September 22nd, 2009
Post written by
Katrina
Well, things are getting busy. School is well underway and the season is continuing to gain momentum as we work hard in preparation for our first show on October 18th at Teen Challenge. I’m looking forward to the show with anticipation, because it’s always been one of our favorite places to perform. The audience warmly welcomes us with shouts of praise and glory to God–and it gives us so much joy to know they are beginning to have a relationship with Him as they come out of drug and alcohol addictions in hopes of transforming their lives.
There’s a lot of choreography to practice…I’ve found it to be much more fun and helpful to practice with friends, because you can help to build each others confidence and desire to put 100% of yourselves into whatever you are doing.
Last night we were fortunate enough to have a special guest performance. Jeff Bohn’s brother, Hans, a member of the Boston Pops Symphony that plays in Symphony Hall, shared with us his talent on the trombone, with Jeff accompanying him on the piano. It was really cool to see the two brothers sharing their love of music through their talents. We thank Hans for lending his time and talents for our group to enjoy!
It’s probably time for homework..ah, the life of a college student!
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September 16th, 2009
Post written by
Katrina
The new Shining Light season seems to be well underway after our third rehearsal. The choreography is getting more intricate, but if everyone remains as dedicated as they were at the last rehearsal, we’ll soon get the hang of it. Props to our choreographers, Jeni and Gisy, for staying up to date on the most current and creative dance moves! As a dancer, I can personally say it is so fulfilling to do something I love for the glory of the Lord, and I can’t wait to portray it through intricate movement–one of my expressions of faith.
I’m glad we got to meet with our Small Groups again this week. My group had both thought provoking questions and discussion that allowed everyone in the group to either learn something new or to see something from a different perspective. Sharing prayer requests and joys is often my favorite part of the session because I hope to connect with the girls in my group on a personal basis. I think it’s going to be a fun year : )
We had even more prospective members join us this week than in previous weeks…keep em’ comin’! Don’t forget to bring your friends this coming Sunday, September 20th for Friends Night!
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September 7th, 2009
Post written by
Katrina
We had a few more prospective members join us last night at rehearsal for the first time, and there were a lot of familiar faces who joined us again for their second week!
The group continued to learn vocals and choreography for a new song that will be added to the program, and it was encouraging for me, as a third year member, to see those who haven’t had any formal dance training (and those who have discovered it may not come as natural to them as to others!) to keep pushing through and giving it their all! Great job to all of you who keep a smile on your face the whole time! =)
Last night was also the first night of small groups! The girls were split into four groups, and the guys into two, and we will be periodically meeting in these small groups to connect and have group discussion. As a small group leader, I know that I am pumped to get to know my girls better and make connections that will allow us to tackle the tough stuff in life!
Dancin’ into next week…
See ya then!
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September 1st, 2009
Post written by
Katrina
Hey everyone!
I’m thrilled to say that Shining Light kicked off their 14th season this past Sunday, the 30th, at 6pm! The evening was a blur of excitement, even for myself as a third year member, as we welcomed 17 new faces who were checking out Shining Light for the first time!
The new season began with some fun games that allowed returning members and new/prospective members to get to know one another. In Shining Light, we love to share our experiences with others in the group, so we always enjoy a game that allows us to socialize!
The evening continued as three returning members–Robert, Lauren, and Daniel–served as a panel that responded to questions commonly asked by perspective members of Shining Light, such as: How do you balance school, a job, and Shining Light? What was your biggest fear or concern when you joined Shining Light and how did you overcome it?, etc.
After we allowed for a bit of adjustment for our prospective members, we jumped (literally!) right into rehearsal by learning a new song that will be incorporated into our program in the coming months. The singing and choreography required high energy, and Kelly praised us for a job well done! =)
Of course, a Shining Light event (even if it IS only a three hour rehearsal!) just would not be complete without a snack! The lovely and dedicated food staff graciously provided us with a mixture of vanilla ice cream and our choice of either watermelon or mango Rita’s Italian Ice to help cool us off after some hard work.
I’m looking forward to next week for another exciting rehearsal! We can’t wait to see our prospective members back again! =)
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August 24th, 2009
Post written by
Katrina
I can hardly believe there is just one week left until my third season as a member of Shining Light begins! It seems like just yesterday I was sitting my parents down for the “Okay, now I know joining Shining Light is a big commitment in more aspects than one, but I think I am ready for it” talk. It went over better than I expected, and it wasn’t long before my dad was asking if he could have his own official Shining Light tee-shirt and my mom was jamming to the music featured in our program in her car CD player =)
Although I’m entering my Sophomore year in college at the Lebanon Campus of HACC, and the word “busy” has taken on a whole new definition for me, I’m still passionate about a ministry that feels most comfortable when reaching out to those in prison.
The team of small group leaders had a meeting this past weekend, and it was great to fellowship with them and share our excitement for what is in store for the upcoming season. The most powerful thing we can do together is to pray for the ministry we are so extremely fortunate to be a part of. I can’t put into words how awesome it is to know that God has work prepared for us and a specific purpose for each and every member of the Shining Light group.
Hope to see you on Sunday, August 30th, for our first rehearsal of the 2009-2010 season! It’s gonna be a good one =)
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