Day 1:  Operation: “A Very Merry UnBirthday”

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

On Day 1 we decorated three birthday cakes and delivered them to three of our homebound church members. We enthusiastically made a big hoop-la out of the whole affair complete with the birthday cake, balloons, and a birthday song!

After lunch we traveled to the Baptist Retirement Village for an “UnBirthday Party” for the residents.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)

Day 2:  Operation: Cowboy Up!

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)

On Day 2 our mission was doing “grunt” work ministry at the Boy’s Ranch Town to help in projects they needed to get done: pulling weeds in the flowerbeds, cleaning & organizing their commissary, and washing a lot of windows. With big smiles on our faces, we sharpened up our spurs, dusted off our servant attitude, and went to be a blessing to others. Yee Haw!!

After lunch I revealed our secret destination trip, a stay at the Red River Ranch Retreat in Sayre, OK. Students were able to experience life on a working cowboy ranch. We stayed the night in the “bunkalo”. The next morning we were awakened to sound of the collection of goats, donkeys, and chickens all welcoming the new day! The students then had a fun filled day with horseback riding, paintball activities, and getting to help “Ms. Elizabeth” pick sand plum for homemade jam.

Wednesday evening we wrapped up our time by presenting a concert for the congregation at First Baptist, Elk City. What a great time of worship with the church family there. We then headed back home exhausted but feeling so blessed!

Thanks, church family, for making this trip possible!

Billie Thomas, director

Welcome to Summer Break…from rehearsals only, that is. I definitely need each of you to be in place on Sunday mornings. Please look at the dates below and put them as top priorities on your calendars. The fall is going to be exciting, so let’s push hard ‘til we’re done!

I love you all,

Bro. James

July 4 (AM)
8:15 & 11:00 choir & orchestra (wear red, white and/or blue)
9:30 brass & rhythm
A Few Good Men
Salute to the Armed Forces
Because of the Brave

July 11 (AM) Hallelujah to the Lamb

July 18 (AM) Midnight Cry

July 25 (AM) Jesus Saves (all church Lord’s Supper – 3 services)

Aug 1 (AM) Unto the Lamb

Aug 8 (AM) TBA

Aug 11 WEDNESDAY REHEARSALS BEGIN (Christmas Music debut)

Aug 15 (AM) TBA

Aug 22 (AM) TBA

Aug 22 (PM) Round-Up Homecoming

Aug 29 (AM) TBA

Sept 5, 12, 19 & 26 Regular Sunday mornings

Oct 3 (AM) TBA

Oct 4 & 5 Christmas Recording Project (6-10 each evening)

Dec 8, 9 & 10 Christmas Rehearsals

Dec 11 & 12 Christmas Program

I am so excited to have the opportunity to minister with MS youth on our Mission: Possible II summer youth choir ministry week.  Our whirlwind 3 day Mission Week is going to be a blast.  I have thought of some very unique opportunities and ideas that we can minister to others during this time.  It will be great fun and so rewarding.  The total cost for the trip is $50.00 per student.  This includes overnight accommodations and activities that will take place.   The $50.00 fee needs to be paid by the June 27^th rehearsal date.  Students can bring their fee to rehearsal.  I have not told students where our overnight stay and activity will be.  I will call each parent and explain in detail.  This is all part of the fun!  Youth choir students have no idea where we are going or what day it will be.  I am asking that each student come each day with their suitcases packed and ready to go.   We should always be prepared………….you never know when you will be given the opportunity to stand for Christ and share your faith.  

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

(Students need in their suitcases:  overnight change of clothes, pj’s, pair of jeans, tennis shoes, swimsuits (please keep modesty in mind), concert attire, and necessary toiletries.  Don’t forget your toothbrush!)

It has been a great choir year.  I have enjoyed working with all of you.  Each passing year that I work with young people and youth choirs always holds special memories for me.  It is a blessing watching you grow and mature both phsically and spiritually.  You are all exceptional young men and women.  Thank you for your dedication to the youth choir ministry of Quail Springs Baptist Church.  You are all awesome! 

Sola Deo Gloria!

Billie