The M 'n' M Singers

Good Morning All,

We walked through the doors and were greeted by colorful balloons and friendly faces. “Welcome!” “So glad you came!” “Go around the corner and find a seat at any of the tables…” a large banquet room filled with more balloons; tables draped in white cloths and sprinkled with shiny confetti; colorful napkins stuffed in clear glasses; other tables filled with trays of food and 3 decorated birthday cakes. Ah…lots of familiar faces, including other Covenant people. Excitement fills the air and Ben Tomszak, the director, goes to the microphone: “Welcome to the 20th Anniversary of the “M ‘n’ M Singers!”

As most of you know the “M ‘n’ M” Singers are a lively singing group of differently-abled adults who come to Covenant one Sunday each year. We look forward to their annual visit as they grace us with their presence and fill our lives with such joy! You only have to be with them for a few moments to experience their bright smiles and share in their laughter; and you are transported to a higher plane where you feel the presence of God; and any and all cares are whisked far away. As they begin to share their gifts of music, you readily know that they ARE God’s Good News in Jesus Christ. They not only embody God’s love for all people but they celebrate how “wonderfully and awe-fully” they and all of God’s people are made. Any sermon on any given day pales by comparison.

Tonight was their night to shine…a special anniversary filled with good food and great company; but also a time for each of them to have fun and share their individual talents. There were solos; duets; bells; dancing; a ventriloquist and a stand-up comedy routine that rivals any at the Comedy Club or late-night television. What fun! What loving parents, family members, care-givers and friends lending encouragement and support to this awe-inspiring group.

As the evening was coming to a close, several volunteers were honored in special ways for their countless hours of working with the Singers throughout these 20 years. Then Ben spoke about a new annual award that would be presented for the first time. It’s “The Jackie Ransdell Award,” named for the long-time assistant musical director, who died of cancer a few years ago; a truly remarkable woman whose smile and personality would light up any room. I thought this is a great way to remember Jackie.

And then I heard Ben say, “And the first recipient of the Jackie Ransdell Award, is Covenant Christian Church in Cary!” Did he say, Covenant? “Will Rev. VerBurg and Carole Tyler please stand?” Whoa… I had NO clue this was in the works. (Yes, there are times when I actually am overwhelmed and speechless at the same time!) :) As far as we knew, 7 Covenant members were simply going to a party to celebrate this great group. Ben went on to share how Covenant is the only church where the “M ‘n’ M” Singers had been invited to sing every year of their 20 year existence!

How excited we are to share this award with you, the congregation. How humbling it is for us to be recognized in this way. They speak of this simple gesture of hospitality we offer; how we welcome God’s people into God’s house. So, I ask you, what’s the big deal here? We’re just welcoming God’s people into God’s house, right? Isn’t that what we’re called to do; isn’t this what it means to be faithful? Actually, it’s the Singers who are the ones to be honored and recognized for the many ways they bless our lives…how they teach us about God’s unconditional love.

I guess it’s a two-way street…we are blessed and we in turn are a blessing to others. That’s how God’s love works-- like the words in that old camp song…”Love isn’t love til you give it away… and you end up having more!” Maybe this is what a dear friend meant when he paraphrased Ecclesiastes: “Cast your bread upon the water and it comes back as a ham sandwich.” :) Blessings, Joanne