Date: May 11th 2012

THE THEOLOGY OF JAZZ

What can we learn about God through the music of jazz? Is there a theology of jazz? Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii? When it rains, why don't sheep shrink?

At least two of these questions will be addressed at the third annual Jazz Concert for Mission and Outreach at St. James Episcopal Church on Friday, May 18 at 7:00pm.

Once again, the Rev’d D. Geoffrey Taylor, rector of St. James, will prove that a complete inability to play the piano should never stop one from giving a concert. “Are we not people of faith? Do we not have sufficient trust in God that what we do in his name he will make perfect? Didn’t Jesus tell us not to worry about what we will say because the Holy Spirit will speak through us? If you ask me, the Holy Spirit can probably play some pretty mean jazz riffs, too. Who are we to limit the Holy Spirit to words, alone?”

When asked if he thought the Holy Spirit could sing as well, Fr. Taylor answered, “Oh Lord, yes. The Holy Spirit has a beautiful voice, but it’s right in that awkward range between baritone and tenor, so you have to transpose most of the songs into a more comfortable key.”

All proceeds from the concert will go to “Stop Hunger Now,” an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid around the world.

Tickets are $15 each or ten tickets for $100. Tickets are available by calling the church office at 864-244-6358. Tickets can also be purchased between services on Sunday or at the door the night of the concert.