Dear friends,

As February begins the big news at St. Laurence is that we are so blessed to welcome The Rev. MJ Leewis-Kirk aboard as our part-time Assistant Priest.  MJ has recently returned to Calgary after 18 years in Chicago.  In her new role at St. Laurence she will take over the pastoral care duties formerly done by Vic Cabel and she will also assist with preaching and presiding on Sundays.  We look forward to her first sermon with us this coming Sunday, February 2.

As we continue to examine music as a spiritual practice please see the article below by Grade 12 student Mitchell Jantzie. Mitchell writes of why he is choosing to pursue a career in music.

With every blessing,

Anna

 
Mitchell Jantzie on Music as a Spiritual Practice

Telling people that I am planning on making my living as a musician never ceases to entertain me, because most people have very predictable reactions to that statement. So predictable in fact, that it is very easy to fit most of these people into one of two camps. The first group is filled with the "impressed"; the ones who usually see a music career as an act of bravery and self-determination. The other camp, however, are the ones who look upon music majors with a sense of pity. To these people, I am sending myself towards a job that is almost certainly destined to keep me in poverty, or at least make my life harder to live than most people's. While both of these types of people have their points and there are plenty more ways of viewing a career in music, the general consensus is that it is either a very brave or very foolish endeavour. Another interesting part of telling people your career will be made in music. is the question of why? Although it is a question that everyone must face when choosing their professions, sometimes it's a little harder for people to understand, from a musician's perspective, because wealth and comfort generally aren't a sure thing. So today, I am writing this in hopes of making the "why" of my music career a little more understandable to those who can't grasp why anyone would want to make a career in music.

The real problem with being a musician is the uncertainty of making a living, but in my eyes, it makes my future look exciting and fulfilling. Musicians are really artists at heart, and true artists must follow their muse wherever it may take them. So to be a musician means to be an individual, and there are all sorts of careers within music for one to consider. Creators can write songs or work in a studio, and craft their songs from the bottom up. Or they can be more methodical and science based, and work as stage technicians, studio engineers, or producers, and micromanage all aspects of a song or a stage show to their liking, and make it run smoothly while they do so. Any path you want to take in music is open for you to engage in, and it's all determined by what you find to be the most interesting option. We know that there are no promises of job security or easy money, and anyone who thinks otherwise will find out very quickly how wrong they are. It's a job that requires total commitment and engagement in your craft and becoming better at it. There are many reasons to consider a career in music, but the primary one for me is that it is my passion. Every since I was a little kid, music was a big part of my life. I have played piano since I was in grade 1, sung in choirs in elementary and junior high, and and learned both acoustic and bass guitar in junior high. In high school I play tuba in the symphonic band.   But while at Central Memorial High School I have developed a love for jazz, and in particular the Double Bass . I also have had excellent and inspiring teachers who have really mentored me. I have also been part of various ensembles. While my early dreams of rock n' roll stardom are a little different now, and now focussed on Jazz, the same love of music and drive to become a better player have not left me. My dream of making my love of music into a good career doesn't seem that crazy now that I am applying and auditioning to jazz music programs at universities across the country. Music has always been a hobby, a passion, and a large part of my life. Soon, I hope to make it my career.

February at St. Laurence

Sunday, February 2

10 am Service. The Rev. MJ Leewis-Kirk preaching; Brandon Witwer leading "Conversations" on Church Architecture.

Tuesday, February 4 

Living the Question 2.0. Afternoon session 1:30-3:30 pm. Evening session 7:30-9:00 pm. 

Thursday, February 6

9:30 am Contemplative Prayer Service.

10 am Service. The Rev. Anna Greenwood-Lee preaching and The Rev. MJ Leewis-Kirk presiding; Brandon Witwer leading "Conversations" on Church Architecture.

Tuesday, February 11

Living the Question 2.0. Afternoon session 1:30-3:30 pm. Evening session 7:30-9:00 pm.

Sunday, February 16

10:00 am Service.  

Living the Question 2.0

Afternoon session 1:30-3:30 pm. Evening session 7:30-9:00 pm.

Sunday, February 23

10:00 am Service.

Tuesday, February 25  

Living the Question 2.0

Afternoon session 1:30-3:30 pm. Evening session 7:30-9:00 pm.