Singers of the Living Tradition – All Are Welcome

From Glen Thomas Rideout:

My Aunt Argie was being ordained into the ministry. This was the first ordaining any of us had seen in our family, the leading subject of conversation for a year (I’m talking cookout conversations, even!). The family wanted to give a family gift for the occasion, a memorable something as big and beautiful as the bonds between each of us Steeles. 

For weeks, without my aunt any the wiser, a good 40 or 50 of us smushed into my grandparents’ small apartment…cousins, and sisters, and aunts, and uncles, my grandones..some sitting, some standing, somehow squoze into my grandmother’s apartment, singing and practicing and laughing at the top of our voices in top secret. And on ordination day, earnest and full-throated (and damn good, I’ll say), we gave her a choir. 

Choir is not a thing; it is a decision (better yet, countless). Choir is what community sounds like in steady practice—stunning and strong. Choir tells the world that beauty in the world is possible. Choir untethers our hands from the illusion of perfection, helps us to glimpse and practice and center deep interdependence. Through its practice, we get reminded that we have parts to play in bringing that beauty to life. No degree required, nor credential. It doesn’t even have to cost a cent. 

I’m so grateful for this time approaching for us to conjure our choir, to decide again and again to manifest the love and strength of the community we build in notes, rhythms, and shared company. Thank you for taking care of your soul and body with this practice. Below is the information you need as our time together approaches. Specific repertoire will be sent in a future communication. Thank you for your part in this work of ministry, dear ones, for choosing this gift of rhythm, melody, and joy. 

Rehearsals & Services: 

• Rehearsal: Mon, June 19, 2023 4:30-6:00 PM ET David Lawrence Convention Center Rm 310-311
• Rehearsal: Tues, June 20, 2023 9:00-10:30 AM ET David Lawrence Convention Center Rm 310-311
• Worship: Wed, June 21, 2023 11:00 AM ET David Lawrence Convention Center Ballroom A
• Worship: Thurs, June 22, 2023 7:00 PM ET David Lawrence Convention Center Main Hall

What to pack: We will be asking the choir to dress in black bottoms, white tops with a splash of color.

All are welcome: This year we will only have an on-site choir, we anticipate returning to a virtual choir for fully virtual GA in 2024. The Singers of the Living Tradition welcome all religious professionals and their partners and spouses.

Yours in song,

Glen Thomas Rideout,  2023 Director of the Singers of the Living Tradition