What a beautiful evening for an outdoor sing! This was the Garment of Praise’s second time singing here at Fountain Park in Schaefferstown–two years ago there were thunderstorms threatening, but this time was gorgeous! There was a nice crowd of people attending, and everyone enjoyed the program. The hosts provided cookies and drink following the service.
It was a beautiful evening in the city of Reading. The sun was in the guys eyes, but other than that, with the wonderful weather we’ve been having, we had a great night. They sang a few newer songs,”Heaven’s Joy Awaits” and “He Will Lead His Children Home”; and took requests for “Low Down the Chariot”, “The Tomb Says It All”, and others.
Marcus took back his spot from Danny for a few songs. They sang “On the Resurrection Morning”–they haven’t done that one too much since Danny stepped in. Instead of singing “I’ll have a new body…” Brian put in that he hoped to have “hair like Willis!” Daryl’s father, Willis, does have a head full of hair, unlike Brian! They also took requests while Marcus sang with them.
After closing the official program, some of the youth and Garment of Praise had a little jam session up on the deck, singing around the keyboard and guitars. They brought up a Fairview Christian School quartet, and sang a few with Danny and his sister, Kim Petersheim.
Update on Marcus’ son Ryan: Ryan’s been getting around a lot faster lately with his scooter that he rides on. Marcus brings it along almost wherever they go, and Ryan seems to enjoy his time a lot better. But if you ever were nervous around a 16-year old with his license, think 13-year-old on a scooter–and watch out!:-) Ryan is almost done with a one-year trial drug for Muscular Dystrophy that he’s been doing through Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Its been disappointing in that it hasn’t seemed to help Ryan, but hopefully the time invested will help other children! Keep Ryan in your prayers!
We had an enjoyable time singing for the folks at Evengelical Brethern Church.
Hey, I am probably an unfamiliar face to most of you. I am Dan Petersheim—better known as “Daryl’s brother.” I started singing with the Garment of Praise in August of ’08. Marcus Fox decided to step down from his former role in the GOP, and I was presented with the opportunity of stepping in.
When I was growing up, which I still am, singing was a part of home. Our family sang together occasionally, Daryl started singing with GOP when I was about seven years old, and my two other brothers also sang in a quartet for a short period of time. Oh, and you can check out the first Little Friends of the Garment of Praise CD.
My voice is on there—even though I am singing soprano. Singing was also part of the culture of school—Fairview Christian School. I sang in various singing groups during my years there. I graduated in the spring of ’08. One of my teachers for the last five years was some guy named Brian Fox, but you probably don’t know him.
Now I have the privilege of singing with the Garment of Praise. Don’t I have something I’d rather do on the weekend than to travel somewhere, sing, and come home? Well, here are three simple reasons why I sing. 1. I enjoy singing. 2. Fairview Christian School is a great ministry to support. 3. I really wish to praise, honor, and magnify the Creator of music, and give blessing, encouragement, and challenge to those whom He created.
This month will probably rank as one of the top 10 most memorable months of my life.
I have always considered myself to be an extra-ordinarily healthy, athletic, live my life on the edge kind of guy. We had a very busy month ahead of us. We (the GOP) were scheduled to sing 6 times in 2 weeks and two school concerts, which I produce and direct, were scheduled for the coming weekend. So when pneumonia knocked me flat on my back, having to be drug out of the house by some of my school students, carried into a van, and carted into the hospital was not what I had in mind for taking a breather.
I came away from that hospital experience with an appreciation for several things. I never realized how wonderful I.V’s were. That liquid flowing into parched blood vessels was wonderful-I mean really wonderful. And my family-I’m telling you I have the most wonderful family a man could ever wish for. From my parents, to my in-laws, (especially “Mel” Arentz who helped to haul me out of my basement) they took really good care of me.
My wife, Sheryl, man I love that lady. She was the best nurse a man could have. God is restoring my strength for which I am so grateful. I have an appreciation for good health unlike anytime before. Yet my trial seems so trivial when compared to the journey that so many other people are called to travel.
My oldest sister, Diane, faces an uphill battle with cancer. We pray, we hope, and we wonder. Friends, I am so grateful for a God in whom we can trust. Knowing he is already in our tomorrow gives me confidence that He has already walked the road that I must. He is there, and He cares.
Bless you all,
Brian
After 18 years of singing with Garment of Praise, I felt it was my time to step back and let a younger man take on this ministry. I have enjoyed serving God in this way and received many blessings by doing it. I have made a lot of friends and I continue to enjoy these friendships.
In the summer of 2003, I was ordained to the ministry at Fairview Mennonite Church. In the spring of 2004, my oldest son, Ryan, was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Fairview Christian School also receives a lot of my attention and energy. These added responsibilities made it more difficult for me to fulfill my duties with Garment of Praise.
I will continue to sing with the fellows on select dates – better known as a few dates that are very close to home. I’m sure you will enjoy hearing my brother-in-law, Dan Petersheim. He is doing a great job singing with them.
Keep my family in your prayers as we continue to serve God in Reading.
Many blessings to you!
Marcus Fox
