My wife and I were privileged to have participated in the Iconic Life: Baptism and Music Conference on April 20th. It was a fascinating and fruitful time, and a joy to connect with other music directors and pastors from the Central Valley. We were reminded of how blessed we are to be serving in a local …
It has taken me more than a few weeks to work through all fifty-eight tracks of Sufjan Steven’s Silver and Gold. My daughter Rachel is fascinated with Sufjan’s version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” So much so, that she made me play it for her five times in …
Tis’ the eve of the Sufjan Stevens Christmas spectacular in San Francisco. Tomorrow night I will be traveling to the city by the Bay with my brother-in-law to participate in what promises to be a unique live concert event. I have heard rumors that there will be much singing and merriment, those in attendance beckoned …
December 2, 2012 is the start of the Christian New Year and the beginning of Advent (the season before the twelve days of Christmas.) Are you overwhelmed by the thought of having to listen to the same four Christmas albums you have had in your holiday playlist for the last …
The new Cardiphonia compilation is out today! Bruce Benedict (Worship Director at Christ the King in Raleigh, NC) has done the church a service by assembling all of these tunes and musicians from across the country. Links to download the album for free can be found here. Or head directly to the Cardiphonia …
A slew of my church musician friends have been scrambling to meet the deadline for this songwriting competition. A few of these friends have sent me demos of their contributions. This one is my favorite. It was written by Bobby Krier and Justin Ruddy from Citylife Church in Boston. You …
The first week of Advent is quickly approaching! My family and I eagerly await Thanksgiving dinner, then the first day in the Christian calendar beings on November 27th. This coming Sunday marks the new year and begins a celebration of the Incarnation that culminates during the twelve days of Christmas. …
Happy All-Saints/Reformation Day! On this day the Western Christian celebrates those who have died and gone to be with Christ, and wait with us for His second coming (see Hebrews chapter 11). This day also commemorates Reformation Day within the churches that I am most familiar as an actual parishioner. …
Ok, I admit it, I prefer the traditional when it comes to music and liturgy in the context of a church service: time-tested tones and minimalist ornamentation. I am most comfortable with historically-rooted and word-laden worship. I also enjoy music…quite a lot. However, in a church setting, I am skeptical …