Pictured here is my friend and sister in Christ, Rev. Linda Trowbridge, pastor of Bethany Park Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Rantoul, IL. Pastor Linda joined Rev. Dave Andrus and me in officiating the Blessing of the Guides, Top Dog Savannah, 2013. It was an honor for Music By Laurel Jean to be part of yet another Top Dog, providing sound equipment and music for The Blessing, reception dinner and banquet.
Top Dog Savannah also marked the release of my latest CD “Celebrate With Laurel Jean,” to highlight my twenty-five years in music and ministry. God gave me a lot of new music for this collection, including “The Blessing of Your Love,” a tribute to the love shared between guide dogs and their handlers. This song was debuted at The Top Dog 2013 Blessing of the Guides.
Here I am with some of the “Girls In Action” of Fort Johnson Baptist Church, Charleston James Island, SC. This year, Music By Laurel Jean partnered with Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc. to bring a message in music with a mission to God’s kids of all ages. Many thanks to the Girls in Action and the Seniors of Fort Johnson for making all of us part of their schedules, and for their generous financial sponsorship. God’s Light keeps shining!
Cub Scouts in Goose Creek, SC connect the dots to the Braille code. It is always a joy for me to bring Braille literacy and awareness to the hearts and minds of young people. The Paws 2 Educate Initiative of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users helps make it possible for me to expand this outreach into the Lowcountry area of South Carolina.
Optimists of Washington, Iowa join Washington High School Students for the 2013 Student Appreciation Banquet. What a blessing to be asked to present dinner music and a motivational program for this event! While in the area, I also spoke to elementary students and presented for the Free Methodist churches of Ottumwa and Fairfield, Iowa.
Back in South Carolina, here I am beside the beautiful grand piano in the sanctuary of Calvary Lutheran Church. Thanks to all who attended my concert. Together, we raised hundreds of dollars to benefit the Friends of Bartimaeus Christian Outreach Center for the Blind, and for the purchase of Talking Bibles.
Here I am with my friend and driver, Carolyn Binion, as we prepared for the San Jose United Methodist Church Women’s Spring Prayer Breakfast in San Jose, IL. What a blessing to see many of my sisters in Christ, and to meet new friends! This engagement was the first of many over two months spent in my home state of Illinois.
I love parades, and always wanted to be in one! Here I am with members of Zion Hill United Methodist Church, as we prepared to board the church’s float in the Neoga Days Parade. The theme for the parade was “The Wild, Wild West.” Throughout the parade route, I sang “The Circuit Riding Preacher” and led folks in a medley of traditional favorite hymns.
While in Illinois, I was also blessed to spend a day with Gabriel, one of the wonderful young people with whom God has blessed my life. Here we are with his mom Sherri and his Aunt Karen. My thanks to everyone who helped make this day of pizza, bowling, music and technology possible. People say that I mentor blind youth; however, I feel that I am the one blessed.
Back in Charleston, SC, I served as accompanist and assistant for the Grace United Methodist Church Worship Arts Camp. In this picture, Lowcountry blind youth Taylor Jones Stebbins joins the drama team in presenting their portion of a very inspiring Friday night service. It is always a blessing and a privilege to work with the folks at Grace Church. My thanks to Grace UMC for opening their doors to all members of the Body of Christ, allowing us to serve together in His ministry.
2014 promises to be another year filled with music, ministry, fellowship and blessings. Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart. I thank God and thank you for your ongoing prayers and support.