Page 39 - Joshua's Journal

we would or could ultimately use in our future practice. I chose to write one for a community youth orchestra. Low and behold, God took that plan and used it to develop the mission and goals of the Youth Orchestra and just really set my heart ablaze to truly learn about His purpose for my life. As I set in an interview with our Minister of Music Myrna Summers as a part of my data collection for that project, I remember asking her about her take on a Youth Orchestra and what that meant for a church music ministry. She responded, “You have to be creative. In these days you have to be creative in reaching God’s people.” And so to this day that spirit resonates inside me as I seek to provide a platform for musicians everywhere to give back to God what is rightfully His! Tell us a little about some of the musical What is the mission of the backgrounds of some of the members. Reid Temple Orchestra? The Orchestra is comprised of professionals and The mission of the Orchestra is to praise the Lord non-professionals, members and non-members, through instrumental music. We seek to enrich the free-lance musicians, private instructors, government development of the professional musician by chal- employees, educators, corporate businessmen and lenging them to hone their musical skills and become women, and a host of entrepreneurs. Many have respected disciples in the body of Christ. We are degrees in music and/or are recording and performing charged to offer Instrumental Praise and Worship artist in the area. All bring varying years of expe- Music that will minister to the masses and bring rience and talent, but yet have the desire to serve honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. under the influence of the Holy Spirit. How do you feel it benefits or Do you have any particular goals you are enhances the worship experience? striving to reach with the Orchestra? The Bible declares, “Praise the Lord with harp: sing The goal of the Orchestra is to play unto the Lord, unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of so that through this the music may reach into the strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully soul of the listener and lead them to have an inti- with a loud noise.” Psalm 33:2-3 (KJV) mate encounter with the one and true living God. It’s a command. God inhabits the praises of His people in many forms. Unfortunately, I believe that Please share any information that may be often times we are limited in our ability to under- helpful to persons interested in joining the stand and even demonstrate what that is to Him. Orchestra. Whether it’s through singing, dancing, clapping or Persons interested in joining the Reid Temple shouting, If it’s done with a heart of worship, God Orchestra should first seek whether this is a calling receives it, and that is all we are called to do. We on their life that will allow them to minister skillfully are created to worship Him in all that we do! and effectively on their musical instrument, and after doing so willfully contact us at 301-352-0320 ext.442 or email ReidOrchestra@gmail.com www.reidtemple.org • 37