SERMON IN SONG: Spook weaves uplifting, heart-warming, positive songs into a spiritual message with a theme at services, ceremonies, picnics and other gatherings for a wide variety of faith based groups including Unitarian Universalist, Unity Churches, Jewish gatherings, New Thought Churches and others. See descriptions below.
MUSIC: Or Spook can simply provide music as part of any service.
AFTERNOON CONCERTS: Spook is also available for concerts after the service for those who wish to couple a sermon in song with a full length concert afterward. These can work well with benefit causes.
“Spook’s musical performance, personable style and thoughtful ideas were very well received by our congregation. His complementary focus on personal freedom and social responsibility was particularly well suited to our principles. He provided quite an uplifting and entertaining Sunday morning experience!”
… Ray Deeney, President, The Unitarian Society, East Brunswick, NJ
*****
Here are some themes Spook offers in his “Sermon in Songs”:
“Pete Seeger – – the Subtle Evangelist”
One of the greatest qualities I saw in Pete Seeger was how he led by example. Pete was no “preacher.” He went to great lengths to be inclusive and to relate with people as equals. A Seeger family member once told me Pete “was no atheist. But he didn’t believe in talking about it.” I found that to be true because I never heard Pete preach but I saw how he lived the principles he so dearly believed. This service includes a healthy portion of Pete Seeger songs, original songs and a talk totally 15 – 30 minutes according to your needs.
“A Time to Build Up – Wisdom from Pythagoras and Pete Seeger”
Pete Seeger said, “You don’t have to tear down a house in order to rebuild its foundation.” Pythagoras said, “Thoughts are things.” How often do we hear someone say they would like to make the world a better place? Would you believe that each one of us has a profound impact every day on the world we live in – starting with ourselves and extending out to our communities and the world as a whole? Whether we like it or not, our actions and words reflect and promote our values. So, the question becomes: What values are we reflecting and promoting? Are we promoting cynicism, division and individualism or are we promoting empowerment, integrity and solidarity? Are we helping to rebuild the foundation or are we only helping to tear down the house? This service includes a healthy portion of Pete Seeger songs, original songs and a talk totally 15 – 30 minutes according to your needs.
“Freedom Is Your Destiny”
There are as many definitions of freedom as there are people in this world. Does freedom mean avoidance of responsibility? Freedom to roam our beautiful country? What about the freedoms upon which this nation was founded? Where do political, social and spiritual freedom fit in? How do we ensure that our freedom endures?
Freedom Is Your Destiny explores these questions through engaging, uplifting songs and stories that come from both the giants of folk music – Pete Seeger, Peter Paul and Mary and Phil Ochs to name a few – and Spook’s own ample supply of original compositions. The spirit of American folk music, its passion and sense of purpose, ring loud and clear in this service and its message seems more relevant today than ever.
Some songs Spook might provide at a standard services include:
Imagine
Let’s Get Together
Be Here Now (Original)
Lead Us Home to the Promised Land (original)
and many, many more
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“In the finest traditions of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and other great American folk artists, Spook Handy reconnects us with powerful truths that lie at the core of our humanity and our Unitarian-Universalist values. With an unassuming style that nurtures the spiritual, Spook takes his audience on a journey of re-thinking fundamental concepts like freedom, tolerance, non-violence and justice. His recent “Freedom is Your Destiny” service at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship produced smile upon smile and a flurry of accolades from our congregants. A true Unitarian-Universalist experience par excellence!”
… Steven Humphreys, Sunday Services Committee Chair, Morristown Unitarian Fellowship
“Spook’s music touches the common chord of spirituality and humanity …. Everyone had a rollicking good time.”
… Reverend LL DuBreuil – Pastor, First Reformed Church, United Church of Christ, Woodbridge, NJ
***** Read Review *****
Please inquire for more information.