Blog — Communion Arts

Episode 6 with Religion Professor, Author and Episcopal Bishop Ed Gungor

Episode 6 with Religion Professor, Author and Episcopal Bishop Ed Gungor

In episode 6 I sit down with Ed Gungor as we speak about his journey through ministry and his re-discovery of liturgy and how it can be applied to the church of today. Ed has walked through this discovery with several other church leaders through an annual gathering called PRAXIS, and joined together with other church leaders and those desiring to explore the monastic life, forming the Order of St. Anthony. Ed is one of the most thoughtful people I know, and I think you will find the conversation thought provoking and perhaps challenging. Enjoy!

Blake FlattleySeptember 12, 2017Comment

Nothing But The Blood

Nothing But The Blood

"Nothing But The Blood" was written by Baptist preacher, Robert Lowry (1826-1899). Stylistically, the hymn uses an adapted call and response posing first a question and then providing an answer. The main theme of the song continually points singers and listeners alike to the forgiving work of Christ on the cross.

LentBlake FlattleySeptember 6, 2017Hymn HouseComment

This Is My Father's World

This Is My Father's World

"This is My Father's World" is an early 20th century hymn, written by Maltbie D. Babcock. A poetic portrayal of all creation praising God. In a world that we seem to worry more and more about and try desperately to control this song is a reminder that we are not in control and that isn't something we need to worry about.

Ordinary TimeBlake FlattleyAugust 15, 2017Hymn HouseComment

Episode 5 with abolitionist, Raleigh Sadler

Episode 5 with abolitionist, Raleigh Sadler

In episode 5 I sit down with abolitionist and executive director of Let My People Go, Raleigh Sadler. We discuss his journey to starting Let My People Go as well as the work of this great organization.

Blake FlattleyJuly 20, 2017podcast, raleigh sadler, let my people goComment

Chief of Sinners

Chief of Sinners

In this lenten hymn we've maintained the original melody, re-harmonizing the chords to form an anticipatory yet meditative setting...

LentBlake FlattleyMarch 7, 2017Hymn HouseComment

Glory Be To Jesus

Glory Be To Jesus

In this lenten hymn we have used much of the original melody, changing it only slightly during one of the verses to connect two verses together and adding an original chorus and bridge...

LentBlake FlattleyMarch 6, 2017Lent, Hymn HouseComment

Episode 4 with songwriter, worship leader and curator of The Calendar Years, Ben Grace

Episode 4 with songwriter, worship leader and curator of The Calendar Years, Ben Grace

In episode 4 I sit down with songwriter, worship leader and curator of The Calendar Years, Ben Grace. We talk songwriting, liturgy and the role the church calendar plays on the music he makes.

Blake FlattleyNovember 18, 2016Comment

Episode 3 with author, speaker and liturgist, Heather Choate Davis

Episode 3 with author, speaker and liturgist, Heather Choate Davis

In episode 3 I sit down with author, speaker and liturgist, Heather Choate Davis at her home in Los Angeles. During the interview we venture into the importance of rest, creative process and spiritual practices.

Blake FlattleyOctober 11, 2016Comment

On Average

On Average

What can this teach us about how we approach community, art, churches, church workers and church planting models?

Blake FlattleySeptember 13, 2016church, average, communityComment

Eric Marshall: Front Man of The Last Royals & Young Oceans

Eric Marshall: Front Man of The Last Royals & Young Oceans

In episode 2 of the CommunionArts Podcast we sat down with Eric Marshall at the Trinity Grace offices in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We talk songwriting, creativity, liturgy and more.

Blake FlattleySeptember 5, 2016songwriting, young oceans, the last royals, Artist FeatureComment

What Is Gottesdienst?

What Is Gottesdienst?

Gottesdienst is a German word meaning God’s service or divine service. The word itself is beautifully ambiguous as it explains what happens when we gather. Lutherans use this word sometimes to describe worship, however, the word gottesdienst more accurately than the word worship describes the interaction that takes place between God and man. God giving His gifts...

Ordinary TimeBlake FlattleyJuly 27, 2016ordinary time, gottesdienst, singing, articleComment

My Song Is Love Unknown

My Song Is Love Unknown

My Song Is Love Unknown is a Lenten hymn written by Samuel Crossman and John Ireland. For this particular arrangement we've added a chorus which reads: "oh, Your grace has made a way.

LentBlake FlattleyJune 8, 2016Hymn House, LentComment

Defining Liturgy

Defining Liturgy

The word liturgy may carry with it baggage for you, or perhaps it recalls fond memories of services gone by. Many understand the liturgy simply as the order of service laid out in the...

Blake FlattleyMay 11, 2016Comment

Why Ancient Matters

Why Ancient Matters

I once sat through a session on how to start a contemporary worship service. The session was troubling for one main reason. The speaker suggested that in order to have a contemporary service you must first throw everything else out...

Blake FlattleyMay 11, 2016Comment

Icelandic Hymnwriter

Icelandic Hymnwriter

I've spent most of my life as a Lutheran and not until recently did I hear anything about the Icelandic Lutheran Church let alone Hallgrimur Petursson...

Blake FlattleyMay 11, 2016Comment

The Beauty of Seasons

The Beauty of Seasons

I don't think I fully appreciated seasons until I moved to New York City. Previously I had spent most of my adult life in Southern California where there is essentially always some variation on a nice day.

Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Ordinary Time, Holy WeekBlake FlattleyMay 11, 2016article Comment