I think I got more compliments about today's MSW broadcast than I have in a long time. Many loved the new hymn by Mack titled "Do You Love Me"; some enjoyed the last two "bigger" numbers ("Let Us All Press On", and "Come Thou Fount"); and some just felt peace throughout the whole program. It feels good to hear feedback and it feels good to contribute to something that helps others feel something positive.
I'll keep this short as I didn't have too much for today's post. But of note, the individuals from around the world who will be joining the Choir to sing in the upcoming sessions of General Conference, arrived recently. Eight or so of them were there today and after watching MSW, they came up and joined us in the loft to practice Conference music. I kind of had to shake my head though while they were sitting out on the front row of the audience benches (as the Choir was rehearsing). It was like the paparazzi had descended upon! All of the Choir leaders shook their hands and engaged in conversation while there were those taking photos and videoing them from various angles. The reason I was shaking my head is because in the bi-monthly Choir newsletter we received last week, it instructed us to do the following in regards to these international guest Choir members:
1. Feel encouraged to befriend and get to know them (without interrupting rehearsal, of course). Be
mindful of social cues in your interactions. We want them to feel welcome but don't wish to make
them feel interrogated or on display. [This clearly did not happen. Not only did Mack have to turn around and quiet all of those involved in welcoming the group, but the guest choir members themselves certainly must have felt like they were on display with all of the attention, picture taking, and videoing.]
2. Please refrain from over glamorizing or idealizing them. [Hmmm. Well, whether they felt over-glamorized today or not, I guess we'll never know for sure. But it's certainly possible.]
At any rate, it IS pretty cool to have them here. I don't know their names or what countries they come from, and I'm not sure I'll get to meet them all personally, but there's no doubt they'll uniquely contribute to the musical goodness of General Conference. Apparently they will each be formally introduced to us this coming Thursday so I may be able to give you all some additional details, later.
The only other tidbit I wanted to include today is that this coming Tuesday is our semi-annual member meeting and the majority of that meeting will focus on the upcoming Mexico City tour, as well as tours for the rest of this year and the next three years. Looking forward to knowing more about this shift from the traditional way that the Choir has toured in the past. More details in my post next week.
Make it a good week my friends. And borrowing from one of the today's songs, let us all press on!
Until next time, God be with you.
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