This is the first of Steve Bell's recordings that is deliberately and consciously a "worship" album in that most of the songs were written specifically for a worshiping community and with the intention of helping that community find its common voice in praise of God. In the case of this collection, the particular community is my home church in Winnipeg (St. Benedict's Table) and the author of all but two of the songs is not myself but rather, long time friend Gord Johnson.
For years, Gord has been writing in the singer/songwriter tradition - personal reflections, stories, thoughtful recollections, social and political observations, etc.- with a keen eye for issues of justice. But more recently Gord has been impacted by the Taize community in France whose music has begun to make inroads into worshipping communities all over the world.
Taize music is very simple. Usually it consists of one or two lines of scripture sung slowly, reverently and repeatedly. The idea is for the community to enter into communal contemplation – to get past the melody and words and enter into the mystery of the story of God and God's people. No rules, no particular form – just worship guided by those goals and entered into through music. Learning as a community to hear and follow the Spirit's gentle nudging is a beautiful and deepening experience. Examples on this album are "Embrace the Mystery", "Who Condemns You Now", "Everything We Need" and "Gone is the Light".
Many people will remember Gord Johnson from last years " Telling the Truth Conference ", and " Hearing the Silence " up at UVic's Interfaith Chapel.
Steve Bell is a good friend of Lambrick Park, anyone who has been there before to hear him knows it is an intimate evening filled with magical moments. It's like sitting in a livingroom with God and friends...music, stories...communion, fellowship with God and people. This will be an evening that should not be missed.
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