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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
February 2006 |
Directing 'American Ideal' Feb. 25
Clay UMC singer bound for tour of U.S. prisons
By Daniel R. Gangler
Shelly Cowling, best know as professional Christian singer and worship arts
coordinator at Clay United Methodist Church in South Bend, has been named as one
of the platform artists of Operation Starting Line, a national prison outreach
ministry and partner of Charles Colson's Prison Fellowship.
Operation Starting Line offers prisoners an opportunity for Christian growth,
life-skills education, and ongoing mentoring. According to the organization's
Web site (www.operationstartingline.net),
it's designed to work with and to equip local communities to help reduce
recidivism rates.
Cowling told Together, "It has been a life-changing experience in my life. I have participated once before with OSL in Michigan in 2003 and will travel to Orlando on March 1 for this event as a national platform artist."
American Ideal
In the meantime, Cowling, with Jetta Cruse, will be directing a 35-minute children's production at Clay called "American Ideal," a take-off on the popular TV show "American Idol." Sara Bartlett-Farren, director of drama at Clay, is the show's producer.
Show time is Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in Clay's sanctuary. There is no cost for the show. A "love offering" will be received.
"We have just over 20 kids involved in this project, along with some great parent volunteers. We held auditions in December and began rehearsing in January. The auditions were open to the community, and we have involved a couple of families that are not Clay members or visitors," said Cowling.
She said part of her responsibilities as worship arts coordinator at Clay, is to coordinate fine arts opportunities for children.
Short-term projects
"I have found over the years, that offering short-term projects (as opposed to year-round weekly programs) have been a good fit for the families at Clay. By offering short-term projects with a variety of focuses, we find more kids get involved. Families can pick and choose what interests them as well as fits into their families' schedule," she said.
Short term art projects at Clay typically last anywhere from four to six weeks and vary in days when they meet. Each project is offered on different days and times, so more people can be involved. Clay offers children's choirs, drama, dance, sign-language, puppets and bells. Each project involves the children sharing their "project" in worship.
For more information about "American Ideal" or the music program at Clay United Methodist Church, log on to www.claychurch.com or call 574-272-8068.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008