Michigan—Back in the 1960s Nedra Renshaw, now deceased, had quite an active children’s choir. They practiced regularly, had choir robes, and sang special music almost every Sabbath at the small Burlington, Mich., church.

Over the years Nedra liked to talk about the choir, and ten years ago she was encouraged to begin again. Although not professionally trained herself, with help from other members, they were able to organize.

She practiced with the children in the junior Sabbath school each week, in preparation for the opening response for the call to worship at the beginning of the worship service and another musical response following the morning prayer.

In 2002, the choir was quite large. Additional practices were scheduled each Wednesday evening in conjunction with the weekly prayer meeting. This additional practice gave them opportunity to prepare a special music each Sabbath. Soon, a number of teenagers joined and the name was changed to The Youth Choir. During the Hope for the Homeland evangelistic series, the choir replaced the traditional song service each Friday night. Due to family moves, teens going away to school, and other factors, the group was downsized to a children's choir once again. However, the children’s choir continues to sing the Sabbath’s call to worship and prayer response weekly.

At present, the choir has from four to eight children each week who participate in the musical responses. They still practice during junior Sabbath school and present a variety of songs. It's a credit to the congregation and their pastor who invite these young worshipers to continue to be a part of the weekly worship service. It gives them a sense of belonging and a feeling they are needed.

"When I am their guest speaker," comments Bruce Babienco, "I always look forward to hearing their sweet voices and seeing their happy smiles." Oh, that every church would recognize the desire of their children to be an active part of the Sabbath worship hour!

Glen Sauer, Burlington head elder, and Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent