Oh, if only . . .

[Richard Johnson]

Oh, if only the church were this creative in terms of evangelism:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgU&feature=share

[DCharlton]

Were the people in the crowd who were shown singing members of the various choirs, or were they people that just spontaneously joined in?  I'd like to think that it was spontaneous joy among the onlookers. 

[Richard Johnson]

Some of both, I'd guess.

[George Erdner]

Along the same lines, there's this one.

Sadly, I fear we don't have to worry about any Lutheran congregations performing this sort of "flash mob" evangelism.

[Charles_Austin]

Actually, worry away. Several of us who sing in choirs are talking about doing this just before Easter.

[George Erdner]

Actually, worry away. Several of us who sing in choirs are talking about doing this just before Easter.

When all is said and done, much will have been said, and very little done.

[revjagow]

Actually, using the "Halleluijah Chorus" sounds like evangelism to me.  It may be done with the purpose of evangelizing for good culture, but the words carry the power of the Gospel. 

Church groups by themselves may have a hard time getting in the door like this group, but that is why a lot of my choir folk are also involved in community choral and instrumental groups.  Common interests (like good music) have a way of bringing people together.

Charles, let me know what your group comes up with.  NYC is a place that is riffe with "random acts of culture" (and just random acts in general). 

[George Erdner]

Actually, using the "Halleluijah Chorus" sounds like evangelism to me.  It may be done with the purpose of evangelizing for good culture, but the words carry the power of the Gospel. 

In 2003, the community theatre group in Washington, PA performed Jesus Christ, Superstar as their annual musical. The director, a Presbyterian, was not content with the way that the musical ended with the crucifixion, so the entire cast sang the Hallelujah Chorus as the curtain call, with the actor who played Jesus taking his bow in a bright, white robe to signify the resurrection. From the comments afterwords, and what little I could see of audience facial expressions from my position on stage on some very high scaffolding, the piece did have the usual effect on people.

You are absolutely correct that the words of that work carry the power of the Gospel, and are therefore a form of evangelism wherever they are sung. I am very optimistic about the positive results of such flash mob stunts. I am equally pessimistic about many Lutheran congregations getting off of their collective seats to actually engage in such actions. I wish more of them would, but I am not hopeful that it will happen often, or in more than a small handful of locations.

[Charles_Austin]

Our discussion, revjagow, is whether the "flash mob" singing will be a past-its-time passtime by next Spring. But we shall see. My barbershop chorus used to sing in several malls at Christmas time, both as a large chorus and then as quartets wandering through stores. Was fun. And we handed out cards to guys telling them when we rehearse and how to join us.

[Richard Johnson]

I'm really excited to say that I'm going to be part of a group doing this "random act of culture" thing with the Hallelujah Chorus next Monday night in a major Sacramento area shoppoing mall.

[aberaussie]

I hope we will get to see a video!
Katie

[Revbert]

I'm really excited to say that I'm going to be part of a group doing this "random act of culture" thing with the Hallelujah Chorus next Monday night in a major Sacramento area shoppoing mall.

Of course, we all do recognize that the HC is from the Easter section, and while wildly popular at Christmastide, there are some wonderful choice from the Christmas section that would be even better for these kinds of events....and no one has to stand up when listening, either 

That said, sounds like a great experience, Richard. Wish I could join you all.

[Tom Senge]

Along the same lines, there's this one.

Sadly, I fear we don't have to worry about any Lutheran congregations performing this sort of "flash mob" evangelism.

In a way this has been going on for generations, although not on such a grand or surprising scale.  It's called caroling.  We go to homes to sing to homebound persons, and see the curtains of neighbors opening, or to care facilities, walking the halls and community rooms, seeing the smiling faces sing along.  We give them hugs and share Christ's love.  The caretakers delight in these visits.  And I know that Christ Lutheran Church, Reese is not alone in this ministry and witness.

No, it's not an opera company for most of us, but as the music fills the hearts of others with the sense of joy and peace of Jesus, it is God's work, and it's all good.  So, lift your voice where ever you may, and have a Merry Christmas sharing the precious gift of Christ our Lord!

Tom