Coming Attractions 5.11.2011

Dear friends,

Thanks so much for all your good energy tonight as we continued our preparations for next week's concert and also opened up some of the scores for this weekend's Music Ministry Spectacular for the first time.  We tend to do such a good job of being fully prepared for worship and performances throughout the year, but this big weekend always seems to catch me a bit by surprise.  I apologize that we will be 'on the edge' on Sunday morning more than usual.  Having said that, we will have a beautiful and wonderful time together, and we can enjoy sharing with the orchestra and all the other singing and ringing choirs at First-Plymouth.  As a reminder, this Sunday, May 15, we will:

• gather in the choir room at 8:00 sharp for warm-up and to review some of the hymn arrangements and Come Thou Fount
• sing Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain with the Choristers, Chorale, and Orchestra at 8:30 in the sanctuary, then practice procession
• sing for the 9:00 service
• eat breakfast in Mayflower and celebrate with Paula Nicholls on the occasion of her retirement from choir  (Thank you for your donations tonight towards her Campbell's Nursery Gift certificate)
• sing for the 10:30 service

Next week, then, we welcome guest organist Andy Kotylo to Lincoln to join us in our Organ...Plus concert.  Please remember to take some time with LAUDES ORGANI and EVENING HYMN on our choir blog.  We are making great, swift progress on these pieces, and your personal practice between Wednesdays will be very helpful to the continuation of our process.  Next week's schedule is:

• Wednesday rehearsal, 7:15-9:30 p.m.
• Thursday dress rehearsal, 7:15-9:00 p.m.
• Friday concert at 7:00 p.m., warm-up at 6:30 p.m. 
• Sunday service, May 22 at 10:30 a.m. (warm-up at 9:45 a.m.)

Two additional musical events coming up at First-Plymouth that may interest you:

• An incredible young pianist, Anna Larsen, will play a free concert on Sunday, May 22 at 3:00 p.m.
• Lyric Baritone, Paul Tipton, who was "Jesus' in our recent St. John Passion will sing a recital on Tuesday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m.

I have been working intently the last few days on my sermon for this Sunday.  I want to thank you that you have given me so many chances to 'preach to the choir' in preparation.  I pray that the message I will offer in worship Sunday will be even half as meaningful as the message you all bring to our worship each and every week.   Thank you, as always, for extending to me the honor, privilege and blessing of sharing in ministry with you.  We have a lot to celebrate on Sunday...and always!

Grace and peace,
TT