by Milt Warkentien
With our yearly theme being “You’re invited into Community,” and our individual series themes “You’re invited …”, it got me thinking about the music ministry at PoP. A question I’m often asked is “How did you get so and so to come to PoP?” This question is often asked around benefit concerts at PoP, but many times it’s just if someone new is playing at worship. The usual answer is that I simply asked them. It sometimes amazes me that this answer leaves many shocked at the answer. Why should it be shocking that I asked someone to play? Many are hired musicians but were still asked to play.
We are very fortunate to have so many volunteers that sing and play bells regularly at PoP, but it’s even better when Kathy invites our seasonal singers to join the choir. Seasonal singers don’t have the time to be in choir regularly but still get the chance to sing because of Kathy’s invitation. We also have many talented young people that are given a chance to use their talents at PoP. I’m glad they are willing to do so when invited, but even more excited that some now ask if they can play when I haven’t asked in a while.
I’m not sure why giving someone an invitation seems difficult sometimes. I don’t know if it’s the fear of rejection to the invite, feeling like you might be intruding into someone’s time, or what, but I do know that without an invitation many will be sitting on the sidelines.
I want to thank all that use their talents in the music ministry at PoP and if we’ve missed giving you an invitation please let us know, for there’s never too many to make music and have some fun. I also want to thank everyone that thanks our guest musicians and our PoP musicians, for without people that want to hear them the invitation might not seem as inviting.