At N Street Village, community is built in many ways—including through music. The Ambassadors of Praise, the Village’s weekly choir, brings women together to make joyful noise and find connection through song. This singing group is one of the many ways that the Village maintains a connection with its neighbor, Luther Place Memorial Church (LPMC). Led by Justin Fitch, Liturgy and Communications Director at LPMC, with assistance from Pastor Karen Brau and Emily DeMarco, the Ambassadors of Praise serves as a creative outlet for women to connect with their faith.
In 2017, Justin took on the role of music minister, with a charge to help carry on the existing relationship between N Street Village and LPMC in a meaningful way. The group meets weekly to learn and practice songs (both secular and non-secular) and occasionally performs at major Village events such as the SHERO walk and the annual fundraiser, Gathering for Good.
The choir is a great way for women at the Village to build connections through artistic endeavors. The practice sessions are a space where clients can learn more about each other.
Justin has seen how music can break down the walls people sometimes place between themselves and others. When reflecting on this, he shared, “Trust is really big and I think when you sing together and you make music together, trust can be built a lot faster through art. Because it’s not question and answer and intimidating conversations, we’re just going to make music together.” Particularly after the isolation many experienced during the pandemic, the Ambassadors of Praise offers clients an opportunity to reconnect and rebuild a sense of community.
On a more personal level, the Ambassadors of Praise also provides a space for people to connect with faith even when they might want to give up. “We often are asking the biggest questions and having the biggest wonderings at the hardest parts of our lives or in times of transition,” Justin said. “I think the more questions you ask, the deeper you end up being connected to your faith, even if sometimes you feel the opposite of that.”
Justin often connects the weekly repertoire to upcoming themes at LPMC services, so members can feel more comfortable and prepared in the worship space. The leaders of this program invite people in, rather than forcing any beliefs on them, and there are no specific requirements for joining.
Vanessa, a client who attends the choir practices regularly, spoke to how therapeutic the activity is. “It’s a stress alleviator and anti-depressant. I feel connected to God through fellowshipping and singing with others.” She encourages everybody to sing, regardless of skill level, for their own wellbeing and to take a break from daily responsibilities.
Another participant, Melissa, believes that singing clears her air passages, almost like a system reset for her being.
The Ambassadors of Praise is one of the many ways N Stret Village recognizes and supports women experiencing homelessness as individuals, not just numbers.