Gayle Sullivan, Director of Music Ministries

While the group went to minister to others, representing the church of Jesus Christ by sharing their voices in word and song, the 24 singers and 7 chaperones were undoubtedly ministered to by persons they met and experiences they shared with one another.  

Musical opportunities on the trip included singing for 3 worship services at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego, leading a 2-hour music camp for children involved with an after-school program at Father Joe’s Villages, attending Catholic Mass at the Mission Basilica (the first of the early missions in southern California) and presenting a concert upon return home at Belmont UMC. The group also visited San Juan Capistrano, the seventh California mission. In Los Angeles, the choir sang a full concert for appreciative audiences at the retirement communities of Scripps Kensington Episcopal home and Hollenbeck Palms Retirement Oasis. They also were greeted and guided on a brief tour of the beautiful sanctuary of the First Congregational Church.

The group also enjoyed many secular activities including a tour of the USS Midway aircraft carrier, the San Diego Zoo, Old Town San Diego, Coronado and Santa Monica beaches, Dodgers baseball, Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Santa Monica Pier, a quick view of the Disney Concert Hall and a surprise stop at the famous Randy’s Donuts.

Traveling with a group on a tour such as this has an unimaginable impact on every individual. Sharing laughter, having first-time experiences with your family of friends, breaking bread and uniting in fellowship around the table, adapting to unplanned situations, enjoying inclusiveness in Christian community, reflecting on the day’s activities in evening devotions, blending singing voices in one accord—one cannot measure the lifelong impressions that are planted in the souls of those who journey together.