In 1975, the Bill Gaither Trio with the Sunday School Picnic introduced a song that shares with youngsters the idea that they have possibility and potential because God loves them. Nearly five decades later, a new generation of youths will learn to sing and, director Katie Wieand hopes, take to heart the meaning of "I Am a Promise."

"There's a reason we remember that song," Wieand said. "It's good truths and a good tune."

Wieand is the director of children's music and online ministry at Grace Community Church (GCC) of Willow Street and also the leader of Outpour Kids, GCC's youth performing arts ministry. Wieand attended Belmont University along with Denver Bierman of the power funk band Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, and she has chosen to use his arrangement of "I Am a Promise" in the spring session of the Outpour Kids choral program.

"I Am a Promise" will be one of four songs that underscore the session's theme of "You Are Created With a Promise & Purpose." "We will be looking at (the idea that) you were made with a mission and unpacking God's promises to us," Wieand explained.

Students in grades one through six are invited to participate in the Outpour Kids choir, which will rehearse on Thursdays, Feb. 4 to March 18, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. and offer a final performance for family members on Friday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. The rehearsals and performance will be held at GCC, 212 Peach Bottom Road, Willow Street.

Due to socially distanced space on stage being limited, participation in the program is capped at 40 students, as it was in the fall. "They still were able to learn good vocal techniques," Wieand remarked. "They definitely had to listen harder (because they were spread out) and really pay attention. They had to develop good aural skills in order to have that blended tone with other singers."

Students also received devotional materials at each rehearsal, and those who returned the completed sheets at the following rehearsals were rewarded with pins that they could affix to their program lanyards.

"They were learning not just vocally but spiritually as well," Wieand said, adding that she plans to offer a similar challenge during the spring session.

There is a cost to participate in the choral program, but scholarships are available for those who need them. No audition is required, but students must register by Sunday, Jan. 24. To learn more and to register, readers may visit http://www.gccws.net/outpourkids. Individuals with questions may email Wieand at katie@gccws.net or call the church at 717-464-5333.