Where to begin but with the beginning? Our 2009 tour began at 7 A.M. as youth and parents congregated in the church parking lot--suitcases, carry-ons, and sleeping bags in tow. After an hour of milling around and greeting friends and family, the tour was kicked off at with an inspiring send-off service in the sanctuary. Our very own beloved Jim Knight began the service by introducing the focus of his Bible studies throughout the week. The topic? WORSHIP.
Though Jim has been planning Bible studies for choir tours for quite some time, he mentioned his difficutly in finding study material on which to base his Bible studies. His inspiration came from five important questions pertaining to worship that he posed to his five favorite ordained ministers / deacons of the Methodist Church. The fabulous five on Jim's list? Drumroll, please.
5. Reverend Larry Hayes (Jim's former church in SC--Lake City United Methodist)
4. Reverend Andrew LeBlanc
3. Reverend David Lewis
2. Reverend Frank Bulle
1. Reverend Steve Shapard
The responses from these ministers were comprised to form Jim's Bible study lessons for the week. More information on that coming later in the week.
Following Mr. Knight was our honored speaker, Mr. Geoff McCaslin. Geoff gave a brief background on his involvement in the church, and he explained how his involvement in BUMC youth choir gave him the inspiration to participate in music programs while he attended Bartlett High School and later Ole Miss. Geoff's speech was particularly inspiring to the youth as he described his joy in church music. He recounted a memory of his first "aha" experience. He spoke of a particular choir tour in which the choir was to perform a concert. When no one showed, instead of giving up, they decided to perform anyway. It was during that moment that Geoff truly felt connected to God and everyone in the room. His powerful memories touched everyone in the sanctuary, and it was his memories that inspired the youth to understand how much their music truly demonstrates worship. His speech ended with Lynn's familiar words:
"May the Lord bless you and keep you,
May the Lord make his face to shine upon and be gracious upon you,
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
And give you peace,
Now and forever more, Amen."
The service was concluded as everyone gathered in a traditional circle around the sanctuary to pray. Reverend Shapard delivered a prayer for safe travel for all going on the trip.
After many hugs and kisses, the youth and chaperones loaded the busses and headed for the road! It wasn't minutes later that iPods, cd players, Nintendo DSs, and many other electronic devices were whipped out to occupy the long bus ride.
Skipping to the good part, a lunch break was taken at 11 A.M. as the busses stopped at Natural Bridge Park in Natural Bridge, Alabama. Youth took a trail route while some immediately delved into the picnic spread provided by our lovely food crew: Pat Pritchard, Janet Wiens, Marnie Morrissette, Ann McDonald, and David McDonald. The menu?
turkey, ham, and PB & J sandwiches
chips
chocolate chip cookies
water and lemonade
Everything was graciously devoured, then the natural bridge was explored. Finally, it was time to load the busses and head back to the road.
At 2:30 P.M. a pit stop was made at Peach Park, where some youth took the time to enjoy some homemade peach ice cream. I, personally, enjoyed a Reeses cup ice cream cone. The road was hit again until dinner at 6:30 P.M. where the awaited meal of the day finally arrived: LAMBERT'S, the home of throwed rolls! Yes, most caught the rolls, some dropped them, and some were even pelted in the face. Nothing like a hot steamy roll to open those pores! The dinner was thoroughly enjoyed, though the overpacked meal took a toll on some. Suffice it to say, even my best of friends suffered. Yes, my best friend Claire Albert happened to regurgitate her dinner just in time for me to miss it, but she did claim there was a whole pickle in it! After some much needed recovery on the way to our resting place, we finally arrived at First United Methodist in Pensacola, Florida. Many rushed to hop in the showers, while some took time to explore their new territory for the night. Lights out were at 12 A.M., and this, my friends, is where I leave you for the day.
Sorry for such the late post, but even I am past curfew. Pictures and even videos will be posted at a later date. Thanks for tuning in! More to come.
This is Hillary Puckett with your daily choir tour report. Goodnight.
