The Choir presidency announced some time ago that they were putting together a special fireside that would be for the members of the Choir, Orchestra, and Bells. When I first heard about the fireside, I was cautiously optimistic that it would include messages that I really wanted and needed to hear. For nine months now, although members of the Choir Organization receive weekly newsletters, we haven't really been able to visibly see or audibly hear from most of those who we typically see and hear from on a regular basis. This fireside would be the first time.
So, at 7pm, I tuned in and with a prayer in my heart, listened to both the beautiful music by our organists, and the helpful and consoling messages from our choir leaders. We heard from our choir secretary, from our public relations manager, from the individual who's over scheduling and copyright issues, from the sister who helps run the choir school, from the sister who oversees things in the music library, and several others. And of course, we heard from Ryan Murphy and Mack Wilberg and Ron Jarret, along with Presiding Bishop Causse.
A few comments about the format of this fireside and the messages.
First, I really appreciated hearing from so many that we actually don't hear too much from. To me, it symbolized that everyone is important.
Second, the overall themes of the fireside included the following:
Our pre-recorded programs continue to bless the lives of those who, before the pandemic, normally tuned in, and also those who normally did not tune in--but do so now.
Sometimes service is rendered even when we are, of necessity, asked to just stand by and be patient.
Each individual is important. Even though we strive to be one and often focus on the end result, it's the individual preparation and sacrifice that are so important to that end result.
Things are not often what they seem. God's work is always going on and we are always given opportunities to share our light and love with others even when some of the normal ways of doing that (i.e. through singing in the Choir) are temporarily on pause.
We are all missed.
There's great power in music and it's truly a medium of communication that connects heaven and earth. It's vital to the work of salvation and to the gathering that's going on.
With this pause on rehearsing and performing, we've been given a unique opportunity to not only serve others in different ways, but come to appreciate more fully the Choir "musical missionary" calling we've been given. Such appreciation will be vital to moving the work forward in a more dedicated way when we're able to make music again.
I'm grateful for the fireside and the messages and that so many people took the time to let us know we are still being thought of and are still being missed. I have a peace now--one that I'm confident will remain with me-- as I look forward to all of the things I'll enjoy again one day.
And singing with the choir will certainly be one of them.
Until next time, God be with you.
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