Hearts Hands & Voices

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HEARTS HANDS AND VOICES Signing Choir is the newest addition to the many facets of our Music Ministry Department. In October 2002 four members of the Sanctuary Choir began meeting and learning how to sign. Two of us had no previous signing experience whatsoever and our goal was to sign in church in a year . . . or maybe two years! Twelve weeks later we made our first appearance in church having learned Shout to the Lord in one week and Come, Now is the Time for Worship in one day! We were mentored in this endeavor by B. J. Jensen, the director of LOVE IN MOTION Signing Choir, from the Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Church in San Diego. One of our members had seen LOVE IN MOTION in July 2002 and bought a tape they had made, so they were the inspiration for us to have our own signing choir. When eight choir members from San Diego volunteered to drive to Mesa to conduct a workshop for the four of us, we were unable to keep our choir a secret any longer. Appearing together with LOVE IN MOTION on January 12, 2003, was an event we will remember forever! Our Mission Statement says, "The purpose of the HEARTS HANDS AND VOICES Signing Choir is to assist in the worship and praise of Jesus Christ through the use of music, American Sign Language, choreographed movement, and drama. Members of this choir are "called" to serve the Lord in this ministry and inspire others to see and feel the gospel in a unique and moving way.  The choir offers a form of worship, sometimes referred to as ‘sign art’, that provides people with an opportunity to “see” the music. Familiar songs come alive anew and give those who watch and listen opportunities to feel added depth in the musical message. We believe it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this ministry and commit to excellence in attitude, practice, and becoming the best we can be as our gift back to God." The choir rehearses on Saturdays in the Witherspoon Room, 10:30 a.m. - Noon.