So something's happening. I've written 3 songs this week, after a hiatus of a couple of months. But every one of them has been melodically born, that is, I get a tune stuck in my head and then have to work a concept to fit. This is unfamiliar territory for me. I like to work out where I'm going, and then sing about it. Somewhat fittingly this latest song is about the Holy Spirit, which...
Read MoreRead MoreSo I've been musing on Luke 15 again. Since I first posted this reflection, I've written this song to go with it. Now you can listen and read at the same time! Multi-sensory theology - bliss.I am all for youWe are all familiar with the story of the lost sheep, and the shepherd who leaves behind the 99 to go and rescue it. Jesus is not all that shy about calling himself 'the Good Shepherd',...
Read MoreRead MoreFor sometime now, Ness, Sam and I have taken Saturday as our family Sabbath. Today as part of it, we went for a walk down Tuapiro (a little harbour side settlement 5 minutes from our place) to collect some pine cones and read the Bible together. This was our pulpit. Not a bad spot. Perhaps a little reminiscent of St Francis preaching to the birds!The reading was this week's gospel passage, Luke 7:1-10 - the story...
Read MoreRead MoreIf you're new to the idea of 'Embodied worship' - you can read some background on it here.This is the story of how I used it for the first time with a group of unsuspecting workshop participants at the South Island Ministry conference.So I began writing pieces of music that were sparse lyrically, but still rooted in the classical liturgy, which is itself, inspired by the big-story of God's salvation. First we are called by...
Read MoreRead MoreSo while I was down south, I led a workshop at the South Island Ministry Conference, held at East Taieri Presbyterian Church. The conference has become a bit of an institution now, in a really good way, and this year I got to lead a seminar entitled, 'Where is music going in worship?'It was a dangerous title. It was also given to me, because I didn't come up with one before they had to send...
Read MoreRead MoreSo, as I lay awake last night wondering if the NZ cricketers could dig themselves out of this present hole (this morning told me they couldn't) I figured I'd like to mark the remaining few days of NZ Music month with something nice.March was an incredibly creative month for me. I wrote a bunch of songs, recorded them and some others that had lain dormant for too long. I've been getting better at demoing songs...
Read MoreRead MoreI played at the combined Church's service here in Katikati last night. It was in the Anglican Church, and I asked if we could have it in their old sanctuary, because its such a beautiful space. Brendan the Vicar told me that in recent times both Bic Runga and one of the original members of Split Enz had played in there. Katikati has been home for us for the last 4 four and a half...
Read MoreRead MoreIf you've heard me speak anytime in the last couple of months, no doubt you heard me banging on about Lazarus and his sister Mary, and her recklessly inappropriate gift to Jesus. You can read about it in John 12 if you want. I have stayed with this passage because every time I have made to move on, it has said something new to captivate and capture my attention.For a long time I have been...
Read MoreRead MoreSo I've been having issues with my old Art and Lutherie guitar. The pick up has been playing up, making nasty bangs and pops when I plug it in and move around. Unfortunately, whenever I plug it in, I almost always move around! I love this guitar. I bought it back 2005 in the States, and despite Air Canada's best efforts to destroy it, got it home safe and sound. I've gigged with it ever...
Read MoreRead MoreThis coming Sunday is Trinity Sunday in the Lectionary cycle. Last week it was Pentecost, acknowledging the Holy Spirit's coming and forming the Church. As I write this, I wonder if it is the coming of the Spirit or the creation of the Church that leads us to reflect on the Trinity? While we want to affirm that God doesn't need us (which would somehow limit his freedom) we also believe that God wants us...
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