A CHORISTER’S BEATITUDESby Shirley W. McRae (via Richard Jones)

SOURCE: "Pocket Guide for Church Choir Members," by Kenneth Osbeck

Blessed are the prompt, for they shall gladden the heart of the director.

Blessed are the enthusiastic, for they shall move mountains of indifference.

Blessed are the loyal, for they shall be called the backbone of the choir.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for musical knowledge, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall uplift the spirit of the choir.

Blessed are the humble, for they shall obtain the respect of their fellow choristers.

Blessed are the diligent, for they shall see great benefits from their labor.

Blessed are the reverent, for they shall direct the congregation to God.

Blessed are you when men abuse you and criticize you and utter all kinds of evils against your falsely on account of your singing.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men criticized the singers who were before you.

From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

This is for you all. Be strong in the LordGabriele(from Rome) via [UrbanBlackGospel]SMTP: g.crociani@agora.stm.it

MY COMMITMENT AS A CHRISTIAN

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed.I have stepped over the line.The decision has been made.I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my

present makes sense, my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.

I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayedup, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me-

MY BANNER WILL BE CLEAR!

[USED] ALONG WITH “WILLING AM I”

From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

Choir EnlistmentFor those who are campaigning for new choir members, here is a little piece I ran across in my files. It is lighthearted and perhaps appropriate for a banquet or special time. It was written by Rev. James T. Lochridge, Jr. It is sung to the tune “Room at the Cross” by Ira F. Stanphill. – David Parish dparish@http://tbci.org via TCMR Church Music

“THERE’S ROOM IN THE CHOIR FOR YOU”

1. The choir is a neat ministryFor the singer who wishes to seeJust who looks great & who comes in lateAnd who puts an offering into the plate.

Chorus:

There’s room in the choir for you.There’s room in the choir for you.Come one and come all.We’re having a ball.Yes, there’s room in the choir for you.

2. We’ll give you a robe and a seatAnd ask you to practice each week, To sing and play without any pay;To offer your talent in this tuneful way.

Repeat Chorus.

3. We ask you to come sing with us;Because we are quite seriousAbout our goal of telling lost soulsThe Good News that Jesus can save and make whole.

Repeat Chorus.

GOD BLESS THE CHOIR(Author and source: Minister of Music John Jarboe, jarboe@aristotle.net)

Each Wednesday night they come to sing,Their voices ever higher.They give their praise in harmony.God Bless the Choir.

Their Wednesday night prime time is spentWith songs meant to inspireAnd touch the congregation.God bless the Choir.

While others wear their Sunday best, A robe hides their attire.But in your eyes, they’re quite the fashion.God bless the Choir.

And when the final roll is called,They’ll be far from the fire,And near to you, still singing strong.God, enjoy the choir!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: “I’m sending this little poem I’ve written that you may use, trash, stash, or modify to fit your needs, or ignore entirely. I plan to use it as our closing prayer after tomorrow’s rehearsal. As I said, use, refuse, change, rearrange, store it, or ignore it, but if you get a smile from just one choir member, that will suit me just fine. God bless you all.”

John Jarboe.

FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS: # 5

THREE QUESTIONS AT HEAVEN’S GATESfrom: Wink Smyth, hymnologist , Augusta, Maine========================================================================

A choir director/organist died and found herself at the Pearly Gates,

where Saint Peter told her that she had to answer three questions before being admitted to Heaven.

The first question was,

“What two days in the week start with the letter T ?”The church musician thought a bit and replied, “Today and Tomorrow.”St. Peter was startled by her answer, but went on to the second question. “

“How many seconds are there in a year ?”After a moment’s hesitation, she answered, “Twelve!.“Twelve?” exclaimed St Peter, How did you come up with that number?”

“Well, you know, the 2nd of January, the 2nd of February and all that!”“Okay!, Okay” exclaimed a frustrated St. Peter. “Now the third question.

“What is the Lord’s first name?”There was a long pause and then she answered confidently, “Andy!”

“Andy?”“Sure. (singing) Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me . . . .!” =============================================================

FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS:

“A poet must write, an artist must paint, and Musicians must make music

if they are to be at peace within themselves. What we can be, we must be.”

HOWARD SWAN

From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS: # 5

THREE QUESTIONS AT HEAVEN’S GATESfrom: Wink Smyth, hymnologist , Augusta, Maine========================================================================

A choir director/organist died and found herself at the Pearly Gates,

where Saint Peter told her that she had to answer three questions before being admitted to Heaven.

The first question was,

“What two days in the week start with the letter T ?”The church musician thought a bit and replied, “Today and Tomorrow.”St. Peter was startled by her answer, but went on to the second question. “

“How many seconds are there in a year ?”After a moment’s hesitation, she answered, “Twelve!.“Twelve?” exclaimed St Peter, How did you come up with that number?”

“Well, you know, the 2nd of January, the 2nd of February and all that!”“Okay!, Okay” exclaimed a frustrated St. Peter. “Now the third question.

“What is the Lord’s first name?”There was a long pause and then she answered confidently, “Andy!”

“Andy?”“Sure. (singing) Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me . . . .!” =============================================================

FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS:

“A poet must write, an artist must paint, and Musicians must make music

if they are to be at peace within themselves. What we can be, we must be.”

HOWARD SWAN

FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS: # 7

Can you give a testimony using Hymn titles?

I was Saved, Saved, Saved

Just As I Am by His

Amazing Grace and

there’s Victory in Jesus through

the Power in the Blood on

the Old Rugged Cross and

I’ll Tell the Good News as

I Surrender All

to My God and King

#14 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS :.

Perhaps you've seen some of these before but some are new.

OCCUPATIONS, ACCORDING TO THE HYMNAL. From: technocratz@juno.com (Nobody N Particular) (via Bill’s Punch Line)

Astronaut: "Nearer My God, To Thee"Baker: "I Need Thee Every Hour"Barber: "A Parting Hymn We Sing"Baseball Batter: "Seek Thee First"Builder: "How Firm A Foundation" and "The Church's One Foundation"Canoeist: "Flow, River, Flow"Carpenter: "The Nail Scarred Hand"Children's Librarian: "We've A Story To Tell"Chiropractor: "Awake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve"Civil Engineer: "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"Dentist: "Crown Him With Many Crowns"Electrician: "O Joyful Light" and "Send The Light"Fisherman: "Shall We Gather At The River?"Golfer: "There Is A Green Hill Far Away"Gossiper: "Pass It On," "It Is No Secret," and "Oh, For A Thousand Tongues"Historian: "Tell Me The Old, Old Story"IRS: "All To Thee (I Owe)" and "We Give Thee But Thine Own" and “I Surrender All”Jogger: "The Path Of Life"Lifeguard: "Come To The Water"Long-Distance Trucker: "On The Highways And Byways Of Life"Mathematician: "10,000 Times 10,000"Medical Technician: "Revive Us Again"Mountain Climber: "The Rock That Is Higher Than I"Newlywed: "I Need Thee Every Hour" Obstetrician: "He Is Able To Deliver Thee"Optometrist: "Open My Eyes That I Might See" and "When I Can Read My Title Clear"Paratrooper: "Now On Land And Sea Descending"Philosopher: "I Am Thinking Today"Politician: "Standing On The Promises"Real Estate Agent: "I've Got A Mansion"Sailboater: "Deep River"Sceptic: "Almost Persuaded"Shopper: "Sweet By And By"Speech Therapist: "He Never Said A Mumbling Word"Steeple Builder: "Lift High The Cross"Stonecutter: "Rock Of Ages"Switchboard Operator: "There's A Call Comes Ringing"Tailor: "Holy, Holy, Holy"Voice Teacher: "Sing Them Over Again To Me"Watchmaker: "Take Time To Be Holy"Watchman: "Silent Night"Weatherman: "There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing"

=======BPL========

From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

#

# 28

ODE TO THE DIRECTOR

At first you thought that you would be,The greatest singer the world would see.But then you found it not to be,As anyone could plainly see.

And then you thought that you must be,A great conductor, "Yes, that's me."But that was not to be at all.Boy, and did the spirits fall.

"How 'bout it, Lord, I'd really plan,In the biggest church in all the land."

But then the Lord said, "Hold it, man;Why don't you stop and take my hand,And let me lead you on the wayI'd have you go, just for this day."

At last you said, "Lord, please forgive.Show me the way that I should live.I will not care what time or place,If I can see your precious face."

Well, my friend, is this your prayer?To do his will just anywhere?It does not matter in his call,If your church is large or small.If to this point you have survived,Then it is true - you have arrived!

By David Campbell -for THE CHURCH MUSICIAN

# 40. From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

[USED 11/10/10]

Subject: THE ABC OF THANKSGIVING (source unknown) Sent to Crosby by Corky A. Rice

A lthough things are not perfect B ecause of trial or pain C ontinue in thanksgiving D o not begin to blame E ven when the times are hard F ierce winds are bound to blow G od is forever able H old on to what you know I magine life without His love J oy would cease to be K eep thanking Him for all the things L ove imparts to thee M ove out of "Camp Complaining" N o weapon that is known O n earth can yield the power P raise can do alone Q uit looking at the future R edeem the time at hand S tart every day with worship T o "thank" is a command U ntil we see Him coming V ictorious in the sky W e'll run the race with gratitude X alting God most high Y es, there will be good times and yes some will be bad, but... Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!> > Psalm 69:30 > "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."

# 44 .From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with

you.

LIFE-SPEED ... The Music Won’t Last (forwarded e-mail from INSPIRE – source unknown)

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down… Don't dance so fast … Time is short … The music won't last !

Do you run through each day on the fly, When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed With the next hundred chores running through your head?

You'd better slow down… Don't dance so fast … Time is short… The music won't last !

Ever told your child, “We'll do it tomorrow” And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die 'Cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down … Don't dance so fast … Time is short… The music won't last !

When you run so fast to get somewhere You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day, It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away...

Life is not a race.Do take it slower, Hear the music … Before the song is over!!

From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you .

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PPE PLEASE LISTEN

# 48

Author Unknown – from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul)

(Copyright 1997 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger)

(taken from Email C:WIN95B\TEMP\10-28-98.html)

When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice,

you have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way,

you are trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem,

You have failed me, strange as that may seem.

Listen! All I ask is that you listen.

Don’t talk or do – just hear me.

Advice is cheap; 20 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham

in the same newspaper.

And I can do for myself; I am not helpless. Maybe discouraged and faltering,

but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear

and inadequacy.

But when you accept as a simple fact that I feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can

stop trying to convince you and get about this business of understanding what’s behind this

irrational feeling. And when that's clear, the answers are obvious and I don'’ need advice.

Irrational feelings make sense when we understand what's behind them.

Perhaps that’s why prayer works, sometimes, for some people – because God is mute, and he

doesn’t give advice or try to fix things. God just listens and lets you work it out for yourself.

So please listen, and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn –

and I will listen to you.

# 49 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with

you.

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Some one sent this to me. Hope you enjoy it and use it to tell others about Jesus as I have done. # 49

TOP TEN REASONS JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS:

10. Santa lives at the North Pole - Jesus is everywhere.

9. Santa rides in a sleigh - Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.

8. Santa comes but once a year - Jesus is an ever present help.

7. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited - but Jesus stands at yourdoor and knocks, and then enters your heart.

6. Santa doesn't know your name - Jesus knew your name before you did. He knows your address, your past, your future, and the number of hairs onyour head.

5. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly - Jesus has a heart full of love.

4. Santa lets you sit on his lap - Jesus lets you rest in His arms.

3. Santa fills your stockings with goodies - Jesus supplies all your needs.

2. Santa puts gifts under your tree - Jesus became our gift and died on the tree.

1. You have to wait in line to see Santa - Jesus is as close as the mention on His name.

Its obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season. He is better than Santa Claus.

Jesus is the best Christmas present.

(copied . David HarbesonDearing, GA)

# 50.From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAMEAuthor Unknown - From: George Edwards <gedwards@nfinity.com> via Bill’s PunchLine

And “HeartWarming” …quotes: .Bethany Farms

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the houseNot a creature was praying, not one in the house.Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lapWas watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the east there arose such a clatter,I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appearBut angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright rayI knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head,It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealthI cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His handWas written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame!

The people whose names had been written with loveHe gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready, He rose without a soundWhile all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;

I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call,We'll find that the Bible was TRUE after ALL!

# 51From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

ONCE UPON A PEW(COPIED from Church Mailout – Author unknown)

Once upon a pew I sat, and heard the preacher ask

“We need someone to teach a class, Now who will take the task!”

Then God sat down beside me there and said, “Son, That’s for you.”

“But Lord, to stand before a class is one thing I can’t do.

Now Bill would be the man to call, There’s nothing he won’t do.

I’d rather hear the lesson taught from here upon my pew.”

Once upon a pew I sat and heard the preacher ask

“We need someone to lead the songs, Now who will take this task?”

Then God sat down beside me there and said, “Son, that’s for you.”

“But Lord, to sing before a crowd is one thing I can’t do.

Now Brother King will do the job. There’s nothing he won’t do.

I’d rather hear the music played from here upon my pew.”

Once upon a pew I sat and hear the preacher ask,

“I need someone to keep the door, Now who will take this task?”

Then God sat down beside me there and said, “Son, that’s for you.”

“But saying things to strangers, Lord, is one thing I can’t do.

Now Tom can talk to people, Lord, there’s nothing he won’t do.

I’d rather someone come to me and greet me on my pew.”

As years just seemed to pass me by, I heard that voice no more;

Until one night I closed my eyes and woke on Heaven’s shore.

‘Twas four of us together there to face eternity,

God said, “I need just three of you to do a job for me.”

“Oh Lord,” I cried, “I’ll do the job; there’s nothing I won’t do.”

But Jesus said, “I’m sorry friend, IN HEAVEN THERE’S NO PEW!”

Get on your feet, ‘cause there are no pews in Heaven!

# 53 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you. #

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THE GOOD OLD HYMNS(BY FRANK L. STANTON from THE CHURCH MUSICIAN,Oct./Nov/Dec,1996)

There’s lots of music in ‘em, The hymns of long ago;An’ when some gray-haired brother sings The ones I used to know,I sorter want to take a hand - I think o’ days gone by -“On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand And cast a wishful eye.”

There’s lots of music in ‘em - Those dear, sweet hymns of old,With visions bright of lands of light And shining streets of gold;And I hear ‘em ringing - singing, Where memory dreaming stands,“From Greenland’s icy mountains to India’s coral strands.”

We hardly needed singin’ books In them old days: we knewThe words, the tunes, of every one, The dear old hymn book through!We had no blaring trumpets then, No organs built for show;We only sang to praise the Lord, “From whom all blessings flow.”

An’ so I love the dear old hymns, And when my time shall come -Before the light has left me And my singing lips are dumb -If I can only hear ‘em then, I’ll pass, without a sigh,“To Canaan’s fair and happy land, where my possessions lie!”

# 55 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you. #

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PSALM 23 , Antithesis # 55By Marcia K. Hornok, as first published in DISCIPLESHIP JOURNAL, Issue #60, 1990

For this WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK we turn to something that is designed to show us

A kind of thinking that is fully “Conformed to this world” (compare the instructions in Romans 12).

This modern-day psalm parody turns up the “ouch-that-hurts” factor to a pretty high level. (Carl Stam)

The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest.

It makes me lie down only when exhausted.

It leads me to deep depression.

It hounds my soul.

It leads me in circles of frenzy for activity’s sake.

Even though I run frantically from task to task,

I will never get it all done.

For my “ideal” is with me.

Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me.

They demand performance from me,

Beyond the limits of my schedule.

They anoint my head with migraines.

My in-basket overflows,

Surely fatigue and time pressure shall

Follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the bonds of frustration forever.

But can you say with David, the Psalmist of old:

1. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.3. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s

sake.4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for

Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my

head with oil; my cup runneth over.6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in

the house of the Lord forever.”

# 64 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you. #

Laodicean Church Releases New Hymnal(jp-jokers from Gregory Signleton, via Rehu)

Leaders of the Evangelical Laodicean Church in America last week announced the publication of a new hymnal. "This is truly a hymnal for the new century," said Presiding Bishop Luke W. Armm.

"This collection of hymns really captures the essence of our tradition," Bishop Armm explained. "At the core of our belief is the motto, 'Moderation in all things,' and that applies to our faith life as well. We just don't like to get carried away."

When asked if the new hymnal will help the Laodicean Church attract new members, Bishop Armm replied, "Yeah, sure. You Betcha! People in today's society get kind of uncomfortable with too much talk about things like commitment and dedication. They'd much rather have a religion that they can turn on or off at will. Our church seeks to pander--er, I mean--meet that need. This hymnal will help with that, I think."

Editor in chief of the new hymnal, Priscilla ("Presh") S. Moment, explained some of the difficulty the committee had in choosing hymns. "Many of the old favorites just won't cut it among Laodiceans," said Moment. "We had to change a lot of the wording to make them fit with our style. We tried to incorporate some new songs into the book, but we had trouble finding Laodiceans interested in writing new music. Oh, well!"

The title of the new hymnal, _Church Songs_, was chosen very carefully, explained Moment. "We didn't want to turn anybody off with threatening words that no one understands any more like 'Worship' or 'Hymn.'"

Here is a partial list of titles included in the new Laodicean hymnal:

I Surrender Some There Shall Be Sprinkles of Blessings Fill My Spoon, Lord Oh, How I like Jesus He's Quite a Bit to Me I Love to Talk about Telling the Story Take My Life and Let Me Be It Is My Secret What God Can Do There Is Scattered Cloudiness in My Soul Today Onward, Christian Reservists Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following Just as I Pretend to Be When the Saints Go Sneaking in Sit Up, Sit up for Jesus A Comfy Mattress Is Our God Self-esteem to the World! The Lord Is Come Oh, for a Couple of Tongues to Sing Amazing Grace, How Interesting the Sound Go Tell it on the Speed Bump Special, Special, Special Lord, Keep Us Loosely Connected to Your Word Praise God from Whom All Affirmations Flow My Hope Is Built on Nothing Much O, God, Our Enabler in Ages past I Lay My Inappropriate Behaviors on Jesus Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me All Hail the Influence of Jesus' Name! When Peace, like a Trickle I'm Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives We Give Thee but Still Think We Own What an Acquaintence We Have in Jesus My Faith Looks Around for Thee Blessed Hunch Above Average Is Thy Faithfulness We Are Milling Around in the Light of God Spirit of the Living God, Fall Somwhere near Me Blest Be the Tie That Doesn't Cramp My Style Joyful, Joyful, We Kinda Like Thee Just as I Am, with Lots of Excuses Be Thou My Hobby Spirit of God, Decend upon Their Hearts

# 77 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

A CHORISTER’S BEATITUDESby Shirley W. McRae (via Richard Jones)

SOURCE: "Pocket Guide for Church Choir Members," by Kenneth Osbeck

Blessed are the prompt, for they shall gladden the heart of the director.

Blessed are the enthusiastic, for they shall move mountains of indifference.

Blessed are the loyal, for they shall be called the backbone of the choir.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for musical knowledge, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall uplift the spirit of the choir.

Blessed are the humble, for they shall obtain the respect of their fellow choristers.

Blessed are the diligent, for they shall see great benefits from their labor.

Blessed are the reverent, for they shall direct the congregation to God.

Blessed are you when men abuse you and criticize you and utter all kinds of evils against your falsely on account of your singing.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men criticized the singers who were before you.

# 80 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

“THE MUSICIANS PRAYER”[papagary1@yahoo.com] GARY MARTIN’S PLAQUE

God, please bless my music, that it might glorify your name.

May using it to serve you always be my aim.

Let it be a witness to your majesty and love,

and remind us that you're watching from your throne above.

May others see your beauty in every note they hear,

and when they hear my music may they feel your presence near.

Oh Lord, I ask for guidance in everything I do,

and pray you'll make my music an instrument for you.

Do I hear an Amen. ?

# 111 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.

Funny TARDY & ABSENTEE POLICY for Choir Members-copied (from where, I don't know)

I used this in one of my choir newsletters, and I thought it was going to bring the house down!!David Tatum, Associate Pastor/Worship and Education, < ddtatum@tca.net>

First Baptist Church,300 S. Elm,Madisonville, TX 77864

SICKNESS--NO excuse! We no longer accept your doctor's statement as proof.We believe if you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to rehearsal.

DEATH (Other than your own)--This is no excuse. There is nothing you can dofor them and we are sure that someone else, with a lesser position, can attend to the arrangements. However, if the funeral is not scheduled during the first hour of choir rehearsal, we will be glad to let you off early, providing that you have a substitute who knows the music well enough to keep choir going in your absence.

DEATH (Your own)--This will be accepted as an excuse, but we would like atwo-week notice. We feel it is your duty to teach someone else all of yourmusic before you go.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (for an operation)--We are no longer allowing this practice. We wish to discourage any thoughts that you may need an operation. We believe that as long as you are in the choir, you will need all of whatever you have, and you should not consider having anything removed. We want you as you are and to have anything removed would certainly make you less of a singer than we bargained for.

ALSO--Entirely too much time is being spent in the restroom! In the future,we will follow the practice of going in alphabetical order. For instance,those whose names begin with "A" will go from 7:30 to 7:35 on the first dayof the month, "B" will go from 7:35 to 7:40, and so on. If you are unableto go at your appointed time, it will be necessary for you to wait until the

next month, when your turn comes again.

(any other ideas for our policy to improve our choir attendance ?)