McDonough First United Methodist Church
Choir Retreat 2004
Scott decided that we needed to get away for a weekend and totally concentrate on our special Christmas music. The choir will be presenting John Rutter's "Gloria" for our Christmas worship music on December 19th. The choir is also preparing a service of carols for the entire community for December 12th. This will be a McDonough sing-along with Scott. Anyway, back to the retreat. A great many of our choir went to Simpsonwood Retreat Center for a weekend of singing, fellowship, and learning Latin. That's right, the "Gloria" will be sung in Latin. It is truly beautiful.
Before loading the vans for the trip we pause for the group picture. Rev. Mack was there to send us off and to offer prayer for a fun and safe trip.
Scott knew that he couldn't leave Rev. Mack completely empty handed so Dianne filled in on the piano at the retreat. We missed having Sandee along with us, but she was busy playing organ for the worship service. Carol stayed back and led the hymns, and provided solos for both services. Rumor has it that both covered beautifully for Scott and the choir. Carol's solo was wonderful.
Scott wasted no time putting the choir to work, but he did leave time for some fun and fellowship time. The choir took some time to get to know each other better. Of course we probably learned more than we wanted to know (greased handrails...skinny dipping...shaving head...synchronized trampoline...tying up the sitter...and the list goes on).
The food at Simpsonwood is wonderful, and there is plenty of it. Many enjoyed hiking the trails and Simpsonwood (some got lost). Mike, did you know that they don't have TV's in the rooms? It was so peaceful and quite some just relaxed. And then there is our friend Sleeping Wolf.
Everyone loved it so much that Scott has already booked for next year. Come join the choir and next year you could get caught sleeping in a chair (priceless).