The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has altered many plans that were scheduled for this year. As we approach the summer season, many of the usual events have either been cancelled completely or postponed to some later date in the hoped not too distant future.
Each summer, Latter-day Saints between the ages of 18 and 25 are called to serve as young performing missionaries (YPMs) in Nauvoo, Illinois, which is the town that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called “the Mormon Church”) once called home. They are set apart as Church-service missionaries to serve at Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail from late April or early May through mid-August.
The Young Performing Missionary Program is comprised of three groups – band members, singers and dancers, and stage technicians. To make sure that visitors to the town have a memorable experience, the young missionaries sing, dance, play instruments, and work on set.
This summer, however, due to the pandemic, there will be no young performing missionaries in Nauvoo. The young performing missionaries who were set to serve in Nauvoo this summer will be given the opportunity to serve again in 2021.
Nevertheless, the young performing missionaries have not allowed the cancellation of this year’s performance to deter them from using their musical talents to share their testimonies. On Wednesday, 20 May 2020, they performed together as a Virtual Choir, performing “Invocation,” which is a beautiful song based on Matthew 18:20. Their music performance has been viewed over 15,000 times since being posted.
Teri Green Crockett, who serves with her husband as directors of the Young Performing Missionary program, wrote on Facebook, “Although their mission to Nauvoo has been paused, the testimonies of these young performing missionaries continue to shine bright. Here they gather in a Virtual Choir performance of ‘Invocation,’ a beautiful musical message of Christ and His promise that ‘. . .where two or three are gathered . . . in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’”
Although their mission to Nauvoo has been paused, the testimonies of these Young Performing Missionaries continue to shine bright. Here they gather in a Virtual Choir performance of "Invocation", a beautiful musical message of Christ and His promise that "…where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." ( Matthew 18:20) #HistoricNauvoo #NauvooPageants #HearHim
Posted by Teri Green Crockett on Wednesday, May 20, 2020
That was beautiful. Your blend was terrific and your sincerity comes across well. What a great way to share! Music touches the heart for sure. I will share this with others. Thanks so much!
Sister Fjerstad
Because they are going to be given the opportunity to perform in 2021, does that mean that new applicants can’t apply for 2021 because all the spots will be filled from the previous year?
New Applications for the 2021 Young Performing Missionary Season are being accepted. The online portal is now open and will be received through November 30th. You can access information here : history.churchofjesuschrist.org/ypm