Cliff Notes: Jazz in WorshipAutumn Musings
By Rev. Cliff Aerie As late summer segues into Autumn, I invariably "fall" into a Sankofa mood (see my article in the previous journal). Since my earliest school days, the fall has always been the turning point of my New Year—a time to anticipate and plan for the upcoming programmatic year in my life. But moving forward also has an inverse dimension—looking back on the past to gain insight and understanding of my life's journey. There is much on my creative "jazz ministry plate" this coming year, and as I take this annual planning retreat to project my next steps, I recall many of the jazz moments of my past that have been instrumental in fashioning my adventure of faith. Climate change has been on my mind for a long time—a very long time. I protested in support of Mother Earth on the first Earth Day in 1970. I've had the good fortune to perform many sacred jazz concerts and worship services emphasizing the intricate relationship between science, religion, and the arts. One such occasion was more than a decade ago when I worked at the UCC national setting in my capacity directing MICA (Ministry of Imagination, Creativity, and the Arts). Perhaps I'll share more about my interesting job title in a future article. After producing a laser light show at the 2007 anniversary General Synod, I was asked to plan and lead a jazz worship service at the Ecumenical Roundtable on Faith, Science and Technology. On reviewing the liturgy, I am pleased to see that the service speaks just as loudly today. Even though the focus then was technology, it's easy to draw a parallel with various scientific themes, including climate change.
2010 Ecumenical Roundtable on Faith, Science and Technology Faith, Science and Ministry in a Networked World Armistad Chapel, Cleveland Ohio April 30, 2010 1:30 PM It's my pleasure to share that creative liturgy with you. Along with some commentary to help navigate the flow of worship.
After the service, many scientists came up to greet the band, ask questions about our musical interpretation, and offer thanks for an inspiring service. One scientist began reflecting on brain wave theory and jazz improvisation. As I reflect on my jazz ministry, I'm struck by the many ways I've been blessed to work with inspiring musicians to share profoundly moving encounters with the Holy through jazz, storytelling, and the arts. ■
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The Rev. Clifford Aerie is the minister of imagination, creativity and the arts (MICA) at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Webster Groves, Missouri and is a regular contributor in jazz. You are welcome to contact him at .svg.png)
Worship, Music & Ministry is a publication of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, Inc. and is issued three times a year. The journal is distributed to members of UCCMA as a benefit of membership. All correspondence concerning membership in UCCMA, changes of address and other inquiries should be addressed to the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, P.O. Box 370631, West Hartford, CT 06137. Information about the United Church of Christ Musicians Association is available at www.uccma.org. Copyright © 2023 by the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, Inc. |
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