[EastValleyChoraleMaillist] Party/Reception for Barb next Tuesday

[Bruce Cochran]

Hello Chorale Singers/Instrumentalists/Friends
and other misc. people,

 

As most of you know, Barb Willey has decided to step down as our
accompanist.   I had asked you all to be in prayer as we were on the lookout
for a new accompanist. I was rather concerned about finding someone who
could play for us
and someone who had a heart for our mission and ministry,
as well as the talent required to play some of our more difficult songs.  I
have to admit I had a few restless days thinking about that change. As Kathy
and I talked and prayed about the situation, we felt that the Lord was not
finished with the Chorale.  The group is still meeting needs and supplying
encouragement and enjoyment to those in the audiences as well as to those
who participate in the Chorale.  We continued to trust and pray that God
will provide for our needs
even though it looked sort of bleak.

 

Thanks for all your prayers.  Within a short time after sending a prayer
request out, someone suggested Ethan Rutter, an accompanist that is very
able and willing to play for us!  This past Sunday, Ethan told his wife that
he felt it was time to get involved once again with music (he had formerly
played for choirs
but had taken a break for about 5 years.)  When I called
him Tuesday morning, he felt that the Lord had answered his prayers
as well
as our prayers.  He is very excited about playing for us and really has an
interest in what the Chorale does.  He came to rehearsal this past Tuesday
and is a very excellent player. Ethan told me after the rehearsal: “I
haven’t had that much fun in years.”  He is very enthused to be
participating in the ministry of the East Valley Chorale.  God has answered
our prayers in a way that I did not think possible.

 

Barb was very impressed with Ethan’s skill (he sight-read some very
difficult songs during our rehearsal) and was greatly relieved to know that
she would not be leaving the Chorale ‘high-and-dry’ with no one who could
play for us.  Given that he had not “touched the piano for 3 years,” Ethan
did an amazing job playing the songs that I “through at him.”

 

Both Ethan and his wife Tracey are very enthusiastic about joining the
Chorale.  They will both make a great addition to the group.  It really does
seem to be a ‘Divine appointment’.  I don’t believe it’s just a coincidence!
Ethan will begin playing for us this coming Tuesday night.

 

Since Barb has been a crucial part of the Chorale for the past 9 ½ years, I
know that many of you would like to express your thanks and appreciation to
her personally.  Since this change has happened so rapidly, we wanted to
avoid “whip-lash”.  As a result, we thought it would be helpful and
appropriate to show her our appreciation during a party/reception during the
second half of our rehearsal this Tuesday night (starting at 8:00 on July
29th).  It would be nice if each of you could bring a card or note
expressing your appreciation, etc.  

 

We’ll have cake (Craig B. has volunteered to get it), etc. If some of you
could volunteer to bring some mints, nuts, punch, coffee (Yvonne, could you
bring the coffee?), cups, saucers, napkins, forks and spoons, etc it would
be great. Let’s share the work
(please send me an email if you’re willing to
bring something...)  Dale E. will bring flowers
.If you’d like to contribute
to a gift, please bring your $ on Sunday night, and give it to Kathy, (or
Tuesday would be ok) and we’ll present her with a token of our appreciation
for all she’s done to help the Chorale get where it is.

 

Thanks for your support and your help...and your prayers!

 

Bruce

 

PS: This is not a surprise party
 I had to make sure Barb could be there :-)

 

 

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