Today we embarked on our first weekend out since completing our season in June at our commissioning and ordination services in Indiana. About noon we boarded the bus for a short two and a half hour bus ride to Fond du Lac, WI where Envoys Beverly and Doug Peterson are the corps administrators. The Peterson's have only been in Fond du Lac for seven weeks but they've done a great job building on what was left behind.

We shared the concert with the South Shore Chorale led by Corey Schneider. This was a fine vocal ensemble that really added a nice change of pace to the concert.

In addition, the program was compered by local radio hosts Heather and Nick.

The concert was held in Goodrich Little Theater and it was mostly full. Not bad for a town of less than 50,000 people. In addition to the concert, the Salvation Army announced a goal of raising $150,000 during their Christmas campaign.

It was good to see at least three former members of the Chicago Staff Band in attendance. Major Robert Thomson, Stan Kelley and Bill Luhn were all present. If there were others, I'm sorry I missed you. Drop me a note and I promise to make it right.

The concert for the evening included:

• Psalm of Thanks (Sharman)
• My Unchanging Friend (Bosanko) - Shaun Thomas, soloist
• Ballad (Himes) - Tim Meyer, soloist
• Harlequin (Broughton)

• The Bartered Bride (Smetana) - South Shore Chorale
• In Remembrance (Daley) - South Shore Chorale
• The Road Home (Paulus) - South Shore Chorale
• Animal Crackers (Set 1; Whitacre) - South Shore Chorale

• Make Me a Blessing (Graham)
• Paean (Bright)
• Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare (Strauss/arr. Himes)
• Wade In The Water (Ballantine)
• Soli Deo Gloria (Himes)

• Masquerade (Webber) - South Shore Chorale
• Ave Verum (Mozart) - South Shore Chorale & CSB
• Battle Hymn of the Republic (arr. Wilhousky) - South Shore Chorale & CSB

• Sirocco (Graham)
• Choral Benediction (Himes)

Following the concert we traveled to Cornerstone Worship Center to set up there. We will be participating in their worship service on Sunday morning before heading back home.

All in all, it was a blessed day.