I've been learning, from those wiser than I, to persistently seek out the benefits God has brought about from frustrating situations, and I am very thankful for it now. Coming the same week as some frustrating layoffs at Cat, Candlelight and Carols has not only been a pleasant distraction, but a learning experience in what really deserves my energy and joy - worship of our Lord and savior, in many forms.
Again, there is an entire album devoted to Candlelight and Carols for you to peruse, but I'll try to highlight a little.
This was our first time as a choir worshiping for Christmas in such a large facility. The lineup was pretty big and I found memorization to be a little harder than last year. Of course, it's always hard when you spend very little time trying. And just as we might feel exhausted or distracted by the fact that after intermission we still have to stand up straight and sing songs some of us were still struggling with for another half hour, our reentry onto the stage was our privilege and joy to sing, to boast in God's Glorious Impossible.
Somewhere around 1600 people (possibly more) attended spread over two services. No one has given me a confident number yet. Previously, the church sanctuary, which holds 400ish per service, would serve about 1200 or so over three services.
Bethany Community church represented by Pastor Daniel and the Gospel of Christ
proclaimed.
Kelli did an amazing job directing at short notice. She had me totally fooled with the whole "I'm really nervous" act before intermission. Pfffft!
As tiring as it can be at the end of a long day, I'm glad Fred makes us rush out to the hall and prepare to greet the audience as they leave. Hundreds of people walked by and made ME excited to be there as they beat us to
offering gratitude for the concert and wishing a Merry Christmas. It was also very fun to see alot of old faces that haven't been around me for a long time, like Mrs. Rude and Mrs. Bachmann!
Greg and Steph (to whom a tribute photo was taken a month ago) were back in town AGAIN!! So lucky to see them twice in a month. CI misses them dearly...well, technically no one in class even knows them anymore...but they would miss them if they knew them!! That's right. Greg smiling AND hugging at the same time. Times they are a changin'.
A sincere effort on Madison's part who went through a list of 22 possible middle name guesses for Josh, but failing to get the right one. It wasn't over...
Part 2 was this Sunday where the Bethany Christmas choir kept up with their tradition of a shortened performance at Living Hope Community church in Bartonville, which meets in Hollis Grade school.
A large portion of our dedicated orchestra was able to make it.
Beth did a stunning job jazzing it up with us on "Not An Ordinary Baby" in Katie's absence!
1 comment:
Some of us still remember Greg & Steph (like... 3 of us).
Great job covering C&C!
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