02/04/11 The Marshall County Ministerial Association is sponsoring a Christian Variety Show Saturday, February 19 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The show will be hosted by friends and fellow Marshall County Orchestra members Annette Ray and Cindy Flagg. The show is open to the public at the Plymouth First United Methodist Church located at 400 N. Michigan Street. While there is no monetary fee; those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Neighborhood Center food pantry.
Ray and Flagg have teamed together on many projects and held a similar talent show in 2007. It was a success and at the time they planned to make it a yearly event.
“We are both so busy with work and family and church, and other things,” stated Flagg. We are good friends and enjoy playing in the orchestra and small groups together. But time escaped us and here it is four years later and we haven’t had another show!”
After much discussion and planning the two put together a variety show, yet had no place to hold it. Flagg attends the Plymouth First United Methodist Church and approached Pastor Matt Pickut with the idea of having the variety show there. Pickut liked the idea and took it before the ministerial association who agreed to sponsor the event.
Throughout the process of contacting performers and finding the venue, etc. people continued to ask, “Why?” What is the purpose of the variety show? Ray enjoys answering that question.
“Cindy and I are both firm believers that God has given every single person a talent. And we must use those talents for the Lord. And I felt a need to bring people together to praise the Lord. The variety show is a great way to experience Him through the gifts of others.”
Flagg interjected, “And there are so many people that believe being a Christian means never smiling or having any fun! NO!! With Christ at the helm of your world what is there to be so sad about?”
Continuing on the two women explained the variety show is a way for people to share talents, meet together for fun and fellowship and to praise the Lord. The entire event is planned to be a win-win situation. A fun evening, food for the pantry and praising the Lord; oh, and they also mentioned door prizes would be given away and refreshments will be served.
It is difficult to not catch their enthusiasm as they talk about the variety show. There are twenty different acts. Some of the acts are traditional type things such as singing and instrumentals. There are also some more non-traditional talents such as: juggling, ribbon dance and comedy.
Ray promises that all talent on that evening is done with Christ in mind. As well as a variety of talent, a variety of ages will be taking part in the evening of performance. She is sure all ages will enjoy the show.
“This would be a wonderful evening to pick up the kids and grand-kids and enjoy an evening together,” said Ray.
A complete schedule of the evening’s variety will be published closer to the date of the event. The event will be held in the church’s sanctuary. The church is handicap accessible and all are invited to attend. People with questions regarding the variety show should call Cindy Flagg at 574-952-3661.
PHOTO: Taking part in the Marshall County Ministerial Association Christian Variety Show will be the First United Methodist Church Handbell Choir. Pictured (L-R) are: Ruth Van Vactor, Marsha Wilson, Barbie Pickut and Cindy Flagg.
