Reflections on the Central Christian Choir Tour
June 9-17, 2007
(click on any link to learn more about the places we visited and click on any photo to view a larger image)
Tour Program
The Central Christian Church Chancel Choir and other church members presented religious choral concerts in June at churches and other locations throughout Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Iowa. Twenty-five Central members are participating in the choir tour, including spouses and other interested church members. Don Martin, Central's Minister of Music, coordinated the tour and conducted the concerts.
Day One, June 9th
We assembled at the crack of dawn (well, 6:30 a.m.) to load the bus and get started. Our first destination was Columbia, Missouri where we toured the offices of Woodhaven, a service unit of the National Benevolent Association. Woodhaven is a community-based ministry which currently provides compassionate care for more than 100 adults with developmental disabilities. Following the informative tour, we quickly moved to to Rock Bridge Christian Church for a delicious luncheon with some of Woohaven's clients and staff and a mid-afternoon concert in the beautiful, one-year old church facility. Another two hours on the road found us arriving in Kansas City for a fun evening at the famous Kansas City Country Club Plaza.
"Spirits were high as we gathered together for our departure Saturday morning. As the members of the choir said sleepy goodbyes to their families, we prepared to embark on the first day of our journey. Three and one half hours later we arrived at Woodhaven Ministries. Woodhaven is a Christian ministry that provides supported living services for men and women with developmental disabilities. The generous folks who manage the homes gave us a brief tour of their administrative building. Shortly afterwards, we gathered on the bus and traveled to nearby Rock Ridge Christian Church where we were served a scrumptious lunch and performed our first concert of the tour. The audience was very warm and welcoming and many of those whom Woodhaven serves were among the crowd. Then, within what seemed to be an hour … there we were on the road again. In a short three hours we arrived in Kansas City, our final stop of the day. Baggage was unloaded, clothes were changed, and the members of the choir hit the town. Now, whatever you've heard about the food in Kansas City, put it aside for a second; the food is truly wonderful, but unfortunately, it comes at quite a high- price. Let's just say this, a few members of the choir were quite surprised, myself included, when they realized their meal would cost them $40 and up. As we gathered in our bedrooms to rest for the night, we looked forward to the coming days, and hoped that they would be as inspiring and fulfilling as this first day on the road together." -- Lucien Smith
Day Two, June 10th
This Sabbath day found us singing for two of the three services at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City. It is a warm and welcoming congregation. After a delightful lunch of Kansas City Barbecue, we headed for Augusta Christian Church (near Witchita) for a supper with the congregation and an evening concert. This is the congregation where Dr. C. William Nichols, Pastor Emeritus of Central, and his wife, Claudine, served for many years. Many in that congregation have fond memories of their years together.
"Despite a very rainy start to the day here in Kansas City, we had a wonderful morning of singing for and worshiping with the congregation at Country Club Christian Church. Wow! What a gorgeous church -- the sanctuary was breathtaking! There is a life-size wooden carving of the Last Supper by Domenic Zappia at this church, too. What a privilege to see this special masterpiece -- as good for the soul as well as the eyes! It is glorious to realize that as we give praise to God through our music, we receive back so much more! (And this is just our second day out!) God is so good!" -- Cindy Soebbing
Day Three, June 11th
"The group gathered early to leave Wichita Falls for the long trek across the plains and to the beginning of the Rocky Mountains at Colorado Springs. The vast tracts of pasture, field, and occasionally, even a town, stretched out from our windows to the edge of the earth. Kansas appeared endless, and it is genuinely a toss-up between the moment our coordinated clocks turned from Central to Mountain Daylight Time and the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" as to which brought about a larger cheer from the group. Eastern Colorado continued the rolling landscape of pasture and field, with few towns in between. Everyone was looking for the first peek at a peak; a mountain on the horizon, soaring above 14,000 feet. Considering that Decatur is a mere 621 feet above sea level, and we were already around 3,000 feet at the border between Kansas and Colorado, it was truly breathtaking to see those majestic mountains appearing as we approached Colorado.
With an abandoned railroad lane our only faithful companion, I was drawn to consider an earlier traveler, perhaps traveling by train into Colorado on the same now abandoned rail line. Her name was Katherine Bates, a professor of English from Wellesley College, on a lecture tour through Colorado in 1893. Her own words perhaps describe best what happened: 'We strangers celebrated the close of the session by a merry expedition to the top of Pike's Peak, making the ascent by the only method then available for people not vigorous enough to achieve the climb on foot nor adventurous enough for burro-riding. Prairie wagons, their tail-boards emblazoned with the traditional slogan, "Pike's Peak or Bust," were pulled by horses up to the half-way house, where the horses were relieved by mules. We were hoping for half and hour on the summit, but two of our party became so faint in the rarified air that we were bundled into the wagons again and started on our downward plunge so speedily that our sojourn on the peak remains in memory hardly more than one ecstatic gaze. It was then and there, as I was looking out over the sea-like expanse of fertile country spreading away so far under those ample skies, that the opening lines of the hymn floated into my mind.' The hymn was "America, the Beautiful." A few of our own "merry expedition" will be ascending the same peak that inspired Katherine Bates tomorrow. I know I was certainly inspired to sing forth a new song to see those same majestic peaks rising from a seemingly endless landscape of prairie grass, cattle, and farms." -- Jason Butterick
Link to Katherine Lee Bates story
Day Four, June 12th
This day was designated mostly for sight-seeing in the Colorado Springs area. Group members could choose between taking the Cog railway up 1400 feet to the summit of Pike's Peak or spending time at the awe-inspiring Manitou Cliff Dwellings and the Garden of the Gods. We also presented an evening concert at Frist Christian Church in Colorado Springs.
"Today, Tuesday, we visited the Garden of the Gods. Since I have never been to Colorado, I could hardly contain my excitement at seeing the beautiful wonders. As we entered the park I could see hugh rock formations, hikers, bikers, and families enjoying what God has created. As I entered the Trading Post I went to the upper level, out on a balcony to look out over a breathtaking view of the park. A theater presentation gave the history of the park and how over millions of years, he rock formation evolved. After the presentation, several members of the group went on a short bus tour through the park. Our guide gave us more history of the park, showing us the red rock formations and explaining how each got their names. She also told us about the natural vegetation and animals. It was an exciting morning. God created the heavens and the earth and what a magnificant job He did!" -- Paula Hovey
Day Five, June 13th
WOW - today was an exciting time as we drove (well, we rode - our bus driver, Larry, drove) that huge tour bus through mountain towns, around hairpin turns and up and down steep inclines as we made our way from Colorado Springs to Aspen and Snowmass. What a beautiful sight beheld us! It was almost as if the view around each corner was more magnificient than the one before. Beautiful snow-capped mountains, quaint mountain towns and wildlife of all kinds were just some of the ways we were blessed on this day. We visited the beautiful Aspen Chapel of the Prince of Peace where we gave a concert and learned about their unique ministry. Following the concert we spent some time exploring the streets and stores of Aspen before returning to the Rocky Mountain ambience of our accomodations at the Snowmass Mountain Chalet!
On Wednesday, June 13, 2007, after our two-day stay at the Comfort Inn in Colorado Springs, we got on the bus and headed toward Aspen. At this point, you may be curious how we are all doing (comments are the sole ownership of John Baird and in no way reflect the opinion of the touring choir!):
The scheduled time to board the bus each morning has always been too early. As the last person of our groggy group boarded this morning, Sally Thicksten observed that, "We're all here, but we're not all there."
Paula Hovey helps with everything - cooking, laundry, whatever. This morning in the Comfort Inn breakfast room, Paula made 27 waffles for choir members, as well as for any other motel guests who happened along!
Gretchen Barron: Everyone seemed to listen in on her cell phone conversations on the bus. There was so much spectacular mountain scenery, that soon someone was yodeling "The Lonely Goatherd."
Dean Gray always has a collection of cameras given to him for concert picture taking. He thinks he's the most senior of our group, and we're just letting him think that.
Janet Gray is not really a bag lady, but she did kindly watch the ladies' purses during performances.
Jason Butterick, our borrowed pianist from Crestview Christian Church, played thousands of notes on our behalf, including inspirational concert preludes, and rousing gospel keyboard postludes. Best compliment - "when you tickle the ivories, they laugh."
Don Martin: The Mennonite musician of the 1980s returns to the Aspen Chapel - this time with his choir in concert. Don has served as head counter before our bus departures, and actually became "head hunter" one evening when Lucien was off meditating on the marvels of God's creation.
Lucien Smith: Climbed the steps all the way to the top of Seven Falls. He's been one of our fine soloists! Another wonderful thing he does for the group is that he lowers the average age by a significant amount.
John Baird: Brought piano tuning tools along just in case one of our venue instruments needed attention. So far, he's like the Maytag repairman - no work to do.
Jan Baird: She led our choir into the sanctuary for a concert, and headed into the wrong row. Nobody follows her! She then proceeded confidently to her correct spot in the second row. It all appeared very intentional.
Bob Smith: Among his many useful assists to the group, he exited the bus several times (sometimes in the rain) to guide the bus driver in difficult parking maneuvers. Always ready with a joke and a laugh. Noticed that lilacs are in bloom here.
Bob Wade: Was served the largest order of French fries ever - it looked like Pike's Peak!
Cindy Soebbing: As one of our trip nurses, Cindy has helped keep us aware of health concerns, such as the need to drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness. John was denied his diagnosis that his sniffles were a noteworthy case of the Rocky Mountain High.
Joan Smith kept the conversation and crossword puzzles going in the mid bus section. Always keeping a sharp lookout for antique shopping opportunities.
Maxine Koenig: Give this girl a little peppy music, and watch out -- this dancer comes alive!
Connie Bordner: morning inspirational sheets; our bus has a PA system and Connie is the "mic mama." She used up all her adrenaline fretting about the sheer drop offs along the mountain roads. A major contributor to this trip's preparations!
Karen Driver: Belted out gospel solos (classical ones, too) that we will never forget.
Larry Chapman: His resonant, radio announcer voice delivered inspiring narrations during our concerts (how much credit does his Binaca mouth spray get for this?).
Betty Chapman: Not just a tourist, Betty helped a Leadville, Colorado city worker set out flowered pots along the sidewalk during a brief rest stop.
Shirley Swarthout: Trip planner and navigator. Not enough good can be said about all she did to make this trip possible. Despite all the work and responsibility, nobody appears to be having more fun.
Mike Sperry: At times we saw only the soles of his shoes as he pulled out luggage from deep inside the bus luggage compartment.
Ellen Sheffer: Reminisced about an early family vacation to Vail when her three children were young.
Rosie Noel: We enlisted our appreciated guest soprano from Mt. Zion Christian Church to help us sing; she enlisted us to help keep track of her purse.
Sue Burkham: Our newlyweds are taking good care of each other, to the extent that out of concern for Jack's health, Sue monitors Paula's waffle output to make sure Jack is getting enough.
Jack "the Whistler" Dixon located himself at the back of the bus to control access to the snacks and drinks … in a very helpful and friendly way.
Day Six, June 14th
"After a long travel day and later evening in Aspen on Wednesday, most of us took advantage of a free morning to sleep-in, shop and take pictures of the mountain side and ski lifts near the ski lodge where we spent the night. At 11:30 a.m. we climbed back on our "home away from home" and headed for the Denver area. The scenery was incredible -- breath taking and majestic. There are not enough adjectives to describe this beautiful country. At times we watched with interest some brave souls who were "riding the rapids" that seemed to run along Interstate I-70. Not an activity I would want to try! We arrived at our hotel in Denver at 3:40 p.m. -- just in time to get ready to go to the Heritage Square Music Hall in Golden, Colorado. The buffet meal was delicious and we all thoroughly enjoyed the musical "Too Old to Be Loud". The show was about high school friends looking back on their youth and touching on five decades of Rock & Roll. The performance was boisterous and hilariously funny and brought back many memories from our past. Jason, Lucien and Bob really got into the nostalgic music -- we wouldn't have been surprised if they had joined the cast on stage at any moment. After the show, we waited on Jack and Sue to find their usual ice cream fix but everything was closed -- so we boarded the bus once again and went back to our hotel to rest up for Friday morning's work project at the Evergreen Retreat Center." -- Rosie Noel
Day Seven, June 15th
"It was a relief to most of us to come down from 11,000 feet to 7,000 or so. Many have suffered from headaches, plugged-up ears, shortness of breath, etc. - not good at all for singing or anything else for that matter. However, we wouldn't have wanted to mss the awe-inspiring scenery and sights that we flatlanders seldom see. Our bus driver, Larry, got his fill of maneuvering our 40-foot bus along narrow roads and around sharp turns. We really appreciate his driving skill and ability to handle really tough situations with patience and good humor. We left the hotel this morning at about 9:30 in our work clothes, ready to do whatever chores were asked of us in our service project at the Evergreen Christian Church in Evergreen, Colorado. On arrival, we heard a short talk on the history of the church and were given a tour of their modern, functional facility. Then it was time to go to work. Most of the group went outside for weeding, tree trimming and painting. There was also an indoor crew for vacuuming and dusting. Two hours or so of work by 20+ people can accomplish quite a bit and the church members who were there expressed their deep thanks. They served us a great lunch which included delicious homemade oatmeal cookies. Vera, the delightful lady who made them will be 95 years old in August, but she doesn't look it at all. She calls them Healthy cookies and Cindy got the recipe. We did an evening concert at the same church, after a wonderful potluck supper. Those people sure can cook! The concert went well and we got our best compliment: Don Martin said it was the best we've done so far. Now it's time for bed to get ready for a long, long travel day tomorrow." -- Sally Thicksten
Day Eight and Nine - June 16-17
"Following a very full day working, eating, singing and eating again, the Tour Choir prepared for the 700 or so mile journey to Altoona, Iowa. A primary goal today is GET SOME REST! Of course, we had to make a bit of celebration for our Birthday Girl, Betty, who turned 65 today. Hubby, Larry, expertly detained her from boarding the bus until we were all aboard. That allowed us all to witness her surprise at the decorations and the really creative song written by Jason and Don and dedicated to her. We treated ourselves to a piece of birthday cake after lunch to extend the birthday fun a bit longer. After a long day of driving, our bus driver, Larry, pulled into the driveway of a beautiful Victorian farmhouse in Waterloo, Nebraska, and we were greeted by Connie's sister, Linda and her husband, Bill. Dinner on Saturday was at Farmer Brown's Steakhouse, which has the reputation of being one of the best places to eat in the Omaha area. Judging from the crowd, that could be true. After a truly delicious dinner, our next stop was Altoona, Iowa, the place where Gretchen grew up. No Saturday night partying for us, though, cause we're scheduled to sing at both services tomorrow at Altoona Christian Church and need to board the bus at 7:15 a.m. It has been a wonderful week!" -- Maxine Koenig
YOU'RE SIXTY-FIVE
Words by Jason Butterick & Don Martin
*With many apologies to Sir Paul McCartneyYou thought you would keep it from us,
That we wouldn't know
It's your birthday, yes, your birthday, so let's just
Do the right thing and celebrate with us.
Is it thirty, or just twenty-nine?
Tell us all the truth
You can't deceive us, you better believe us
We know you're sixty-five!We think it's swell you sharing this day
With your friends that spill
You are always looking for a place to serve
Placing planters even in Leadville!
Singing with ladies, reading to kids,
Who could ask for more?
Maybe it's Larry ready to serve us
Binaca from the store!We know it's tiring, listening to us
Sharing your birthday cheer
We won't keep you waiting very long,
Older people don't stay awake very long
Onward to Altoona, Iowa we go,
From mounts to plains beyond
A milestone is with us,
We know you won't forget this
Silly, Birthday Song.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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