Time flies and the end of summer suddenly came up to us. Even with an unclear forecast for our choir year schedule, I decided to clean up our choir room and choir members' folders. While emptying their folders, I could see what happened in the middle of March this year. Most folders have the same titles of music from months ago, and it reminded me that our choir had to stop singing for service without enough time for warning. They didn't have time to return their music. It looked like a scene from Pompeii.  

Now, the date of kick-off Sunday this year is scheduled for September 13, but we are not going to have the usual events that are supposed to happen for this day. We will not have our singers sing together during service until the COVID-19 situation dramatically improves, so we will try more instrumental music, including our bell choirs. Despite this, I cleaned up our Chancel Choir members' folders anyway. Why? "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them" (Psalm 126:5-6). 

God allows difficult times to happen to everyone, but there is hope for a better future for those people who do their best to overcome the obstacles and prepare without ceasing. 

When I took the copies of music out of each choir member's folder, I couldn't stop smiling.  I could see each person's efforts in their notes and marks on their music sheets, and even some of their habits. I miss their existence with me in the choir room and really hope to have them back soon.

But, the things I can do for now is to clean up the choir room, choir library, and their folders so that when they come back we can start our choir rehearsals right away without missing a beat. During the last half-year, we have experienced an unprecedented life, and there is lots of disappointing and stressful news around us.

But we have not given up our efforts and we have actually built up pretty impressive innovations dealing with these new life situations. Our live-streaming services have successfully connected us to each other and helped us worship God. Furthermore, recently added outside worship services lead us to another joyful worship experience each Sunday, weather permitting. Recent news about much-improved test kits for the virus and multiple vaccines that will be available soon also gives us hope. But most of all, we believe that there is God, who will provide us with the way of winning any trial when we keep working and praying with faith in him.

After finishing some work and leaving the choir room, I smiled again when I saw the kick-off Sunday advertisement board around the choir room door Helen Phillips made last year around this time. All the smiles of the people in Chancel Choir, Children's Choir, Joyful Noise, and Summer Choir on the board gave me big encouragement once more. 

Yes, we will get together sooner or later to make a joyful noise to glorify God altogether. Until then, let's try to find ways how we can keep praising God effectively and creatively in this unique time. May God give us wisdom and patience.