TCATS #323 - COVID-19 Flexibilty

Little needs to be said about how the realities of COVID-19 has changed all of our lives already. Over the span of just 36 hours last week, instruction from our church and civic leaders caused the shutdown/suspension/closure of almost too many things to count. 

Until further notice...

No more church meetings or activities.

No more school for K-12 and colleges (online only).

No more professional or school-related or local-league sporting events.

No group meetings or gatherings of over 100 people.

No more temple work (except for live ordinances).

No more missionaries in the MTC (missionaries will learn via video conference from home).

As for the Tabernacle Choir, the leaders of said organization issued THIS statement which basically informed the public that The Messiah concerts were cancelled; the Chorale Concert was cancelled; and until further notice, the weekly Music & Spoken Word broadcasts would be cancelled (though previously-recorded broadcasts would be aired instead). 

Suddenly, the choir went from very busy to not very busy. It was a weird feeling. 

Several people have asked me what, exactly, ARE we doing. Well, a statement issued by the Church some time ago regarding the upcoming April General Conference included the following verbiage: "We plan to conduct all five sessions of that conference at the Conference Center. General authorities, general officers and their spouses, musicians, choirs, technicians, and others will participate as assigned. But, proceedings of the conference will be distributed throughout the world via technology only."

As such, we are still preparing to participate in General Conference (three weeks away)--at least for the time being. Obviously things could change. But for now, we are still preparing for that event.

"But Ryan," you say, "what about heeding the Governor's counsel to not gather in groups of over 100 people for the next two weeks? The Choir is obviously over 100 people...".

Good question. 

In order to better comply with that two-week guideline, the choir, for the next couple of weeks, will not be rehearsing altogether. They'll be rehearsing in smaller groups, and will be spread out among the seats so as to not be too close to other choir members. Obviously, if choir members are not feeling well, or have been traveling internationally, or don't even want to attend just to be extra safe, they will remain at home. The rest of us will use Thursday night rehearsals to prepare for General Conference and will also enjoy some extra time with our families--particularly on Sunday mornings. (Wait...I get to sleep in next Sunday? What? Woohoo!)

During these most interesting times, our prophet President Nelson reminded all of us of that "we should be comforted by this promise from the Savior: He said 'I the Lord am bound when you do what I say.' I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws. Please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones. And look for opportunities to help those around you near and far. We have the great privilege of ministering to our neighbors wherever they live."

I hope we call adopt the important characteristic of being flexible and remember how important it is to be nice, kind, and helpful to all of those around us--not only during this unique time, but always. 

Until next time, God be with you.