Call Us +1-555-555-555

Dear Choir

Michael Conley • June 18, 2021

Dear Choir,

This is the happiest note I have had the pleasure of writing in over a year. We are about to start singing together again, and I’m sure each of you join me in a desire to dance around in celebration! In fact, we are a mere 10 days away from our first rehearsal in more than a year. Hallelujah! Of course, what makes this happy reunion possible is the miracle of our mutual vaccination. So, before we go any further, I must be very clear that ONLY fully vaccinated members will be able to sing with the choir until further notice. More on that subject further along…see below.

But before we get into the specifics of that, let me give you a schedule as I currently conceive of it, understanding that as always in this strange time, everything is subject to change and/or adaptation. As a way of easing back into our former routines, we will start with a slightly shorter rehearsal for the summer months:

  • Chancel Choir Summer Schedule (as of 06/08/21)
  • Thursday, 06/17 Rehearsal (7:00-9:00)
  • Thursday, 06/24 Rehearsal (7:00-9:00)
  • Sunday, 06/27 Rehearsal (8:45-9:45) Worship (10:00)
  • We will then take three weeks off, while I finish up my tenure as worship video-editor. Thursday rehearsals
    resume on July 22nd.
  • Thursday, 07/22 Rehearsal (7:00-9:00)
  • Sunday, 07/25 Rehearsal (8:45-9:45) Worship (10:00)
  • Thursday, 07/29 Rehearsal (7:00-9:00)
  • Sunday, 08/01 Rehearsal (8:45-9:45) Worship (10:00)
  • Thursday, 08/05 Rehearsal (7:00-9:00)
  • Sunday, 08/08 Rehearsal (8:45-9:45) Worship (10:00)
  • Thursday, 08/12 Rehearsal (7:00-9:00)
  • Sunday, 08/15 Rehearsal (8:45-9:45) Worship (10:00)
  • Thursday, 08/19 Rehearsal (7:00-9:00)
  • Sunday, 08/22 Rehearsal (8:45-9:45) Worship (10:00)
  • Thursday, 08/26 Rehearsal (7:00-9:00)
  • Sunday, 08/29 Rehearsal (8:45-9:45) Worship (10:00)
  • Thursday, 09/02 NO REHEARSAL
  • Sunday, 09/05 Rehearsal (8:45-9:45) Worship (10:00)

Starting Thursday, September 9th our regular rehearsal schedule resumes, 7:00-9:30 pm. I have not yet determined when our “notes” rehearsals on Sundays will resume, or when we will be having our first concert, but those and other questions will hopefully be sorted out very soon. Stay tuned!

Our first service back on June 27th will be a very special day for many reasons, including our singing together for the first time, our singing with our new Pastor Marci in the building for the first time, Victor’s last time leading a service before his 3-month sabbatical begins, AND, our beloved Phoebe will be coming up to sing with us for one last time as soprano soloist/section leader. I don’t know about you, but I will have a box of Kleenex in my pocket!!

As always, my “door” is always open (or at least my phone and my email!), so if you have any questions or concerns about the coming days and weeks, please don’t hesitate to reach out and I will do my best to listen and respond.

In joyful anticipation,

Michael Conley

By Rev. Victor Floyd March 30, 2025
The Good Shepherd calls home all of the sheep, even "those" sheep. No matter how far you've wandered, no matter who has tried to separate you from God's fold, Jesus is waiting. It's time for a homecoming. 
A blooming fig fruit on a fig tree
By Rev. Marci Glass March 23, 2025
Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem and his disciples ask him a question as they walk. They want him to answer the questions we always want God to answer for us too—why do bad things happen to good people? Join us as we consider Jesus' answer to the question.
Mary & Martha by Lauren Wright Pittman - A golden, green, and blue depiction of Mary, Martha & Jesus
By Rev. Joann Lee March 16, 2025
The story of Mary and Martha is often painted as a story where one does right and one does wrong. We know, however, that life is often more complicated than that. We know that faith is embodied through being present and taking action—and everything in between. Join us on this second Sunday in Lent as we consider, how can we live along the spectrum of faith and works.
Cover image of the 2024 Annual Report.
By Rachel Wolf March 11, 2025
The 2024 Annual Report
An image of two palms facing each other - text reads
By Rev. Marci Glass March 9, 2025
In today's scripture reading, someone asks Jesus who, exactly, qualifies as a neighbor. Jesus tells the story of a person found half dead on the side of the road, but seen by at least one passerby as half alive, a neighbor worthy of care. Join us as we consider the question for today's world.
The Transfiguration by Augustin Kolawole Olayinka - a colorful triad of men in robes and a halo
By Rev. Joann Lee March 2, 2025
Stay woke! Or we might miss the glory of God (at least according to Luke's gospel). The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story of Jesus's transfiguration on the mountaintop. But only Luke records that the disciples witnessed this amazing transformation because they had stayed awake. In a time when we are tired and overwhelmed with exhausting news, how can we stay awake to witness what God is doing in the world and in our lives?
A woman kissing the feet of Jesus and wiping them with her hair
By Rev. Marci Glass February 23, 2025
In today's story, a woman washes Jesus' feet with her tears, drying them with her hair. It's an intimate scene. An emotional scene. A costly scene. And it makes the rest of the guests uncomfortable. We don't know her story, but we see her response to Jesus. How do we respond to grace, forgiveness, and second chances? Do we welcome second chances for others or just for ourselves?
“Magnificat” (Luke 1:52-53) by Benjamin Wildflower, man with fist in air stepping on a snake
By Rev. Victor Floyd February 16, 2025
What makes for a trustworthy prophet? Let’s learn a spiritually sound way to vet our current-day prophets. We need clarity—and hope—for these troubled times. And, friends, there is hope!
A black and white image of a billboard that reads 'thank god for immigrants'
By Rev. Marci Glass February 9, 2025
In today's story, Jesus interacts with people outside of his own community, and offers healing to people some would say were unworthy. How do we build community and healing across the lines that divide us?
A bird sitting on top of a sign that prohibits bird.
By Rev. Joann Lee February 2, 2025
Rest and sabbath are necessary. As such, work was prohibited on the sabbath in observance of God's example in creation and commandment in Exodus. But when do our rules hinder rather than promote healing, wholeness, and shalom in our lives? Are Sabbath Day sins allowable in certain circumstances?
More Posts
Share by: