The Blues Club that is my Church

For those of you who were not able to join me at the blues club that is my church yesterday, St. John's Lutheran, I wanted to share this explanation of one of the pieces offered out. the explanation is almost, ALMOST as good as the soulful sound that filled the sanctuary of the space, and the remote crevices of all who were there. This is lifted right out of the service bulletin, and no doubt can be attributed to the amazing Larry Christianson, Director of Music, Worship and the Arts.

Here goes:

Explanation of the "Gloria" sung during today's offering:
In contrast to more lively settings of the "Gloria" text, this piece creates a melancholy mood with the presence of two melodies: Amazing Grace (a British tune entitled "New Britian," and text written by reformed slave trader John Newton) and "Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Child" (a mournful African American Spiritual). Even though Old Testament scriptures commented on the tragedy of slavery, Christianity sill inspired both the slaves and the slave owners of the New World. The "Gloria" explores this painful paradox of our history by placing a melody of a slave trader next to a melody of a slave. This piece resonates with the Book of Job by exploring the mysteries of innocent suffering. Latin American cultures were born out of the conflicts and collaborations of Native populations, Europeans and West Africans, therefore, this piece expresses "Glory to God" within the context of their tragic history.

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With love, T