Dear friends,

Even before our first rehearsal, the 2010-11 choir season has begun. Thanks for your heartfelt singing and your loving presence which added an additional dimension to the beautiful funeral this morning. We can all rest assured that Jim was relieved to hear some 'good music' today! A few days after our Brahms REQUIEM, Jim told me that he thought the choir had never sounded better or been more tightly connected. He then (only half-jokingly) told me "the honeymoon is over, and it is time to really get to work!"

And so we do get to work, and we continue the unending process of growing and connecting as an ensemble, as individual singers, and as faithful people. Jeremy and I have missed Wednesdays with you so much, and we are so excited that we will see you all THIS WEEK! Our Plymouth Choir season officially begins with rehearsal this Wednesday from 7:15-9:30 p.m., then continues with our retreat day next Saturday, the 28th. (...if you have yet to register for the retreat, please do so right now!) We can all dive into this new choir season and immerse ourselves in the blessings of sharing music together. "The honeymoon is over, and it's time to get to work!"

In the event that you need it, I am attaching our season schedule. This is the same as the one you have received before-- with one exception! For those of you who have already penciled details into your planners, please note April 23rd-- I had forgotten our Easter Dress rehearsal. For those of you who have not thought past this summer, here is your calendar. Period. : )

Also attached is our Welcome to the First-Plymouth Choir guide. Please remind yourself of some of the ways we strive to share our choir experience in the most optimistic and possibility-filled way! We begin anew, open to whatever gifts and graces God has to give us to bless us, and refreshed to face all the challenges that God uses to strengthen us.

I continue to thank God for calling us to be in ministry together. Thanks, God, for the honeymoon. Now, we promise, we'll get to work! : )

Grace and peace,
TT