Sound Theology by Colleen Butcher

Spring is in full swing in the Pacific Northwest. Rhododendrons and lilacs are blooming, hostas are stretching their shoots up like sentinels, and the trees are shedding enough pollen to cover sidewalks with a gentle yellow glow. But the most striking change over the past few weeks has been the return of the birds! As the various species return to mate and nest, their joyful sounds fill what, only a few weeks ago, were mornings of silence. Their songs are a striking addition to the more visual, horticultural, signs of new life and resurrection.

As we have journeyed through the past year of music and meditations, I trust that our listening skills have deepened and expanded. We have explored a variety of music genres and styles, and have listened for different elements of orchestral scores. We have heard choral music, solo instruments and full orchestras. You have probably have moments of relaxation and refreshment, as well as moments of surprise and wonder. read more…

Not many artists, of any kind, have explicitly tackled the challenge of depicting the resurrection. Visual art, sculpture, music, poetry, prose, dance, theatre … there are expressions of the mystery of the imagined life after death in each of these genres, but not many.  As I have contemplated this challenge, I’ve come to realize that the naming is not really the issue. While works that depict a programmatic representation of resurrection do exist, the naming is not the important part. The smell of the rose and the experience of rebirth are the determining factors. read more…

As we journeyed through Holy Week and into the mystery of Easter, we surrounded ourselves with music … and silence … and reflection. This week we begin the longest season of the Christian Year – 50 days of rejoicing! The greatest celebration of the greatest story, unfolds with lifting our voices, together, in song. Join in the singing as you enjoy some of these favorites.

Easter Service from King’s College Cambridge, April 4, 2015

The Mission and How Great Thou Art – The Piano Guys 

Simon Preston and Diane Bish – dynamic duo of organs

Variations on an Easter Theme by John Rutter

My Redeemer Lives – Hillsong Church

Because He Lives – Gaither Band

In the next seven days we will experience the most theologically rich, densely packed, emotionally exhausting week of the Christian year (not to mention physically exhausting for those involved in these services). From Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, the lectionary provides text for each day of this procession: on the road to Jerusalem with the spring lambs, washing feet and sharing a meal in the Upper Room, waiting and praying in the garden of Gethsemane, outside and in the midst of the trial, the Via Dolorosa, Calvary, the burial, the waiting, and finally … resurrection! read more…

How should we spend our final week of Lent and prepare for Palm/Passion Sunday? I propose that we get out of our comfort zone, and listen to something completely different. If we are going to be able to engage in the unexpected surprise of resurrection, then we need to practice looking for and listening to other expressions of newness.

The main music selection this week is a concert, from Davos Switzerland, featuring Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. Krista Tippett calls Yo Yo Ma a “citizen artist and a forensic musicologist” for his relentless pursuit of collaborative and innovative connections between music, musicians and audiences. “Representing a global array of cultures, Silkroad Ensemble musicians co-create art, performance and ideas. … The Silk Road Ensemble’s music is contemporary and ancient, familiar and foreign, traditional and innovative, drawing on traditions from around the world to create a new musical language that reflects our 21st-century global society.” read more…