St. James Anglican Church, Dundas, will host award-winning music ministry, Infinitely More, for a Lent and Easter Worship Residency.
Husband and wife duo, Allison and Gerald Flemming, are well known in the Anglican Diocese of Niagara. Since moving into the region a decade ago, Infinitely More has led worship services, concerts, and music team workshops in many parishes. Their Lenten Musical Calendar video series (supported by Diocesan grants) ran for three years. Each weekly video featured original music by the duo and a brief reflection by members of the clergy, including Bishop Susan Bell.
St. James has a rich music tradition and deep roots in the local arts community. Spearheaded by Canon Leslie Gerlofs, rector of the parish, St. James is enjoying a diverse musical season, exploring various styles and expressions in their Sunday morning services.
“St. James is excited for the opportunity to partner with Infinitely More in the ongoing development of our music ministry program.” Shares Gerlofs, “We are grateful for the gifts Allison and Gerald bring for the enrichment of our worship experience.”
The idea of a “worship residency” may be new to some parishioners, but not to Infinitely More. Over their 20 years of ministry, the Flemmings have led residencies in churches across the country, including a three-month stint with All Saints Anglican Church in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick. Infinitely More has ministered in churches of over 30 denominations, including Anglican Churches in every province. This vast range of experiences has given them a unique view into the variety and beauty of worship across Canada.
Each residency is uniquely tailored to the individual community. Together, Infinitely More and St. James will explore “blended worship”—singing classic Anglican hymns in new ways, introducing contemporary worship songs, and creating space for original music. Sunday morning will be rooted in tradition, while also incorporating fresh expressions of the Lent and Easter season.
As Gerald explains, “In our ministry, we often teach about ‘formational music’ and ‘transformational music.’ Formational are the great songs of our faith, tested by centuries of use, the scriptural building blocks for where we are today as a faith community. Transformational are the songs that reach deep into our hearts. Like the psalms, these songs give us the opportunity to pour out our praise, pain, worship, and love for our great God. They are intimate and personal, like diary entries to our Lord. By singing both formational and transformational songs, we give ourselves a complete and holy approach to worship.”
This particular worship residency also reflects the Diocesan call for Christ-centred, hope-filled, missionally-focused communities. In this season, St. James and Infinitely More will sing the story of Jesus, from desert temptation to new life in the garden, with an inclusive and dynamic musical voice. Members of the congregation and wider community are not just welcome to attend the services—they are invited to be part of the music!
All are welcome at weekly rehearsals. There’s space for singers in the choir and instrumentalists of all kinds. Songwriters are encouraged to share their gifts. Some people may want to join for the whole season, but even folks interested in playing or singing for a single service are welcome to participate.
The Lent and Easter Worship Residency will begin at St. James (137 Melville St, Dundas) with the first rehearsal on Thursday, February 26, 7:30 p.m. and will conclude with Easter worship on Sunday, April 5, 10:00 a.m. In addition, Infinitely More will lead the music for an intimate Maundy Thursday service on April 2, 7:00 p.m.
If you’re interested in participating in St. James and Infinitely More’s Lent and Easter Worship Residency, or if you’re curious about hosting a similar residency at your parish, please visit www.InfinitelyMore.ca or email [email protected]
Video Killed the Radio Star