On a Different Note

No special building project news today. Things are happening, but these need to be kept to myself for now. Instead, let me tell you about last night.

Each year one of my favorite events at OCA is the spring music concert and performing arts recognition night. That event was held last night, and as in previous years it was a great night. After opening performances by soloists and small groups, the band opened the evening, performing several selections. The band is in fine form this year, and was really a delight. Mrs. Cloyd received a plaque recognizing the 1+ rating received at the contest earlier this year, noting the same in 2001, and with room for more 1+ ratings to come.

The drama department recognized achievements of the year, and provided a short demo of their upcoming melodrama.

Next the vocal ensemble sang two songs, and received recognition for their efforts. Including learning of and receiving a first place trophy they earned on a cold Saturday at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City earlier this spring.

The choir closed the evening singing several selections. Mr. Larry Nilius, choir director and head of the music department was presented with a plaque recognizing 12 straight years of 1+ ratings at district music. It has become tradition to close this concert with a song titled 'Benediction'. That song always gets me, "God be with you 'til we meet again...at Jesus feet". This song tells of the hope we have in Christ.

Whenever a group of 200-300 people are gathered together, it is highly unlikely that the exact group will ever meet again here. People move away, get busy, or even die in a short time. Last night I thought of at least one person absent due to death since last year, and I thought of a co-worker, just 29, who died in his home just a week ago. Life is short, man's sinful condition makes it difficult, and death is all around, the penalty of sin. Yet, we rejoice in knowing that we will see our brothers and sisters in Christ again. We do not grieve as those who have no hope, (1 Thes. 4:13). Praise the Lord!

There were about 300 chairs set up in the auditorium, plus room for the groups to perform. The planned cafeteria space at our new facility should facilitate a crowd about that size. Lord willing next year's sprint concert will be in that new space. We did have some wonderful computer generated renderings of what our new space will look like from the outside. I am working on getting those in a format to put on the blog. I also hope to have some exciting news about building permits, and maybe some early photos of progress in a couple of days. Check back again soon!

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Keith