my defenseless head

Here's Charles Wesley, born 301 years ago. This Sunday the choir is singing his "Jesus Lover of my Soul" in a setting by Martin.

Ever have one of those musical gnats that keeps buzzing inside your head? After rehearsal Wednesday the accompanist said, That's going to keep playing in my head. I said, Me too.

One phrase in particular: "cover my defenseless head with the shelter of thy wings." I'm like, defenseless head? Maybe Charles was bald. I look up images on google. This obviously was not his real hair. This is a wig. So, maybe the bald hypothesis is right.

Maybe, I think, it's that the head is the most vulnerable.

Powerful stuff, that Wesley.

happy 18th

Before rehearsal got underway, it was a heart-felt singing of happy birthday for soprano Katie. Only once in a lifetime does one have an 18th birthday. Best wishes.

more basses

Here's Pat and Bob, part two of the bass section. A few singers were absent on the 23rd.

choir pictures

I'm past taking pics to learn names. But it was time for decent photos. I used the church's Konica, and on the fly, after a rousing rehearsal Wednesday evening, as we were leaving, here's part one of the basses: Floyd and Barry.

everyone sang at Bethlehem

"Come to Bethlehem" is the children re-enacting the birth of Jesus. Right up front is the stable. In the photo see the shepherds adoring the child. Remember this is rehearsal.

Pastor Scott is adjusting the mic for Katie at the lecturn. Sherry at far right is giving directions. The angel choir is in white.

I was excited to see so much participation. Maybe it's not Broadway, but, hey, we told the story. Actually, it's better than Broadway.

million pieces of Christmas

There's a million of pieces that come together to make Christmas really come. At least when working with the young people and the musicians of a church.

The Saturday before Christmas Eve energy was high at Zion. All over the sanctuary, overflowing into the fellowship hall and the hallways. Mini-rehearsals were taking place in Sunday school rooms. On the "stage" of the church it all came together under the brilliant supervision of Sherry.

Here Art and Joyce share the joy of the moment.

It was a wonderful expression of cooperation, love, joy, and beauty when it all came together Sunday and then on Monday, Christmas Eve.

my first staff meeting

The word went out yesterday. Staff meeting at noon.

When do we have staff meetings? I asked. Whenever needed, not often. Maintenance was there. Assistant pastor. Other asst. pastor was out. Secretary and financial secretary. Pastor came late from a meeting.

Meeting at 12? I noticed. Well, we have lunch together. Yum. The office is already regaled with cookies and candies, but this was solid Costco meat balls. Someone goes to the youth room and brings soda.

What an easy-going meeting, often interrupted by persons coming into the office, right across the hall from our room.

I need "mail boxes" for the choir to keep their folders in, and I learn how to get that done. Tomorrow the organ tuner is coming. There's a tunnel for the heating system most people don't know about. Lots of interesting and useful stuff. I loved it.

For supper I'm going to another fellowship meal. Then it's choir rehearsal for the second time in the new rehearsal room.

New adult choir rehearsal room

I looked around the church for a rehearsal place for the choir. Bill helped me look and consider the pros and cons.

Pastor Hunter helped me decide on Footprints room, 131.

I need a studio atmosphere instead of a large stage atmosphere. I need a blackboard. I need flexible seating so we can face each other, or cluster in voice groups.

So, adult choir, starting Wednesday the 12th--7 p.m. in #131.