Music

            My name is Dana Allen. I am the Director of Lay Ministry, as well as Director of the Contemporary Music Ensemble at Pilgrim; though I would rather just be called a Servant of God. My wife’s name is Kimberly Jo. Yes, that is a Kentucky “Jo”. I have three beautiful daughters: Marie, Christine, and Rachel. They are my precious gift from God and I try to love and serve them every day, when my sinful self doesn’t get in the way.

            I have been involved in music for most of my life. I sang in choirs and ensembles from the fifth grade, through college. I studied guitar at Mott Community college and also took private lessons. I was part of a Christian Contemporary band called the Mustard Seeds for fifteen years. Music for me is spiritual in nature and I believe that when words and concepts  from the Bible and music are intertwined, it is yet another of God’s powerful tools working in our lives. It takes me places I couldn’t go on my own.

            I will be running and updating the music page on Pilgrim’s site for as long as God sees fit. My purposes for the page will be divided into three sections: Updates and Events for Pilgrim’s Music Program, Thoughts and Recommendations on Current Christian Contemporary Music, and Historical/Current Ideas on Music in Christianity.  

Updates and Events

        October 8th

• Ensemble - Singing in Service. Practice at 9:15 am October 8th

Thoughts and Recommendations

• I talked about this next song during the last contemporary service I played in. How do yo describe God's love for us? How do you repay him for this great gift? Steven C. Chapman and Geoff Moore sing Listen to Our Hearts.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrnrGdpVI88
• I like the energy in this Matt Maher song! Hope you like it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWOweIItOFQ
• Check out this Steven C. Chapman Video. "Lord of the Dance". The boy can play! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDXbvMcMbU0
• Love this Danny Gokey video. Danny Gokey went through alot with the passing of his wife a few years ago. God gives us hope and increases our faith in times of trouble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuLEmwJxI9w

_____________________________________________

• I listen to KLove and SmileFM.
• Just got started on Spotify. My daughter Christine just downloaded the app to my cell phone. Go to browse and click on (do they say "click on" any more?) the picture of the dove that says Christian. From there, you will find multiple playlists to choose from, or you can make your own playlists. I can never get enough good Christian music.
• I like to watch KLove and Air1 music videos on YouTube. They are videos recorded in the KLove and Air1 studios. Most of the videos are more of an unplugged version of songs you hear on KLove, or SmileFM radio. Very often the videos are of a Christian artist singing and playing the guitar, a very raw, stripped down version of the song. For me, there's nothing better than a singer/songwriter playing an accoustic guitar and singing a sweet melody over the top of it.
• Stay tuned! (pun intended!)  More thoughts and recommendations to come!

Historical/Current Ideas

• Martin Luther said: "...next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds hearts and spirits."
• How often do we take the gift of music for granted?  Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I can have the worst of days, go to my studio, pick up my guitar,  start singing and suddenly my spirit is uplifted. My mind seems clearer and life is not so bad. We are made in God's image and I know God is a lover of music. There are multiple passages in scripture about singing praises to God and playing instruments to His glory. Next time you hear a song on KLove or sing along with me at church, thank God for this awesome gift of music!
• Stay tuned!  More to come!