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So I was recently given an assignment in my Master’s program at St. Stephen’s University to write a response to any video on the TED.com website that interests me and reflect on it and how it relates to today’s spiritual climate. I must say that I was overwhelmed by all of the amazing information on the TED website. I’ve viewed quite a few of the videos and have been enriched by each one. I settled on a video entitled “David Holt: The Stories and Songs of Appalachia.” The subject matter of American Roots music draws me in like the smell of my Grandma’s famous lima beans and rice. I just can’t resist those old melodies that seem to speak to me from my ancestors and motivate me to connect with others in melody, rhythm, and lyric. Holt’s blending of storytelling and roots music in his presentation gives me ideas on how to incorporate this art form into the modern worship setting. All of the elements Holt uses are part of the way we do worship. We connect to the great Narrative which is the story of God and man through music and ancient traditions. I’m curious if we, as worship leaders, can tell the story in way that Holt tells his story? Using ancient, modern, and even futuristic technology to connect with others in a very simple way he tells his story and brings it to life for those in his audience. We must always keep “the story” central to what it is we’re doing. Let all the other things enhance and nuance not overpower and muddle. Much like the way my Grandma would ad just the right amount of butter and salt and pepper to her famous lima beans and rice.
To See David Holt: The Stories and Song of Appalachia follow this link:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_holt_plays_mountain_music.html
Alison Krauss describes Hazel Dickens as, “Cranked up to ten.” She doesn’t hold back vocally or when it comes to standing up for workers rights. As a girl she grew up singing in a primitive Baptist church in the mountains of West Virginia seeing the injustice done to coal mine workers. She later became and advocate for labor unions and workers rights.
As a worship leader, there is a lot to be learned from Hazel Dickens’ story. How can I/we encourage our congregations to address the social justice issues of our society today? How can I/we embrace what Christ proclaims in the Sermon on the Mount? Let us look for examples of Christians who had a heart for social justice and were willing to use the talents God blessed them with to love their neighbor and bring Christ’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven.
I am blessed to be able to attend this festival. I have experienced a true closeness with the Creator and His created order while attending this festival that takes place on the banks of the Suwannee River in North Florida. The music that fills the air and the natural beauty collide to create a “thin place” if you will. People of all faiths and walks of life come together to celebrate American Roots music being played under the stars. I urge those reading this to take a little break from whatever reality your dealing with right now and watch this great little video and see what Suwannee Springfest is all about. I recently interviewed Beth Judy one of the organizers of this festival about the spiritual aspects of this festival. I’ll be posting that next week.
Here is a video I found while perusing youtube last night. Abigail Washburn’s Sparrow Quartet did a tour of China and Tibet in 2006 and this is a rooftop jam with a couple of musicians from a Mongolian Folk Band. It’s amazing how these guys keep finding similarities between melodies of American Roots Music and Mongolian Roots Music. As we consider utilizing American Roots Music in our worship setting today let ’s consider the amazing ability this music has to connect with not only the American Story but the Human Story. From a Mongolian Folk song to Wayfaring Stranger, the tale of finding redemption in our Savior, in one rooftop jam somewhere in China.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvgJ9Hg7T4Q
