The Youth Choir at University United Methodist Church will take its show on the road when it performs "Celebrate the Vision" in the Pacific Northwest June 14-22.

"Celebrate the Vision" is an exuberant and insightful telling of the parables of Jesus, said Tim Baker, director. "It features music from Vaudeville to Rock and Roll and is entertaining in its variety of ways the parables are told. It uses song and dance, drama, humor and charades."

The Youth Choir is comprised of 50 middle and high school students who rehearse each week and sing regularly for worship services. After performing the musical during the 10:55 a.m. worship service last Sunday, the choir left for Seattle and British Columbia where they will perform at four different churches.

In Seattle, the choir will stay at the Green Tortoise Youth Hostel in downtown Seattle. While there, they will take the monorail to the Experience Music museum near the Space Needle and then take a ferry to Vashon Island for a concert in the evening.

In Vancouver, Canada, the group will rent bikes and ride a scenic five-mile trail around Stanley Park and perform at 7:30 p.m. in Vancouver.

Adding some adventure to the trip, the choir will ride a zip line over the rain forest in Whisler, British Columbia, located in the spectacular Coast Mountains two hours north of Vancouver.

The third concert of the tour will take place in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and will also feature the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra and the King's Men gospel ensemble. This concert will raise money for the Telecare Crisis & Caring Line, which provides dedicated, skilled and empathetic listeners for anyone who calls for help.

The choir will give its final performance in Mission, British Columbia, on Saturday, June 20. On Sunday morning, they will sing at a morning worship service in Mission before returning to Seattle. They fly home on Monday, June 22.

Amity book series will study 'The Shack'

Amity United Methodist at 825 N. Estes Drive has announced a book study and a sermon series, both being led by the pastor, the Rev. Tuck Taylor Bounds, and both open to all interested folks in the area.

The book study is "The Shack," a somewhat controversial and thought-provoking novel by William P. Young. It is the story of redemption and God's mercy and is told through the eyes of a grieving father who meets God in the Trinity. Numerous theological issues bubble up in the book. The pastor will lead the exploration and discussion.

Participants need to provide their own books. The study will be held on Wednesdays from June 17 through July 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The sermon series is on prayer and will begin on Sunday, June 14 and continue each Sunday at 11 a.m. through July 12.

Topics to be examined include the importance of prayer, how to pray, the effectiveness of prayer and what Christians should pray for.

Amity bills itself as a "progressive, inclusive congregation which participates in and seeks additional opportunities for community outreach and Call the church at 919-967-7546 for further information.

Summer series on worship to begin

University United Methodist Church, 150 E. Franklin St., will begin a 10-week summer series on worship when it begins its summer worship schedule on Sunday, June 14. For 10 weeks, June 14 through Aug. 23, the church's schedule will feature one 10 a.m. worship service each Sunday, followed by fellowship time at the church.

Each Sunday, the Rev. Carl King will relate how one specific aspect of Sunday worship shapes the congregation as Methodists and as Christians and how worship informs the actions in the world and influences how individuals grow as spiritual beings.

Gay Men's Chorus to perform in Durham

The Triangle Gay Men's Chorus will give a concert in the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church in Durham on Sunday, June 21, at 3 p.m.

"Brave Souls and Dreamers," the featured work by composer Robert Seeley and librettist Robert Espindola, is a cantata for male chorus, mezzo-soprano and male guest soloists and orchestra.

For this performance, the instrumental ensemble will include the pipe organ at the church. The cantata draws on inspirational words from Gandhi, Jesus, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Isaiah, Confucius and Buddha. The text boldly contrasts a prevailing hope for peace with the devastating realities of war, including its consequences for families.

For ticket information visit www.tgmchorus.org.

Please let us know what's going on in your church or faith group, so we can share your news with our readers. E-mail news and announcements to Flo Johnston at fjohnston3@nc.rr.com.