Making A Difference With Camels, Presents, And Prayers

Our most recent anthem 'I'd Like To Ride A Camel' brought about a thought provoking discussion. The children pictured themselves as one of the Wise Men traveling by camel. When asked what they would have brought as a gift for the baby Jesus, several favorite toys such as trains and stuffed animals were suggested. Then we pondered other presents that would make Jesus smile; like talking to someone who felt sad, or giving a hug to your parents. In a world so impressed by material wealth, it was nice to remember that God treasures gifts of our time and heart most of all.
It doesn't matter how big, experienced, knowlegable, or old you are to make a difference in the lives of others. The Sonshine Choir has a habit of joining hands and praying together to prepare ourselves for worship. Up until now, I had always led this special time of prayer. But for the first time, I opened up the opportunity to anyone. It was a deliciously suspenseful moment in which I had absolutely no idea what would happen next. All were quiet except for Logan, one of the youngest members in the choir. Without hesitation, his small voice replied, "I will." Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us could allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit as confidently as this four year old demonstrated?

Advent Adventures

As Worship Leaders on December 17th, the Sonshine Choir will be enhancing the Second Lesson taken from Philippians 4:4-7:
"Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And Gods peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
(cited from The Devotional Bible, 2003 Thomas Nelson, Inc.)
When I first introduced how the 'Rejoice The Lord' song would 'Sandwich' (be sung both before and after) the lesson; I received several customized food orders for ketchup, mustard, and even pickles!



It's Fun To Share Hymn Singing With The Grown-Ups!

• The 'On Eagles Wings' communion hymn reminded us that God can teach us to soar high above our troubles, just like the mighty eagle.
  
• The recessional 'Soon And Very Soon' hymn boldly proclaimed how wonderful it will be in heaven with Jesus the King.
• 'People Look East' (With One Voice Hymnal #626) will be sung on December 17th. This hymn reminds us to watch and listen for signs that the Lord is coming. He is on the way.

Our hearts are inspired by spiritual songs, especially known ones. God is always pleased to hear us raise our voices in praise. These hymns are now part of your children's personal expression of faith. The composers of these hymns never intended them to be limited within the four walls of a church! They can be offered to God anywhere. This week sing one joyfully in the shower. Sing another while driving the family around town.

Comments About Today and Looking Ahead to Next Saturday

The Sonshine Choir is off to a wonderful start! I was very pleased with the 'I Am A Promise' anthem. Mrs. Hanna did a great job as our guest piano accompanist. Several members of the congregation thought it was neat to see the kids express a deeper level of involvement and personal meaning with the 'Lamb Of God' motions. Special thanks are extended to Mrs. Anstaett who efficiently organized the robe fitting project.

Please note the change of location and time for the Saturday, October 28th worship service. We will meet in the Bridal Room, just off the Narthex at 5:15 p.m. for the 5:30 Saturday Worship Service. I look forward to experiencing a Saturday Worship Service for the first time. . . especially with all of you!

Correction on 2006-2007 Rehearsal & Worship Schedule:


Sunday June 3rd Worship Service will not be at 10:30 a.m. as originally stated. All Sunday services during the summer will begin at 9:45 a.m. June beins the summer worship schedule.

Current Rehearsal Items

Upcoming Anthems
We have had two very successful rehearsals. Today we were able to sing through the entire 'I Am A Promise' song. . . with instruments! Even the youngest members were quite proficient at playing their Rhythm Sticks. Ask your child to sing the 'I Am A Promise' song at home with claps for the instrument part they play. Some have rhythm sticks and others have jingle sticks.

Upcoming Hymns
We are concentrating on two songs from the blue With One Voice hymnal:
#744 Soon And Very Soon
#799 On Eagle's Wings
Beginning readers in the choir hold a colored index card under the lyrics being sung at that moment. I encourage you to guide your child during worship services to do the same on all the hymns. It really makes it easier for them to follow. I will place an index card in each of the kid activity packs located in the narthex for this purpose.

Upcoming Liturgical Song Studies
We are adding arm movement and sign language to the 'Lamb of God' song. This is sung during our worship service as a preparation for Communion. You can remind your child that another name for Jesus is the Lamb of God. Adam pointed out to me that the two fingers used to sign the word 'lamb' resemble scissors shearing away its wool. Ask your child to show you all the motions for the 'Lamb of God' song.

Important Dates For The Month Of October
Sunday, October 1st- 9:00 a.m. rehearsal upstairs

Wednesday, October 4th- 7:00 p.m. Blessing of the Animals Service in the Prayer Labrynth. Introduce your pet to Lucy, Mrs. Beal's dog. She is very fluffy and has red hair. Lucy was named after Lucille Ball, a famous comedian who also had red hair!

Sunday, October 8th- 9:00 a.m. rehearsal upstairs

Sunday, October 15- REHEARSAL IS CANCELLED THAT DAY

Sunday, October 22nd- 9:00 a.m. rehearsal upstairs
10:15 a.m. put on your Sonshine Choir robe in the Bridal Room, located off of the Narthex. Then join hands and say a prayer together to prepare for worship.
10:30 a.m. Process in to the Sanctuary for Worship.

Saturday, October 28th- 4:45 p.m. put your Sonshine Choir robe on in the Blue Room (formerly called the Gold Room.) Then join hands and say a prayer together to prepare for worship.
5:00 p.m. Process in to the Chapel for Worship.

Sunday, October 29th- REHEARSAL IS CANCELLED THAT DAY

Sonshine Choir 2006-2007 Rehearsal &Worship Schedule

(Rehearsal is held every Sunday from 9:00-9:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted.)

Sunday, September 17- First Rehearsal

Sunday October 15th - Rehearsal Cancelled

Sunday, October 22nd 10:30 a.m.- First Worship Service

Saturday, October 28^th 5:00 p.m.- Worship Service

Sunday, October 29^th- Rehearsal Cancelled

Sunday, November 19th 10:30 a.m.- Worship Service

Sunday, November 26^th- Rehearsal Cancelled

Sunday, December 17^th 10:30 a.m.- Worship Service

Sunday, December 24^th- Rehearsal Cancelled

Sunday, December 31^st- Rehearsal Cancelled

Sunday, January 21st 10:30 a.m.- Worship Service

Sunday, February 11^th 10:30 a.m.- Worship Service

Sunday, February 18^th- Rehearsal Cancelled

Sunday, March 18^th 10:30- Worship Service

Easter Sunday, April 8^th- Rehearsal Cancelled,

BUT WE WILL PARTICIPATE IN 10:30 EASTER SERVICE!!!

Sunday, April 29^th 8:00 a.m.- Worship Service

Sunday, May 13^th- Rehearsal Cancelled

Music Sunday, June 3^rd 10:30-Choir Party During Final Rehearsal
Plus Final Worship Service