Youth Choir News

Youth Choir “Lockdown” Winter Retreat
Friday - Saturday, January 13-14

Youth Choir Mission Tour Continues 46 Year Tradition at MFUMC

Did you know that MFUMC has sent the Youth Choir on a mission tour every year since 1965? That is an impressive commitment to music and ministry by any comparison-especially considering the significant changes seen during those particular forty-six years. In terms of electronic devices, that spans an arc including 45's, LP's, 8-tracks, cassettes, the Walkman radio, personal CD players and the iPod. After multiplying this explosion of entertainment with the effects of cultural drift and extra-curricular pursuits, the notion of "modern" teenagers devoting free time to rehearse and travel reveals a truly remarkable ministry at work.

What's the Secret to the Longevity of the Mission?

This church has every reason to celebrate the Youth Choir's continued service in worship at home and in countless venues where they have performed across the U.S. and Canada. Many churches that once undertook similar Youth Choir tours have been unable to sustain the resources which make them possible. What has driven the unlikely longevity of our ministry? Are we somehow "cool" enough to keep the kids involved? The short answer is no. What is awesome today is lame tomorrow.

Making Christ Real

Despite the changes of style, enhanced entertainments and instant communication, the longings of the human heart and God's urgent desire to answer them through Christ's love remain constant. We don't lure young people by promising fun activities; it insults them and reduces us to fearful scheming. The hidden streams which actually sustain our Youth Choir's spirit do not depend on cleverness or trendy programming. They flow freely when our teenagers are surrounded by adults whose Christian faith makes Christ real for them. With this abundance of support and steadfast love, the singers drink in the essence of the songs they sing and realize the joy of sharing it with others along the twists and turns of forty-six tours. While focused on rehearsing, memorizing and performing for others, they paradoxically discover the delight and freedom of serving in Christ's name--a sense of meaning beyond popularity or possessions.

Pacific Northwest, Here We Come

This year's tour will afford opportunities for the Choir to sing for Sunday worship at Green Lake UMC in Seattle, the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center in Victoria, British Columbia, a shelter for women and children in Seattle and Portland, and a retirement home in Seaside, Oregon. In between performances the singers will tour museums, visit the Space Needle, enjoy the beach and even take on a high adventure ropes course. At every turn, they will share in each other's development as music ministers and be reminded of Marietta FUMC's legendary commitment to Youth Choir ministry. Most importantly, they will be nourished by hidden, faithful streams that will change them and change the world.

Bryan Black serves Marietta FUMC as Director of Music. Please keep our staff, adult volunteers,

and our youth choir and their families in your prayers as they tour June 3-10.