Make plans to join us for The Truth About Ruth presented by the Chapel Choir, Music Makers, Sanctuary Choir, and special guests on Sunday, April 28, during the 10:30am worship service. The Truth About Ruth is an original children’s musical about trials, transitions, and God’s constant love.

We will also be taking the show on the road when we present “The Truth About Ruth” at the Blakeford on Wednesday, May 1, at 6:00pm.

The Story behind The Truth About Ruth
by Amy Cooper

I never dreamed of writing a children’s musical, but in 2019, Christy Perkey, an exceptionally accomplished pianist, theory professor and published composer, and I put our heads together to brainstorm a musical about a strong woman character in the Bible. Our choirs had already sung the musical about Esther, and of course, Mary, the mother of God, would be a great choice, but seeing how we present the children’s musical in the spring, we shied away from a Christmas theme. We explored the book of Ruth, and found that Ruth was an inspiration! She lost her husband, left her homeland, and started a new life where strangers didn’t believe in a god like she did. Christy and I felt that Ruth, through Naomi, began to see the love of God. We also felt that children could empathize with being an outsider, or new person in a group. Ultimately, Ruth married Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi’s family, and gave birth to Obediah. Through this new branch in the family tree, comes Jesse and David . . . and eventually Jesus!
 
Just as our 2020 children’s choir learned all of their lines, songs, and choreography, the world was shut down because of the pandemic; we were not able to present, “The Truth About Ruth.” Our hearts were definitely heavy. However, as one of our lines from the last song in the musical says, “When I look back to see just how far I’ve come, I know God was with me all along! Times that I could not understand were held together by God’s almighty hand.” The time between the pandemic and present day gave us extra time to revisit songs and speaking lines, as well as meet with the editor of the Choristers Guild who publishes the majority of the music that our children’s choirs sing.
 
We don’t know if the musical will be published, but just being able to present it to Belmont’s congregation, who have been overly supportive, and to the residents of the Blakeford Senior Life, is a joy. I truly could not have asked for a better composing partner and dear friend than Christy. I honestly believe that any contribution I’ve made has been given to me from God; I am beyond grateful.