Epiphany: In Concert

 The Space - To Receive 

I was graced to experience the work of professional musicians: Epiphany at St. Luke's Church, Brighton; sitting for an improvised 'sound portrait' in the afternoon, then concert of classical, Celtic, and improvised music in-the-round, with big-screen visuals in the evening. Both were part of the Beyond Church program of events. They call their concert concept: The Space, designed to invite rest and provide a sense of peace, as Richard Williamson, their Musical Director, explained in his introduction.  

Space for The Elements

 

Big screens visuals provided an interesting counterpart to the music being played, causing us to look up - beyond ourselves and each other. A reminder of the beauty of our Natural World; its many moods and seasons., and of our Creator God. 

Space for Collaborative Agreement: In Concert

The ensemble played some familiar compositions; work set out on music stands before them, a program previously agreed upon; weaving in Irish melodies as befitted the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, then surrendered themselves to entirely improvised sounds, always working together as one. The musicians demonstrated between them an impressive range of skills, able to switch to several other instruments, and lending soulful vocals when led to do so, giving the performance a great feeling of texture and depth. Having the musicians walk around and amongst us brought the creative spirit up close, enwrapped by travelling sound. 

 

In the Picture

Whilst the musicians played, artist Tamara Jackson, member of the the team at St. Luke's, let the Spirit of the Moment guide an intuitive expression in a large floor-painting. I thought how appropriate it was that it was largely accomplished while on her knees, the time-honoured stance of prayer. 

The concert ended with a musical blessing - to bestow peace, and see us safely home. 

Blessed, indeed.

Epiphany: Divine Revelation

Sound Portrait! 

I received an emailed invitation, sent by Martin Poole, reverend of St. Luke's Church, Brighton and founder of Beyond Church, to sign up for a 'sound portrait' made by an ensemble of professional musicians known as 'Epiphany'. It would have helped if I'd looked them up! As it was, it took a reminder-email to prompt me to sign up for the last available time- slot - not knowing what I was letting my self in for... 

I went early, and was privileged to witness another woman's 15-minute, as the small band of musicians encircled her chair: two violinists; two flautists; keyboard player; drum & percussion; a cellist, and vocals; noting the rise and fall of improvised melody, and the emotionally awed response. 'How did they know her?' She'd asked, 'And her Irish heritage', so powerfully evoked when the buran was played, assuring her of the presence of ancestors. 

After, the musicians offered thoughts and impressions they'd had whilst playing, then invited our small gathering of witnesses to join in. And then, it was my turn... 

'Fasten Your Seatbelts, You're in for a Bumpy Ride!'

I'd said as I nervously took my seat, not knowing what to expect, and wondering if they just played variations of otherwise homogenous, classical-sounding stuff; after all, they were the same musicians as the previous session; same instruments; same place; same day. What on earth would they come up with confronted with me - if I was even fully present at all! 

I held my breath. I noticed I wasn't surrounded - just one musician stood behind me (he had my back!) I realized afterwards that I might have felt a little ambushed had they encircled my chair. I was still nervously holding my breath when the odd staccato, scratchy, sweet cacophony began to play out. The percussionist's rattle reminded me of my favourite soundtrack motif in Shirley MacLaine's:  Two Mules for Sister Sarah, which made me smile. 'How do you know me?' I thought, haha. 

I sat with eyes closed, only opening them to make little notes on the pad on my lap (I wasn't sure if this was 'allowed' but knew I wanted to be as present as possible, and needed to capture precious impressions before they flew out of mind the moment it was over). 

I also had my answer: same musicians; same available instruments; vastly different 'portraits'. Richard Williamson, their Musical Director, explained to me afterwards that they start with the  'outer layer' of each person as presented, but as they continue to play, can access deeper, more hidden layers. One of the musicians spoke of their not knowing what they would play; but each session is different, and none resemble a jazz 'spotlight' format, where each member gets their 'turn'! Their part is to play out the subtle 'broadcast' each person transmits on a level we are mostly unaware of, just as we can't see radio waves but can tune into various radio stations, and just as dogs can hear tones beyond our range, the musicians, being intuitively sensitive instruments themselves, are able to pick up on the signature-frequency of each participant. I marvelled at their playing 'as one', and was told that this was in large part due to their many years together, and, more importantly, being able to trust each other to the process. 

Players & Layers

There's the playing; the replay and all the layers in between. Having a recording of the session meant I could listen once again, and many times over, to all the nuances, with scope for fresh insights at a later date. I had commented on a vocalist's cry sounding like a heartfelt native American Indian's call. She later told me that she had had the strong impression that I was perhaps unaware of how powerful and important my voice is; how important my perspectives are. This feedback made a great impact on me as I had been socially mute until the age of 26, and while I had come to develop an aspect of myself as quite loud and outspoken, I reverted to emotional muteness when hurt and most needing to speak out. The whole tenor of the playing was at times 'wild', but then, also 'mild', and one of the musicians was awed by the range of cello playing, from plunging into low and heavy depths to light feathered strokes; was this a reflection of a range with me, she wondered? 

Picture This

As the musicians wove their melodic sound-portrait, another portrait was being intuitively created by artist Tamara Jackson, part of the Beyond Church team. Once again, I marvelled at what seemed to me to be a picture of a Native American sporting a large, proud, feathered headdress! 

Later, once I was back home, I wondered what I might see if I turned the image 'upside down' (or right way up!). I saw a Hermit Crab! Yes, that creature, always in search of a suitable place to call Home. It all made sense. 

Picture Perfect

A profound and touching experience. The sensitivity of the musicians meant no-one crept around me as they had in the previous session, and no-one in the small gathering of witnesses was invited to offer their feedback, both of which, for me, was reassuring. They had spoken of the music as 'wild' and 'adventurous', but there was also an element of mysterious quietness. For all the bright, colourful seeming stridency I present, they had surely picked up on a more hidden fragile vulnerability. 

It might be more appropriate, for now, to keep the recording close to my chest, at least until I discover how to upload the audio to this platform! Here, instead, then, is a beautiful little video of the work and services Epiphany offers: Enjoy!

Bravo!

Amazing Grace: Perspectives on Peace

 Reflecting on Relationship

Alternative Worship group Grace brought fresh perspectives to St. Luke's Church, Brighton, invited by Rev. Martin Poole as part of our Beyond Church program of events. Aside from their labyrinth laid out in the centre of the church space, they presented participants with various meditation stations. One featured 4 different mirrors with questions to reflect on whilst viewing one's image, taking note of our bodily responses and mental knee-jerk reactions. 

The event gave pause for thought on our relationship with the God, who created us: 

And God said, Let us make man according to our image and likeness...[Genesis 1v.26] …and also brought awareness to the quality of relationship we have with Self.

On A Bedrock of Trust 

The verse drawn out of the bag was a reminder to trust I am valued by my Creator and Provider; that all my needs are met. Do I believe it? Doubt inevitably leads to insecurity. So much depends on this starting point. Three of us, strangers to each other, sat in close proximity whilst silently communing with the image of ourselves confronted at each of the mirrors. Contentious? Could it become an act of worship nevertheless? A sacrifice of praise? It was an important part of the greater theme of Relationship; too easy, as Christians, to discount one's self; hide behind facades, or deflect attention when wounded. This was an invitation to Abide in Me, and I in you [John 15v.4]

Who is my Brother? 

The consequence of war and oppression was brought home to us in simple yet profound form.

Peace in evident ruins; shattered;  decimated; shown by one small piece of what once gave warmth and shelter to fellow citizens of Earth - now homeless. Not witnessed on wide-screen news reports, but here, on bare paving slabs, grim exhibits in a case that will never be tried. The damage done. The fabric of life destroyed. Families broken. 

Some knelt in prayer beside each item, with either their own words, or borrowing those provided. The emphasis and focus on Peace; the Peace-Giver; Peace-Maker; Prince of Peace [Isaiah 9v6]. Unless we start from a place of peace, we are lost. 

Peace on Earth

As well as spoken words, we were invited to make our intention of Peace around the world more evident; printed with indelible ink and placed in an area where we wished it to be directed. A kind of prayer-postal service; label and address in one small form, delivered in loving, symbolic action. With just a little pressure we could Imagine Peace on Earth. This rock spinning in space....and the Rock upon which we build our lives...

The Higher Perspective

The view of planet Earth from a space station dispenses with the distinction of countries and  territories; from this vantage point there's no need for passports, visas, or border controls. There is only land and water; movement and the elements; weather and atmosphere. 

Home Comforts 

Given the opportunity to view our home planet from this unique perspective, we settled into the comfort of a sofa parked in the corner of the church. 

Down to Earth

Moving on, we were invited to acknowledge and appreciate the life-potential that's packed in tiny seeds; the starting point of plants that nourish and sustain us, and other animals. 

A wonderfully thought-provoking event; beautifully created, and curated by Grace. 

A-Mazing Grace

 The Way of the Labyrinth 

Beyond Church based at St. Luke's Church, Brighton, became host to alternative worship group Grace from Ealing; their cloth labyrinth laid out in the centre of the church space. I'd been on several previous labyrinth walks before, but each one is different, being a tool to reflect one's walk in life, or walk with God, at that current time. It was helpful to have some history and background information on display, too. 

Holy Ground

Before entering, we take off our shoes, not just to protect the material, but to remind ourselves, as Moses had to be reminded, that when in the presence of the Lord God, we stand on Holy Ground. (Exodus ch.3) 

It's advised to pause before taking the first step; to formulate a question, or bring to mind an issue one is struggling to understand or bear. Everyone has a different pace; we were told it was OK to 'overtake' a fellow traveller. 

My natural pace is FAST - but I wanted to walk at a pace that suited reflective contemplation. All the while, I was wondering: How do I get through my situation in Life? 

I AM the Way

I asked, thinking there was no way to comfortably survive my life at present, but God spoke! Eliciting my surprised: but, of course! 

Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [John14:6]

How do I get through this? I AM the Way! And the aim: to come to the Father; relationship with Him. It made sense, and brought some comfort. Though the way may be circuitous, with many seeming reversals, it's all progress. As I walked, I thought of Christ's own walk on the Via Dolorosa.

Centred

To be centred, is to be anchored;  grounded, aware of our thoughts and feelings; in a balanced state. The centre of a labyrinth is a place of rest. We need carry our burdens no longer; we lay down them down, and leave them there. When ready, we begin the journey back out into the world; emerging with a lighter, freer step.

Outwards

I'm grateful for the inspiration GRACE brought to us; for sharing an ancient contemplative resource, and their other thought-provoking 'meditation stations' positioned around the edge of the labyrinth. They enabled us to look within and connect with God there, and to gain greater awareness of how we connect, or not, with others on the other side of the globe; but that's another post....

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The Unbelievable Truth

Aaaargh! I could have woken up and just wondered what to have for breakfast, but I woke, this morning, thinking about the Unbelievable Nature of Truth. A few stories immediately came to mind:

(i) how escapees from Auschwitz were advised to soak strong Russian tobacco in petrol whilst hiding in a woodpile, to shield them from being discovered by the dogs set to seek them out; managing to smuggle out a document with map; diagram of the entire camp; & figures of how many were being gassed daily. This was reproduced and sent to as many prominent figures who could have acted on the as yet hidden truth now exposed. But, when the the recipients padded down to their breakfast & opened their morning post - the sheer volume of figures was So unbelievable - especially by the nation that had produced such greats in our cultural history, the Facts were dismissed as propaganda & lies.

(ii) The whole JimmySaville episode, the guy who made kid's dreams come true in 'Jim'll Fix It', who fixed it so no-one would believe the bleatings of the victims, or have the power to do anything about it. The horror of kids having to live with Not being believed.

(iii) 'Revelations' of our dearly beloved film stars of cherished childhood films, who apparently have a hidden side that is too hard to believe, or process adequately. And, 

(iv) hearing a radio broadcaster balk the moment anyone said: 'I've got a good story for you - and, it's True!' Knowing these 'true stories' Always sound unbelievable & unconvincing.    

Also, I can't help feeling the Truth can be dangerous. It can blow your mind; break your heart & if you discover a truth you weren't meant to know & it threatens the continuation of nefarious doings - it can get you 'suicided', killed, or crucified; which is another case in point: How far-fetched the whole Jesus narrative and story of Faith is - none of it makes reasonable; rational, worldly sense (without the revelation enabled by the Holy Spirit with that inner Knowingness - that is specific & personal, but even so, is developed through a filter of one's upbringing / experience /attitudes etc that will differ radically to that of other's Truth).

Given all that (before breakfast) how is anyone to make sense of what's going on around us - underground; behind closed doors; in secrecy; in bare-faced con-man deception; in mainstream media, and the fug of 'What's REALLY True' - What is?! What if the Truth is so disgusting, denying it is preferable? What if discovering the Truth brings with it an uncomfortable sense of responsibility, or of helplessness? What then?

Divine Transports of Delight

How strange - a few days ago I watched a film about Saint Joseph of Cupertino, who I'd never heard of before, but who is is the patron saint of pilots and astronauts due to his habit of flying when deep in adorational prayer; and to discover that today is World Asteroid Day. A weird confluence. 

Asteroid Day was co-founded in 2014 by scientist, Stephen Hawkins, musician & astrophysicist, Brian May, Apollo 9 astronaut, Rusty Schweichart, film-maker, Grigorij Richters, among others, on the anniversary of the Tunguska Event of 1908, when an asteroid exploded over Siberia, blowing down trees over a 40 mile radius; making its impact known throughout the world, and the sky glow strangely for several days after.

Mysteries: there is so much that we don't know, which can either lead to fear, or curiosity, and the drive  to learn and be better informed. 

The idea behind Asteroid Day is to raise greater awareness of what an asteroid is, and what kind of hazard they might be to our planet. There are activities and programs organized to supplement the day and make it more fun and accessible. 

https://asteroidday.org/about/


There's fantastic scope for film-makers and science fiction writers to play with known facts and speculative fictional possibilities.

Hard to watch how much Joseph of Cupertino was bullied, and the difficulties he had to field throughout his life. By Grace he overcame and transcended much that was heavy and burdensome; losing himself in an attitude of adoration: an elevated level of being - so much so that he actually levitated!

Mysteries: there is so much we don't know or understand, which can lead to fear.... Joseph was subjected to a grueling ordeal of exorcism, bound in chains, in an effort to assuage the conviction of some that his ability to fly was due to being possessed by demons. The phrase transports of delight keeps coming to mind - that spirit of joy that lifts us up. Others talk of being 'high' - there's something naturally vertical about joy & praising God! But it did make me wonder about the physics of what happened; how he did what he did - though it appears it was not by any conscious effort, but a natural elevation of spirit - with the added meaning of overcoming; transcending life's difficulties. 

I was very moved to see prayers shaped by Joseph's life-experiences - things out of our control - the asteroid-hits of life that we are born into and the atmosphere it creates that we must then find ways to survive: 

It seems clear that Joseph had learning difficulties, again, little understood at that time, which caused a fearful, bullying reaction from many around him. And yet, again, by Grace, he was able to study enough to become a Priest - no clearer a miracle than that in the eyes of his Brothers. That's why he is also the patron saint of students:

What is Truth?

Rabbit-hole Time! I started by checking out the difference between Mistakes (somehow the wrong word/thing slips out & you know it as soon as you see it) & Errors (made through lack of knowledge, something not yet learned). Both are accidental, unintentional, with no agenda, or intent to mislead. 

A little alarming, but timely, to come across the sermon by Brother James Koester addressing a 'post-truth world'; and quoting Pope Francis's term for disinformation - 'snake tactics', based on the 1st instance of 'fake news' - in the Garden of Eden. [https://www.ssje.org/…/11/25/what-is-truth-br-james-koester/]

I thought about myths & legends; exaggerations; taking things at face value, sloppy research; interpretation & translation: a minefield! Remembering an excellent essay by Amy Tan on listening to many 'introductions' before an invitation to speak; discovering she's married; divorced; had children; lost children; is childless etc. Amazed at the sloppy, quick glance-with-no-corroboration intros that take up time correcting.

I thought about the touching story about the origin of Albrecht Durer's Praying hands, that may not actually be true, even if we want it to be.

I'd read John Berger addressing the issue of context, and how things are introduced in his excellent Book: 'Ways of Seeing', years ago, so it immediately came to mind in the midst of my musings today. Edwin Becker, chief curator of the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, talks about this painting and the belief that has persisted about it in a very brief, but illuminating You Tube video. 

Turns out Van Gogh's actual final painting was 'Tree Roots', which I've never seen or heard of before!  The 'Chinese Whispers' of Art Appreciation....

I thought about Jesus asking his followers: Who do they say I am? Then making it more personal. 

I wondered: If Truth is a Person - does it make it any easier to understand? I'm guessing not. It still takes work, and time, and all that goes into the making of a relationship - with all the errors, and misunderstandings, and conflicts, and joys that go with that. People are complex, and the relationship I might have with someone, would not be the same as that of someone else. And as We change, the relationship changes.

Just a few thoughts.....