As we move deeper into 2009, the lens through which every ministry we engage in is being focused, is that of the missional church. Tonight, for the second time in a month, our choir has taken center stage.

On April 19th the group left the comfort of our church sanctuary and headed out to the ballpark to lead the charge as the congregation spent the afternoon at Dodd Stadium. The choir sang the National Anthem and the rest of us enjoyed the American past time.

Tonight our choir was on the road again. This time they provided a blessing to the residents of ST. Jude's Commons in Norwich. A lot of church choirs wouldn't take the risk of practicing in front of strangers. That's what our group did. They held an open rehearsal for the residents of the assisted living facility and then invited them to sing a couple of hymns with them.

We were reminded again that church is not a building and worship doesn't always follow a format. God's spirit follows whenever God's people gather. Tonight that spirit was very much present. We broke out of the box and spent a little time with some of God's children tonight.

I can't express how blessed we are to have such a group of talented, flexible and generous members in our choir. I know a lot of groups would never even think about do the kind of things that we have done. Yet our choir is always willing to go where the spirit leads. Tonight the spirit shined brightly.

Here are a few photos from our rehearsal at St. Jude's.

Cal