Page 4 - January 2020

Music Ministry

arts on skidaway concert series

Friday, January 24th  7:00 pm  Sanctuary

he Arts on Skidaway Concert Series will present Brian Luckett , DMA,
TAdjunct Professor of Classical and Flamenco Guitar at Jacksonville
University on Friday, January 24, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.
Admission is free. Brian is the former director of classical guitar studies
at Emory University andformer faculty member of Agnes Scott College,
both in Atlanta, Georgia. Brian is alsothe former director of the classical
guitar program at Georgia Southern University inStatesboro, Georgia.

Together their stories represent just a few of the 30
person choir at Skidaway Island United Methodist
Church, the largest chancel choir on the island. “You
of the parish come to the choir for your own reasons. It’s only aft er
you join the choir that you realize you gained a family
By: Grace Huseth
that cares and supports each other,” Leslie said. “Singing
feeds my faith. It’s not just about vocalizing; it’s about
For years, the Parish Voice has served as a monthly presenti ng the Word of God to serve the church.”
newslett er highlighti ng news and events. In 2020, it
will begin sharing voices of the parish, from ministries “My faith has become stronger through music,” said Sue
to members, who embody the spirit of Skidaway Island Prior, who has been a member in the chancel choir for
United Methodist Church. 15 years. “Music opens my heart,” Sharon Bury echoed.
“Being surrounded by the organ and voices, everything
Like birds who welcome a new day with song, we start vibrates. It’s like God speaking to you as well.” Between
the fi rst Parish Voice of the New Year with stories of the the two is Gay Morison, their three soprano voices lift ed
chancel choir who praise to God with joyful songs. to God in every word they sing.

hurch choirs are a vital part of worship in all Celebrati ng a 20 year anniversary in the chancel choir
Ccongregati ons, but from the beginning Methodists this year, Leslie refl ects on when she fi rst approached
have been “a singing people”. Turn to the front of the Peggy Breese, the choir director at the ti me, about
hymnal and you will fi nd instructi ons from John Wesley’s joining. She had not been part of a singing group for over
Select Hymns (1761) on how to best use the hymnal. He 30 years and worried her pipes would be rusty. “Peggy
encouraged singers, “Above all, sing spiritually. Have an said, ‘Just come. We will use whatever you bring.’”
eye to God in every word you sing.”
The chancel choir encourages everyone to come,
Singing spiritually is how Sue Prior, Leslie Fitzgerald, whether it is to worship together during a Sunday
Sharon Bury and Gay Morison sing every Sunday morning morning service, att end a concert or join the choir.
as members of the Chancel Choir. As these women told Skidaway Island United Methodist Church is “a singing
their stories, they found their choir experiences to be people”, where everyone can fi nd a way to worship
both harmonious, yet as unique as each of their voices. spiritually with open hearts and an eye to God.