music@stmikes started out in 2014 as a youth initiative with 'Open Mike' but has evolved into an all age group that tries to explore different styles of music and worship inside and outside the context of church services. The group co-ordinators are John and Alison Parkinson who can call on a group of about 20 musicians, mostly teenagers but some younger and others older for different events

music@stmikes explores more creative ways of worship and being part of St. Michael’s discovery of different ways of ‘doing’ church. We  focus on being part of the ‘everyday’ worship life of St. Michael’s by taking part in evening services rather than organising big events. We’ve also gained a sister – drama@stmikes, born from The Seed must Die, under the direction of Anita France and we’ve been delighted to have musicians from the Sunday Club band join us too. 

Why do we think it is important to be creative in worship? Mainly because God is creative and He made us in his image, giving us skills and opportunities to explore our own creativity. The bible is full of creativity too – art, dance, music, poetry, architecture – many God-ordained talents and skills used for his purposes. Taking the opportunity to be creative can allow a fuller expression of self and faith and can encourage and develop our understanding and experience with each other and with God. Being creative can be a way for us to express ourselves, and our faith. It involves the use of our imagination – to ‘see’ where God is moving and to follow him. When used as an act of worship, it can help create an atmosphere conducive to prayer. One of the most creative expressions available to us is prayer – it brings into being that which has not previously existed and so it has been an important component of all our evening gatherings.

Our Facebook page is here.