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news & updates
JN's Christmas Concert
Dec 10, 2005
"The winter concert! Suddenly it seemed like we were cramming as many new song materials into our memories as possible. Mark attached whole chunks of Latin in his emails to the group. I had obediently muttered under my breath in cadence with the words he instructed us to look over, and out of the corner of my eye saw another Carnegie Library patron darting a nervous glance towards my direction.
It was during the throes of winter finals, and I knew I wasn't the only one feeling like a drunk juggler. In fact, I could safely say everyone else in Joyful Noise was probably more likely to snap and drive away to Canada under the sheer amount of their responsibilities.
Concert day: Due to a test that Matt, in true CMU fashion, touted as a privilege to take, I arrived at the auditorium a few hours later than the others--and was immediately dazzled by the dreamlike twinkle lights and other decorations. Porter Hall 100 never looked so pretty.
This is the goodness of Joyful Noise to me. An audience member had once commented that the Spirit of the Lord is with this group, and I must say I agree. There is something immensely uplifting when Joyful Noise members are together. When I tried out in September, it was the first time I hoped with great anticipation to become a member of any singing group. I had tried out for numerous choirs and singing roles since I started performing for my schools since fourth grade. Always, my audition attitude was one of detached hope. As Jess would say: "Meh." If I don't make it, it's okay...There'd be others. When I waited before my JN audition, I had felt this way. But then a tall, skittish girl cantered into the room and said, "Hi, I'm Ally! I would like to pray with you before your audition." And I was amazed. The audition went by in a whirl, and I left feeling the after-effects of a great joyfulness and energy that was in the room. I left knowing that this would be the first time I'd be genuinely disappointed if I couldn't sing with the group.
Thank God I was able to, because Joyful Noise was (and is) a great support to me in my transition back to the States after a year of working and learning many hard lessons abroad. I had arrived in Pittsburgh about a month ago, somewhat haphazardly, without a real plan for the first time in my life. In moments when I felt adrift, worthless, utterly confused, singing with Joyful Noise allowed me to regain the right perspective. So many times, I went to practice greatly burdened. Seeing the others looking out for each other, being reminded of God's love, I was often refreshed.
The same Spirit was there with us then during our nervous preparations. It was there during our songs, our skits, our spoken words. It remained with me all the way home afterwards. Truthfully, the concert could have been disastrous. Probably would have been, by human design. What made the concert perfect for me was witnessing God's grace even in something many people would consider quite mundane. At the entrance of our performance space that day, Taylor had placed a gift-wrapped present into a nest. Yes, Christmas. In the dead of winter, amidst the biting cold, is life, new and eternal, presented to all."
-- Amy King
Gig at Skibo Coffeehouse
Nov 9, 2005
Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!
Our first real gig of the season. What a joy to be able to share our greatest loves- the gospel and music- with such a captive audience. By the end of our set the place was packed. God certainly blessed us this evening. Songs that were a little shaky even an hour before our performance went over beautifully. This was really our first time performing this semester with all of our members present and we cannot even begin to express how it felt to come together so well, in perfect harmony. Sharing stories about the music we’d chosen and the unconditional love of Jesus Christ along with our music was a rewarding experience in itself. There was nothing of us to rejoice in tonight- only in Him, our Savior and Lord.
Joyful Noise would like to thank Skibo Coffeehouse for hosting us!
JN Retreat 2005!
Sept 18-19, 2005
The JNers hit the road on Saturday morning destined for a sweet-action good time
at Pine Valley Bible Campground. We welcomed our new members, Amy and Mike, and spent our hours doing a mini service project, shooting hoops, taking care of business, and getting our worship on!
Sunday morning we were blessed with the opportunity to sing 3 songs at Chapel Presbyterian Church. The trip ended with a chatty meal at Baja Fresh in Robinson Town Center and some detoured ride back to the city.
Thanks to Pine Valley Bible Camp, Chapel Presbyterian, and, most importantly, Jesus for making this weekend as wonderful and blessed as it was!
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