Pastor Dan - February 2020

 I felt a little “bad” for my daughter when she came down from Flagstaff to attend a concert with her parents, aunt, uncle and cousins only to have her cousins “back out” at the last minute. My daughter ended up going with a bunch of old people. There’s something about music, when it’s done well, that transcends age, time, ethnicity and culture. The group we saw brought back some of the original folks and the group itself is a mix of young and old. One of my favorite members of the group is Salvador Duran who is 60+. I don’t know how he keeps up with some of the youngsters. We all had such a wonderful evening of incredible music and musicians.

 There are some in the congregation of Mount Zion who are aware that my taste in music is not typical. Throughout my life I’ve listened to music of all genres and have stayed pretty much outside of mainstream music. My wife, son and daughter know that some of the musicians we go hear can be on the abstract side. Some of the artists are very abstract with composition and lyrics and some even in their stage appearance. Over the years, I have seen some very abstract acts and in the middle of some of the more abstract performers, there have been several times where they will tone it back and actually sing/perform some of the old gospel songs which have had a strong influence in their lives.

 I can still remember one of the more abstract performers who plays rather abstract music took a break. When he returned, he and several other members of the band began a gospel medley which began with the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”. It was so down to earth and simple yet in its simplicity it spoke volumes. This hymn has always been one of my favorites and I wish I had a recording of this performance because it was done in a minor key. But what came forth was pure in voice, rhythm and in heart. Two other gospel hymns followed, as the contrast of style and volume from the preceding music prior to the break, set a strong contrast as the simple hymns flowed. When the medley was finished there was such an eruption of applause and lights being held up in appreciation of the music and the performers. The gospel was felt in a place that many weren’t expecting it.

 I share this because it’s one of those reminders in my life that the gospel knows no boundaries. The gospel can show up, can be experienced, can be heard, can be shared by anyone at any time in any place. I think I’m fairly opened to the gospel’s working in strange, on the fringe and odd places and yet, I am constantly reminded as to how narrow my mind actually can be. I am often reminded as to how I think I’ve got God wrapped up and under control and there’s no surprises left for my Lord to spring upon me. And then… surprise. The word of the Lord coming into my ear and heart from the least, the last, the lost and the lacking.

 I pray that in 2020 our openness to the Good News draws us to places that are new and different, refreshing and awesome. For we indeed are children of a very holy, refreshing and awesome God.

In Christ’s love and service,

Pastor Dan