GUEST BLOG: “What Powers the Church Choir?” by Thomas Vozzella

WHAT POWERS THE CHURCH CHOIR? by Thomas Vozzella

 

       As we begin the 50 days of Easter, following intensive Holy Week worship experiences, I have been renewed with a deeper understanding of why some church choirs give, give and give more, whereas other choirs make the whole experience torture for themselves and their director(s). From Palm Sunday to Easter Day our choir, that usually has one two-hour rehearsal and sings two services weekly, went far and above what is seemingly unimaginable. In summary – our Holy Week included eight services, eleven anthems, four festival hymn settings, children’s choirs, brass and percussion at three services, an abundance of responses, sung Psalms and Canticles, and hymns with and without accompaniment. Plus, we had an additional thirteen hours of rehearsals. I had to say WOW.

       However, mid way through the Easter Vigil I began to feel weary. It was at this moment it all came together for me and my understanding of our choir’s commitment, without limitation, to the choral ministry at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. What hit me, hit hard, and more intensely than ever before: Our time and our commitment to music ministry is required, and is expected. Why is it expected? “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16)

       WARNING: The next paragraph is graphic, not for the faint of heart. Proceed with caution.

 

       Who do you know that would be beaten/whipped to the point of bleeding, carry a large-heavy wooden cross through their current city of residence, with a crown of thorns pushed deep into the flesh of their head causing blood to run down their face and garments, completely emaciated? Then to top it all off, they are hung from the cross they carried with nails driven through the palms of their hands, and feet. Finally, after they die, a spear is pushed deep in their side, allowing all the blood and water remaining in their body to drain out. Do you know anyone that would do this for you?  Yes, I do, Jesus Christ would, and did!

       This blog may not be filled with the butterflies and the flowers of Easter. It might not include bunnies, baskets and candy. What it does contain, is the reality of the suffering God’s only son, endured on our behalf.

       I am not asking you to believe anything I have written here. I am only sharing with you how my choir and I find the strength to give of ourselves without reservation during Holy Week and throughout the year. It also serves to answer why we do not have the right to complain about how time consuming Holy Week, or any other feast day we celebrate is to the people involved. We do not have the right to whine, until we are willing “…to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. (John 15:13) or at least “…love your neighbor, as yourself”. (Matthew 22:39):