Variety of Musical Groups Bring Spirituality to WNY
by Kathy Reandeau

Psalm 98 says, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” You might be surprised at the variety of musicians who are doing that in Western New York by adding uplifting moments to church services, raising funds at charitable events, and spreading the Good News. They practice untold hours, often travel a great distance to perform, and frequently play for very little money, all because they want to share God’s love with others. Here are a few of the musicians who are “making a joyful noise” in our area.

“Strike The Rock”

“Strike The Rock” is an upbeat contemporary Christian music group sponsored by St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in West Seneca. The group was formed in 1995 by Mark Kasprzak, who brought together other church members in a mission to spread the word of God through a music outreach ministry. In addition to playing during regular church services and presenting annual Spring and Christmas concerts, community events have included Taste of Buffalo, Dunkirk U.C.C. Music Festival, St. David’s Episcopal Church Summer Concert Series and New Hope Methodist Church Revival.

The name comes from Exodus 17:6, “Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock and water shall come out of it, that the people may drink.” Director Kasprzak says, “We’re blessed to use our talents to bring God into the lives of others.” Recent performances included concerts at First United Church of Christ and at a sister church, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in North Tonawanda. A unique feature of the relationship between the two St. Peter’s is that the pastor of the West Seneca church is Rev. Hope Harle-Mould while his wife, Linda, is the permanent part-time pastor of the North Tonawanda church. The group has recorded two CDs and will be playing a Christmas concert at St. Peter’s in West Seneca on Sunday, December 4.

Carol Mullins

Carol Mullins of Quiet Whispers Ministry is a singer, songwriter and Biblical storyteller. She participates in or leads Biblical storytelling and music events, Bible-based retreats, days or evenings of reflection, conferences, and seminars by providing inspirational speaking, teaching and original music. Carol has studied scripture for over thirty years, including four years of formal study. Inspired by scriptural themes and Bible characters, Carol first began teaching from the Bible, and writing music that brought faith messages to life in 1998.

She compiled those first songs into an original CD of musical meditations titled “Quiet Whispers,” and asked God to lead her to the places where she was meant to share those stories and songs. She now makes presentations to entire congregations, church organizations, youth groups, men’s groups, women’s groups, seniors, confirmation classes, music ministers, and church/school staff. Commenting on her ministry she said, “My passion is to encourage people to listen for God’s quiet whispers and to be aware of His presence in everyday life.”

Ps100

Ps100 is a Christian rock band from Medina that combines rock music with tender ballads while worshipping the Lord. Their name comes from Psalm 100: “Sing to the Lord, all the world! Worship the Lord with joy; come before him with happy songs!” They recently welcomed Cliff Cline to play lead guitar with the existing members - Russ Peters, Mike Stamp, and Tom Smith. They are all churchgoing men who, when they’re not playing together, are part of their own church’s praise team.

“Music is a tool that bridges the gap between us and God,” says Peters. “It helps us express ourselves to God and we enjoy being together with God’s people.” Ps100 has two CDs, “Movin’ On" and "The Other Side," which is about someone contemplating his own mortality, and wondering how loved ones left behind will carry on. He comforts them by saying he’ll be waiting on “the other side.” One of the band’s most popular songs, “I Need You,” can be heard on their website. They’ll be playing at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church on S Main St. Saturday, November 5 at 7:00 pm.

Voices of Mercy

The Voices of Mercy are the musical arm of St. Luke's Mission of Mercy. They provide music for the main liturgies at St. Luke's and travel around the area to provide music for various liturgies and ministries. Whether they’re performing before large crowds while on tour or with small church groups in rural Western New York, they give praise and glory to God as they worship Him in song.

The group was formed in 1997 when the Irish Catholic singer Dana came down with an upper respiratory infection and called St. Luke’s on a Friday to say she would not be able to perform at a Sunday fundraising concert. Some people that God had brought to the Mission were talented musicians who had already been singing together very informally. They met on Saturday and picked a list of songs which they practiced once. The next day they put on a three hour concert that led to three standing ovations and touched the hearts of all those who attended. Their latest CD, "Voices Of Mercy By Request," contains fourteen of their most requested songs from their first six CDs and two brand new songs.

We are truly blessed to have these gifted musicians among us. Of course there are many other musicians and groups in our area who are also doing a terrific job of spreading the Good News. It’s not hard to find them - they’re the ones “making a joyful noise!”

Further Information:
Strike The Rock: 716-674-1233 or www.st-petersucc.org
Carol Mullins: 716- 627-5590 or www.quietwhispers.com
Ps100: 585-590-0472 or www.ps100band.com
Voices of Mercy: 716- 894-4476 or www.stlukesmissionofmercy.org/vom/vom.html