I'd really like to take part in such an event - I'd offer my home church - it's about the biggest UCC, great accustics, lots of seating if we filled the balcony as well as the floor, big choir loft, pipe organ, piano, and room up-front for other instruments.  Big kitchen, with gym on one side and large parlor on the other, and another large open space in the CD area - lots of room for a big potluck dinner.  

I think we could have all six UCC from the city, plus those three or four within a twenty minute driving distance participate. 

Start with a one-time-only and see how it goes.  Maybe in six monthsor a year the other large UCC would do the same.    Mainly music.  A welcome.  A prayer or two.  Maybe some background on some of the hymns (composer, circumstances in which it was written, etc.  - no sermon over five minutes.  No testimonal over two minutes.   No offering plates passed - possibly baskets near the exits for those who feel moved to give. 

Yes, I'd like it.

We have two churches in the area with music directors and programs that could certainly pull it off. Top notch choirs, bell ringers, and the directors of music (esp. one of them) are influential in the local music scene so could pull in other musical forces fairly easily. One even has a small string orchestra, IIRC. Maybe they have done it and I just didn't know.

BTW, anyone else see the thread title and think it was about the old TV series?

Mendalla

Hi Mendalla - that's to funny....never even though of it.

The vision (mine - lol- feel  free to modify) – is to have it outside of a church – so no one becomes territorial. Perhaps start big, and then go down to individual ones showcasing the different churches,

This could be pulled off in September or November– each church have representation on  the committee….do your survey during the summer months as to what the congregation wants to sing….this is for them….not the music folks…..this is a celebration of song…..

The idea is to have great music and for all to participate….the choirs can make up a mass choir to help lead. 

Now I haven’t been in your churches, but I am thinking that none have a band/orchestra…. Remove the organ/piano as the lead instruments…thus outside the church again makes this easier to happen….however, you know what your churches look like……

Have someone who is good at setting moods choose the order of the songs…you want to create highs and lows …….and most of all – fun! 

So, let’s say I am going to this…I would expect to be singing 4 or 5 songs/hymns in a row, then a break of a choir and/or soloist then sing again….and different styles of accompaniment – we are not in church – we are not in the institution.. many older hymns work fine with a country beat….some pop – mix them up – if I am driving 8 hours to come to this I want variety….I can go to church any Sunday – this is special…how would you make it special?

Inter-generational – what would that look like – or should it? 

We're actually doing something like this in Victoria at the end of the month! It's not a hymn sing, but it is massed service that will certainly include some wonderful music and Gary Paterson is our theme speaker. Last year when we did it, approximately 600 people showed up and we're hoping for more this year.

Our church hosts a gospel night. We invite other choirs and the community and have a great time listening to different choirs the we have a congregational piece then we go into the foyer and eat. It is so much fun.