Gathering in Gratitude
On a crisp Friday evening, November 7, nearly 200 voices came together in joyful harmony to celebrate something truly special—the gift of singing. Hosted by the Advisory Board of the Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster (MCCL), this free, family-friendly gathering felt like a joyful celebration—where familiar faces, new friends, and generations of singers came together to share the joy of music! Current singers, alumni, families, donors, staff, and community members filled the space with laughter, stories, and song, all united by a shared love for music and the MCCL community.
The evening was organized into three parts, each highlighting the warmth, generosity, and strong sense of community that define MCCL.
Soup & Fellowship
The evening began with a delicious homemade soup supper, lovingly prepared by MCCL board members, staff, and community volunteers. Guests enjoyed hearty bowls of chili, chicken corn chowder, tortilla soup, harvest soup, curried lentil soup, and cheeseburger soup. A table brimming with fresh breads, apple slices, and dips—generously donated by Panera Bread, Hess Brothers, Inc., and MCCL board and staff—added to the cozy spread.
Laughter and conversation filled the room as attendees guessed the number of candies in jars, colored MCCL logos, and wrote notes of thanks for MCCL and the gift of singing, adding a lighthearted and creative touch to the gathering.
Songs
After supper, the gathering transitioned into the sanctuary, where MCCL’s music staff led a heart-felt hymn sing. The program wove together songs of thanksgiving from across cultures and centuries! The sanctuary was filled with rich four-part harmonies and lyrics that expressed themes of gratitude, hope, and connection.
Children were invited to the front for a special set of songs, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the room. Families and singers of all ages joined together in a meaningful time of worship, singing side by side in a spirit of gratitude and community.
To close the singing time, current MCCL singers from grades 2 through 12 stepped forward to share which songs they’re most excited to perform at the upcoming Christmas concerts on December 4, 6, and 7. Their enthusiasm was contagious, offering a glimpse into the joy and anticipation for the upcoming MCCL concert series.
Sweets
The evening concluded with a generous dessert buffet featuring an array of pies, cakes, cookies, and warm drinks—graciously provided by the board, community members, and Kauffman Orchards. Guests lingered over their treats, savoring both the sweets and the conversation. It was a fitting finale to a night filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable warmth of community spirit.
Giving in Gratitude
In the spirit of generosity, guests were invited to contribute to MCCL’s scholarship fund as a kickoff to ExtraGive on November 21. Thanks to their kindness, $1,400 was raised to support more than 30 current singers receiving tuition assistance.
This evening of gratitude was a beautiful reminder of the voices, hearts, and hands that make the Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster such a vibrant and cherished part of the community.
Finally. . .a big thank you to the many people who helped to make the evening possible through donations and time and food!
