Member Profile

A Conversation with The Trio:

Syemea Walker, Amantina Rodriguez, Tim Thomas

 By: Vanessa A. Spencer

The Trio: Sye, Tina, & Tim, debuted September 2010, and sing every third Sunday. During a recent rehearsal, we took timeout to discuss the importance of Membership and what it means to sing as The Trio.

How long have you been a member?

S: I started coming to the church in 2003 and became a member in 2006.

A: Six months

T: I’ve been going for almost two years, but just joined January 2011.

What made you decide to take membership?

S: Well I decided to become a member because I was singing in the choir for about 3 years and coming and doing everything that a member does, so I said well…uh let me just go ahead and become a member.

T: God just told me it was time. And I still was rebelling against the idea, had my shield up. And I was in church and when Rev. Bessie we were having membership classes. So the one lady on my one side handed me the paper and the lady on the other side handed me the pen. So I said ok God. (laughter) God said it was time.

A: I felt comfortable…we started the Trio. And I just wanted to be part of church.

The Trio has been singing now for 6 months. What led you to make the commitment to be part of the Trio?

S: (Jokingly) Your text messages to be there… And…(All Laugh)

T: Mine is just a commitment to do what God says, and that’s spread the gospel.

S: I agree.

A: Diddo

T: If singing is the way that he gave me to spread it; then that’s the only way I can try my best to do it. You can’t deny the gifts.  And we’re being blessed by being a blessing. (All nod in agreement)

Are there any benefits to being in a Trio given you are all soloist in your own right?

S: I would say the camaraderie with my Trio mates.   If it’s something that you love to do, that’s one thing. But when you can do it with someone else who shares your interest and your passion and you have the same goals, which is to touch people and strengthen people’s relationship with God…that’s like a beautiful thing.

T: I think the deal with the Trio has been my dream-come-true.  I love this church family; and I’ve never been so accepted in any church family that I’ve been to before than the Unity family, and you Vanessa and my Trio Sisters. It’s the best thing I’ve ever been a part of. Just hope to see it, and watch it get better and stronger.

A: I feel the same way. Being part of the Trio is something to be proud of. It makes me feel proud, like I’m actually doing something positive and something that I want to do.  It’s motivation for something positive.

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about whether they should join the church or not?

T: I would just say…sooner or later you have to make a decision. You’ve got to stand up for God.  You can’t keep ducking behind bushes. You got to stand somewhere. And more importantly, why stand alone if you don’t have to? (All agree)  If you find a church home, join that church, be part of that family. Grow with them because they’re going to help you grow… A real church family puts God first. When you find that church where they put God first…you want to be with Saint’s who are like yourself...that’s what gonna really lift you to your highest point…becoming a member of a Christ driven, God led church.

A: I want to add something. When you were talking earlier about being comfortable and accepted, it made me think of conversations me and my co-workers had comparing notes on our churches and being Christian. They were saying how when they go to church, they have to wear and dress a certain way.  I didn’t feel that when I came to Unity. I felt comfortable.  No one judged me.  It was a good feeling. You don’t have to worry about coming to church and “Oh look at her, she doesn’t have the latest this or that…” It’s come as you are. You’re only coming for one purpose anyway…

T: …To find God.

A: …so what does it matter what you’re wearing, what you’re doing, or how your hair looks.

S: I would say for me one of the biggest benefits is…we come to church and we talk to everybody.  But it’s always good when you’re feeling a certain way and some days it’s just not in you. And your church family knows you, and they can look at you and say, “I already know what’s going on.”  They can just look in your face and just know. And it’s good to be somewhere where you don’t even have to say anything. People know you, they understand you. It’s just like being home.  Sometimes I just like coming to church and sitting there by myself, like I was the other day (before rehearsal).  I was just reading my book, but it was just like being in my living room

Thank you.