Threshold Choirs

A wonderful gift for the dying is quickly blooming around the country: it’s called the Threshold Choir—a small group of women who sing at the bedsides of people who are struggling: some with living, some with dying.

Founded in 2000 by Kate Munger in Marin County, CA, there are now choirs all over the world. The first national Threshold Choir Gathering near Healdsburg, CA in June drew 100 women from 40 choirs.

Becky & I were on our West Coast Book Tour at that time so I was able to attend. What a joy to harmonize beautiful, peaceful songs in a lovely chapel! Many of the songs are written by Threshold Choir members, so the choirs are outlets not only for singing, but for creative work.

Kate Munger spoke at a conference in Minneapolis last spring and now the Twin Cities has its own Threshold Choir. In fact, so many women have turned out that once we learn the basic repertoire, we’ll divide into 3 groups: St. Paul, Minneapolis, and western suburbs. Sometime in 2008, we’ll start accepting invitations to sing at bedsides of people at the threshold.

I’ll continue to share stories from the Threshold Choir, including the wonderful experience a friend’s mother had in her final days. I’m grateful to be part of a group whose mission is to bring comfort to the dying and their loved ones. For more information about Threshold Choirs, visit their web site.

Nancy