It has been a long four years since Grace’s last Gospel Music Celebration in 2019. So many things have changed: Pastor Paul Leggett, Donald DuLaney, and Charsie Sawyer retired; the pandemic hit and abruptly ended “live” choral worship for almost two years; and we became “churchless” after a devastating fire.
But today “In the Sanctuary” of our temporary church home—with our new Music Director, David Malyszko, and new Guest Conductor, Vinroy D. Brown, Jr.—Gospel music rocked the house once again. It was truly a mountaintop experience.
This service brought back all those years of joining together with so many different people—young and old, new and long-time members—all gathered to “Praise His Holy Name.” In fact, some of my all-time favorite songs are from previous Gospel Music Celebrations.
But did Gospel music ever really leave Grace Church? Not a chance. Because Gospel music is about sharing the love of Christ through music and song—this is true. But it is also about communion, fellowship, commitment, and worship. Something that happens every week at Grace Church. At the Gospel Music Celebration there is just a lot more shouting “Hallelujah!” and hand clapping going on.
I am most grateful to be a member of the Grace Church Gospel Choir. I love to “sing because I’m happy” at the top of my lungs, and look forward to the joy that the 2025 Gospel Music Celebration will bring. But I am forever grateful to be able to give God the Glory every day with my Grace Church family, wherever we meet to worship, with every song we sing.
© 2024 by Julie Daidone