Heart and spirit at core of songsters’ ministry
Singing for the Sydney Staff Songsters is an affair of the heart ... and the Holy Spirit, according to Christine Plumridge who has been part of the group for nine years.
And while vocal talent is an important criteria for members of the brigade, Christine says ministry comes first.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015, this has been the heart and soul of the Sydney Staff Songsters since its formation. The group doesn’t visit a corps just to sing, they arrive filled with passion to share Christ’s love through worship.
“We often see transformation in people’s lives,” says Christine. “It’s not through anything we’re doing specifically. It’s the way the Holy Spirit works through us.”
Formed in 1989, then Australia Eastern Territorial Commander, Commissioner L. Roy Lovatt invited Dr Ron Smart, professional trombonist and conductor who is well known for his work with the Sydney Music Conservatorium, to lead the Sydney Staff Songsters.
Ron led the group until midway through 1995, when the Sydney Staff Songsters took an 18-month recess. In 1997, then-Commissioner John Gowans, who was the Australia Eastern Territorial Commander at the time, asked Graeme Press to reform the songsters.
In 2012, Graeme passed on the leadership baton to Graham Ainsworth, who has been part of the songsters for 13 years.
The Sydney Staff Songsters have performed on many national and international stages, including tours of the United States, Canada, Russia, New Zealand, China and most recently, the United Kingdom.
While performing on international stages brings an element of excitement for the Sydney Staff Songster, deputy leader Ash Sellers says singing at smaller regional corps throughout Australia has impacted him the most.
“[They are] just craving good music ... what that can do for your spirit. There’s been times where we have been singing songs about healing rain in country Australia, where they are in the middle of a drought, and it’s begun to rain.
“We’ve been fortunate to travel all over the world and to sing in all sorts of different places but watching the Holy Spirit touch someone’s heart as you sing is the kind of experience you can’t ever forget.”
Family is a common word that is used to describe the Sydney Staff Songsters. “There’s a saying in the group that when a member of the group is hurting, we all hurt,” says Christine.
Along with practising vocal parts, the Sydney Staff Songsters spend time in devotion and worship at their weekly rehearsals. “The process of getting the notes right comes second,” says Ash.
“If we are aware of something that is happening to someone ... the best thing we are able to do in a rehearsal is to stop and pray,” adds Christine.
The Sydney Staff Songsters recently celebrated their 25th anniversary as a family. Families gathered for a fun day at Carss Park in Kogarah Bay on 15 November.
This month, Majors Alwyn and Deborah Robinson, who have sung in various songster groups, took up new appointments as the Sydney Staff Songsters’ executive officers.
This article first appeared in the January edition of Creative.
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