Charles Wesley is quoted as saying “When you sing, you pray twice.” For me and my heart, song is the closest way to access the connection between my life and the Creator. 

For many people in this world, the only time they sing is on birthdays, or at sports games. For the religious folks, song is often a part of worship, and that may be the only other place they sing. I contend that singing is everyone’s right and a way of being in the world that is open to everyone!

 I started Odonata SongRise on November 17, 2018, in the sanctuary at St. John’s United Church. 

‘Odonata’ means dragonfly in Latin. A dragonfly lives its life cycle across the realms of both water and air, and is a creature of transformation. Song crosses many thresholds and leads to transformation of emotion, and builds community! 

The song circle meets 2 times per month, and sometimes more often. There are 120 people on the mailing list, and average attendance is around 14 people. I have gathered songs from many traditions, and many countries and many spiritual practices. When we sing we take time to acknowledge the story of the song, and its message for our spirits. We honour the earth, the land, the water and the people who gather. It is a deeply spiritual time, although there is no preaching, and no scripture. Song itself feeds the spirits of those gathered. 

We meet on the first Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm and on every 3rd Sunday afternoon, in the sanctuary from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. 

In the days as we move out of the pandemic, I also braodcast our gatherings on Zoom. 

 All are welcome! Bring your heart, your breath, your emotions and your imaginings. Song will make of them a worthy prayer!

Dianne Baker