Shape Note/Sacred Harp singers from many states and from Canada will again gather in Warren County for the 32nd Annual Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention.This year’s convention will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 11 - 12, at St. John’s United Church of Christ on Highway 94 in Pinckney Township.This is the 21st consecutive year the convention has been held at St. John’s UCC.Singers of this Early American form of singing come to this 1870s church building because of the warmth of the host congregation, because of the building’s wonderful acoustic qualities and because the building is reminiscent of the churches of Colonial New England, where this style of music originated and of the rural Southern churches where it was lovingly preserved.All are invited to join in the singing, although listeners are welcome too.Whether singing or listening, guests will have the opportunity to experience “full voiced” a cappella singing consisting of dispersed harmony and haunting lyrics. Singing will be from “The Sacred Harp,” first published in 1844, and from “The Missouri Harmony,” first published in 1820 and books will be available for use or purchase.Recordings of previous Sacred Harp Singing Conventions also will be available for purchase.Guests can get to know Sacred Harp singing on the Internet, including this one from the 2015 Missouri State Convention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7E5BVbEhyY.Although this music was first introduced to assist congregational singing in colonial America, it now has no particular religious ties.Singers come from a variety of belief backgrounds, some with no formal religious affiliation.The appeal of this music transcends denominations and all singers feel enriched by it.Singing will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, with the customary potluck style “Dinner on the Grounds” at noon. Local attendees, both singers and listeners, should bring food to share.There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering will be accepted during the course of the convention.For more information, contact the Rev. Jeanne Lischer, pastor, at 636-932-4646, for directions, or visit www.tinyurl.com/pinckney for a map.St. John’s UCC