Annual Conference - February 19, 2011
I am in the process of putting together a band to help me lead music for the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church's Annual Conference. It is to be held at the Roanoke civic center. Attended by approximately 3500 clergy and lay delegates, the conference meets June 15-19. I'm delighted to have several very fine musicians joining me: Drew Wilson, Kevin Davis, Caleb Brown, Greg Jarrell, and Charles Arthur. It is an honor to have been asked to lead music for this event. It is also a huge undertaking. Never having led music in a space as big as the civic center (it seats 10,000) has me thinking long and hard as to how it can best be accomplished. I've settled on a fantastic group of musicians joined by a large body of singers---dubbed The Whoever Singers. As the name implies, anyone can join in singing with us---no audition needed. The next step is choosing the perfect songs and hymns for the event. No small task and one with which I struggle. I invite the guidance of the Holy Spirit---trouble is, she doesn't show up on cue! However, I am beginning to finally trust the process (I begin my 51st year this month...)Again, what an honor to be asked to lead music for this conference---I still have doubts that they made a good choice. I will do my best to be worthy of the task. With the musicians I have invited to join me, it will be a much easier task, that is for certain!