Our evening at Woodley Baptist Church was a wonderful occasion, and we received an incredibly warm welcome from everyone there. We performed in The Venue, a beautifully intimate space with the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee shop, which was well attended and created the perfect setting for an evening of music, worship, and storytelling.
I was joined by Tim on keyboard, Martin on percussion, and David on fretless bass. Although we had only rehearsed together over four Tuesday evenings, it felt as though we had been playing as a band for much longer. Tim’s beautifully crafted piano arrangements complemented the songs perfectly, David added rich, ethereal textures on fretless bass, and Martin brought colour and rhythm with a variety of percussion instruments, including cajón, bongos, shakers, and chimes. Together, they helped create a musical backdrop that was both sensitive and expressive.
The set featured songs spanning all three albums. From Within the Silence, we performed favourites including In Denialand Louder Than the Thunder, with their smooth indie-folk sound. From Bricks and Mortar came Hiding Place and One True Vine, while the more recent album Everyone Who Calls was represented by the title track and From the Dust, both reflecting the album’s gentle, atmospheric indie-folk style.
The original songs were interwoven with familiar worship songs, including Be Thou My Vision, Holy Forever, and Goodness of God. These moments invited everyone present not only to listen but also to join together in worship, creating a natural blend of concert and worship gathering.
Throughout the evening, I also shared some of the story behind the music. I reflected on how my musical journey began in a group led by my church minister and his wife, how songwriting became a place of refuge and expression during my teenage years, and how those early experiences eventually led to writing songs of faith. During the COVID lockdowns, I began recording music for our church’s online services, learning the skills of home recording along the way. That unexpected season opened the door to producing my own albums, with invaluable support from talented friends and fellow musicians.
Looking back, it was a truly special evening of music, worship, and fellowship. It was a joy to share these songs in such a welcoming environment, and we are grateful to everyone at Woodley Baptist Church for their generous hospitality and enthusiastic support.
Emma Noonan Music 