace ... hope ... love.
This afternoon was a complete switch. Today, I participated in my first bridal shower. I really didn't want one, so I kept calling it the anti-shower. (Hello, have you met my Auntie Shower?) It was really pretty cool. I got to wear a tiara and eat chocolate-dipped strawberries, so no complaints there.
And, of course, I also got to sit on a comfy chair and open presents. I was a little worried about walking home with an armload of blenders and tea towels, but God bless my Mom. It was a wine shower! Everyone brought me a bottle of their favourite wine. Practical and decadent in one shot!
I predict that the next three weeks will be pretty full. Between developing a new career path and finalizing the details of the wedding, every day counts. But I'm looking forward to it. I'm definitely a happier person when I'm working towards a goal, and these days of full of great goals!
Friday, January 13, 2006
New Year's Catch-Up
I'm back in blog world! I can't believe it's been so long since I've written anything, but I really didn't know what to write. Who really wants to hear about weeks of sitting on the couch eating Christmas chocolates? Okay, maybe it's a little exaggerated, but only a little.
Christmas itself was quite wonderful. I attended two church services Christmas Eve. The first was at my church, and I was quite blessed by the choir singing two of my own songs: The Stable Bare and Joseph's Carol. For the midnight service, I attended Holy Trinity Anglican, a.k.a the church by the Eaton Centre. It was really wonderful and intimate.
Christmas Day was busy as we tried to fit two family celebrations into one day. But it was full of love and food and all things good, and no one can complain about that. New Year's celebrations were great. The weather was so mild that we cleared the deck of snow and had our champagne outside! Awesome way to start the new year!
The rest of the days were declared Lazy Week. Late nights drinking espresso and reading C.S. Lewis. Short days of sleeping in and watching Dr. Phil reruns. Seriously - who needed to read a blog about that?
However, I really should mention one important thing that happened over Christmas. December 20 and 21 marked four years since we lost Steve. (He passed on the 20th, but we didn't find out until the 21st.) The whole month of December has been awful for years, but this was definitely the easiest it has been. I enjoyed the holidays and all the celebrations more than I have. There were some rough moments, but the days of the 20th and 21st weren't too bad. I just wanted to enjoy the time with my family, and I think Steve would be really happy about that.
So now, what's happening in the New Year? Well, the big thing is WEDDING PLANS!!! Our wedding is four weeks tomorrow, so, as you can guess, we're all getting a little stressed right about now. Lots of stuff is falling into place, but every day a new "essential" makes itself known. I have no doubt that it will all come together and be fabulous, but to be completely honest, I have a new appreciation for people who choose to elope. This wedding planning stuff is huge! I've put together lots of shows, but this will be an opening night like no other.
Here's the truth of the wedding for me:
I have no latent desire to play princess for a day. I have no long lost fantasies of the perfect wedding. I sort of don't care what happens with the dj, the cake, the hall, or the limousine.
My family will be around me. We'll be spending time in the presence of God. And if, at the end of the day, I am married to the beautiful Gerald Flemming, then the whole thing will be a complete success.
For me, that's the fairy tale come true.
Christmas itself was quite wonderful. I attended two church services Christmas Eve. The first was at my church, and I was quite blessed by the choir singing two of my own songs: The Stable Bare and Joseph's Carol. For the midnight service, I attended Holy Trinity Anglican, a.k.a the church by the Eaton Centre. It was really wonderful and intimate.
Christmas Day was busy as we tried to fit two family celebrations into one day. But it was full of love and food and all things good, and no one can complain about that. New Year's celebrations were great. The weather was so mild that we cleared the deck of snow and had our champagne outside! Awesome way to start the new year!
The rest of the days were declared Lazy Week. Late nights drinking espresso and reading C.S. Lewis. Short days of sleeping in and watching Dr. Phil reruns. Seriously - who needed to read a blog about that?
However, I really should mention one important thing that happened over Christmas. December 20 and 21 marked four years since we lost Steve. (He passed on the 20th, but we didn't find out until the 21st.) The whole month of December has been awful for years, but this was definitely the easiest it has been. I enjoyed the holidays and all the celebrations more than I have. There were some rough moments, but the days of the 20th and 21st weren't too bad. I just wanted to enjoy the time with my family, and I think Steve would be really happy about that.
So now, what's happening in the New Year? Well, the big thing is WEDDING PLANS!!! Our wedding is four weeks tomorrow, so, as you can guess, we're all getting a little stressed right about now. Lots of stuff is falling into place, but every day a new "essential" makes itself known. I have no doubt that it will all come together and be fabulous, but to be completely honest, I have a new appreciation for people who choose to elope. This wedding planning stuff is huge! I've put together lots of shows, but this will be an opening night like no other.
Here's the truth of the wedding for me:
I have no latent desire to play princess for a day. I have no long lost fantasies of the perfect wedding. I sort of don't care what happens with the dj, the cake, the hall, or the limousine.
My family will be around me. We'll be spending time in the presence of God. And if, at the end of the day, I am married to the beautiful Gerald Flemming, then the whole thing will be a complete success.
For me, that's the fairy tale come true.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Canadian Tire Money Toy Drive
I've just had the most amazing time!!! Every year for the last five years, I've organized a toy drive in Toronto. Yesterday was shopping day, and today was distribution day.
For my American friends, let me tell you about Canadian Tire. This store is a Canadian institution. It's kind of like Home Depot, minus the lumber, plus home and automotive. When you make a purchase at Canadian Tire, you receive special coupons called CANADIAN TIRE MONEY. This "money" looks sort of like Monopoly money, and is about 5% of your purchase. You can use this "money" in any Canadian Tire store towards any purchase. Lots of people shop at Canadian Tire, and pretty much everyone has some Canadian Tire Money in their wallet. At Christmas, Canadian Tire has a huge toy section. And that's where I come in...
Each year, I collect Canadian Tire Money, I bring it to the store, they match my collection, and I buy toys for needy children.
So, today was the final day of it all. I wanted to share the day with everyone, so here's the letter I sent out to my mailing list today. And I have to tell you, it's a pretty awesome way to spend the days before Christmas:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi all,
I have just had the most exciting two days as we've wrapped up this year's Canadian Tire Money Toy Drive. Here are the final results:
Our collection of Canadian Tire Money was ... $1202.95 !!!!!!
Canadian Tire matched our donation penny for penny, for over $2400.00 in toys!
In addition, Mastermind Toys also gave a donation of toys. And, St. John's York Mills Church gave me the toys donated to their mitten tree to distribute.
In total, over 300 toys were distributed today!!!!!
This is so much more than I expected! Some of the toys were brought to Robertson House, a shelter for women and children in downtown Toronto. Last month, I received the shopping list for their 100 children. Yesterday, we brought that list to Canadian Tire and bought a toy for each child. Each toy was valued at $20.00-$30.00, and encouraged sharing and creative play.
After filling the list, we still had more toys! I was directed to Oolagan Community Services, a group that provides free mental health services for children and their families. They received a car-load of toys for their children as well.
Both agencies will give the toys directly to the mothers. This way, the moms can retain the independence of giving the toys themselves, or letting Santa put the toys under the tree.
I am so amazed at the collection of Canadian Tire Money. $1202.95 in 5 and 10 cent pieces. Over 3900 pieces were collected!
Thank you to the Canadian Tire at Sheppard and Leslie for matching our donation! This the fifth year of our toy drive, and they have matched our donation every year. If you need a Canadian Tire, please consider supporting this one.
Thank you to Mastermind Toys for giving us two huge boxes of toys! Your contribution was wonderful. If you are looking for great toys any time of year, please consider purchasing them at any Mastermind location.
Thank you to Bert Chandler for collecting Canadian Tire Money through St. Patrick's Anglican Church.
Thank you to Anne Rawson for organizing a collection of Canadian Tire Money through the Fairlawn Neighbourhood Centre.
Thank you to the staff and parishioners of St. John's York Mills Church for their continued support of this toy drive.
Thank you to everyone who mailed in a donation of Canadian Tire Money. Whether it was 5 cents or 5 dollars, it all added up!
Thank you to Hollis, Helen, Gerald, Don, and Bobbi for purchasing and transporting the toys.
And a few final thoughts:
The first year of this toy drive, we bought 11 toys, and I was amazed. I can't believe how much this has grown! It is truly an example of everyone giving a little to make a great change.
We have already started next year's collection! Canadian Tire Money can be mailed any time of year to the address below.
If you are interested in collecting Canadian Tire Money for our toy drive, please just email me and let me know! Whether it's your school, office, or church, we'd love to add your Canadian Tire Money to our collection.
This Sunday, when you're opening your gifts and sharing time with your family, please take a minute and know that, thanks to your contributions, hundreds of children are having a great Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Blessings,
Allison Lynn
Allison Lynn - Toy Drive
c/o St. John's York Mills Church
19 Don Ridge Dr.
North York, ON
M5B 2C2
For my American friends, let me tell you about Canadian Tire. This store is a Canadian institution. It's kind of like Home Depot, minus the lumber, plus home and automotive. When you make a purchase at Canadian Tire, you receive special coupons called CANADIAN TIRE MONEY. This "money" looks sort of like Monopoly money, and is about 5% of your purchase. You can use this "money" in any Canadian Tire store towards any purchase. Lots of people shop at Canadian Tire, and pretty much everyone has some Canadian Tire Money in their wallet. At Christmas, Canadian Tire has a huge toy section. And that's where I come in...
Each year, I collect Canadian Tire Money, I bring it to the store, they match my collection, and I buy toys for needy children.
So, today was the final day of it all. I wanted to share the day with everyone, so here's the letter I sent out to my mailing list today. And I have to tell you, it's a pretty awesome way to spend the days before Christmas:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi all,
I have just had the most exciting two days as we've wrapped up this year's Canadian Tire Money Toy Drive. Here are the final results:
Our collection of Canadian Tire Money was ... $1202.95 !!!!!!
Canadian Tire matched our donation penny for penny, for over $2400.00 in toys!
In addition, Mastermind Toys also gave a donation of toys. And, St. John's York Mills Church gave me the toys donated to their mitten tree to distribute.
In total, over 300 toys were distributed today!!!!!
This is so much more than I expected! Some of the toys were brought to Robertson House, a shelter for women and children in downtown Toronto. Last month, I received the shopping list for their 100 children. Yesterday, we brought that list to Canadian Tire and bought a toy for each child. Each toy was valued at $20.00-$30.00, and encouraged sharing and creative play.
After filling the list, we still had more toys! I was directed to Oolagan Community Services, a group that provides free mental health services for children and their families. They received a car-load of toys for their children as well.
Both agencies will give the toys directly to the mothers. This way, the moms can retain the independence of giving the toys themselves, or letting Santa put the toys under the tree.
I am so amazed at the collection of Canadian Tire Money. $1202.95 in 5 and 10 cent pieces. Over 3900 pieces were collected!
Thank you to the Canadian Tire at Sheppard and Leslie for matching our donation! This the fifth year of our toy drive, and they have matched our donation every year. If you need a Canadian Tire, please consider supporting this one.
Thank you to Mastermind Toys for giving us two huge boxes of toys! Your contribution was wonderful. If you are looking for great toys any time of year, please consider purchasing them at any Mastermind location.
Thank you to Bert Chandler for collecting Canadian Tire Money through St. Patrick's Anglican Church.
Thank you to Anne Rawson for organizing a collection of Canadian Tire Money through the Fairlawn Neighbourhood Centre.
Thank you to the staff and parishioners of St. John's York Mills Church for their continued support of this toy drive.
Thank you to everyone who mailed in a donation of Canadian Tire Money. Whether it was 5 cents or 5 dollars, it all added up!
Thank you to Hollis, Helen, Gerald, Don, and Bobbi for purchasing and transporting the toys.
And a few final thoughts:
The first year of this toy drive, we bought 11 toys, and I was amazed. I can't believe how much this has grown! It is truly an example of everyone giving a little to make a great change.
We have already started next year's collection! Canadian Tire Money can be mailed any time of year to the address below.
If you are interested in collecting Canadian Tire Money for our toy drive, please just email me and let me know! Whether it's your school, office, or church, we'd love to add your Canadian Tire Money to our collection.
This Sunday, when you're opening your gifts and sharing time with your family, please take a minute and know that, thanks to your contributions, hundreds of children are having a great Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Blessings,
Allison Lynn
Allison Lynn - Toy Drive
c/o St. John's York Mills Church
19 Don Ridge Dr.
North York, ON
M5B 2C2
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