Music for 122709

We were pleased to welcome a couple of guests today. Charles Sprawls (son of Charlotte and Perry) was in town for the holidays and sang "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" at worship. It was beautiful, and the best part from my perspective was that he sang it unaccompanied! Very nicely done. The choir did "Glory to God" from "Messiah" this morning also. We had prepared it for 12/20 which was canceled because of weather. We did it this morning sans soprano soloist (at work) and sans string quartet (not contracted for this date), but we added a new soprano, our very own Shannon K. She had been wanting to sing with us for a while and decided today was the day. The whole ensemble did a very nice job. I played Willcocks variations on a couple of the carols so I was happy for that reason also. All in all a very nice Sunday. Next week we'll be back to our usual service schedule: FirstLight at 830AM and the second service at 11AM. The guest preacher will be our own Bob Tuttle preaching from the Prologue in St. John's gospel.

Merry Christmas

We've canceled everything at church for 12/20. The snow is insurmountable for many, and tantalizingly surmountable for some (including many who shouldn't even think about it). So for safety's sake, we're calling the day. Plus, there is a strong chance for more tonight. Not sure about the big whoop music planned: maybe 12/27, maybe save it for next year. Everyone's worked hard on a lot of stuff. And for that I am thankful. A second wintry storm is expected Christmas Eve. In case I don't see you between now and next Sunday, Merry Christmas. And thanks for reading the blog!

Not your father's Christmas pageant

This is from Highland Park PC(USA) in Dallas, from last Sunday 12/13/09.



I love it, but wonder if they couldn't have found a song a little more on point. The Forever cut is hugely popular because it was the track for a famous wedding procession earlier this year. But for Christmas there ought to have been a nice piece just a wee bit more targeted. But, I love this anyway.

Choir Retreat

I am home today with a sick kid, so I have a couple of minutes to catch up. Here are a couple of nice shots from the Choir Retreat in October at Lake J. Hope you can join us next year!

Dinner Theater

We had a great time. After all the fretting over the weather, the clouds broke around noon and we had clear skies and 50 degrees for the first show. The first seating was packed, including my "spare" table; seven o'clock wasn't very roomy either. The actors did a tremendous job; the food service staff, including choir singers as waiters were phenomenal.

Highlights:

"Jonathon's" spew at the first show

"Jess" bonking "Nathan" and "Rachel" on the head with an inflatable hammer when they got a little too off-the-hook

"Eli's" prayer at the manger scene

"Sarah's" "How-can-I-refuse-such-a-face" expression

Briggs and the baby donkey

Being together for a wonderful evening of food and fellowship

Impromptu Bells

'nuff said...

Next year, ladies...

Seasons of Joy 20 December 2009

BMPCNC will have a lessons and carols service at both services this coming Sunda 12/20. There ours will not be your standard issue L&C, I think the image below is still funny and on point. Keep an eye out this week for how we are developing out liturgy.


This CartoonChurch.com cartoon by Dave Walker originally appeared in the Church Times. View the source here.