Dear First Pres,

A couple of weeks ago I had the joy of traveling to Austria and the Czech Republic on a choir tour.  A colleague and friend of mine is the Music Director for Trinity Presbyterian Church in Modesto and I joined his 25 singers on tour singing soprano and playing piano for a couple of songs.  Our tour took us to Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague.  My favorite portion of the tour was our time spent in Salzburg.  Set in the Alps, it’s beautiful and green which was a treat for my drought impacted spirit.  In Old Town Salzburg’s Dom Cathedral we joined forces with five choirs from the U.S. ages high school and up.  Part of our program included Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” with orchestra and soloists which was conducted by the cathedral’s Austrian music director.  As a history lover I was interested to learn that the cathedral was first built in the 8th century then added onto in subsequent centuries.  It’s difficult to describe the experience of singing in a huge cathedral - experiencing the “ring” of the acoustics, the sheer beauty of the stone building, the beauty of the art on the walls and ceiling; the beautiful sculptures, and the magnificent sound!  Did I mention the echo/delay was 8 seconds?!  On top of all that, Mozart played one of their five organs and this mass was first performed there. For a musician that’s pretty cool stuff!

So we came together in the music.  We knew the notes but needed the coaching of someone who knew the music inside and out, knew the acoustics we would be singing in, and knew how to direct us to get the best possible sound.  The conductor spoke a little English yet was able to communicate through song and gesture how he wanted us to alter our singing.  I found that we all listened harder and gave our best.  Diverse choir “cultures” led by a new conductor joined together on the same music and created glorious music in praise to God!

Something similar happens in our church on summer Sunday mornings.  Although we may come from diverse worship styles we combine hymns, choruses, prayer, and sermon into a beautiful service of praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ.  God knows what we need as He lovingly shapes us into His image. I thank the Lord for that!  Isn’t it interesting how God moves us in and out of different settings?  In each situation we have the opportunity to let God mold and refine us.

As we combine styles I find it enriching and stretching.  I learn new songs and new ways of singing praise music.  My prayer is that you will too.  Look for God in the mix of styles and watch for how He will touch you!

-Dr. Julie Carter