God Sightings
The front door is open. Those attending rehearsal know to come in and head up the stairs. The living room is filled with a circle of chairs and a few people. At precisely 7:00 pm (not a minute after but maybe a minute before) the meeting begins.
Many in the handbell choir attend Severn Run. Others are from the community looking for connection and bell ringing opportunities. It does not matter. All are welcome.
The evening agenda includes a short Bible teaching, various training techniques, and any housekeeping items. The final piece is practice. The group all know to trek down the stairs to the basement area. The room is filled with an “L” shaped arrangement of tables covered with padding. The bells, beautiful and shining under the overhead lights, are spread over the table waiting to be rung.
Madge Luoto leads the handbell ringers that range widely in skills and talents. Some are brand new to ringing and others are very experienced. Some read music extremely well and others not at all. She leads them all with grace and determination. What is most striking however is her quiet faith. This becomes even more evident when she and the handbell choir leave the basement for community events that touch lives in ways seldom considered.
Performance Saturday is marked on the calendar far ahead of time. The schedule for the day is laid out to the minute. Each stop is precisely planned. The itinerary includes local care facilities.
If you have ever spent much time in a rest home, you know what to expect. If not you would find a varied group of residents. Generally they are in the later stages of their lives, living out life under the careful care of nurses, aides and doctors. Each one has a story. Each one unique. Each one created by God.
Upon arrival of the choir, time is limited. Some of the ringers set up while others mingle with the residents and guests. Madge leads by example and is the first to interact with those attending. She has planned for a meaningful presentation for whoever attends.
As the performance begins, the Christmas story is woven throughout the event. As they begin, Madge asks audience, “Where does the Christmas story begin for you?” and weaves her way though the Old and New Testament. The guests are included in a sing along of Christmas songs and are given the opportunity to try their hand at ringing the bells. The presentation goes by quickly and soon it is concluded. Small gifts and Christmas cards signed by the handbell choir are distributed.
This is again repeated at the next venue. Each time, after the performance is complete, the equipment is packed up and after the guests have all left, the choir gathers and Madge asks each to share their God sightings. It is evident, God was with us and touching lives in a meaningful way.
God was seen in the wheelchair bound gentleman that cried as “Oh Holy Night” was being sung.
God was sighted in the broad smiles of the ladies who, although they didn’t want to ring the bell, were delighted to sing Christmas carols.
God could be seen in the eyes of the guests who simply watched and listened.
For some of the guests it may have been the only Christmas story they heard this year or any year. Madge and the choir may never know the impact the message and the music had on those that came to listen and those who witnessed the performance. Even so, God knows and that is all that matters.
The fall season for the choir ended and as it did, Madge reminded all of the choir to remember to continue to watch for God sightings.