Pam Becker responded to the pandemic challenges with faith and patience. As she guides her choir into 2021, she’s looking forward with hopeful optimism.
Becker is the director of music for First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff, a position she’s served in for 25 years.
But 2020 was a year unlike any other. Many church music programs chose to shut down for months.
Becker was in rehearsals for an Easter cantata when the pandemic began.
“The staff met, and we went online,” Becker said. “We combined traditional hymns with our praise band at first.”
FUMC’s online offerings evolved into two broadcasts, one traditional and one contemporary. As part of the traditional service, Becker put together a vocal quartet to perform familiar hymns.
“We took our online services into the sanctuary, which made our congregation feel more at home,” she said.
As fall 2020 approached, Becker said that as they learned to handle COVID-19 risks better, they opened up the choir to anyone who wanted to come and sing. They’ve averaged 8-10 singers out of a pre-COVID choir of 35-40 people.
“We have social distancing in the choir loft,” she said. “We wear masks in the building but take them off to sing. So far, everyone has stayed safe.”
This strategy allowed the music program to perform special Christmas music that included the choir but also featured solos and duets.
Now in 2021, FUMC offers three in-person services but still broadcasts online through Facebook Live for those who cannot attend.
“Facebook Live is here to stay,” Becker said. “We plan to continue that even after COVID-19.”
In the past week, Becker has invited all choir members to return as they feel safe to do so. Some singers have been vaccinated, and she is hopeful that choir attendance will increase as the month progress.
She is not yet holding midweek rehearsals, so a 10 a.m. practice is all they have before their 11 a.m. service performance.
“It’s challenging as a choir director,” Becker said. “Singing is our service to God; it’s the way that we worship.”
“It’s rewarding to be able to provide this,” she said.
Her current plans include an Easter 2021 performance, although she’s not certain yet what that will look like.
“We take it week by week,” she said. “I hope the worst is behind us.”
First United Methodist Church is located at 500 N. Main St. in Poplar Bluff. Service times are Sunday mornings at 8:30, 10:17 and 11 a.m.