THOUGHTS ON VIRTUAL CHOIR

Are you familiar with Eric Whitacre and the concept of "virtual choir"? The choral performance is a phenomenon Sam's Picture of the computer age and can be truly beautiful. Whitacre implemented a concept of directing a piece of music, uploading it, and inviting people around the world to add their own voices. In some instances, over 3000 people from as many as eighty countries have done just that, creating an incredible choir. He has even created virtual youth choirs and has collaborated with Disney and UNICEF. All in all, one can hear some beautiful music.

Of course there is a place for creative ideas like virtual choir. The God who made us gave us marvelous minds to ask questions, push the envelope, and create that which earlier people could only imagine. I am a vigorous supporter of virtual choir.

But let us not ignore the shortcomings of "virtual choir," the needs that it cannot fill. Marva Dawn spoke so brilliantly of those needs when she was here a few years ago. She illustrated with the family that wanted to introduce a child to music, so they bought a CD player or iPod, uploaded music, and thought the child was set. Another family enrolled its child in violin lessons and introduced the child to a whole world of creative people: teachers, directors, other musicians, composers, and listeners, among others. (Forrest has Dr. Dawn's illustration framed in his office). The first family treated music as a commodity; the second treated music as an engagement, and there is a difference.

There is a danger today in worship becoming a commodity. There is a tendency in us, if we are not careful, to be mere observers of worship rather than participants. There can be a tendency merely to stop in, get a "fix," and get on our way, but the best model of the church is the one that engages us in the lives of one another. I have a friend who said recently, "I need to go to a church where nobody knows me." No, no... The best model of church is where we know and are known.

I hope you find an engaging way to be involved both in worship and in the life of your church. Maybe you have an idea to help others do the same, and your church staff would like to hear it. We truly desire to be an engaging place.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

There will be a called Church Council meeting on Monday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Hall for the purpose of reviewing Board of Trustees plans for the refurbishing of the sanctuary. This meeting will not alter the regularly scheduled March 23 meeting. The meeting is necessary because of the time required in ordering and manufacturing our new pews.

Our New Associate Director of Youth, Jessica Ferguson, will join the staff on March 29. Jessica graduated from Jacksonville State University and has been working in Youth Ministry for 5 years. We look forward to welcoming Jessica and her husband Justin to MFUMC.

Summer Camp online registration is open! Click here to visit our Web site for camp descriptions and registration details.

College Students! Are you interested in a mission trip to Chimbote, Peru? We are heading down May 26-June 3. More details coming soon (Contact Josh Sweeney ext. 7808.

The Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Cornerstone Sunday School, the new Young Adults group, is a gathering of couples and singles in their mid-20s to mid-30s. Join us on Sundays at 10:10 a.m. for fellowship, discussion and breakfast in Room 255 in the Discipleship Building. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

On Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. the "Atlanta 17 Big Band" returns for Swing Out!-a night of dancing, singing and nostalgia in the Family Life Hall. Reserved tickets ($18-adult / $15-seniors) are available through the church office. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

The Youth Choir will host an old-fashioned Smorgasbord luncheon on Sunday, March 22 after morning worship. Proceeds will support the summer concert tour to England. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Need to go for a run, to the store, or just hang out with friends? We are pleased to offer Parent's Day Out on the nursery hall! Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday and the cost is $5 per hour. Ages 6 weeks to 5 years are welcome. To make a reservation, call 770-429-7850, ext. 7860.

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Website, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

This week, we welcome Marilyn Oakes as our interim organist through May. Marilyn holds two music degrees and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. In other Music Ministry news, Kelly Shaw is directing the 1st and 2nd grade Carol Children's Choir, Cassie Register is leading our Family Music Program for infants and toddlers, and Judy Jones is directing our Handbell Choirs.

A Closer Look is a class for visitors and new members who want to discover more about the mission and ministry of Marietta First United Methodist. The class begins this Sunday, March 8 at 10:10 a.m. in the Parlor. Register online or through the church office. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Information meeting about the mission trip to the Republic of Georgia. Join us for a light lunch in the Reception Hall at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 8 (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Lil' Lambs Consignment Sale is this week! It's time for spring shopping and selling! Lil' Lambs consignment sale returns March 5-7, and we do have seller spots available. More information about the sale can be found at www.lil-lambs.org. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Power 45! is this Sunday, March 8, from 4-6 p.m. MFUMC and First Presbyterian are joining forces at Escalade Rock Climbing in Kennesaw! The cost is $12 for rock climbing, and all are welcome to eat dinner at the Town Center Varsity after climbing (dinner not included in price.) Click here to RSVP. (Georgia Rambo, ext 7805).

2015 Habitat Build continuess. We need volunteers for our latest house! For more information or to volunteer, sign up at www.mariettafumc.org. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Registration for Weekday Preschool and Kindergarten 2015-16 is underway. For more information, visit www.weekdayministry.com. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

March 4

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Kids- chicken nuggets, gluten free- grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad bar, rolls and cookies

Save the Date

Blanket and Shawl Ministry

Thursday, March 5

Little Lambs Sale

March 5-7

Daylight Saving Time Begins
Sunday, March 8

A Closer Look
Class Begins