Sound Theology by Colleen Butcher

The last long weekend of summer (until Thanksgiving) is almost upon us. It seems as if everyone is asking, “What are you doing for Labor Day?” The grocery stores are stocking up for the final BBQ extravaganza – the weekend where we gather with friends and sit by whatever water we can find, to share food and stories and laughter.

While Labor Day is ostensibly a holiday to celebrate the labor movement and the advancement of worker’s achievements, it most often reminds me of the importance of the “micro” view of the world. Looking at it from the perspective of the small, component parts of the modern world, I see the value that each of us bring, a day at a time, to the symbiotic relationships of life. Our individual effort, offered with joy and intention, makes a difference – a big difference – in the unfolding of our work and our relationships and our ministry. We can each be a part, do our part, and celebrate a part of our here-and-now life. read more…

Just one video this week, and one idea to mull over: what do you have hidden within, and what catalyst do you need to help you explore this mystery?

Bobby McFerrin is a musical genius. Forget that he wrote one of the most recognizable and relentlessly memorable tunes, ever (and, did you know that his famous song is based on Psalm 36?) McFerrin is no one-hit-wonder. For decades he has travelled the world, singing, teaching, and exploding the musical establishment’s boxes, just like he does in this video. read more…

Sharps and flats are the tiny symbols that musicians refer to as the key signature. The key signature is a critical component of the music’s framework, setting the tonality and the mood of the work, as well as providing an overall harmonic and melodic structure. When multiple instruments play together, they need this framework: the key signature acts as a shorthand, helping musicians create and/or improvise in a harmonious way. The key signature is a visual image that creates an aural soundscape. read more…

As we enjoy (or endure!) the hot and sticky days of mid-summer, I have been thinking about transformation – particularly the transformation of my favorite plants and bushes. The glorious bursting and blossoming of spring is finished, and the summer plants seem much less interesting by comparison. Now, granted there are some stunning displays, in particular, the expansive fields of sunflowers. But the early roses have either turned to rosehips or have a fresh bloom camouflaged by dead heads. The hydrangeas are drying and turning color, but they now fade into the foliage instead of standing-out with neon flash. Some of the beautiful lilies have turned to seed heads, and the most prolific bloomers are grasses … not exactly show-stoppers!

The transformation of our gardens from lush to dry, and from rainbow-hued to monochromatic, signals a shift in the cycle. The seasons are changing. read more…

In the same vein as last week’s post, this week highlights talented and adventurous young vocal musicians. Baylor University’s School of Music recently held their annual conference – Alleluia – for youth choir directors.

Their featured guests were the National Honor Choir of a network of youth choirs known as YouthCUE. These high school musicians were recommended by their choir directors to participate in a week-long program of training, concerts and touring. The 88 choristers seem to have had a remarkable time together (you can see some of their tour videos on YouTube), and their performance at Alleluia, brought the audience to its feet. YouthCUE’s mission is to instill in their musicians a love of scripture and of choral music, and the performance reflects this goal. read more…