jason evans

soundcheck: TTNG - Cat Fantastic

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:22:00 +0000

Cat Fantastic by TTNG

TTNG hails from the UK but would've fit in well with American emo/indie rock bands taking shape in the late '90's. Very reminiscent of the bands like Texas is the Reason, Sunny Day Real Estate and the Promise Ring. And I highly appreciate their sensitivity to gun violence and therefore changing their name. Take a listen to the entire release, 13.0.0.0.0.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

icon(ic): Steve Brubaker

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:11:00 +0000

"Transfiguration" by Steve Brubaker

Throughout history Christians have used images to tell the biblical story we are attempting to live in to. I've had a folder in my web browser with links to images that move me for several years. These are typically images that harken to the biblical narratives yet honestly expose the artist's context and culture. Like my weekly "soundcheck" posts in which I share music I've recently discovered, I've decided to start sharing images I've discovered on a weekly basis that inspire me. Hope they do the same for you.

This image by Steve Brubaker is part of Old and New. Consider supporting artists and the project by purchasing prints here.

And here's a bit more on my thoughts on art and faith.

Another EDOW blog post

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:06:00 +0000

I mentioned recently that we've started a new blog series on the Diocese of Washington website. Take a look and share your thoughts:

"There’s no denying that the Internet has radically changed how we communicate. In fact, there isn’t much that the Internet has not had an impact on. Reading, dating, buying and countless everyday activities are much different than were a decade ago due to the web-based tools we have access to. It is safe to assume that how we engage the Internet has impacted the local parish as well. For millennials, navigating the Internet has become second nature. In the 1500’s the Anglican tradition used the technological advances at hand–the printing press, for example–to “proclaim” or communicate the Good News. In that tradition, how might we communicate with a generation coming of age with the communication technologies available to us?"

Read the entire article here.

soundcheck: Georgia Anne Muldrow - Popstopper

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:09:00 +0000

I've never quite understood why Georgia Anne Muldrow's 2009 release, Umsindo, didn't become as big as it should have. It's a weird, neo-soul, funk, hip-hop and R&B album that I really dug. She's been hit and miss since then but I dig this latest track with Dudley Perkins from her upcoming release, The Lighthouse.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

And just a little more on the subject of worship

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:49:00 +0000

Still thinking a lot about the subject of worship. Recently, I've written a couple things on the subjet of "worship." And then I participated in a conference over the last few days in which attendees heard from Ruth Meyers on the same subject. One of the best aspects of any conference are the hallway conversations. In one this week, a clergy person and I were talking about worship as a journey. It brought to mind Elizabeth O'Connor's use of the terms that titled a wonderful book of her's, Journey Inward, Journey Outward. Journey's change us, change how we look at life–at least mine, moving across the country certainly did. There's something going on with worship that ought to take us somewhere.

I've shared before my love for the work of Rainer Marie Rilke. And as I've been thinking about worship these days and what happens during worship–no matter the formate/genre–I've found myself thinking about this favorite Rilke line of mine:

"You said live out loud, and die you said lightly, and over and over again you said be."—Rainer Marie Rilke, Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God

Rilke’s poem displays three important "aspects" of the act of worship. So, I hacked O'Conner's terms, was inspired by Rilke's poem and delved into some thoughts on worship as follows. All three aspects occur within the realm of real life–worship is never void of context. The intent is to change how we look at life’s journey–not replace it or delete it.

The first aspect is the journey together. Worship ought to “lighten” or diminish the impact of death. Death is isolation. When Jesus’ dies on the cross he cries out, “God, why have you looked away from me?!” He is alone. We die alone. Worship fights death by declaring that we are not alone.

The second aspect is the journey inward. Worship ought to assist us in simply being. We live in a world that measures our worth by what we do. When we worship we are reminded that we are as Eugene Peterson writes, “God-begotten” or as Henri Nouwen writes, “God’s beloved.” We can rest in that reality. Worship takes us out of the fray of doing and calls us to simply be in God’s presence in every moment.

The last aspect is the journey outward. Worship ought to take our declaration against death and confidence of presence before God and challenge us to “live out loud” before a watching world. By doing so, we display before others how life should be lived; or, in other words together we give a glimpse a God’s Kingdom--life lived how God intended us to.

Thoughts?

soundcheck: Bomba Estéreo - Pa' Respirar

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Bomba Estéreo creates a brilliant mix of electronic and live instrumentation. I listend online to the band's in studio performance on KEXP and was smitten. Dig it.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

soundcheck: Ugly Purple Sweater - DC USA

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:28:00 +0000

I first heard about Ugly Purple Sweater on WAMU's Metro Connection. I was immediately struck by their thoughtful approach to their music. Hearing a bit about the story behind this song in particular made the video for it even more intriguing. You can check out more of their music here.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

A bit more on the subject of worship ...

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:24:00 +0000

As I was finishing what I wrote last week, I realized that I had a lot more to say about the subject of worship. But my limited word count and scope kept it brief. So I wanted to write down just a bit more on the subject.

A couple years ago, I shared a speech by David Foster Wallace in which he says, "There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship."

When I walk neighborhoods with church folks I often tell them that while they walk they should ask, "What does this city worship?" I ask this because worship is more than rituals, more than songs. As I said in my article, when worship is done right it is integrated with the rest of the week. I've often referred to Sunday morning as a set of glasses that when you put on help you "see" the rest of your week in a particular way.

What Wallace intends to say is that even those that do not participate in a weekly ritual worship as well. It's how we live, as Romans 12 and James 1 points out. Therefore the form–our ritual–ought to shape how we live out our lives in the rest of the week. If this isn't happening, what about the shape and form ought to change?

I was surprised–quite frankly–to find the preface to The Book of Common Prayer starting with this:

It is a most invaluable part of that blessed "liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free," that in his worship different forms and usages may without offence be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire; and that, in ever Church, what cannot be clearly determined to belong to Doctrine must be referred to Discipline; and therefore, by common consent and authority, may be altered, abridged, enlarged amended, or otherwise disposed of, as may seem most convenient for the edification of the people, "according to the various exigency of times and occasions." p. 9 (Thanks, Jane)

Yeah, I know, rough language. But the point seems clear: the form of worship does not matter so long as what is worshiped is made clear. As I've written before worship is witness–a witness as to what we worship. But ritual alone isn't enough. Relationships are equally requisite.

James K. A. Smith does a masterful job of explaining the liturgy of consumerism in the introduction to his book Desiring the Kingdom. But as I read through Smith's imagery I kept thinking about how much of this "liturgy" he is describing is taught. Imagine all the parents regularly pushing youngsters in shopping carts embodying, modeling what it means to be a consumer. Imagine all the toddlers playing with little toy cash registers already mimicking the use of credit cards. We do well at teaching others how to be consumers. How well do we teach others how to be Christians? Do we "unpack" our rituals in worship–explaining what just happened over coffee or describing how things such as kneeling, praying, reading, singing and eating together shape how we function in the world as the people of God? The rituals and the relationships matter.

soundcheck: Camila Moreno - Yo Enterre mis Muertos en Tierra

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:09:00 +0000

Camila Moreno is a singer, songwriter from Chile. But don't think of the lone singer on a stage, strumming a guitar. Her songs on Panal, her latest album, are often densely layered pieces with unique rhythms and instrumentation. They're often solemn but equally energetic when least expected. I found myself thinking that I could hear Thom Yorke of Radiohead singing many of her songs.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

A new blog series on the EDOW blog

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:31:00 +0000

I've started writing, curating a new blog series on the Diocesan blog which will address Millennials and the Church which I'm very excited about. My excitement is about the subject and the people that are contributing. Take a look and share your thoughts:

"Like many of you, I’ve read the studies that document the decline in church attendance among young adults. And while I am aware of the anxiety this can often create, I am uncertain as to how helpful anxiety is at resolving a problem. Almost every Sunday, I visit a different parish within our Diocese. Most of the time, I meet at least one or two young people who have found their way into the Episcopal tradition. Each time, I make it a point to talk with them about what brought them to their church. Whenever I listen to their stories a sense of hope rises up within me."

Read the entire article here.

soundcheck: Janelle Monáe - Q.U.E.E.N. (feat. Erykah Badu)

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:09:00 +0000

I've confessed my fondness for Janelle Monáe before. Another neo-soul, R&B genius I absolutely love is Erykah Badu. This track features both artists. Awesome! Janelle's rap at the end alone is worth the listen.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

Listen to digitaljasonevans.com radio!

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:54:00 +0000

For those of you that enjoy the music I post on a regular basis, you now have two (legal) options for listening to the music I share online. If you use Spotify, you can listen to my "soundcheck" playlist. Also, you can listen through Shuffler.fm. Links to both options can be found by visiting my website. Thanks!

soundcheck: KEN mode - Counter Culture Complex

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:29:00 +0000

KEN mode. Canadian. Brutal.

Listen to the whole album, Entrench here.

They also have an album entitled, Mennonite, which is awesome.

You can listen to my "soundcheck playlist" on Spotify. Click "shuffle" and enjoy!

Leadership and Marion Barry

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:48:00 +0000

Two nights ago, I was at a Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) meeting. The meeting was held in order to address the $2.6 billion sewer and storm drain system improvements the city is required to make. Faith communities across the city addressed city officials, impressing upon them their desire that this project incorporate jobs for D.C. residents and green, neighborhood revitalization. One of those city officials was council member Marion Barry.

As you may know, I'm new to D.C. So, all I've known about Barry is what I have seen in the press. It has never been positive. He appeared to be a broken, despised city official.

Broken was right.

Despised was wrong.

I was in no way prepared for the enthusiastic reception this man received from the 800 participants in the meeting. The applause he received made it almost impossible for him to get through his 3-minute public response to the requests made by WIN to city council and DC Water–filled with third person self references, of course.

I'm glad Barry supports the action WIN is taking. I do too. But I couldn't help but reflect on how beloved this man is in this city.

One thing that quickly became clear after moving to Washington was the influence of power. Public perception and identity is critical to so many Washingtonians, and not just those that work in the public sector. It seems to me that it is a learned practice for many that come here to be always on guard. It seems that people do this to manage what power and influence they have. But it also presents a veneer of perfection.

Marion Barry cannot display that kind of perfection in leadership. His very public moral failures don't allow him to pretend that he is somehow a flawless authority in this city. And it seems that this is part of the affection people have for him. He is a person who has failed, who has succumbed to addictions. And normal people can relate to that.

It's a critical lesson in leadership. A lesson that many Washingtonians, no matter what sector they work in ought to take note of. People want to follow leaders who they feel understand their human experience. Even Christian Scriptures attest to this–it's what the incarnation is all about. Of course, Christians believe that Jesus did not succumb to the temptations that Barry has. And I certainly am not condoning his behavior. Nonetheless, Barry, in the most unfortunate of ways, displayed an awareness of the brokenness lived out by many he was tasked to serve. That is something many leaders struggle to connect with and something to be pondered.

There is a way to bridge this connection that doesn't require getting caught with drugs and prostitutes: presence. Be with the people you are called to serve. Not just when you're up front, leading the way. Get a sense of the tastes and smells of everyday life. Listen to the stories of those you serve. This is how you gain trust. This is how you discover the right kind of accountability and authority. This is how you ought to lead.

soundcheck: Mother Falcon - Dirty Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:56:00 +0000

Strings, brass instruments, gang vocals, rock 'n roll... all the stuff the cool kids like these days. Me too. Find more from Mother Falcon here.

You can listen to my "soundcheck playlist" on Spotify. Click "shuffle" and enjoy!

soundcheck: The Soil & The Sun - Through These Walls

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

What Wonder is this Universe! by the Soil & the Sun

They might remind you of a spaced-out Arcade Fire, but there's something unique and wonderful about The Soil and The Sun. The track "Through These Walls" is off of their latest release What Wonder Is This Universe! You can listen to that here on the ol' blog or go buy it here.

You can listen to my "soundcheck playlist" on Spotify. Click "shuffle" and enjoy!

Another way pt. 3

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:42:00 +0000

As I was getting caught up on the news this morning, I was reflecting on a conversation I recently had with a clergy friend concerning the church and mentally ill persons. We both shared from our experiences of working in churches that due to their ministry to the poor often brought about relationships with folks whose addictions were out of control and or their mental, emotional brokenness laid bare. It could be exhausting at times. There seemed to be no clear equation for what might bring about a violent episode. Therefore, it was easy to feel unable to control the situation. But here's the thing: people don't desire to be controlled, they desire to be loved.

This truth was demonstrated in the story I shared recently about Mennonites. And it was something I learned from an artist friend who used to be the director of a church-based homeless ministry. I watched him treat the most mentally unhinged homeless person with the same dignity as a successful career doctor or attorney. This changed outcomes, I believe. It soothed souls when they were listened to–really heard, their humanity intact, and shown affection, care, love.

This didn't extinguish violence altogether. The clergy friend and I who were recently speaking came to the end of our conversation cognizant that it seems violence will always be around, crouching in the shadows.

Indeed, what happened in Boston yesterday is evidence of this. But the knee-jerk reaction of some to condemn whole groups of people, perpetuating the isolation and dehumanization of whole groups is not the right response. Whether we are speaking of whole groups or individuals it seems proven that this never diminishes violence. And for those of us that are Christians, it goes starkly against the grain of Scripture and the Gospels in particular.

Not only does the demonization of "the other" go against our biblical mandate to love our enemy but it is a response based in fear. More than anything, it seems to me that we need to be people of hope right now, not fear. Especially people of faith. We ought to be those that hope for another way, another kind of world–what we Christians call the rule and reign of God, Shalom complete.

The Gospels capture a particular narrative that might guide our living. It is one in which "the other" is embraced. Indeed, God becomes one of "the other" through Jesus. In so doing, he absorbs the violence and death inflicted by our fear and brokenness. Yet, ultimately, violence and death are conquered. The perpetrators of violence and death, reconciled. Followers of this Jesus were encouraged to hold fast to hope and live as if this way was reasonable. Embrace the other. Live as if violence were not necessary. Respond to violence when it happens with yet hope, again, for another way.

I pray we have the courage to do so.

Loving this: "Sacred Spaces in Profane Buildings"

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:39:00 +0000

Found this via the Rock and Theology blog. Tom poses some good questions. But as I looked through the images on the site, I found myself pondering what it looks like for the church to find its way back into the fabric of our everyday lives–whether in traditional church buildings or elsewhere. The sacred and profane sharing space, the way we Jesus doing in the Gospels. Thoughts?

On related note, if this interests you, you might appreciate these posts.

soundcheck: Hiatus Kaiyote - Mobius Streak

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Hailing from Australia, the young group Hiatus Kaiyote has already garnished a lot of praise from artists such as Erykah Badu and The Roots, Questlove. It's not too often that neo-soul turns my head, but this band is good! Check out the entire Tawk Tomahawk album here.

You can listen to my "soundcheck playlist" on Spotify. Click "shuffle" and enjoy!

soundcheck: Caught A Ghost - Sleeping at Night (live)

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Coming out of LA, Caught A Ghost has crafted a song that I just can't keep out of my head. Ridiculously catchy tune!

You can listen to my "soundcheck playlist" on Spotify. Click "shuffle" and enjoy!

soundcheck: Savages - I Am Here (live)

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Savages take me back to the sounds I was discovering in middle school from the UK. And they make me wish I could've been at SXSW to catch them live. Reports say that their live show is incredible. Someday.

You can listen to my "soundcheck playlist" on Spotify. Click "shuffle" and enjoy!

Another Way pt. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:38:00 +0000

Yesterday, hundreds of Christians gathered to witness against gun violence in the U.S. Attention has been drawn to the issue, now the hard work of embodying another way is before us. I continue to ask myself a question I posed yesterday, what can churches do to address violence in our neighborhoods?

For the Christian, this begins with a biblical imagination. Reading, studying and discussing the role of violence in Scripture is crucial to shaping how we address violence in our own lives. Throughout the history of the Church, followers of Jesus have done incredible, creative work to reduce violence due in great part to how they read the Bible.

During World War II, thousands of conscientious objectors were assigned to work in mental health institutions through the Civilian Public Service. More than half of those serving in these facilities were Mennonites–Christians of the Anabaptist tradition. At the time, mentally ill persons were treated terrible, often suffering physical abuse from those who cared for them. In response, there was frequent violent behavior on the part of the patience. Facilities were dismal. Refusing to treat patients in the typical manner, Mennonites demonstrated a compassion and humanity which patients positively responded to. The dramatic change in care brought to mental health facilities through the presence and influence of these Christians resulted in revolutionizing mental healthcare in the U.S.

For these Mennonites, the way in which they read Scripture led them to resist the use of violence. But what is more, it led them to treat others with human dignity. Those that others did not treat with the same dignity. Persons with mental illness have been discussed a lot in the media as of late. Frequently when such media attention is drawn to a certain segment of the population that segment is further isolated. If we are intent on reducing what causes violence, what can churches do to draw in those at the greatest risk of isolation, marginalization?

In her book, The Center Cannot Hold, Elyn Saks writes about her life as a prestigious professor of law who is also diagnosed with schizophrenia. What is evident in her writing and in her TED talk below, is that being allowed to contribute meaningfully to her community is part of what keeps her balanced. This is not simply a case-by-case, individual solution. As Peter Block writes in his book, Community, healthy communities invite those on the margins to contribute their gifts and voice to the whole.

While Saks' story makes it clear that there is still room for improvement in mental healthcare, the Mennonites referenced above created an environment where people previously treated without human dignity could contribute in meaningful ways to a community–even if it was the community within a mental health facility.

The over-arching story of Scripture points to a reconciling God. A God that draws us in and invites us to be co-creators with him. How might we do the same?

Another Way: reducing what causes gun violence in America

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:41:00 +0000

Image Credit

This morning, I will walk with hundreds of other Christians to call on the White House to take action in reducing gun violence in America. We do this because our faith compels us to–as I've said before, I do this because my faith compels me to. Yet, having participated in many activities such as this in the past I am aware of its limitations as well. We need to not only draw attention to the issue but provide another way. I would hope that Christians of all positions on this issue might consider how their faith communities can work to reduce violence in their neighborhoods. For that is the real issue here: reducing violence.

I grew up around guns. My dad had a gun. My uncles had guns. I grew up with family members in the military and on the police force. They were each responsible gun owners. Guns were neither glamorized nor abhorred. My opinions on gun legislation have very little to do with guns themselves–I've not had a bad experience with guns. Rather, it has everything to do with violence.

In his book, Fist Stick Knife Gun, Geoffrey Canada makes an observation based on his personal experience of growing up in a violent neighborhood. He observes that gun violence is not primarily an issue about guns. Rather, it is an issue about violence. Gun laws will address the symptom. How might we address the causes?

So, this morning I am curious, what do you think churches can do to reduce the causes of violence in their neighborhoods?

soundcheck: Marnie Stern - Nothing is Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Marnie Stern's earlier material sounded like a mashup of Hella and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Her latest, The Chronicles of Marnia appears to have taken a slower paced, spacey feel yet remains more frenetic than most music you're likely listening to.

You can listen to my "soundcheck playlist" on Spotify. Click "shuffle" and enjoy!

Seasonal or Sustainable?

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Graham Cray leads the Fresh Expressions work going on in the UK. This clip captures some serious wisdom in regards to church planting within an established institution. What stands out most to me are these of his points:

- Asking whether a new expression of faith community is seasonable or sustainable
- Moving from dependency to interdependency
- Generosity as an aspect of discipleship

There's a lot to dig into here!