From left: Mary Pat Willis, Rick Brown, and Lonza Bartlett were among the talented singers and musicians who delivered a soaring version of Oh Happy Day.
Early on Thanksgiving morning, residents gathered at Picnic Pointe for a Praise and Worship service. The primary purpose was to recognize all that we are grateful for, including a wonderful community of thoughtful and kind neighbors.
The Landings also has numerous extremely gifted musicians who are happy to share their talents. They were on full display as the Praise team, comprised of Jim and Mary Pat Willis, Rick Brown, and Jack and Janice Purse offered songs of praise. Jim plays keyboards and handles the audio system while Rick and Jack play guitars.
The Lord is My Shepherd and Waymaker were the first two songs. They were followed by a message delivered by Fred Garner. The Praise team then returned for two more songs, Praise and The Blessing.
The final number, Oh Happy Day, was led by singers Mary Pat Willis and Lonza Bartlett, while young Tommy Firriolo added his guitar to the Praise team musicians. The audience was invited to echo the refrain (Oh Happy Day, When Jesus Washed My Sins Away) and they did so with gusto. Their enthusiasm was a result of experiencing the intensity of the soaring voices that started quietly then built in volume and intensity to a beautiful final flourish.
As the audience enjoyed the refreshments served by the Ladies’ Bible Study, all agreed that the service was a special way to start Thanksgiving Day.
