Anyone singing traditional hyms and presenting scripture in a conservative manner would have stuck out like a sore thumb at the first installment of the Soup Kitchen’s “A Touch Of Healing” open mic. These were worshippers of a new breed.
There was not a three-piece suit or nylons in sight at JMRJ Restaurant & Catering-a new restaurant housed next to the Heritage House that served as the first venue for Soup Kitchen’s “A Touch Of Healing”.
Audience fashion for the August 3rd event consisted of fitted caps, graphic tees with matching Air Force Ones for the men and the ladies wore trendy, stylish – and what one might consider worldly – outfits that ranged from high waist jeans to low cut tops.
But while clothing choices may have raised some eyebrows of traditional churchfolks, the message and content that was presented would have simultaneously put apprehension to rest and souls at ease.
“We’ve been promoting for the world for so long,” said Soup Kitchen co-founder Allen Day. “But we wanted to do the soup kitchen because we wanted to mix people together so that we can heal.”
Day and Helen Marie – a spoken word artist and promoter – came together to present Soup Kitchen to give a venue for the more progressive Christian artists.
“I know people think that this is controversial,” Day said. “But we as Christians are controversial.”
A Touch of Healing offers an additional performance refuge for those reserved for the occasional combined youth worship service. Aided by Crunk 4 Christ member DJ Warner on the ones and twos, Host Cindy Lyles welcomed spoken word artists, singers, rappers as they came one after another with a radical and remixed version of the Word as it applies today. Coupled with narratives and testimonies regarding their faith journey, Dre Hilton, Helen Marie, Heaven Sent Souljahs, CJ Conrod and Sonia and others each presented a new spin on the age old Christian principles in a way that “made it plain” as they presented.
“Let there be a hush in this space as his spirit moves the place,” one poet stated.
There was, and it did.
By the time rap group Heaven Sent Souljahs took center stage, that same hush had transformed into a roar of head nodding in a crunk atmosphere where guests transformed moves similar to those often seen on the dancefloor in an effort to “tear the club up” as an element of praise.
“God has a way of opening doors and Through this He has given an outlet for young people,” said Robert Barney, Sr., owner of JMRJ Restaurant & Catering. “ This is a good thing. It will have a ripple effect and affect a whole other group as well.”
Soup Kitchen presents “ A taste of Healing” takes place at 9 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/sevenkonektions
The Gospel Scene
Virtue’s All White Party
On Saturday, Aug. 30th, The Virtue Lounge will present their 2nd Annual All White Affair.
The event features live performances by Jai Williams, Kenneth DeShields and FiyahPoet. D-Stone and Hypeman Warner will be there spinning the hottest mixes of Christian music.
The Virtue Lounge 2nd Annual All White Affair will take place at 8 p.m., on Sat., Aug. 30, at The City Museum’s Architecture Hall – 701 N. 15th Street St. Louis MO. For more information, visit www.Virtuelounge.net.
