Feel the Joy

The 140 plus members of the Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC) make up a united community of love and hope. Led by their visionary-founder Marie Lacey, they perform a variety of songs rooted in urban contemporary gospel music, sometimes referred to as 'black gospel'. Through singing, they bring joy and hope to business people and politicians alike who host corporate functions. They also regularly help fundraisers at various charitable events. The choir’s versatility and magnanimity is such that they also perform at church concerts and have even backed major theatrical productions at the Grand Opera House. 

My wife has been a BCGC soprano since its inception 10 years ago and wanted me to spend more time with her "feeling the joy."  So, in the summer of 2014, flush with our newfound empty nest, an idea was hatched for me to possibly join her. I auditioned for a tenor part and the rest is history. I'm certainly no Pavarotti, but nonetheless, passionately sing my wee heart out. I have however been told my choreography skills are still somewhat in the developmental stage. So now, I too "feel the joy". 

If you’re thinking of auditioning, be sure to take note that catching up on learning 60 plus joy-filled songs certainly is hard work!

The uniqueness of singing ‘gospel music’ is that the songs have an inherent message which reassures listeners It encourages them to receive a newfound confidence, throughout the ups and downs of life.

A typical song would be "hold on, don't quit Gods on your side." This particular song captures how joy is more than circumstantial happiness. It helps us lean into the face of the storms and trials of life, with the realisation that we can have a confident assurance, that things are going to be all right. It continues to a crescendo, with the words of my old Boys Brigade motto: "We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock which cannot move, hold on..."

These songs of joy and hope express an inner conviction to continue to hope in our ever-present friend and faithful God.

 They remind us that what seems like…

·         apparent defeat can often just be a delay,

·         seemingly dark situations can quickly turn to light

·         despair and mourning can be amazingly transformed to joy and optimism…

So, remember, don’t let your dark past determine your bright future!

If you want a dose of “feeling the joy”, get along to one of our choir concerts by checking out the Belfast Community Gospel Choir website for their next events.

www.bcgc.biz/see-us/