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We Believe: Sonshine Singers to perform in FD

Hymns, verse and toe-tapping gospel to bless First UMC

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Brent Meyer gets in some practice during a recent rehearsal for Sonshine Singers at Fort Dodge Senior High recently.

by HAILEY BRUESCHKE

hbrueschke@messengernews.net

Sounds of beautiful hymns will fill the sanctuary when the Sonshine Singers gather together to share their faith during the 18th annual musical ministry entitled, “We Believe.”

During the Feb. 16-18 concerts, the audience will hear a variety of old fashioned hymns, prayers, newer hymns, Bible verses, and all types of heartfelt and toe-tapping gospels.

“We have a piece that is straight a capella, while some are more formal and traditional hymns we have arranged.” Jean Johnson, Sonshine Singers publicity chair, said.

Some of the songs performed include “Surely the Presence,” “I Can Pray,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Soul on Fire,” and “Give Me That Old Time Religion.”

“The sound fills the sanctuary all the way up to the dome, it is very uplifting, mainly because the Sonshine Singers focus more on the words of the music,” Johnson said. “We work really hard on enunciating the words of the song so the audience can hear the message along with the music.”

In addition to the Fort Dodge shows, this group, representing approximately 45 area churches, travels to Grimes, Spencer, Callender, Cresco, Hartley, Jefferson, Alta, Otho, Gilmore City, Humboldt, Waterloo, Storm Lake, Webster City, Gowrie, Duncombe, Manson, Barnum, Palmer, Pomeroy, Perry, Stratford, and Moorland.

“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing,” (Psalm 100:2) is the best verse to describe why the Sonshine Singers are a group, Johnson said.

“We believe our talent is God given, and we like to use our musical talents as a way to honor and glorify him, while sharing his love with other people,” she said.

The Sonshine Singers would like to thank their accompanists: Dean Davis, percussion; Brian Robinson, bass; Steve Kelleher, guitar; Dee Murman, flute; Tim Miller, trumpet; Kathy Yoakam, French horn; Nick Moore and Brent Meyer, trombone; Cari Hepperle, oboe; and a string ensemble featuring Tammi, Amanda, and Bill Secor.

The chorus is directed by Armona Redenius with John Zuerrer as assistant director. Performing with the group, and beginning her third year with the Sonshine Singers is pianist Shelly Bottorff, while Janence Valentine is the assistant pianist.

The concerts wil be held on Feb. 16 and 17 beginning at 7 p.m., and again on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 127 N. 10th St.

The concert is free, but a free will offering will be accepted.

Also, CDs of past performances will be available for purchase.

The Sonshine Singers is a volunteer organization of people who come together to share God’s grace and love. Sonshine Singers holds auditions once a year, but the date has yet to be determined for 2017.

For more information, get in contact with a member of the Sonshine Singers group.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Armona Redenius, director, leads the Sonshine Singers during a recent rehearsal at Fort Dodge Senior High. -Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Denise Halverson, a member of Sonshine Singers, performs during a recent rehearsal at Fort Dodge Senior High recently. -Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Brent Meyer gets in some practice during a recent rehearsal for Sonshine Singers at Fort Dodge Senior High recently.

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