It is predicted to be another warm July afternoon this Sunday, July 18. What could be better than to sit under the shade of an old, treasured apple tree and listen to live jazz? After a long time of being distanced and separate from one another, Bowen Island United Church invites you to their very first outdoor Jazz Vespers service. The theme, Where Melody Meets Spirit will be animated by five of Bowen’s finest musicians: John Stiver; Teun Schut; Rob Bailey; Mary Kastle and Buff Allen.
Jazz Vespers services can be found around Vancouver at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church; Golden Ears United Church; St. Stephens Anglican Church and more. The concept of Jazz Vespers began in New York City in the 1960s. John Geisel, the Pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New York City was a friend of many a musician in the big town. He designed a service of prayer and jazz for folks who couldn’t make it to Sunday morning services after playing late-night gigs on Saturday night. Following this tradition, Jazz Vespers are designed for people who are not comfortable in a regular Sunday morning church worship service.
If you have never experienced a Jazz Vespers service, this is what you can expect: tunes and songs will alternate with readings, reflections, meditations and prayers which will be led by myself, Rev. Lorraine Ashdown, the minister at Bowen Island United Church. There is even some silence built into the hour.
We are very grateful that we can pay each musician through a ProVision Grant from the United Church allowing us not to charge a “ticket price.” Therefore, a voluntary offering is collected during the service (suggested donation of $10 per person) to help support this new ministry which we do hope will be ongoing. After the service all are welcome to stay, visit and enjoy a cool glass of lemonade.
It has been a long time since we have gathered to share live music together. Bowen Island United Church is thrilled to have these five amazing musicians join us so we can discover together, where the Spirit meets the Melody.
As we say every week in our Sunday morning services–no matter who you are; no matter who you love; no matter the colour of your skin; no matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here.
We hope to see you soon. The Jazz Vespers service will begin at 4 p.m. and our regular service is held at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning.
In love and hope,
Rev Lorraine Ashdown
Bowen Island United Church
