Outside the church, the weather was a wintry mess, but inside, Caribbean rhythms warmed both the body and the soul. Folks flocked to the church—despite the weather—because it was Steelpan Music Sunday, the Sunday of the month when “The Joyful Steelers,” led by Rev. Lark McCalman, bless the congregation with hymns and spiritual songs played on Steelpans.
Pastor Lark McCalman brought this new music ministry with her. “I’ve always been interested in Steelpan music. It’s the music we grew up with in the West Indies.” Although she had always loved the steelpan, it was a visit to her brother in London that changed things for her. “When I went on vacation to London, Steelpan music is very big there, much bigger than here… It’s not just played by West Indians; it’s something that everyone enjoys.”
Rev. McCalman’s brother leads a popular Steelpan group in London, her daughter learned to play when she visited London in the summer, and many of her nephews play as well. After Rev. McCalman taught herself to play, she dreamed of bringing the music to the church. Her family helped make her dream a reality.
“When I wanted to introduce it to the church, I spoke to my brother about having a group here. He decided to gift me some steelpans. That’s where my steelpans came from—London. Every time my daughter or friends would go over, they would bring one back for me.”
The music ministry is sparking a renewal at Spring Valley UMC. Two new members just joined the church—and their children have started to play. Miss Valerie Lamb, a member of The Joyful Steelers, shared, “The rhythm, we’re so accustomed to it. It’s very lively and upbeat. You want to move when you are singing your praises. We all enjoy it.”
Miss Carrol Chambers is grateful to be a part of the Steelpan ministry: “The creativity has a very rich impact on mental health, to be honest. It’s kind of soothing for me. I had a friend in Jamaica whose church taught the steelpan. That was something I always wanted to learn. When Pastor Lark came and wanted to teach, I was excited to join.”
The Joyful Steelers are humble in heart. They love to praise God with their bodies as they play the Steelpan, but they’ll be the first to tell you that they couldn’t do it without their wonderful music minister, Axel Belohoubek. Miss Carrol said, “He really makes it jazzy. All his playing comes together with the Steelpan. He knows how to lead us into the atmosphere.”
Rev. McCalman added, “David danced before God. We are dancing before God. Letting God know that we appreciate all that God has done for us. Find the joy in life. Jesus came to give us life and give us abundant life. We appreciate that, and we are dancing and moving. Just being grateful—just being thankful for what God is doing. We want to let God know that we appreciate everything He’s done.”
An Open Invitation
The music ministry is open to anyone who wants to learn. A previous District Superintendent for the Meadowlands District, Rev. Gina Kim, came and took a few lessons.
Not only is Rev. McCalman willing to teach anyone who wants to learn, but she and the other members of The Joyful Steelers are passionate about taking the music outside the doors of the church. Last year, they played at Pastor Lark’s granddaughter’s school to a packed auditorium filled with elementary students and their parents. They’ve also played at funerals, women’s days for other churches, and at the local Baptist church.
The Steelpan music ministry at Spring Valley UMC is not just about creating beautiful sounds; it’s about building a community, sharing joy, and honoring God through music.
Through the dedication of Rev. Lark McCalman and The Joyful Steelers, the ministry has become a vibrant expression of faith, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds. As they continue to spread the rhythm of the Steelpan, they invite others to experience the joy and healing that comes from both the music and the fellowship. With open hearts and an open invitation, they are ready to share the blessings of this unique ministry with anyone who wishes to join in the celebration.