Singing group on a mission

The Reverend Chuck Hodges, of Peachtree City United Methodist Church, delivered a sermon about getting out of the boat.

He spoke about how Jesus walked out onto the water during a storm, and how the disciples in the boat became afraid. Peter asked Jesus if he could come out onto the water, and Jesus called him to do so.

As long as Peter looked at Jesus he was able to walk on the water. When he looked away from Him, he fell in the waves.

Rev. Hodges urged his flock to step "out of the boat" and suggested that each walk boldly in faith, daring to do more than they think they can.

Five members of the church, who had formed an a cappella quintet as a mission of the church, needed a name. "Out of the Boat" seemed to suit them. They dared to raise as much money as possible for a need in their community. Their chosen need was "The Fayette Samaritans," a non-profit food and clothing bank that has been serving Fayette County for the past 12 years.

Leading this mission is Rob Sylvester. Lining up to sing with him are Gordon Price, Tim Weinmeister, Doug Harper, and Ryan Nichols. They are also a part of the church singing group, "True Praise."

They have just cut a CD entitled "Out of the Boat." There are 10 selections, two of which were written by Sylvester.

Sylvester was born and raised in London, Ontario, Canada and is 35 years old. He began singing at the age of four, in the ninth grade he began singing a cappella and in his early 20s began singing professionally.

He was graduated from Humber College, Toronto, as a music performance major. Along the way he met a young lady by the name of Shannon, also from the London area.

Her parents were transferred to this area about ten years ago, and Sylvester decided to follow. They married and now live in Peachtree City. He works at Piano Crafters in Fayetteville. Besides singing, and playing the piano, he enjoys playing the drums.

He has a recording studio in his home.

Gordon Price has lived in the county since 1950, when his parents, the late Robert K. Price and his mom, Josephine Price, moved to Fayetteville.

He is a graduate of Fayette County High School.

Price, 57, and his wife, Margie, live in Peachtree City, and he is the manger of the Georgia Division of a brochure distribution company.

They have a grown son and daughter who live in the Atlanta area.

He began singing in 1956 in the choir at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, where his mother was the choir director. He also plays the guitar.

Tim Weinmeister, 46, has lived in the county since 1967 and is a 1978 graduate of Fayette County High School, where he ran track.

Weinmeister also began singing in the choir at Fayetteville First United Methodist. After high school he was part of a duo who traveled for several years, singing country gospel. They were the top winners at the Southern Country Gospel Awards in that category for three years in a row. He has opened for, and sung with, numerous Southern Gospel greats such as James Blackwood, Hovie Lister & The Statesmen, and The Gaithers.

In 2002, Weinmeister joined the Peachtree City United Methodist Church. He lives on the Weinmeister home place halfway between Fayetteville and Peachtree City.

Doug Harper, 39, fell in love with music while playing the piano and saxophone. In high school he played the tuba, playing in the marching band, the orchestra and concert bands.

At the same time, he began singing for the Lord in Christian musicals with members of his church's youth group.

He and wife Melanie have a son, age three. He is employed as a senior eLearning Designer for Deloitte Services.

Ryan Nichols, 21, has enjoyed the music world since the age of seven. After taking several years of piano lessons from the music minister of Peachtree City United Methodist, he joined the chancel choir and the youth choir to expand his skills. He is a graduate of Starr's Mill High School.

He is a college senior, majoring in criminal justice. He also is employed at Staples as an electronics specialist.

The water color on the cover of the CD was done by Lori Withner, also a member of the Peachtree City United Methodist. She is a graduate of Fort Lauderdale Art Institute with a degree in advertising design. She and husband Tom and family live in Peachtree City.

Acting on the New Testament verse, Matthew 14:25-33, the group has created this CD as a project rooted in service and to use the talents God has given them in service to others.

CDs are available at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church or from any of the quintet members for $12 each. More information can be found on their Web site, www.outoftheboat.net.

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