Religious Life Department Presents Musical Opportunities

Guest Blogger: Michael Shirtz, Coordinator of Religious Life Music


When it comes to views on religion and faith, music has the ability to give lives meaning in different ways.

Martin Luther once said, “Next to the Word of God, music is the greatest treasure in the world.” Whether we are at a concert, in a service or by ourselves, music is an extension of our prayer.

Music is mediation. It provides celebration for us to rejoice. Music gives us solitude for those quite moments of thought and reflection. It frees our souls and lifts our spirits.

Personally, I believe music is all of this and more, and we have made this the mission of our religious music at Lakeside Chautauqua.

This summer, the Chautauqua Choral Festival Concert will take place at 7 p.m., Sunday June 24, in Hoover Auditorium. The theme is “This Land We Love,” which will feature the festival chorus, prayers and reflections, and performances by world class musicians such as Lakeside favorites C. Andrew Blosser and Amy Johnston Blosser.

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Grow the mind, body and spirit

Staff Blogger: Alana Tarry, Director of Development


Dedicated and compassionate Lakesiders, Howard and Joann Strauch, have a long and meaningful history with Lakeside Chautauqua.

Howard was first introduced through his Methodist Youth Fellowship group in 1944, and Joann had known of Lakeside for many years before her first visit during the summer of 1968.

Howard and Joann both came from active Methodist families, and Lakeside, with its unique and educational summer programs, was a natural fit for them.

“In 1990, we began coming to Lakeside every summer and it continues to get better every time,” said Howard. “We are most excited about the future of Lakeside.”

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