Wisconsin Lutheran Choir Blog

“Spring is in the air” as the saying goes … for all of you avid bloggers, it is beautiful weather here down in the south. It is about 60 degrees in Savannah, Ga., where we had lunch and free time today. The sight of no snow honestly brings a little peace and joy to everyone’s mind.

Yesterday morning, we worshipped at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Knoxville, Tenn. This church has a  young-at-heart congregation, and we had the privilege of providing music for the a special service designed as an outreach effort. Pastor Panitzke told us he saw some new faces that morning, so we feel privileged to have been a part of that. After the service, we enjoyed much hospitality. A traditional, BBQ pork lunch was provided for us by the congregation, which we all appreciated.

 

Afterward, we were on the road again as we traveled into Georgia. Upon arriving at Faith Lutheran Church in Sharpsburg, Ga., we student managers stepped off the bus to have a look at the space. It was the first time since last fall that we experienced the wonderful feeling of going outside without a coat. The church, as you may see in pictures, was beautiful. After the concert, I had the opportunity to speak with a few members of the congregation. The building was constructed as a combination of old and new traditions resulting in a beautiful church. The architecture reminded me of the ones the choir sang in last year on our European tour. There was a nice reverberation as we sang! I cannot forget to mention and praise the food we were served for dinner. The pastor from the Tennessee church did his vicar term at this congregation and described their cooking as “legendary,” which proved to be true. Traditional, homemade, southern spaghetti and meatballs was served and I only can describe it as, “delicious.”

The performance itself was a wonderful outreach of our faith and while we were up there singing, each one of us could feel the faith of not only the choir, but also of the audience. It was a very receptive and pleased crowd. It was a great joy to sing for this congregation.

 

Today we are headed back up the east coast along Georgia and up to South Carolina and I cannot express how grateful I am to have not only my friends on this tour, but my family. This choir is truly a blessing, and we are one in faith together. No matter what goes on, we are there for each other. Thank you everyone.

God has truly been blessing us with great weather and safe travel, please continue to keep us in your prayers. On that note, from our song Celestial Spring, Movement II: Exaltation, “Mellow music rises with ev’ry scent of reawakening spring.” May God continue to bless our gift of song that we are bringing to others as He blesses the earth with the birth of a new springtime.