MERRY CHRISTMAS! - You know how I can tell it's Christmas?, I went into the Kirkland Store yesterday and saw an entire display devoted to just that event...It's still August isn't it? =-)...I just spent the last two weeks on vacation. The first week, while Thomas, our son, was on the road with the High School group, Lori and I stayed at a hotel in Dana Point and drove into Laguna Beach every day to go to the beach. (I've included some pictures). I grew up in Laguna so it was great going back to my home town and visiting all the wonderful beaches I went to as a kid. Our second week was spent at home with a few side trips to visit our families in San Diego and Big Bear and creating what we are calling "The Life Simplification Act of 2008" - We went through all of our stuff and had a huge garage sale!!! (Still trying to get rid of a pop-up tent trailer if you know someone who is interested). Lori and I decided that the things we have are not as important as the things we do, so it was time to downsize and make room for God's "stuff". What can I say about how great the Olympics are? - I never get tired of watching all of the competition and it never fails that when they show the medal ceremony and the National Anthem starts to play I always tear up...And finally on Saturday night I watched the interview of Senators Obama & McCain by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. It was the best interview of presidential candidates I have ever seen. If you missed it here's a link to watch it, it's well worth the time.
Saddleback Interview...All in all we had a great time off and I am ready to hit the ground running...So with that in mind, here's what's happening:
We are expanding the Southwest Singers this year to accommodate all of our service offerings. There will now be two (2) choirs, Traditions Choir for our 8:00 service and Worship Choir for the Classic service. You can serve in one or two choirs depending on your schedule and/or commitment comfort level. Both choirs will be singing on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month. Here's a description of each choir:
"Traditions Choir" - Traditional four part choir music will be sung with piano accompaniment using choir folders. Special music every week along with singing the hymns and choruses with the worship leader. Rehearsals will be every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. First rehearsal will be September 3rd.
"Worship Choir" - Gospel/Pop three part harmony arrangements that are learned in a flexible organic rehearsal format. Worship songs with some special music and originals. Rehearsals will be the Thursday before the 2nd & 4th Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. First rehearsal will be Sept. 11th.
Both choirs will combine for the Christmas Outreach Event and every returning and new member will be spending 5 minutes with either Myself, Chris May or Scott Miller sometime in the first month to determine vocal range and to update our records. We are also wanting all current and new members of all of the instrumental and vocal teams to fill out new applications as it's been over a year since the last time we did that. A copy of the application will be e-mailed to you. If you do not receive one there will be fresh copies available in the WA Office.
We will be holding open auditions the first two Saturday's of September from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon. We are looking for all vocal types and all rhythm instrumentalists, (drums, bass, guitar, keys & horns). We have a lot of holes to fill in every area in the church so please let everyone know that now is the time to get involved. Look for the bulletin announcement starting this weekend.
I will have all of the detailed information about the Christmas rehearsal schedule and the master schedule for the season when we get to our first rehearsals in September. This year is going to be very exciting and I hope life changing for all who attend our weekend services and our special performances.
Looking forward to seeing you real soon...Please feel free to call or e-mail anytime if you have any questions or concerns: davem@southwestcc.org
Dave
