The group from FBC that Jonathan sings with is DayStar. In our opinion, this group has been the premier group @ FBC since day one when they were formed 18 years ago ~ we've all said that through the years. There have been numerous groups at this church but DayStar had the most perfect blend of voices.Jonathan was invited to be a part 9 years ago, but never made it to the performance/presentation schedule. He was in classes at Mars Hill and working at Lowe's and could not meet the practice schedule, so dropped out. We hated it for both him and the group. Neat people in that group...
DayStar had their 18th reunion on Sunday night and of course we weren't going to miss it. They have come through their entire season and we had not heard them until tonight.
Did
I say we were overwhelmed on Sunday morning? Sunday night was no different. I just wanted to hold on to those people and not let go! Anyway, Janice and I had a grand reunion. We've been good friends for years - worked together at the church for 7 years, have stood side by side in the choir for years, have laughed and cried through the Messiah presentations - She and I go back a long way! I turned around from talking with someone and there she stood! We chatted briefly before parting. She was one of the first members of DayStar, so she had to scoot up to the choir loft to get ready to sing.Looked around and Wally (my choir director - favorite I've ever had) had brought his mom in and had sat in the pew beside of where we were sitting. That was like old times to me. Wally is special. He came up and gave me a huge hug on Sunday morning and told me about a recent serious health issue he's facing saying he didn't want me to hear it from anyone else but him. His daddy, Dr. Shamburger, died a month ago also. Parents live in TX, so Mrs. S. is with Wally and M. for a little while. It was good to sit with W and his mom.
The program began.... of course we were beaming as Jonathan and singers came on
stage to sing.... and one of the first songs done was by a men's quartet from the DayStar group..... the next thing I'm seeing is Jonathan singing by himself. I was astonished. For several years Wally tried to get Jonathan to take the part of one of the students in the Messiah when Charles did the Rabbi part, and JET would have no part of it..... and years later, here he is singing solo. Wally leaned over to me and said emphatically, "Jonathan is singing the lead part." I told him I didn't have a clue... Jonathan had not said a word.JET told us later that he wanted to suprise his dad and me with that. We were suprised alright! He loves being a part of this group and we got the real feeling that they love him as well.
After the concert (which was great).... more friends to hug so we stayed and talked until the people in the sound booth began flipping the lights on and off! Then we left and went to dine on Mexican - and saw more people from the concert. More bear hugging.
Gosh - WHAT a night!!!!
