Day 4 - Acclamation Week 2018

Our final day of preparation! We are spurred onward by our fearless director, Graham. One thing I appreciate most about his direction is the focus of realizing our dependence on God. We work to learn our pieces and perfect our repertoire, but without the filling of the Holy Spirit, we have no power to convey the message of the songs to those who are listening. The incredible work that God has already done this week is testament to His faithfulness. We continue to ask for strength from God to complete the challenge ahead of us.

This morning, during our devotional time, Dwight Peachey called us to be vessels for God. As clay in the hands of a potter, being broken and remade until it is suitable for his purpose, we must allow ourselves to be formed by God.

With today as our final rehearsal day, we took extra care and time in polishing the rough spots out of our songs. It can become rather mind numbing, working on a plethora of assorted small portions over and over, all the while attempting to keep the phrases from losing all meaning to repetition. Even so, Graham did well in spacing out the detailed practicing with full takes of various songs. By the end of practice, we felt better about many of the songs. It is still intimidating to have recording only a night’s sleep away, and the whole choir has repeatedly felt our need for God as our ultimate director and sustainer.

One of the most remarkable things about most spirituals is the fact that they contain in their passionate music both a story and a message. They can powerfully convey the emotional context of human experience; whether mournful longing, victory, gratefulness, or joy. It's an intimidating and rewarding venture to attempt to understand, and furthermore, to express the entirety of a song.

We continue to ask for God's strength and guidance in our practice. Please pray for healthy voices and energy. Thank you.

Weston & Wynne Hochstetler