Redeemer

Just on the Jersey side of the Hudson River lies the city of Hoboken. It is practically part of New York City, separated only by the river. It has the city "feel" where everyone walks everywhere, the streets are narrow and the buildings are crowded, but it also has a peaceful charm about it. Fortunately, we got to spend some time there yesterday. Chris was asked to participate in a gospel choir that was performing in Hoboken in support of the local homeless shelter. The church that was sponsoring it is called Redeemer Hoboken, a satellite church of Redeemer Church in NYC. We had heard alot about Redeemer and its pastor, Tim Keller, from our friends Amanda and Chris that live in Hawthorn, NJ. So coincidence has it that two of Chris's cast mates attend Redeemer Hoboken. Actually one is a current cast mate and one is an ex-cast mate. In this first video, Janet is the third woman down from Chris and she is a swing in Phantom (she covers lots of different parts), and Julie is the fifth woman down from Chris. She used to be the Christine alternate. Enjoy this video from the song "I'm Gonna Wear a Crown".




All of the music performed by the choir was either arranged or written by Shelton Becton. He was there conducting, playing the piano and singing his music. He was absolutley amazing, and his bio is pretty impressive, too. He grew up in North Carolina, came to NYC in 1980 to play the piano for the Broadway production of "Ain't Misbehavin'", has played for performers including Phylicia Rashad, Bette Midler and Anita Baker, has had choral music featured at Lincoln Center, played the organ for "The Color Purple", and continues to play for Roberta Flack. He took an old familiar hymn, "The Solid Rock", and set it to a beautiful choral arrangement. Have a listen....




This was by far my favorite song. (Chris was disappointed because I didn't get all of it on video.) "Lord, We Praise Your Name".......that's what it's all about....praising the one who created heaven and earth, the one who keeps us through trouble and good times, the one who supplies all of our needs. He is worthy of all praise!!!