Almost three years ago, we had to disband the Junior Choir when the last four members graduated into the Seniors.

Since the arrival in Spring 2004, of Sanbornton’s new pastor, Rev. Patrice Ficken, who grew up singing in church choirs, a number of young families with children have joined the church. Rev. Ficken brought the parents together to hear Minister of Music Dennis Akerman talk about Junior Choir. "This is a way in which young children can contribute to the worship of the church," he told them. "When they sing, they are not performing, they are part of and adding to the church’s worship. Junior choristers also learn to read music and to sing in a group. And they learn to help one another and to work together as a team. They must make a commitment to come to rehearsals every Thursday evening and every Sunday morning. At the church service on Sunday mornings, they wear the same blue robes with white surplices as the Seniors, only in smaller sizes; and they have their own part in the service, when they sing together the piece they have been practicing through the week."

Nine young people are now members of Sanbornton’s new Junior Choir. They are positive, enthusiastic and committed to what they are doing. They all want to be in the choir as long as the Head Chorister, who has been in the choir for 8 years. Rehearsals are a new experience. "We do exercises with our mouths," they tell their Church School Teacher and proceed to demonstrate the exercises. "Sometimes we dance, but we try to be quiet; Mr. Akerman says to sing!" "We sing a lot of songs at rehearsals, says a boy, but only one at the church service. Another says that of all the things she does each week, this is the activity she enjoys most. "We learn lots of new songs, and we meet new friends," says a second-year singer. Many of the Junior choir members like the song, "Love, Love, Love" because it is easy to sing. But one girl’s favorite is "Wherever I May Wander"; and another prefers "The Lion and the Lamb." Most of the junior choristers like their blue robes. "I feel pretty," says one. "I feel like a disciple," says another. "I feel proud," says a third. All the new choir members agree that singing in the choir is FUN! Parents who would like to have their children have this musical and spiritual experience should contact Dennis Akerman, 286-3903 or 286-4798. Church membership is not required, but children must take part in church school classes and activities.