THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 30, 1995 TAG: 9503290225
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Toni Cotturone, director of music ministries for Magnolia United Methodist Church, was deeply moved when she saw the musical, ``God With Us.'' Now, two years later, she's guiding her choir and others for presentations on Palm Sunday weekend.
``I was so challenged when I heard this musical,'' Cotturone said. ``It deeply affected me spiritually.
``The fact that I wanted to do it just would not leave me. . . . My hope is that `God With Us' will introduce a new realm of worship for us, and that we will break forth in praise and worship.''
``God With Us'', a dramatic worship musical for all seasons, will be presented by Magnolia's 20-voice adult choir at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8, and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, April 9.
Cotturone said it will also include congregational singing, banners, pagentry, worship dances, dramatic readings and personal testimonies.
The musical portion of ``God With Us'' will be enhanced by worship dance, choreographed by Janell Rardon, artistic director of Bright Lights Performing Arts Studio on Western Branch Boulevard in Chesapeake.
Through worship dance, Rardon will lend a visual interpretation to lyrucs from songs like ``Be Strong and Take Courage.''
``I see dance as an ornament of grace to the church,'' Rardon explained. ``It enhances the choir and the visual interpretation adds greater impact to the message of the music.''
Throughout the 60-minute program, a personal perspective also will be gained through the testimonies of several Magnolia members. Terry Leitner will offer personal praise for God's sustaining strength in dealing with the accidental death of her son nearly six years ago.
``God doesn't give us more than we can bear,'' Leitner stated. ``I'm excited about the musical and the chance to see God really use it to touch the lives of many people.''
Another Magnolia member, Sissy Barnes, will share the story of her battle with cancer and the miraculous birth of a healthy daughter nine months ago - something doctors thought could never happen. Barnes, whose cancer is now in remission, gives personal testimony and praise to the healing power of God.
With powerful songs of a contemporary Christian style performed with taped accompaniment, ``God With Us'' dramatically speaks to real-life issues and how God's presence affects every aspect of life.
Don Moen, creator and arranger of the musical, targets the inspirational and transforming message of this program to be ``resurrecting living worship among the people of God.'' His creative staff of writers included Christian leaders Jack Hayford, Tom Hartley, Tom Fettke and Camp Kirkland.
``This is a musical with a message for all people, but one especially meaningful at Easter - a beautiful Lenten experience,'' Rardon explained.
``This is not a performance but a moving worship experience,'' Cotturone added. ``It's for those needing hope, for those needing encouragement and for those desiring a fresh sense of God's presence among His people.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The musical portion of ``God With Us'' will be enhanced by worship
dance, choreographed by Janell Rardon, artistic director of Bright
Lights Performing Arts Studio on Western Branch Boulevard in
Chesapeake.
by CNB