Fundraiser focused on the wonder of worship

SONG OF PRAISE: One of Peter Shaw's compositions Morning Song was inspired by a bird that perched on his apple tree and joined him in praising the lord with music. Picture by Liam Clayton

Feel the power of contemporary worship music as local musicians deliver an awe-inspiring performance at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday.

The free concert is a part of a koha fundraiser for Anglican care Waiapu Te Hapara family services to raise funds for Christmas boxes.

Joining musician and event organiser Peter Shaw for the performance are drummer Mike Pomana and renowned bassist John Matete.

Apart from the musicians playing divinely charged music, Shaw has invited others to join in for a couple of carols.

“The theme for this performance is based around my journey of songwriting secular music and producing sacred music. This one in particular is about the wonder of worship.”

Shaw grew up in a musical family.

“My mother played the piano and my father played the violin. They would often get together and play music. Even our neighbour Jimmy would join in with his banjo.”

When Shaw was 18 months old, his family left Waihi and settled in Hamilton.

When he got older, he moved to Wellington to study music.

“When I moved there I was still looking for a reason to pursue music as a career but my father wasn't too pleased with the idea.

“They didn't really see it as a profession where you could make a good living and I wanted to prove otherwise,” Shaw said.

At that point of his life, the budding musician was yet to make his mark and was searching for a source of inspiration.

“One day I was thinking about if there really was a creator to all the beautiful things that surround us and realised that it might be worth exploring those thoughts through music.”

As years rolled on, the artist played at several music festivals, worked as a music teacher and released four albums during his time in Wellington.

“But 12 years ago I had an epiphany,” Shaw said.

“I heard the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit telling me to write worship songs. As I pleaded to God for confirmation, a substantial earthquake shook the ground underneath me.

“I knew then that I wasn't just hearing things,” he said.

The guitarist described the “final calling from Jesus” one morning when he was waiting for his son to get dressed for school.

“I was sitting on the couch playing my guitar when I heard the voice again. This time when I looked up I saw a figure dressed in white robes with white hair and a beard. That experience really stunned me.”

After the ethereal encounter, Shaw saw himself composing more worship music.

This weekend's concert is his fourth fundraising event.

The previous fundraisers have been for Te Hāhi, Stroke Tairāwhiti, and The Presbyterian Family Works Guardian Angels.

The Wonder of Worship: Peter Shaw, Mike Pomana and John Matete are inviting people to Holy Trinity Church hall on Sunday, 7pm for a koha fundraiser concert.