Progress Across the Pond

The concert with the Caernarfon Male Voice Choir and the Male Voice Choir from Rhos have been confirmed. These are two of our "anchor" concerts of our tour. Each of these choirs has a following that will come to the concert to share in the experience and in support of these organizations, as well as to hear the singers from America (us). At the concert with the Caernarfon choir we will have use of the large pipe organ as well as the concert grand piano in the main concert hall of Bangor University; PJ Pritchard Hall.

The concert with the choir from Rhos will take place in the Stwt Theatre http://www.stiwt.co.uk/

This photo was taken by Jonathan Nelms during our site visit trip in 2006, when the Stiwt Theatre was celebrating its 80th anniversary. Following our concert here we will enjoy a "tea time" with the people connected to the choir as did Jonathan, Ed Seabough, and I when we were privileged to attend the Rhos Male Choir concert there last year. The "teas" provide a wonderful opportunity to visit with the people of the other choirs, share with the delightful people of Wales, and get to know more about their lives and culture. It is in these environments we look to build relationships that may provide opportunity to share our faith.

REHEARSAL DATES AND LOCATIONS (updated)

These are the correct dates and locations for the rehearsals scheduled in the different regions of the state. Note that two are in MIDDLE TENNESSEE, that is so more of you can attend those. Also note that the rehearsal on July 26 is for EVERYONE. Attend if at all possible!

Thursday, July 12
Beaver Dam Baptist Church, Knoxville - Mike Bundon, Host

Thursday, July 19
First Baptist Church, Mt. Juliet - Jonathan Gardner, Host

Thursday, July 26--EVERYONE
Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville - Wayne Causey, Host

Thursday, August 2
Calvary Baptist Church, Jackson - David Whaley, Host

All rehearsals will begin at 10:00am and end at 3:00pm Lunch Provided on site - Nominal Cost (tba)

Passport Up to Date?

Check Your Passport to be Sure it is up to date and will not expire for at least 6 months AFTER the Wales trip is completed (September 26, 2007)

Rehearsal Dates and Locations

Thursday, July 12
Beavere Dam Baptist Church, Knoxville - Mike Bundon, Host

Thursday, July 19
Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville - Wayne Causey, Host

Thursday, July 26
First Baptist Church, Mt. Juliet - Jonathan Gardner, Host

Thursday, August 2
Calvary Baptist Church, Jackson - David Whaley, Host

All rehearsals will begin at 10:00am and end at 3:00pm
Lunch Provided on site - Nominal Cost (tba)

Prayer Needs

Thanks to Lyndel Littleton for "being me" to get this blog started. He has also done a lot of work on our Tennessee Baptist Church Music Conference website that we hope to have online in a few weeks. He and Jonathan Nelms, last year's president Ricky Clark (whoever that is) and the rest of our officers have given us such good leadership toward new means of staying in touch.

Regarding our Wales trip there has been an enormous amount of work done, but there is still yet much to do. Our missionary contacts have changed somewhat and I am uncertain as to how or if this will change our preliminary processes. I would appreciate your prayer in this regard as so many details for concerts, travel, promotion, and ministry are dependent on those who are there in Wales.

More specifically, let me ask you to pray for a young man named Kent Morris, who has now been assigned to our project. Here are other specific prayer needs regarding details:

• Pray for the officers of the Caernarfon Male Choir as they meet this week to discuss our joint concert at the Pritchard Jones Hall on the campus of Bangor University
• Pray for the leaders of the Rhos Male Choir as they plan for our combined concert in that city in the Stewt Theater
• Pray for the directors of both of these choruses as we enter into conversation about material we will sing together at the concert - this material can be an important part of how the Lord might speak to the hearts of our fellow musicians there
• Pray for Ed Seabough and the people of Travelink as they assist in wire transfers and other details of securing concert halls, piano and other services needed
• Pray for a few of our own who are still trying to decide about their ability to make the trip
• Pray for wisdom for me in selecting the right music to effectively communicate our message

We will update the blog with information as is appropriate, and will remind you to check it through other means as we continue to try to stay connected through the process of preparation.

Let the Blogging Begin!

Blogging is a new experience for me. But after seeing how easy it is to keep everyone informed about the latest news regarding our trip to Wales I decided to take the plunge and start blogging. Actually, at this time, I don't even know that I am writing this or that I even have a blog. Our President-elect, Lyndel Littleton, signed me up for a blog account, set up this blog, and is typing what you are reading! I will be so excited when I read this myself!

I'll use this blog now to tell you about rehearsals, repetoire, to share prayer concerns regarding this great ministry opportunity, etc. While we are in Wales, your family will be able to log on here and see what we are doing.

Of course I will still be sending out my Monday e-mails, but you'll be able to check back here and see all of the Wales information in one place. Leave a comment if you like.

Paul (as written by Lyndel)