Last week, I was out and about in the thriving metropolis of Sunderland when a woman came up to me and said, "I know you." I had no idea who she was! Here's how the whole scene went:
I know you.
Oh, really?
You lead a choir.
Yes, I do. Voices In Praise at Friendship United Methodist.
Yes, yes. You came to our church.
Where do you go to church?
First Baptist Upper Marlboro.
Wow. I figured she'd say Smithville or St. James, or any number of places where we have sung recently. Want to know the one and only time we sang at First Baptist Upper Marlboro?
June 4, 2006. (No, I did not know this date -- I looked it up!)
And I thought to myself, "This woman has a mind like a steel trap." It has been nearly 4 and a half years since we were there, and you remember us? Wow.
We certainly remember that worship service. It was Chamber alone and I think we did 3-4 pieces as part of their worship service. We always liked singing at different churches, and especially ones of different denominations because they were just... well, different. We became pretty adept at adjusting to service orders and different rituals.
That service was particularly memorable... the sermon was on the story of David and Bathsheba. And the preacher described in (ahem) very strong language. I remember the Choir and I looked at each other with wide eyes and a bit of shock. The preacher was, of course, biblically accurate. It was just a little more than we were used to!
It was memorable for us and I was really touched that after so many years, this woman remembered us. Those types of lasting impressions matter a lot, and help connect the years of the Voices In Praise ministry. I let the woman know that the choir was still around and singing well. We had a nice conversation and I hope that she'll come see the choir sing this year.
This Sunday (Nov. 14, 2010), the high schoolers of VIP journey to St. James in Lothian to sing in worship at their 9am and 11am services. Who knows who will remember this performance in 4 and a half years?!
Welcome! Voices In Praise exists for the glory of God and in service to others. As the youth choir of Friendship United Methodist Church, the group is open to all youth in grades 6 -12 who have a desire to sing and a willingness to make the commitment to the group. Singers are not required to be a member of the church or to have any background in singing. Our doors are open to everyone!
The choir rehearses on Mondays. Girls rehearse from 6:30pm – 8pm; Guys rehearse from 7pm – 8:30pm.
New singers are welcome any time. Feel free to contact Director Holly Reynolds Lee at 301-728-1748 with questions!
The choir rehearses on Mondays. Girls rehearse from 6:30pm – 8pm; Guys rehearse from 7pm – 8:30pm.New singers are welcome any time. Feel free to contact Director Holly Reynolds Lee at 301-728-1748 with questions!