Members of Goshen College’s traveling worship team, Parables, are once again preparing to use music, drama, and personal faith stories to lead audiences on an hour-long spiritual journey.
The focus for the 2010-2011 worship program is “Meeting Christ on the Journey,” a theme that the student-led team’s seven members agreed upon while planning for this season’s program. Over the next few weeks the group will begin to travel to congregations and other local venues to sing, perform, and share their own faith journeys.“This is a fun program that has a strong theme we all identify with,” said team member Emily Hedrick, a sophomore. “It’s all about the moments in the journey, seeing Christ in the most unexpected places. We’re not sure where we’re going exactly, but we keep going because of God.”
The program features original dramas based on the biblical stories of Emmaus Road and Elijah and the still small voice. Each show offers a mix of music and drama interspersed with three faith stories. Some of the program’s highlights include an original song composed by team member Patrick Ressler, a senior, as well as a powerful musical piece entitled “Wo Ya Ya [We are Going].”
“I love the community within this group,” said member Brook Hostetter, a sophomore. “I feel like I’m learning a lot about myself and God by hearing everyone else’s faith stories.”
Adds Hedrick, “We work well together as a team, and there is so much creativity during rehearsals. It’s a wonderful creative outlet for a diverse set of talents.”
Though mostly student-led, Parables is directed and supported by Professor of Music Debra Brubaker. Team members include Emily Hedrick, a sophomore Bible and religion major from Telford, Pa.; Brook Hostetter, a sophomore music education major from Harrisonburg, Va.; Grant Miller, a sophomore peace, justice and conflict studies and history double major from Danvers, Ill.; Patrick Ressler, a senior music education major from Lititz, Pa.; Emily Trapp, a sophomore music and public relations double major from Canby, Ore.; Ashley Walker, a senior music education major from Kirklin, Ind.; and Justin Yoder, a sophomore music major from Perkasie, Pa.
Parables’ first performance will take place this Sunday at Silverwood Mennonite Church in Goshen. The team will continue to perform at local churches until mid-October when they go to Iowa for their fall break tour. More concert dates will be added throughout the year.
