Search Out Talent

Like searching a "Where's Waldo" picture, one can see the Angel Moroni of the Manhattan New York Temple (pictured above), faintly visible against the backdrop of the city that never sleeps. This temple occupies part of the first floor and all of the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors of a renovated high-rise building overlooking Lincoln Square. The third floor of the same building houses a chapel, cultural hall, baptismal font, and classrooms where local wards meet on Sundays.

Some years ago, I attended a sacrament meeting there where I heard a beautiful musical number--a violin solo--by a student attending The Juilliard School, which is across the street at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. My cousin, who was sitting next to me, commented that the musical numbers in the ward were always spectacular because several ward members were students or performers across the street.

Unfortunately, not every ward can tap into one of the world's most prestigious music schools for musical numbers. However, you might be surprised to find that your ward has more talented members than you think. Like seeing the Angel Moroni in the picture above, it takes effort to find them, but in my experience, most are willing to share once you figure out who they are. Consider using a short online survey like we did recently in the Lake Crescent Ward. We found six people who are willing to sing a solo in sacrament meeting!

Photo Reference: "Lincoln Center Manhattan Island New York photo D Ramey Logan" by WPPilot - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.