CD | I Am Loved: Community Songs for Children and Children’s Ministry
Review by ROB HANKS (Youth Worker)
I Am Loved is a crowd-funded children’s ministry music project produced by collaborators and friends, Heather Price and Alison Davies. The women were inspired by the desire for their children to know they are loved by God, valued and will always find a place within welcoming Christian communities.
What’s so brilliant about the songs on I Am Loved is the open, inclusive spirituality they reflect.
If our theology is how we speak (or sing) about God then there are plenty of songs that have been around since before we were all children that seek to serve our ministry goals. But these older songs don’t really grasp children’s worldview or the value they place on authentic relationships and being loved.
The songs fit the pattern of ‘Messy Church’ but are cleverly open to any and all children’s ministry. As well as action, energy, love, and fun, they create moments for meditation, prayer and story. There are so many events and occasions I wish these songs had been available for.
The catchy rhythms invite adults and kids, from toddlers to primary school age, to sing and move. ‘I See God in You’ and ‘You are Beautiful’ hold the central messages of the whole project. There are moments of quiet and surprises.
To quote Heather: “I am passionate about writing music that helps kids, and adults, connect to themselves in a spiritual way. I want to use modern language that helps us shake some of the difficult things that have happened within churches in the past and allows us to keep the good things that come out of being together in a community like a church – that is sharing our stories, loving unconditionally, and simply connecting with others.”
I won’t be surprised if I Am Loved brings on your ‘happy tears’!
Rob Hanks is the former coordinator of the NSW/ACT synod’s youth unit and current minister at Morisset Uniting Church in Lake Macquarie, NSW
For digital downloads or to request CDs and Music Books order from http://heatherprice.com.au/downloads/i-am-loved-album/
Comments are closed.