Youth Choir Weekend, Part 2

On Sunday night, January 28th, our Youth Choir sang during the Evening Worship Service for those souls who were brave enough to venture out into the cold weather. We had a good number of our choir members participate in the 5:30 rehearsal and the 6:30 worship service. Following the service, all of the choir enjoyed a warming fellowship meal of hotdogs and chili in the Family Life Center.

The choir combined their voices with musicians of our Praise Band to sing an exciting arrangement of the spiritual "He Never Failed Me." Emily Herron did an outstanding job in singing the solos through the song. The choir also led the congregation in worship through some of their favorite songs: "Here I Am to Worship" and "The Potter's Hand." To close the service, the group, accompanied only by Marion Meibaum on piano, sang beautifully the benediction "May the Road Rise to Meet You."



(Emily does her warm-up exercises for her solo.)





Two impressions from Sunday night: First, I had just returned from a wonderful weekend at the Youth Project in Jackson, Tennessee. Over 500 singers beautifully singing 3 and 4 part harmony. Yet as I stood with our 25 singers, I was overcome with a sense of awe at the talent and commitment of our singers. I love their enthusiasm. I love their excitement. I love their desire for service. I love their voices when they sing. I just love being around them! And I am very proud and humbled to be able to serve as their director. What a group!




Secondly, they did an outstanding job on Sunday night! And they were excited, really excited about singing. They wanted to sing that song. And when they had done it, they were proud of what they had accomplished.




(Bro. David gives last minute instructions.)






God has blessed us at First Baptist. We have teenagers who are excited about their faith; who are excited about their God; and who want to use their talents (not just in music) to serve. And we, as adults, have an obligation to lead them, to encourage them, and to guide them as they seek out opportunities to share their faith, no matter what the medium. WHAT A RESPONSIBLITY!


Thank You, Youth Choir for the wonderful job you did on Sunday Night. Thank You, Marion for the wondeful way you assist with this group. And Thank You, Darren and Chrisie for being such encouragers and leaders to this great group of teens.



The Youth Choir, Winter, 2007

Youth Choir Weekend

This past weekend, January 26th and 27th, four of Youth Choir members participated in the Youth Project for Youth Choirs at the West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. This event is sponsored annually by the Worship and Music Departments of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Union Department of Union University. Over 500 students from across the state of Tennessee participated in this glorious event.

Participating from our church were Emily Herron, Kelley Jones, Krystal Jones and Lauren Lambert. All of these girls have been active in our Youth Choir Ministry for several years now.

(Left to Right: Lauren, Krystal, Emily & Kelly)


Activities began on Friday night with sectional rehearsals, followed a mass choir rehearsal in the sanctuary of the West Jackson Church. It was a tremendous sound!!! Over 500 student voices singing three and four part harmony. Following the rehearsal, one of the visiting youth choirs from Columbia, Tennessee presented a couple of songs as well as a description of their choir's ministry. Then there was a devotion time led by Andy Neely, Minister to Students at the West Jackson Church. Following the devotion, another rehearsal and finally a Youth Celebration in the Sanctuary. The girls and their leader returned to the hotel about 11:00 p.m., where Phyllis and Benjamin Elkins had their rooms ready.


The schedule on Saturday didn't get any easier. Before lunch there was a fellowship time in the sanctuary, two rehearsals, one devotion time, and a concert by another of the participating youth choirs. This choir was from the Chattanooga area. After lunch, two more rehearsals, devotion, and a concert by Voices of Proclamation, a Union University music group.



(The cross at the back of the sanctuary was a
constant reminder of why we sing.)


The afternoon concluded around 4:00 p.m. with a recording session of the five songs that the group had rehearsed for the entire weekend. The C.D. Recordings will be published and made available to the participates in a few weeks.


(Look closely: Stephen Carroll leads the group in the large group rehearsal.)


Leading the mass youth choir for the weekend was Stephen Carrell, Minister of Music for 17 years at the First Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas. Stephen did a wonderful job at motivating the youth to sing their very best. His personality and spirit made him the man for the weekend. And best of all, he and Bro. David may be kin!!! Really!!!!


(Stephen Carrell takes time for a picture with the girls.)



Overall, it was a wonderful time of music, worship and fellowship for the girls. It is hoped that their enthusiasm and excitement regarding the trip will encourage others to participate in this trip in 2008.




( One more picture.)