Bazinga!

Hi Everyone,
Today was the day of the church vote at New Hope Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. I sang a solo in both the traditional and contemporary services, and for the traditional service I also led the choir in an anthem and led the congregational hymns. I started out a little nervous, but thankfully those nerves went away once the service started.

At the end of each service the congregation voted on whether or not to call me as the new Associate Minister of Music. The vote came out in an overwhelmingly vote for YES! It was a wonderful affirmation and blessing to have such support! So...
I have officially been called as the Associate Minister of Music at New Hope Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC! It was a wonderful weekend, and now I'm going to hit the ground running when I get back to Huntsville to prepare for services this week, as well as start looking at planning for the fall at New Hope!

Thank you so much for all your prayers, encouragement and support! I have been blessed with amazing friends and family! I love you all!!

On the way

Hey!
Just thought I'd post a quick update for everyone. The second week of my internship has gone wonderfully! I'm really starting to get the hang of everything and know my way around finally. I was able to work with the FBC Worship Choir on Wednesday night and it was a wonderful experience! They have a great choir and they were so receptive to someone new coming in to conduct a couple pieces.

I'm in the airport right now waiting to board the plane to Atlanta, and then to Raleigh for my interview weekend at New Hope Baptist Church. I'll be meeting the staff, celebration band, choir, and other members of the church tomorrow. Sunday I'll be helping with worship leadership through a solo in the first service, and by conducting the choir, leading the hymns, and singing a solo in the traditional service. Looking forward to this new chapter and meeting so many great people this weekend! I'll be sure to keep updates posted on how it's going.

Hope you all are having a wonderful Friday! Have a great weekend!

Updates begin

Hi everyone!

So since it seems that it's going to be a very busy but eventful summer, I decided the easiest way to keep in touch with everyone and let them know what was going on with my internship and job possibilities, and, well, just life in general, would be to start a blog. (I know..behind the times aren't I?)

So far, Huntsville has been wonderful. The lady that has opened her home to me for the next two months is very sweet and has been wonderful in helping me get settled in quickly. She is a retired widow that serves as a deacon in the church as well as helping with the Stephen Ministries as well. Since she at one time had two cats of her own, she is very happy to have Murphy and gives him lots of love and attention. (He'll be spoiled rotten by August.)

My first week at FBC Huntsville was very busy but very exciting also. On Wednesday night I was able to conduct a couple pieces for the church orchestra rehearsal. Up to this point that's something I haven't had any experience with at all, so it was very exciting to get some exposure to it! They have a wonderful (and LARGE) group of volunteers, some that attend FBC Huntsville, and others from the community, that make up the church orchestra. On Sunday I was able to play along with one of the hymns for the traditional worship along with the orchestra, organ, choir, and congregation. It was a beautiful sound! You can listen to the whole service at

http://www.fbchsv.org/media/current.html

The sanctuary is also an amazing place! It has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows that I have every seen, and they depict the universe as it was before God organized it (a.k.a. chaos) on one side, and the other depicts the universe after God organized it and set the planets in orbit.

(ordered and chaos)

Sunday night was also the first of several evening services that I will plan throughout the summer. It went very well, despite the near catastrophe of catching my heel on the carpeted steps of the platform as I was coming down. No major fall or anything, just a little stumble that I'm SURE was extremely graceful! :) But it happens, and I'm sure it wont be the last time I do that throughout my career.

Friday I'm leaving to fly back to Raleigh for my final interview/meeting the church weekend at New Hope Baptist Church. I fly out of Huntsville on Friday morning, and after a weekend of meeting the congregation, the choirs, and staff, and a vote by the church on Sunday morning, I'll fly back to Huntsville Sunday evening knowing the final outcome of the vote. So, if all goes well, I'll be flying back to Huntsville as a fully employed minister of music! (Prayers greatly appreciated!)

Keep checking back for more updates being posted. No promises that they will happen every day, but I'll try to keep it as up to date as possible. Love you all!