As the Verizon Wireless “How Sweet The Sound” national choir competition gears up to showcase the best and brightest in inspirational music that St. Louis has to offer, locals Carol Carter and Ray Marklin were able to express their appreciation of the music from the spirit through visual art.
When the showcase showdown among St. Louis gospel music comes to the Scottrade Center on Monday, Sept. 21, the work that local watercolor artist Carol Carter – along with her long-time friend/photographer Ray Marklin –did for Verizon Wireless’ 2009 “How Sweet The Sound” choir competition will also be centerstage. Carter and Marklin combined their artistic talents to create the stunning watercolor which is now featured in newspaper ads and on billboards around St. Louis.
The duo worked with St. Alphonsus “Rock” Church in St. Louis and the “Voices of Praise” Choir to capture the spiritual joy that singing praises brings to the human condition, no matter the ethnicity or religious beliefs of the artist. Marklin provided the source photography for Carter to paint from to create the final commissioned piece.
Carol Carter’s original work of art will be displayed at the upcoming “How Sweet The Sound” choir concert/competition on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 6 p.m. at the Scottrade Center.
After the event, Verizon Wireless will be donating this commissioned piece to St. Louis ArtWorks, in the hopes of inspiring a future generation of artists.
For tickets or more information about the Verizon Wireless How Sweet The Sound Competition, visit www.howsweetthesound.com.
CME descend on STL
This weekend, more than 2,000 church leaders from across the U.S. and Africa are attending two Christian Methodist Episcopal Church conferences being held in St. Louis.
The 2009 Connectional Lay Institute is being held at the Millennium Hotel Saturday through Monday, September 19–21, and will be immediately followed by the annual CME Church Convocation at the Hyatt Regency Hotel from Sept. 21–24.
The Lay Institute is only held every four years and will include the special highlight of an extended acclimation among attendees and the 20 candidates vying for positions held by four retiring bishops.
Lay leaders will also review current church polices and may recommend changes. “In the CME Church, change often comes from the bottom up. The laity offer suggestions that are reasoned and relevant for the times,” said national lay leader Dr. Victor Taylor.
The convocation will focus on leadership training and is themed “The Ships That Sail Us From Good to Great.” Special workshops, which are open to the public, will focus on those “ships” – leadership, membership, stewardship, mentorship, discipleship, and worship.
“We want to equip our ministers and laity for Christian service on the local level,” said Bishop Paul A.G. Steward, who presides over six states – including Missouri.
According to Convocation Director Reverend Tyrone Davis, guests will have another ship to look forward to: fellowship.
“It has always been an important part of the CME Church,” Davis said. “That joy of seeing one another.”
The public is invited to the following events:
* Opening Worship Service with Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart Sr., Saturday, Sept. 19, 1:30 p.m. at the Millennium Hotel.
* Keynote Address by Dr. Victor Taylor Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 p.m. at the Millennium Hotel.
* Keynote Address by Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Mon., Sept. 21, 7 p.m., Hyatt Regency Hotel.
* Communion Service with Bishop Thomas L. Brown Sr., Tues., Sept. 22, 7 p.m., Hyatt Regency Hotel.
* Grand Musical with director Dr. Allen F. Todd, Wed., Sept. 23, 7 p.m., Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The CME church has 850,000 members across the United States and Africa. The church also supports four colleges. More information can be found at www.c-m-e.org.