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I had the rare and wonderful pleasure of enjoying this year’s Cantata from the pew.  The music was lovely, the choir really sounded amazing, and the instruments added the extra touch that simply sent the whole thing over the top.  Every singer and musician should be quite proud to have been a part of it – and also well assured that they gave their very best effort to worship.  Since I have no such gift to give, I felt as though this beautiful piece was offered to God for me and the rest of the Lakewood family in the pews.  I am deeply grateful.

None of it would have happened without John Gill.  Since coming to this church I have had the great privilege of enjoying John’s music week after week.  During Advent this year we had music at every occasion that passed any expectation – even though I had high expectations based on past years.  John has his own talent, which is considerable and rare, but he has something few music directors have.  He can make anybody better.  The choir is better with John.

We have some great voices in our choir.  When we get to hear them alone, we are thrilled – and proud that they grace us with their talent.  But, not everyone is a star.  Some members have been singing here for decades, some are brand new.  It does not seem to matter to John.  He welcomes all.  One member told me that she rarely sings loudly because she hasn’t the voice for it, but that choir is not a place where she gives; it is a place where she receives.  Practices and Sunday mornings are an important spiritual time for her.

I am not sure how he does it.  Somehow everybody does the same thing at the same time for God.  Somehow everyone who wants a place has one.  Somehow hard work is done and still love abounds.

There rarely comes to us a more Christ-like image than a choir director.  He works hard and pours out his gifts, not for his own sake, but so that others can shine.  I hope you all can see that from your pew – I can see it from mine.


Peace,
Gayle