Monday, February 8, 2010

Photos from our Epiphany Concert

VIP is canceled for tonight

Hi VIPS -

Because so many of us are still snowed in, we're going to cancel VIP activities for tonight. We hope to reschedule later in the week!

Would you please respond to via text, email, fbook or phone so I know you received this message?

Thanks,
Holly

PS - Check the VIP Blog later today for photos from our concert!

Decisions, Decisions

Hi VIPs -

Just a note to let you know that I'm still trying to decide about VIP today. We are scheduled to have Valentine-making at 4pm, followed by regular rehearsals. I'm not sure what your neighborhoods look like but mine hasn't seen a plow! Now, if I am the only one with un-plowed streets, I can walk to the end of my neighborhood and catch a ride from there. But I suspect I'm not the only one who is still snowed in. It doesn't make sense for us to try and have rehearsal if too many singers can't get there.

So, let met a.) continue to pray for a plow and b.) see what you all have to say. If you're still snowed in, would you please let me know?

I'll make an official decision by 2pm today. And if we do need to cancel tonight, we may try and reschedule for another day this week. The way the storm pattern is looking, I'm doubting that we'll have school for a few days so maybe we can get together towards the end of the week. We'll see how that shapes up!

Thanks,
Holly

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Valentine Party - Postponed till Monday

The VIP Valentine Making Party is postponed till Monday at 4pm, assuming we can all dig out by then! On Monday, we'll make Valentines, eat dinner, and then have regular rehearsals. (Note: we're postponing till Monday because it looks like we'll all be snowed in on Sunday.)

Stay warm and I'll (hopefully) see you on Monday!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Why We're On...

I'm looking out the window at 8+ inches of snow and wondering if people think I've lost my mind for not canceling VIP today. We sing in church, and the singers are due at church in 1 hour and 6 minutes. I've heard that all school activities are canceled. Many churches have canceled their services, too. Why not us?

Well, church wouldn't be canceled because our 11am church is never canceled. There is a reason why the Pastor's house is built within walking distance of the sanctuary! I suspect the roots of this tradition are somewhere in our Methodist history... once upon a time, ministers were circuit riders and would travel from church. Now that they've given that up, maybe we decided to make sure they'd never have travel troubles again -- so we built their houses next door to church, or as close to it as possible.

As I thought, "OK, church is on but can we get there?" I pictured my singers and their houses. I knew Courtney would make it -- she just has to walk across the street. And I knew Eric would make it -- he's skilled at shoveling the driveway, and I knew he'd have it done and that his large neighborhood would be among the first to be plowed. I remembered that Tara also lives in a big, populated neighborhood and she has a short driveway - she'd probably be able to get out, too. So, we have an alto, a bass and a soprano. I can roll with that.

As soon as I thought "Yes, I can rally three singers," I remembered the verse from Matthew: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

How hard it is in so many places for two or three to gather. My dear friend Matt Gaines, along with his wife, Stasia, and their two children, are missionaries in China. Christianity takes place carefully, often hidden away from the eyes of the Communist regime. How difficult it must be for two or three to gather...

When Adam and I were in Tanzania several years ago, we attended church, along with many people who walked long distances just to make it to the service. When the road to church is a multi-hours walk, it must be difficult for two or three to gather...

How fortunate we are to live in this country and to have the multitude of blessings that we enjoy, most of the time without even thinking about them. Today, getting to church will be difficult but as long as we can make the journey with a reasonable amount of safety, why not?

The VIP Parents are a smart and wonderful bunch. They'll know if their neighborhood streets are too snowy and if the journey is just too dangerous. I know that for the singers who can't be with us physically, they'll be with us in spirit.

As long as I can rally three, we're on!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

We're on for tomorrow!

VIP is on for tomorrow's performance in worship at 11am. If you can get out of your driveway, please safely make your way to church in time for warm up at 10.

Thank you!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Bring A Friend Night: January 18, 6pm-8pm