FFM 2007 - Part 1

This was the third year of the Festival of Faith and Music at Calvin College, and the first one I've had opportunity to attend. Late last year, the Wine Before Breakfast community, of which I'm a part, was asked to lead worship at the conference. In preparation for the conference, the band put together a song list in the spirit of lament, integrating it into an adapted Anglican liturgy. We were crossing the border to lead those gathered with us in Grand Rapids in lament. I was kinda nervous about crossing the border with music gear, even tho we weren't being reimbursed for playing. It's always one of those things, when you hear stories of bands being turned away at the border because they don't have the proper documentation. As it was, we didn't need the documents we had been given, and crossed over easily to the other side. Arriving in Grand Rapids after midnight, we found our accomodations in the student residence, and pretty much crashed out for the night. Many thanks to John in 2nd Floor Bolt for putting us up overnight. Turns out we both have the same birthday (tho 6 years apart). It was awesome to meet some local folks and to escape from Toronto for a couple of days to play music, listen to music, and to take part in some of the workshops. Returning to our reasons for going...With the beginning of holy week almost upon us, lament seemed appropriate. In our lament, we were able to acknowledge that the Hosannas we would shout the next day were only fleeting. That our desires for peace, for God's kingdom, are tainted by desires for revenge. How must it have been for Jesus to enter into the local synagogue, read from Isaiah, and to declare that the prophecy had been fulfilled in their assembled presence? How must it be to preach peace and resurrection in the midst of war and the desire for revenge? Syliva Keesmaat led us through a meditation on these things, interspersed with readings and music to shape the service. For me, in the band, it was a good if not nervewracking experience, as I'm not used to playing in front of large groups. That being said, we got through the service, and my bass lines weren't as shaky as I'd expected, despite going to bed late the night before, and getting up way early on Saturday morning. My next entries will cover Lauren Winner's opening lecture and impressions of the Psalters' presentation on leading worship. For those interested, these are the songs we played on Saturday Morning. Introit: Dweller by a Dark Stream (Bruce Cockburn) Into Jerusalem Jesus Rode (Carl P Daw Jr) How Did We End Up Here? (Martyn Joseph) Liturgy: Wade in the Water (African-American Spiritual) Into Jerusalem Jesus Rode (Carl P Daw Jr) Dweller by a Dark Stream (Adapted for Prayer Litany) Eucharist: Eat This Bread (Taize) Jesus Remember Me (Taize) Reflection: Turn Me Tender Again (Martyn Joseph)