Lake Michigan Presbytery's February 9th meeting featured the leadership of the Rev. John Bell, a gifted theologian, musician and member of the Iona Community in Scotland. He spoke in the morning on the use of the imagination in interpreting scripture and proclaiming the gospel. In the afternoon session, he led us in song and spoke on the importance of congregational singing. He then preached at Kalamazoo, First on Sunday, Feb. 10th, led a congregational sing there at 3:30 p.m. sponsored by the Bach Sacred Music Festival, then led a retreat at the Transformation Spirituality Center in Kalamazoo (Feb. 10-12), on "The Ten Things They Didn't Tell us about Jesus." He then led the Ash Wednesday Service at Kalamazoo, First. Through his music, his teaching, writing of liturgy, and preaching, John fulfills the ordination question, "will you pray for and seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination and love?" (W-4.4003h) We were blessed to have him among us for this time. His ministry has touched people around the world, but it emerged out of church decline in Scotland and England. We have much to learn from him and the Iona Community about what it means to be faithful to our ordination and relevant in our culture.
View the video of Rev Bell's presentation by clicking here.
View the video of Rev Bell's presentation by clicking here.
1 comment:
John Bell resources available at the Presbytery Office. Contact Eileen Best to borrow:
Singing the Unsung (890.41) A DVD with nine 30 minute sessions on music, led by John Bell.
Listening for the Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality by Philip J. Newell (P40665)
A New Harmony: the Spirit, the Earth, and the Human Soul by Philip J. Newell (P40668)
Celtic Prayers From Iona: The Heart of Celtic Spirituality by Philip J. Newell (P40666)
He was in the World: Meditations for Worship by John Bell (890.07)
Post a Comment