Music that Makes Community

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Over a year ago, Warren Foster, a member of St. Simon’s of Cyrene, asked Pastor Mary Laymon if they could bring call and response music to St. Simon’s. Warren shared how he had moved by the role of call and response during the Civil Rights Movement and wanted to experience the power of this form of music in their church. With support from Bishop Breidenthal and a grant from the diocese as well as partnership with Christ Church, Glendale, Mary knew just who to reach out for help in bringing Warren’s vision to life and reached out to Music that Makes Community (MMC). 

The MMC team including Paul Vasile, Chanda Rule, and Michael Atty teamed up with local music leader Monica Payne to train congregational members and community leaders to use paperless music to heal wounds and spiritually grow. The beauty that emerged from coming together in song was powerful and will sow seeds for continued exploration and growth around how we might practice Becoming Beloved Community.