War adds meaning to coming musical service

As practices for their annual Fourth of July cantata begin, a group of adults and children at Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson say the war in Iraq has brought new meaning to their patriotic program.

"With the war going on, I think our hearts are more in it," said Leisa Floyd of Jackson. "There's definitely more participation this year."

Floyd said when the church originally held the cantata in 2001, around 25 people participated. This year, the program has attracted around 40 people of all ages.

As the group made their way through "God Bless the U.S.A." and the national anthem during a practice Sunday evening, unashamed tears filled the eyes of Tina Plaskie of Jackson.

Plaskie's husband, Sgt. John Plaskie, is currently stationed in Fort Leonard Wood and is awaiting deployment to the Middle East.

"The idea behind this program is wonderful," said Plaskie, whose two sons and stepson are also in the cantata. "I can't help but cry because it really hits home."

Across the room singing with the rest of the tenors, the Rev. Ray Epps also struggled with tears.

"It's hard to separate Christianity and patriotism," said Epps. "I think most evangelical Christians view the present conflict as a war between good and evil."

At 18, Epps served in the U.S. Army as a combat infantryman in France during World War II.

"For many years, I couldn't talk about it," said Epps, who narrates the cantata. "But this has really been good therapy, being able to sing about it."

This year's cantata, which will be held during the Sunday morning worship service June 29, features group and solo performances of patriotic songs and medleys, as well as recognition of veterans and men and women currently serving in the armed forces.

Cantata coordinator Christi Guilliams said the program, titled "Welcome Home," was originally written for veterans.

"We're hoping some of the soldiers serving in Iraq will be home by then so that we can welcome them," Guilliams said.

The church is requesting submissions of the names of veterans and men and women currently serving in the military to be read aloud during the cantata. To submit a name, call the church at 243-1078.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128