This past season we had with us a harpist and violinist from the Niagara Symphony. And for the first time we had a liturgical dancer. As Carolyn Currey did her pirouettes with the haunting music of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" in the background our spirits were lifted to anticipate the coming birth of the Messiah. When she finished I looked out at the crowded church (I have the best view in the house) and saw a number of folks looking misty eyed. We had seen beauty first hand in the fluid movement of the dance and we celebrated God's presence among us. I later learned that Carolyn was working on a production of the Lord's Prayer which will be running this summer.

Having seen Carolyn dance in our church I concur with Canadian singer/songwriter Debbie Fortnum: "Carolyn Currey is a dancer whose caliber I have not before seen in the Church. And yet, her astounding ability in dance and choreography goes far beyond artful expression... Those who have the privilege of seeing her dance know instantly that her craft is the means by which she expresses worship to her God -- and then leads others to that place also. Her worship dancing is simply breathtaking. But it is her gentle meekness that will continue to set her apart in the Kingdom of God. This is one little woman who, by the Spirit of God, creates such a powerful impact on people that it leaves them speechless and in tears! She is simply a gift to the Body of Christ."

But let Carolyn introduce herself and her vision for ministry:

"Soli Deo Gloria Ballet has its very humble origins in living rooms across Canada, where little girls and boys who loved to dance skipped around to worship music as their parents looked on. As children do, they got bigger--but their passion for dance, and for worship, didn't change. Some of these little ones moved beyond their living rooms and began taking ballet classes. They worked for technical excellence, developed a love of performing, and kept their hearts set on God. The day came when they reached a professional level in dance. Which brings us to now.

Opportunities for professional dancers are limited. Opportunities for professional dancers whose heart is to worship God and spread the gospel through their art are even fewer. Dance is a powerful mode of human expression, and we believe it should be used for the glory of the God who gave it to us. Who are "we"?

We are a small group of believers in Jesus. Our founders are two young women with diverse backgrounds in the arts. The first is Carolyn Currey, who started out in a living room and has since danced at a professional level across Canada. The second is Rachel Starr Thomson, a writer and singer with a passion for giving Christian dancers opportunity for outreach. We got together in 2007 and formed Soli Deo Gloria Ballet. Our purpose? To bring together dedicated dancers who are also dedicated Christians, so they can use their beautiful art form for the greatest of purposes."

Carolyn and Rachel have collaborated on a new worship experience called "Father". "Father" is a worship experience based on the Lord's Prayer, using dance, photography, and readings from Rachel's book Heart to Heart: Meeting With God in the Lord's Prayer. An artistic meditation on one of the Bible's most beloved passages, "Father" is a celebration of God and the relationship we have with Him through Christ. To learn more about this worship experience see their website: www.lordsprayerdance.com

This new production should enable Soli Deo Gloria Ballet to fulfill their mission statement: Tell the Truth. Glorify God. Preach the Gospel.

There are still opportunities to book them into local churches or other venues. I have already reserved one of the times for our congregation this summer. For anyone (or any dancers) who would like to learn more about this company check out their website at www.solideoballet.com or www.daybreakdance.netfirms.com or email solideoballet@gmail.com.

My only problem is that I will be on vacation and out of town the Sunday morning this summer that they are coming to lead the worship at my congregation but I have a good idea. I'll try to catch them at one of the other churches where they will be ministering this summer.

Rev. John James
St. Andrew's United Church

Rev. John James messages can be heard at St. Andrew's United Church, Morrison St. (across from Oakes Park) on Sunday mornings at 9:15 and 11:00. John can also be reached at john@standrewsunited.net