About Me

I’m David Merkel, a pastor in the United Methodist Church currently serving under appointment at Columbia Falls United Methodist Church. C Falls, in northwest Montana near Glacier National Park, is a small but growing and evolving community continuing to go through dynamic and subtle changes. Columbia Falls had long been the blue-collar, working-man, industrial town in the Flathead Valley – a source for the world’s demand for lumber and aluminum. Under pressure from the emerging global economy, cultural changes in technology, changing world views and the economic downturn of 2008, the community is morphing into something new; a yet undiscovered community identity. That has a tendency to describe my own life: growing and changing in dynamic ways, both obvious and subtle; internally and externally; a continual refocusing of my life as I seek to more deeply live in to my true role in this world.

Music is a key component and derivative of life, mine included. The clichés often heard about music have a tendency to ring harmoniously true: music is the common language of the universe; if you want to know and understand someone, listen to the music they’re listening to/playing; music has the power to engage, unify, and move individuals beyond themselves; where words leave off music begins, yet there is nothing more difficult than speaking about music. Music is my home, my escape, and is life-giving.

While the numerous genres and cultural nuances of music each seem to offer something highly unique, the underlying message and power of music can move us far beyond ourselves to a place we discover the interconnectedness and interdependency we have with all humanity and creation. Music is, simply put, the language of human unity. From classical music to the syncopation and rhythm-driven hip-hop tunes to the creating flow of improvisation, music contains an underlying message that not only reflects but creates and nurtures life. While I am a classically trained pianist and pipe organist, I have come to embrace all forms, expressions, genres and styles of music. Rarely will I play music as written, but instead in a way that fully reflects the movement of the Spirit in the moment.

Some of life’s simple pleasures for me include golf, cooking, red wine, microbrew beer, the outdoors, people, monastic solitariness, freedom, space and music. I’m not the type that appreciates being placed in a box and labeled, and I attempt to afford the same respect to each person I encounter. Labeling and categorizing, while making it seemingly easier for us humans to understand life, is too black and white and inappropriate, leading to a deterioration of the uniqueness and diversity of each individual. As for me you can label me conservative or liberal, progressive or fundamental, godly or devilish, graceful or clumsy, educated or not, simple or complicated, analytical or creative, playful or contemplative. All and none fit. Place me in a box and I’m suddenly missing from your meticulously labeled container only to be found in a completely unrelated categorized box. Not to worry, God does that with me on occasion too, I believe, to shake up my assumptions.

This blog serves a number of purposes:

• It allows me to share my thoughts and engage in dialogue with others as I continue on a path I’ve found myself on: seeking the true intersection(s) of music, theology, worship and spirituality.
• It is a way for me to release some of the thoughts and meditations I go through, which could be any number of topics.
• It offers me a way to share just a few of the musical arrangements I write.

I don’t seek to be right, but rather a deeper truth that can be discovered through the sharing of experiences and thoughts. Through open, honest and respectful dialogue we all grow deeper in our understanding of life, spirituality, faith and deeper relationship with one another and all God’s creation.

Thanks for visiting.

Peace out –
Pastor Dave