Chancel Choir Update 12/30: Cares and Concerns
Many of you have asked how Alto Bonnie Halls is doing. Bonnie underwent abdominal surgery at Missouri Baptist Medical Center earlier this week to remove a stricture in her small intestine. Here is a report from her husband, Gary:

"Bonnie is doing remarkably well and appears to be way ahead in her recovery. She is down to very small doses of pain medication and doesn't need to medicate herself (aren't computers wonderful) very often. She got out of bed today and, hopefully, will be walking a little tomorrow. She is still very tired and still has all the tubes and IV's attached. Because of this type of operation she is monitored quite often and, therefore, gets very little sleep. It is also painful for her to talk because of the "G" tube down her throat so I'm asking that you still refrain from calling or visiting.

"I have given her a daily accounting of all of the emails and phone messages I have received and, of course, she is mortified that she is causing people to take time out of their day to express their thoughts, wishes and prayers. If Bonnie had her way, no one would have known about this until she was recovered and back to being Big Bon.

"Thanks again for all the offers of help and well wishes. One good thing about this has been the fact that I have learned that I can take items that Bonnie has frozen, please them in a microwave, and have a decent meal.

"May all of you have a joyous and safe New Years Eve and a wonderful 2005."

Gary Halls
2415 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63131, phone: 314-994-3777; email: gbhalls@sbcglobal.net

Chancel Choir Update 12/29: Cares and Concerns
Alto Bonnie Halls is recovering from successful surgery yesterday (12/28) to remove a small stricture in her large intestine. She will remain hospitalized at Missouri Baptist Medical Center for at least five days. She was taken to the hospital on Thursday with sever abdominal pain. Husband Gary reports that she will have another four to five days of "rough recovery" and probably won't want visitors for at least two or three days. He wishes to thank everyone for the calls and prayers. Gary will continue to update the Halls' voice mail with additional information about Bonnie's condition. The Halls phone number is 314-994-3777. Their address is: 2415 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

Chancel Choir Update 12/28: Cares and Concerns
Alto Bonnie Halls will undergo exploratory surgery this afternoon at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. She was hospitalized prior to the Christmas holiday for treatment of sever abdominal pain.

Chancel Choir Update 12/27: Funeral Arrangements
A memorial service for Soprano Mary Ann Sumpter's mother, Anabell Dean, will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 29, in the MUMC Chapel. A visitation will precede the service at 9:30 a.m.

Chancel Choir Update 12/27: Cares and Concerns
Alto Bonnie Halls remains hospitalized at Missouri Baptist Medical Center undergoing tests for sever abdominal pain. Bonnie is feeling very badly, so please, no hospital visits. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie and her family.

Chancel Choir Update 12/23: Death In Chancel Choir Family
We are saddened to report the death this morning of Soprano Mary Ann Sumpter's mother, Anabell Dean. She had been very ill since Thanksgiving, was hospitalized for time and was in a skilled nursing facility. A memorial service is planned following the holidays. Mary Ann's address is: 1210 Miremont Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011.

Chancel Choir Update 12/23: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Carleen Anderson and Baritone Jim Anderson are asking for thoughts and prayers for their ailing parents. Jim's mother, Mae Anderson, 88, is recovering from pneumonia and congestive heart failure. Carleen's father suffered a stroke on Monday resulting in right side paralysis, speech impairment and difficulty in swallowing. He is recovering from two earlier operations to treat a hip fracture and has started running a fever. He will be 95 on Dec. 27.

Chancel Choir Update 12/22: Cares and Concerns / News
Baritone David Givens reports that his mother, Elizabeth Kneemiller, was hospitalized Saturday and is being treated for pneumonia and congestive heart failure. She remains at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield. This is the third time she has been hospitalized for pneumonia this year. David's mother lives in St. Charles. He is asking for our thoughts and prayers.

Soprano Shannon Meriwether's grandmother, Faletia Blives, 88, is undergoing surgery today for removal of a lump in her breast. She is a 37-year breast cancer survivor. She asks for our thoughts and prayers.

Chancel Choir Rehearses Thursday Night
There is rehearsal tomorrow night (12/23) at 7:30 p.m. The choir sings for the 7 p.m. service on Christmas Eve.

Holiday Party Reservations Are Due Now
Our annual holiday party will be held at Spazio's in Westport on Saturday, Jan. 8. Cost is $25 per person and the money is due tomorrow, Dec. 23, to Lois Hendrickson. Make checks payable to MUMC and hand or mail them to Lois. Here is her address: 1047 Camargo Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011.

Chancel Choir Update 12/20: Radio Interview / News / Cares and Concerns
Kevin and Choirs on KEZK This Morning
As part of a series featuring local holiday music, this morning KEZK-FM featured selections from the Chancel Choir and Coventry Choirs recorded during 2003 Christmas programs. Kevin provided an interview before the music was played discussing the church's music program and the choirs. The Chancel Choir's Fanfare for Christmas from the 2003 Christmas Fanfare concert was presented on air as was He Is Born from the 2003 Coventry Dinner concert. Missed the interview? Not to worry. The interview and music selections were recorded off the air and are available in mp3 format on the Chancel Choir's Web site to download and listen to on your computer. Just click the link below or go to the Member page on the Web site for a link,
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Audio/KEZK%20Radio%20Interview.mp3

Rehearsal and Christmas Eve Schedule
What a concert last night. But, we're not finished for the year yet. Yes, we do rehearse this Thursday night and Kevin has a special surprise planned for us. Join us at the regular time Thursday night. (You can't Christmas shop every night this week.) The Chancel Choir will sing only for the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve services this Friday evening. We will not sing on Sunday, Dec. 26. There is no rehearsal on Thursday, Dec. 30. We do not sing on Sunday, Jan. 2. However, we'll be back in fine form for rehearsal on Thursday, Jan. 6.

Holiday Party Reservations Are Due Now
Our annual holiday party will be held at Spazio's in Westport on Saturday, Jan. 8. Cost is $25 per person and the money is due now to Lois Hendrickson. Make checks payable to MUMC and hand or mail them to Lois by Dec. 23. Here is her address: 1047 Camargo Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011.

Cares and Concerns
Anabell Dean, mother of Soprano Mary Ann Sumpter has been hospitalized. She is in very poor health and terminally ill. Mary Ann is asking for our thoughts and prayers.

Chancel Choir Update 12/14: News / Cares and Concerns
It's Concert Week and We Need You
The big Christmas concert is this Sunday and we need everyone to attend as many rehearsals this week as possible. We'll start with rehearsal in the Sanctuary this Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, we'll have the final rehearsal from 9 a.m. until noon. Then Sunday, we'll meet in the music room at 7 p.m. to warm up for the 7:30 p.m. concert. Keyboards & Carols promises to be a great holiday experience for both us and our audience. It's a good reason to invite a friend to our church to share in this advent concert.

Listen For Us on KEZK-FM
Radio station KEZK-FM is broadcasting continuous Christmas music during the weeks of Dec. 13 and Dec. 20. The station has solicited local music groups to submit recordings to be considered for broadcast. We have submitted two tracks from the Chancel Choir's 2003 Christmas concert, as well as two tracks from the Coventry Choir's 2003 Christmas concert. Tune in and maybe you'll hear us on the radio.

Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that report the death of the father of former Chancel Choir Alto Carole Allen. Her father had been seriously ill in intensive care suffering from a flesh eating bacterial infection in his left leg, plus kidney and heart problems, and a blood clot in his right leg. Carole's home address is:
Carole Meyer
7516 Nevada Road
Blue Mound, IL 62513
Her email address is: caroleandfrank2002@yahoo.com.

For those who have been wondering, Dean Carlisle, husband of Soprano Rose Carlisle, is recovering from surgery Saturday afternoon to remove three tumors from his bladder. Dean returned home Sunday morning following an overnight stay at St. John's Mercy Medical Center (required due to the late hour the procedure was completed). Rose reports that the surgeon said the tumors appeared superficial, but they are awaiting the full pathology report to learn the extent and nature of the disease.

Chancel Choir Update 12/11: Cares and Concerns
Melvin Hewitt, 94, father of Soprano Carleen Anderson, underwent surgery yesterday morning (12/10) to remove a blood clot that had developed in his hip following a fall. Carleen asks for our thoughts and prayers.

Chancel Choir Update 12/10: News / Cares and Concerns
Choir Sings at 10 a.m. Service Sunday Morning
It's White Gifts Sunday this week and the choir will sing the 10:30 a.m. service only. Call time is 10 a.m. in the Music Room Anthems: A Cadence of Joy for introit and Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain.

Christmas Eve Service Schedule
The Chancel Choir will sing at the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service this year. The choir will not sing on Sunday, Dec. 26.

Toy Collection for Circle of Concern Christmas Gifts Due This Sunday
It's short notice, but the choir's annual toy drive for Circle of Concern will be repeated this year and the toys are needed this Sunday morning. If you'd like to contribute, bring a toy to the music room with you this Sunday morning. The Circle of Concern gifts should not be gift wrapped. Consider items appropriate for teenage boys. The toys will be delivered to Circle of Concern.

Reserve Your Seats at the Chancel Choir Holiday Party
The Choir's annual holiday party is set for Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005 at Sapzio's in Westport. There'll be an excellent dinner and dancing -- all for just $25 per person. Make your reservations now with Alto Lois Hendrickson. Deadline for reservations is Thursday, December 23. If you're traveling for the holiday, please pay before you leave town. Make checks payable to MUMC.

Pictorial Directory Is Updated
The pictorial directory of Chancel Choir members located on the choir's Web site has been updated with new members' photos and contact information. In addition, a new member directory listing those who joined the choir this fall and including short biographical information is available on the Web site. So, there's no excuse not to recognize our new friends. The directories are password protected and located behind the Member button on the Web site at www.mumcchancelchoir.org or at www.chancelchoir.org.

Cares and Concerns
Dean Carlisle, former Chancel Choir member and husband of Soprano Rose Carlisle, will undergo surgery Saturday afternoon at St. John's Mercy Medical Center to remove two malignant tumors from his bladder.

Alto Jean Kinnard was injured in a fall this week suffering a laceration requiring 18 stitches to close.

Soprano Jo Ann Jones and her husband, Dr. Bruce Jones, are in Israel this week visiting their daughter who lives in Jerusalem. They ask for our thoughts and prayers for their safe journey home this weekend.

Chancel Choir Update 12/4: Death In Chancel Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Soprano Kathy Givens' father, Nicholas McKee, Friday afternoon (12/3) in Edwardsville, Ill. Mr. McKee had suffered from lung cancer for the past year. Funeral services are pending. Kathy Givens address is: 912 Oak Terrace, Fenton, Mo. 63026

Chancel Choir Update 12/2: Cares and Concerns
We are saddened to report the death of Tenor Gary Moser's father last night (12/1) in Topeka, Kansas. He had been in failing health for some time. Gary and Charlotte had just returned from Topeka yesterday when they received news of his father's death. They will return to Topeka today and remain there for a while assisting Gary's mother. The Moser's address is: 1532 Englebrook Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011.

Alto Dawn Bishop is recovering at home from surgery to reconstruct her tear ducts.

Many of you remember former long-time choir member Carole Allen who moved home to central Illinois a few years ago and remarried. Her father is seriously ill in intensive care suffering from a flesh eating bacterial infection in his left leg, plus kidney and heart problems, and a blood clot in his right leg. Her email address is: caroleandfrank2002@yahoo.com.

Winter Weather Season
Once again we're entering the snow and ice season. A weather bulletin link has been added to the home page of the Chancel Choir's Web site. Weather related cancellations or schedule information will be posted there. You do not need a password or ID to reach the weather information. In case you are away from your computer and can't remember the URL for the Chancel Choir Web site, you can reach it simply by entering either www.chancelchoir.org or www.chancelchoir.com.

Chancel Choir Update 12/1: News
It's Back To Work for the Choir
You know it's really Christmas season when the calendar says December. If you've been asleep since Thanksgiving, you might want to check it. The Chancel Choir is back to work tomorrow night for a regular Thursday rehearsal. There's only a few more rehearsals before the big Christmas concert on Dec. 19, so please try to be there tomorrow night.

Concert Recording CDs Available Tomorrow Night
If you ordered a CD of the October "You Raise Me Up" concert, you can pick it up before rehearsal tomorrow night. CDs are $10 each and payable to Gary Ford. You can make your checks to him. If you want a CD and didn't order one, it's still not too late. Just let him know.

Chancel Choir Update 11/23: News
Go ahead and baste the turkey. There is no choir practice on Thursday night. In case you missed the announcement, the choir is taking Thanksgiving Thursday off -- no rehearsal. But, we do sing this Sunday however. Call time is 10 a.m. for the 10:30 a.m. service.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Chancel Choir Update 11/15: Cares and Concerns
Tenor Josh Hayes is making an excellent and steady recovery from open heart surgery just four days ago to repair an aortic aneurysm and replace his aortic valve. If things proceed according to plan, he will be released from the hospital today and will return to his home in Chesterfield for recuperation. This is where he needs your help. Many of you have been anxious to visit Josh, tell him how glad you are that his heart problem was repaired in the nick of time, and see first hand how well he is doing. But Josh needs a little time right now to heal and regroup. A steady stream of visitors yesterday caused his blood pressure to fluctuate, not a good thing for a healing heart. So, we're asking that you give Josh the rest of the week to settle in to his easy chair and deal with his physical and emotional recovery. After that, when the boredom of being off work sets in, he'll be ready to talk and joke. Meanwhile, feel free to send Josh an email if you like -- he plans to check it twice a day and even though he may not reply to every message, he will read them all. His email address is: josh@moosylvania.com You can also send a card or note. His address is: 2432 Clayton Pointe Court, Chesterfield, MO 63017.

Chancel Choir Update 11/13: Important News and Updated Cares and Concerns
Join Your Choir Friends For Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak 'N' Shake
Once again, it's time for a Chancel Choir tradition. We'll have Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak N' Shake this Saturday, Nov. 22. Last year more than 40 joined us. We'll meet at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Steak N' Shake on Manchester Road near Mason Road for a turkey (or steakburgers) and pumpkin pie dinner. We need to know how many are coming. So, reply to this email if you're joining us, or signup this Thursday night at rehearsal.

Chancel Choir Officers Discuss Choir's Growing Pains and Potential Solutions
The topic was "growing pains and how to address them" as the Chancel Choir's officer met for their monthly meeting Thursday night prior to rehearsal. With the choir expanding from about 110 to 155 members in the past three years, many of the programs that have worked well in the past are less effective now for a larger group. The change in the choir's annual Christmas party last year is one example of how previous events have been revised so that they are more appropriate for a larger organization. More revisions will be necessary to address the needs of the choir now.

In the coming weeks, you'll be hearing more from the hoir officers about new ways of approaching things. Here's a short list:
-- In January a short survey will be conducted to measure the choir's opinion about our annual fall retreat. While the current retreat format has served the choir well for the past 12 years, in that time we have doubled in size. There are many options for improving the retreat. The survey will give you a chance to voice an opinion, then the Choir officers will weigh the options as they begin planning for future retreats.

-- Officers will offer recommended changes in how the choir selects its leadership, both officers and appointed staff. The changes will streamline the process for a larger organization and bring the choir in line with procedures used throughout the church for selection of leadership positions.

In other business, the officers heard a treasurer's report from John Lemen. The choir's activity fund stood at $1,818.79 as of Oct. 31. Proceeds from our fall fund raising concert last month should be about $7,000 once all money is collected, expenses are paid and a 10 percent tithe of the net is paid to the church operating fund as required by Chancel Choir policy. John hopes to have the final numbers in the next couple of weeks.

Has Your Contact Information Changed?
If you're sending a card or letter to your favorite choir friend and need a current address, both the pictorial and alphabetical directories on the choir's Web site are constantly updated. But, it's only as current as the information provided to the Web master. Work to update both the alphabetical and pictorial directories with new members will begin soon and now is the time to provide any new email and street addresses and any new telephone numbers. Send them to garyford@fordcom.net. In addition to updating the online directories, the new information you provide will be forwarded to the church to revise its data base.

Christmas Holiday Plans
Chancel Choir will sing at the 7 p.m. worship service on Christmas Eve this year.
The Chancel Choir's annual holiday party will return to Spazio's in Westerport on Jan. 8 from 7 to 11 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and will include dinner and dancing. The deadline for reservations is Dec. 23 and party chair Lois Hendrickson has begun taking reservations and money now. Checks should be made payable to MUMC.

Updated Cares and Concerns
Tenor Josh Hayes continues to make a speedy recovery from surgery Thursday to repair a heart defect. He remains at St. Mary's Health Center in Clayton in Room 436. Plans call for his release from the hospital early next week to recuperate at home. His home address is: 2432 Clayton Pointe Court, Chesterfield, Mo. 63017-7467.
It's a new daughter for Alto Amy Glisson. Molly McKinley Glisson arrived on Thursday. This is the third child for Amy and her husband, J.D.
Tenor Tim Zink reports that his nephew, Colin Zink, is improving after remaining in a coma since he was struck by a car recently while riding his bicycle in San Diego, Calif. He is responsive to spoken commands, opened his eyes and regained some control of his extremities. He remains in the ICU at Scripps Mercy Hospital.

Chancel Choir President Meets The "Press"
Choir president and Baritone Jim Descher recently was interviewed for a short article in the church email publication The Messenger. On the likely chance that you didn't read it, the article appears below.

Choir President Descher Sees More Growth in Future
by Ed Heins

Chancel Choir President Jim Descher says growing the MUMC choir beyond its current membership is a continuing goal. And he said members find that being in the choir is more than just singing.

Descher said he wouldn't be surprised to see the choir grow to 200, from its current membership of about 140. "I think it is very possible that we'll reach that number in the next five to eight years," he said.

He added, "I know the church wants to continue to enhance its music program."

Descher is in the second year of a three-year cycle that includes one year as vice-president, one as president and one as past president.
The chancel choir has an ambitious program this year, culminating in a 10-day trip to England and Scotland next June. In addition to regular singing during Sunday services, the choir also sponsors an annual Concert Series.

The first in that series was held Sunday, October 24. That was its one annual fund-raising concert when it raises money for its annual youth scholarship.
The Christmas "Keyboards and Carols" concert will be December 19.

Then, the choir will have a "Music for Madie" memorial concert next April 3. That concert will be dedicated to the memory of Music Director Kevin McBeth's mother and to former choir members who have passed way.

For the "Madie" concert, the choir has commissioned two original numbers from noted religious musicians Robert Ray and Mark Hayes.

A "Sing Me to Heaven" concert on May 22 will preview for the congregation the numbers the choir will sing during seven concerts on their Great Britain tour.
Descher describes himself as a "shower singer" who can't read music. However, he enjoyed MUMC's music and was encouraged to seek membership when he found it was a no-audition group.

"If you want to sing, you've got a seat in the choir," he said. Descher joined the choir in the fall of 2000. He said he found out early that choir membership included much more than just singing. Descher said, "Right after joining, my Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died just six weeks after the diagnosis. The people in the choir got me through that. There were so many calls, cards and hugs, it just felt great."

"The singing is great, but the camaraderie is really what it's all about. Kevin makes sure we're friends first."
Also, Descher said the intense practice that goes into the choir's songs mean "I've learned more about the Scriptures than I ever would have just attending services."
Descher said the growth in size of the choir has led to formation of a management committee, made up of choir officers. "You just can't go to the full choir with every question and still get any singing done," he said.

The choir officers meet once a month. In addition to keeping track of finances, the officers also go over past events and plan future ones. He said the officers reviewed the recent retreat to find out what things worked and what didn't.

"As we get larger, some things that worked when the choir had 50 members don't work when there are 150," he said.
A typical week for choir members involves two hours of practice on Thursdays and the singing at Sunday services. However, that schedule expands greatly when there are special concerts coming.

But, he said, "It's a labor of love. Nobody is looking at it as work. Our goal is to make the music in services seem easy," He added. "By the time the congregation hears a song, we've been singing it for two months in practice."

Chancel Choir Update 11/11: Josh Hayes in Recovery
Tenor Josh Hayes is now in recovery following open heart surgery today at St. Mary's Health Center to repair a congenital heart defect diagnosed earlier this week. Josh was taken off the heart bypass (perfusion) pump about 1:30 p.m. and was moved into recovery about an hour later. Surgeons report the operation went well and Josh is expected to make a full recovery. He will be hospitalized for five to seven days and will then recover at home. He is expected to remain off work until January while he recovers.

Chancel Choir Update 11/11: Josh Hayes Surgery
Surgery to repair Tenor Josh Hayes' heart defect was proceeding at mid-day on Thursday. Surgeons were ready to take Josh off the perfusion pump at about 1:30 p.m. and restart his heart. With no complications, the operation could be expected to concluded within an hour to 90 minutes.

Chancel Choir Update 11/11: Cares and Concerns
Surgery to repair Tenor Josh Hayes' heart defect was scheduled for 6:45 a.m. this morning at St. Mary's Health Center in Clayton. During the procedure, expected to last from four to six hours, surgeons will replace a section of the aorta leading into Josh's heart and the aortic valve in his heart. They will also reattach at least one coronary artery. Further testing yesterday confirmed an 8 centimeter bulge (aneurysm) in the aorta near the heart. Josh will remain hospitalized for five to seven days following the surgery and then recuperate at home. In an email from his hospital room late last night, Josh said, "Thanks for keeping everyone updated and for your prayers. The surgery was originally to have been yesterday and they did originally think they were going to do it on the day I was admitted, Tuesday. I have told my family to share information with you freely so that everyone can remain posted. Thanks for everything. It means so much."

We are saddened to report the death Tuesday of Essie Pace, mother-in-law of Soprano Peggy Pace. She was 86.

Chancel Choir Update 11/10: Updated Cares and Concerns - Josh Hayes
Surgery, originally scheduled for this morning, to repair a defective heart value for Tenor Josh Hayes has been delayed while further testing is performed. Physicians decided that an additional angiogram was necessary and Josh underwent the catherization procedure at 11:30 this morning at St. Mary's Health Center in Clayton. Open heart surgery to repair the defective aortic valve is tentatively set for tomorrow morning and may be performed at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Josh's defective heart valve is a hereditary congenital defect which claimed his father's life two years ago. He was hospitalized immediately following a visit to his cardiologist yesterday. Josh remains in good spirits and reportedly had a cell phone in one hand and a Blackberry personal computing device in the other as nurses attempted to start an IV line this morning. Josh's mother arrived from Nashville, Tenn., yesterday to be with her son. Josh is 27 years old.

Chancel Choir Update 11/10: Urgent Cares and Concerns
Tenor Josh Hayes is scheduled to have emergency heart surgery this morning (11/10) at St. Mary's Health Center in Clayton to repair a defective aortic valve. The problem was diagnosed yesterday and is a hereditary congenital defect which claimed his father's life two years ago. Josh was hospitalized immediately following a visit to his cardiologist yesterday -- he was told to send someone for his personal items and surgery would be scheduled as soon as possible. Josh was aware of the potential that he had inherited the heart defect after the cause of his father's death was determined. Earlier this fall, his sister was tested and found to have the problem. Her doctors advised her to tell Josh to be checked. He underwent diagnostic tests recently and was in his physician's office for a followup visit yesterday when the life threatening nature of the problem was discovered. Josh's mother, who lives in Nashville, Tenn., is in St. Louis to be with her son. Timing of the diagnosis is fortunate for Josh. He was scheduled to travel by air on business today and doctors say flying with his condition could have been fatal. A further update will be provided later today when additional information is available.

Soprano Julie Kramer's aunt, Noreen Kramer (her father's sister), died unexpectedly Monday in Bay City, Mich., from a pulmonary embolism caused by congestive heart failure. Funeral services will be held today (11/10) in Michigan.

Our thoughts and prayers are with both families during these difficult times.

Chancel Choir Update 11/9: Cares and Concerns
Herb Walker, husband of Alto Janie Walker, is undergoing surgery this morning to treat a chronic sinus problem.
Alto Roxanne Miller requests prayers for her son-in-law's sister, Cindy Russo, who has been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer.

Chancel Choir Update 11/3: Cares and Concerns
Tenor Tim Zink asks for the choir's thoughts and prayers for his nephew, Colin Zink, who was struck by a car while riding his bicycle yesterday in San Diego, Calif. While suffering no broken bones, Colin remains unresponsive in the ICU at Scripps Mercy Hospital.

Chancel Choir Update 11/2: Great Britain Trip Payment
Third Great Britain Trip Payment Due By Sunday, Nov. 7
If you are signed up to go to Great Britain with the choir in June, the third installment payment of $350 per traveler is due on or before this Sunday, Nov. 7. Checks should be made payable to MUMC and be placed in an envelope with the name or names of the travelers written on the front. Your payment envelope should be handed to either Chancel Choir treasurer John Lemen or assistant treasurer Jacque Rocchio on or before Sunday. Going forward, the treasurer and his assistant will handle all trip payments. The schedule for remaining payments was included in a mailing last week from Kevin to all persons registered to go on the trip.

Chancel Choir Update 11/1: News
Fast Eddies Followup
A total of 39 of your favorite friends and fellow musicians dined on big shrimp and huge hamburgers at Fast Eddies on Saturday. Record for the most boiled shrimp consumed at lunch goes to Maida McCormack who downed a total of five dozen of the jumbo prawns. Next choir social outing will be our annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak-'N-Shake on Saturday, Nov. 20. Details coming later.

Everyone Vote Tomorrow
Put a check in your day planner tomorrow next to "Go Vote." Regardless of whom you support or which yard sign you have in front of your house, everyone should participate in the process tomorrow.

Who Are Those People?
Ever look around at rehearsal on Thursdays and wonder who those new faces are? What they do? Why they are in choir? Where they grew up? Well, now you can put a face with a name. A pictorial directory of the 2004-2005 new members is now available on the Chancel Choir Web site by clicking at the link below or by looking in the site's Member section. A total of 18 new members are featured there. Short biography information is included for those new members who have turned in their bio form to Fran McMillian. Directories on the choir Web site are password protected and only available to choir members.
Click here to get acquainted:
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Directory/New%20Members%20-%202004-2005.htm

Here's The Cure For Viruses on Your Computer
It's our policy not to offer commercial products for sale in Chancel Choir communications, but I'm going to break that rule this morning since there are so many of you who have suffered from computer viruses or are worried about them. I have a new, unopened, unregistered copy of Norton Antivirus 2004 available for anyone who needs antivirus software on their computer. It's the industry standard and comes with a free year subscription to online updates so it can catch all of the latest viruses out there. It will scan your email, check your attachments and exterminate viruses before they cause trouble. It works. And it's yours for $30. I am replacing my computer and ended up with an extra copy.

Chancel Choir Update 10/29: News
Choir Sings for 10:30 Service This Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing only for the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday morning, Oct. 31. Report to the music room at 10 a.m. for warmup. Anthems: Sing Once More, Pacem, You'll Never Walk Alone.

Daylight Savings Time Ends On Sunday
Not only is Sunday Halloween, it's also spooky for another reason -- daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. That means you'll need to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night or you'll be an hour early to church and we know how much you don't want that to happen. We suggest putting a Post-It-Note on your clocks today while you're thinking about it so you'll be reminded to make that all important adjustment Saturday night.

Join Us For Big Shrimp and Cheap Food at Fast Eddies on Saturday Morning
We're headed to Alton for lunch on Saturday, Oct. 30. Join the choir for a social outing to Fast Eddie's Bonne Aire. We'll leave from the church parking lot at 10 a.m. sharp to arrive when Fast Eddie's opens for lunch. (Maps will be provided.) Meet us at the trash dumpster at the north end of the church lot. Remember, Fast Eddies doesn't take credit cards and you must be 21 to enter. But, once inside you'll find some of the best and most inexpensive food in the area. We'll see you Saturday.

Order Your Concert Recording Now
A digital recording of Sunday night's You Raise Me Up choir concert will be available to choir members on CD soon. If you didn't get a chance to sign up for a CD last night, please reply to this email with your name and how many CDs you would like. The CDs are $10 and we'll collect for them when they are delivered in a few weeks.

Chancel Choir Update 10/26: Cares and Concerns
Alto Fran McMillian will undergo abdominal surgery this morning at St. Mary's Health Center in Clayton.
Alto Maida McCormack announces the engagement of her daughter, Nancy Ann, to Andrew Joseph Trojanowski III. A June 2006 wedding is planned. Nancy is a former member of all of the yourth and children's choirs at the church.

Lunch at Fast Eddy's Bonne Aire in Alton This Saturday
Join us this Saturday, Oct. 30, for lunch at Fast Eddy's in Alton, Ill. We'll meet at the dumpster at the north end of the church parking lot and leave at 10:00 a.m. sharp for the drive to Alton, arriving when they open for lunch. You'll enjoy the cheapest, finest food anywhere. Shrimp by the dozen for 29 cents each, half pound hamburgers for 99 cents, amazing chicken and anything you want to drink. Unfortunately, no children for this trip -- you must be 21 to enter Fast Eddy's -- and bring some cash, because they don't take credit cards.

Chancel Choir Update 10/25: Concert Update
By all measures, last night's concert was a resounding success. Head usher Joanne Descher estimates the crowd at about 500. Although the Cardinals may have diverted some people from the concert, an audience of 500 would be respectable even on a non-baseball night. From my vantage point in the bass section, the performance went well. The ball caps and "stadium Wurlitzer" was a hit with the audience. If you're new to the choir, the organist for "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" was Dana Self, talented organist and music director at Salem In Ladue United Methodist Church. That loud boom heard in the middle of the instrumental piece in act two was the result of a cable leading to the microphone on the piano being pulled out of the floor box where it was connected. Will Brinkhorst, the church's sound guy, says he believes a chair or someone's feet may be to blame for the incident. The microphone was for the public address system only and the yanked cable did not effect the concert recording (except for the loud noise, which we may be able to edit out). A "restless" cable was also to blame for an abrupt pipe organ outage in the middle of another piece. The power cord to the organ console was dislodged from a floor box where it was connected. Feet also are to blame for the tacit organ. The concert recording captured our performance in pristine, digital clarity and should become a collector's edition. (Kevin's solo could make the perfect Christmas gift.) A signup sheet for CDs will be circulated at Thursday's rehearsal. A report on ticket sales and revenue generated by the concert will be coming soon, according to John Lemen, choir treasurer.

Chancel Choir Update 10/22: Concert News
Yes, The Sunday Night Concert Is Still On
Go Cardinals. But, we've still got a concert to perform. For those of you "unable" to join us last night, rehearsal with the instruments went well. We will need everyone in place by 1 p.m. tomorrow for our final rehearsal which will wind up at 3 p.m. -- plenty of time to get the snacks prepared and the frosty cold beverages iced down for the World Series opener on tv tomorrow night. Sunday morning we sing for the 10:30 a.m. service and call time is 10 a.m. in the Music Room. Then Sunday night, set your VCR because the show must go on. The choir should report to the Music Room ready to go by 7 p.m. We will wear robes Sunday night, and remember no perfume or cologne, please. The concert will be recorded for members of the choir. All ticket money should be turned in to your section managers at the Saturday afternoon rehearsal. Yes, these are distracting times, but this is the choir's one big fundraising project for the year, and frankly, we're going to need the money.

Lunch at Fast Eddy's Bonn Aire in Alton Next Saturday, Oct. 30
Next Saturday, Oct. 30, we'll celebrate with lunch at Fast Eddy's in Alton. More than 50 made the trip last year and many were disappointed because they couldn't join us. We'll leave the church parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and make the drive to Alton in time to be there when Fast Eddy's opens. You'll enjoy the cheapest, finest food anywhere. Shrimp by the dozen for 25 cents each, half pound hamburgers for 99 cents, amazing chicken and anything you want to drink. Unfortunately, no children for this trip -- you must be 21 to enter Fast Eddy's -- and bring some cash, because they don't take credit cards.

Chancel Choir Update 10/19: Concert Rehearsals / Social Events
Final Week of Rehearsal For Big Concert This Sunday
It's concert week. There's only two more rehearsals for the big fundraising concert, so your participation this week is vitally important. Thursday night we'll rehearse in the Sanctuary with instruments from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. To make this rehearsal go more efficiently, please plan on arriving early enough so you can put your music in performance order. An order list will be available when you arrive. On Saturday, Oct. 23, we'll have a final rehearsal in the Sanctuary from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The Sunday concert begins at 7:30 p.m. The choir should report to the music room ready to go by 7 p.m. The choir will wear robes for the performance on Sunday night. All ticket money should be turned in to your section managers at the Saturday rehearsal. This is the choir's one big fundraising project for the year. Participation of all choir members is encouraged and expected. We'll see you in the loft this week.

Fall 2004 Chancel Choir Social Events Are Announced -- Mark Your Calendars
> Saturday, Oct. 30 - Lunch at Fast Eddy's Bonn Aire in Alton
Back by intense demand, our most popular destination. As soon as we returned from Fast Eddy's last year, people wanted to go back. More than 50 made the trip last year and many were disappointed because they couldn't join us. So, mark your calendar. We'll leave the church parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and make the drive to Alton in time to be there when Fast Eddy's opens. You'll enjoy the cheapest, finest food anywhere. Shrimp by the dozen for 25 cents each, half-pound hamburgers for 99 cents, amazing chicken and anything you want to drink. Unfortunately, no children for this trip -- you must be 21 to enter Fast Eddy's.
> Saturday, Nov. 20 - Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak 'N Shake
It's become a Chancel Choir tradition to have Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak N' Shake. Last year more than 40 joined us. We'll meet at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Steak N' Shake on Manchester Road near Mason Road for a turkey (or steakburgers) and pumpkin pie dinner.
> December -- No planned choir social event. With so many conflicts and a big Christmas concert on our plate, you're on your own for holiday entertainment.
> Saturday, January 8 - The Chancel Choir's mega holiday party at Spazio's in Westport. Details to follow later this fall.
Coming This Spring
> Walking Tour of The Hill with a stop at the outdoor Italian bowling alley.
> Dualing piano bar on Laclede's Landing.
> Movie night.
> And much more.
Direct your thoughts and suggestions to Sandy Ford, the choir's social director.

Chancel Choir Update 10/16: Cares and Concerns
Alto Debby Brader reports that her father, Gene Jackson, has been diagnosed with tuberculosis in his urinary tract. He has suffered from recurring bladder cancer and was being treated with BGC, a live tuberculosis virus, to prevent the cancer from returning. He has been recovering slowly from a sever reaction to the BGC treatment last month. Debby asks for our thoughts and prayers for her father.

Chancel Choir Update 10/15: News You Can Use
Chancel Choir Sings For Both Services Sunday
It's music dedication Sunday. You can't dedicate the church's music program without the choir, so we'll sing at both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services this Sunday, Oct. 17. Report to the music room at 8:30 a.m. for warm up. Anthems: Make a Joyful Noise and The Awakening. We hope everyone can sing at both services.

Unsold Concert Tickets Must Be Returned This Sunday
If you haven't sold all five of your tickets, those unsold tickets need to be turned in this Sunday, Oct. 17, to your section managers. After Sunday, choir members will be expected to turn in money for all tickets assigned to them.

Chancel Choir Officers Review Fall Business During Meeting
Chancel Choir officers met Thursday night and discussed a long list of business items. Here is a summary of the meeting:

Treasurer's Report -- Chancel Choir Treasurer John Lemen presented his monthly treasurer's report. The balance of the choir's accounts totaled $4,511.75 as of Sept. 30. That's down from a balance of $13,440.75 on Aug. 31. John reviewed money collected and paid for the Fall Retreat, the Indianapolis trip, the upcoming Great Britain trip and the upcoming Holiday Party. The complete treasurer's report is posted on the choir's Web site in the Member section under choir information and can be read by clicking on this link:
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/treasurersreport%2010-04.pdf

Fundraising Concert -- Kevin reported that some ushers were still needed and reserved parking for the patron ticket holders will need to be worked out. This will be the first time a concert has been held since the start Sunday night Cross Culture contemporary worship service. There will likely be some traffic and parking issues with the two events. A reception will be held following the concert. JoAnn Jones is in charge of the reception. Because of the Cross Culture service runs until 7:30 p.m., set up for the reception will have to be done during the concert. Volunteers are being sought. Kelly Jackson from Channel 5 sent a note to Kevin saying she could not serve as emcee for the concert. Kevin said it was unlikely any other news personality would be available since the last game of the World Series might be played that evening.

Great Britain -- Kevin reported on latest details of the Great Britain tour. A complete update will be provided next week to persons participating in the tour. Four of the six concert venues have been confirmed. The choir will sing at St. Martin in the Fields in London, Holy Trinity at Stratford upon Avon, morning worship at St. Cuthburt's in Edinburgh, and the Coventry Cathedral in Coventry. Two other venues will be finalized. The choir will travel on American Airlines, making connections in Chicago and Heathrow in London.

Lost Sheep -- All persons not reporting for choir this fall have been contacted. Some will return later in the year, others have conflicts that have prevented them from participating this fall. Known to have left the choir are: the Harpoles who have returned to Nashville, tenor Mary Ann Rank, and alto Mindy Zimmerman who has joined a church in Kirkwood.

Retreat -- Officers discussed this year's retreat and the location for next year. Contrary to earlier reports, the choir will return to Mercy Center in 2006, not next year. Kevin recently made a scouting trip to Todd Hall in Columbia, Ill., a popular location for previous retreats until the choir outgrew the rehearsal hall there. He said a rehearsal could be conducted at Todd Hall's chapel and other arrangements would work well, but calendar conflicts almost rule Todd Hall out next year unless the retreat is held in August. He reminded officers that he had committed that the retreat would not be held on the first weekend of October until after the 150th anniversary of the Chapel in 2006 because of the is an annual Chapel anniversary celebration each year leading up to 2006. Officers discussed other retreat options. Several possible locations will be scouted in the next few weeks. Revive Us Again in Dittmer will also be contacted about a possible return there. While overall attendance this year was high, over night attendance was at an all time low reducing the impact of the night activities. Officers asked if an overnight retreat was still feasible with the lack of interest among choir members and schedule conflicts. No decision was made and additional sites will be visited in the next few weeks.

Election Policy -- Officers spent several minutes discussing the choir's election procedures. The issue arose in the spring when a last minute nominee was presented and accepted moments before the election was called. Officers agreed that the current process for nomination and selection of officers has worked well and that a deadline for submitting nominations from the floor is needed as well as a formal written policy stating the nomination and election procedures. President Jim Descher will draft a policy that puts the current process into writing and adds procedures and deadlines for choir members to submit additional nominees from the floor.

Chancel Choir Update 10/14: Cares and Concerns
Alto Dawn Bishop's husband, Paul, remains hospitalized at St. John's Mercy Medical Center today for observation and testing. He was taken to the Emergency Room last night with chest pain and shortness of breath. Dawn asks for our thoughts and prayers.

Chancel Choir Update 10/11: News You Can Use
Email Virus Alert
Over the past few days I have received several email messages with attachments containing viruses supposedly originating from Methodist related organizations. All of these messages contained attachments with a file extension of ".zip" and all were infected with viruses. One was addressed from "michael@ellisvilleumc.org" another originated from "@umcom.org". All had "re: notify" in the subject line or had nothing in the subject line. Apparently someone associated with a Methodist organization has a computer infected with a "Trojan horse" virus that is sending infected messages to their email address books or to persons who have communicated by email with them recently then in turn generating infected emails from their computers. If you receive similar email messages or messages without subjects or messages from people you don't recognize, delete them without opening -- especially if the message contains an attachment. And of course, keep that antivirus software running in the background and enabled to scan all of your inbound and outbound email messages. My Norton Anti-Virus caught all of these problems before they caused trouble.

Second Payment For Great Britain Trip Due Thursday Night
If you're on the list to go to Great Britain with the choir next June, your second payment of $250 per person is due this Thursday, Oct. 14. Bring your check to choir made out to Manchester United Methodist Church and give it to your section manager. If you are not on the list and still would like to make the trip, see Kevin. Several additional slots for the trip have opened up.

Chancel Choir Update 10/8: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Kelly Hall reports that her daughter, Katie, was released from Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital today (10/8) after being hopsitalized earlier in the week for treatment of a severe bladder infection. Katie is also the granddaughter of Soprano Bobbie Parker.

Chancel Choir Update 10/8: News / Cares and Concerns
Turn Off The Alarm; We Get Sunday Off
There will be no Chancel Choir in the loft this Sunday because it is Youth Sunday. While we get the day off, you are encouraged to attend church and support our youth who will be in charge of all worship services this weekend. And since there are no "free lunches", next Sunday is Music Dedication and we'll be singing for both services. Enjoy the break.

Fundraising Concert Is Just A Couple of Weeks Away
Our big fundraising concert is set for Sunday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. If you haven't picked up your five tickets to sell, see your section managers this week. Here is the rehearsal schedule for the concert:
Thursday, Oct. 21, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Concert rehearsal with instruments in the Sanctuary
Saturday, Oct. 23, 1 to 3 p.m. -- Final rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Sunday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. -- Show time. Choir reports to the music room at 7 p.m.

Christmas Concert Rehearsal Schedule Is Set
Our holiday concert is just around the corner. Here is the rehearsal schedule for Keyboards and Carols:
Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Concert rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Saturday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m. to noon -- Final rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Sunday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. -- Concert. Choir reports to the music room at 7 p.m.

Second Great Britain Payment Due Oct. 14; More Slots Open For Trip
The second Great Britain trip installment payment of $250 per person is due on Oct. 14. Kevin has arranged for a double decker tour bus, so more people can now join us for the trip. The maximum number for the trip is now 130, so there's room for 15 more. If you are on the waiting list, see Kevin as soon as possible. This is really your last chance. To join the trip you'll need to pay the $100 deposit plus the second payment of $250.

Rose Carlisle Will Be Featured on Channel Five Today
Soprano Rose Carlisle will make a guest appearance on Show Me St. Louis at 3 p.m. this afternoon on KSDK, Channel 5. She will be discussing the 100th anniversary of McKinley High School and an all-school reunion to be held later this month. More than 4,000 people from around the world are expected to attend the big celebration. Rose is one of the event planners for this huge event.

Chancel Choir Update 10/4: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Beth Neuhalfen underwent surgery this morning (10/4) to treat a herniated disk in her back. She is at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
We are saddened to report the death of Soprano Ellen Maxfield's sister, Berniece Topp. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ellen's address: 14631 Mallard Lake Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63017-5591.

Chancel Choir Update 10/1: News
Choir Sings at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday. Call time is 10 a.m. in the music room. Anthems: My Maker's World, Keep Silence and Think On Me (men's chorus, but everyone in the choir is in the loft on Sunday).

There's One Sunday Off and a Double Header in October
Here's the schedule for October:
October 10 -- Youth Sunday (no Chancel Choir)
October 17 -- 9 and 10:30. Music Ministry Dedication. Anthem: The Awakening
October 24 -- 10:30. Anthem: Legacy of Faith
October 24 -- 7:30 p.m. - Fundraising concert
October 31 -- 10:30. Anthem: Pacem, Praise to the Lord

Chancel Choir Update 9/30: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Peggy Pace was admitted to Missouri Baptist Medical Center today (9/30) for observation after she began coughing blood. Peggy is a cancer survivor, but currently has tumors in her lungs. She has asked for thoughts and prayers that her coughing can be controlled.

Chancel Choir Update 9/30: News / Cares and Concerns
Tickets For Fall Concert Are Available Tonight
If you did not pick up your packet of fall concert tickets at the choir retreat, please see Kevin tonight. Each choir member will receive five tickets to sell. (Of course, if you need more than five, just say the word -- we've got plenty.)

Tenor Wes Sailer has been released from St. John's Mercy Medical Center after a brief stay for a minor followup procedure. Wes underwent surgery in June for treatment of bladder cancer.
Del Descher, mother of Baritone and Chancel Choir President Jim Descher, is hospitalized at St. John's Mercy Medical Center where she underwent a hysterectomy yesterday (9/29). Mrs. Descher lives in Waterloo, Ill.

Chancel Choir Update 9/29: Cares and Concerns
Tenor Wes Sailer has been hospitalized at St. John's Mercy Medical Center. No immediate information on his condition is available.

Chancel Choir Update 9/28: Concert News / Cares and Concerns
Fall Concert Tickets and Posters Are Available
Tickets for the upcoming Chancel Choir fall fundraising concert were distributed to choir members attending the retreat this weekend. If you did not get your packet of five tickets to sell, you can pick it up at rehearsal this Thursday. To help you in your selling mission, a concert poster and a fact sheet have been posted on the choir's Web site and are available for quick download or forwarding to a friend. You can either paste these links into an email or you can download the file and attach it to an email note. The poster is available in both PDF and JPEG formats at the links below. The PDF is a fairly large file; the JPEG is smaller and will appear as a Web page in a browser.

http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/Chancel%20Choir%20Fall%20Concert%202004%20Poster.pdf
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/Chancel%20Choir%20Fall%202004%20Concert%20Poster.jpg

The fact sheet is available as a Word file and can be downloaded at this link. You can either download and save this to your hard drive and attach it to an email or you can send this link in an email note:
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/Chancel%20Choir%20Fall%202004%20Concert%20Factsheet.doc

Copy and paste these links because they have to appear exactly as they are here to work and the URL is slightly different than the one you normally use. You can also access these links on the Member Information page in the Member section of the choir Web site.

Weekend Choir Retreat Followup
If you are among the 60 or so choir members who did not attend the retreat over the weekend, we missed you. We spent more than seven hours rehearsing concert, Christmas and Sunday worship music. We also had a good time. There were 78 singers present when Kevin opened the retreat rehearsal at 7 p.m. Friday night. At the first rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, 95 singers were present. A total of 99 singers participated in one or both of the Friday and Saturday sessions. Fewer people stayed over night in Dittmer this year. One of the positives of the choir's annual retreats has been the opportunity to visit and make friends during the evening activities. Reduced overnight participation has made this aspect of the retreat less effective. Movies shown on Friday night this year were Second Hand Lion and Italian Job. There was also a late night bon fire. This year's retreat featured more rehearsal time and less games and activities following suggestions from previous retreats. A location for next year's retreat has not yet been selected. Previous reports that the choir would return to Mercy Center next year were incorrect. The choir is booked into Mercy Center beginning in the fall of 2006. Kevin is going to explore other possible options for next year's retreat, including a return to Todd Hall in Columbia, Ill. or perhaps one more return visit to Dittmer. Mercy Center has proven to be the best location for the choir's retreat with record attendance and excellent facilities. Kevin reported that this was his 10th retreat with the choir.

Cares and Concerns
Florida's Fourth Hurricane Threatens Current and Former Choir Members
While the choir was enjoying a weekend of singing and fun in Dittmer, Mo., Baritone Dave Divjak hunkered down in Florida for a long night of howling wind. Dave sent an email report at 9 a.m. this morning (9/26): "I'm sitting here in my hotel room watching 100 mph winds blow everything in site. My office came to Clearwater on Thursday and enjoyed two great days and now we're in the middle of Hurricane Jeanne. I'd have to say it's quite a display of the power of mother nature -- not only wind, but the gulf surge is very impressive. We are supposed to leave tonight, but I think chances are slim for that. Hope to see you Thursday.
Meanwhile, former choir member Joan Allen was preparing for yet another approaching hurricane. In an email message on Saturday, she asked for more prayers. "Pray, guys, pray. Looks like it's our turn this time. The eye is predicted to be over us by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. Church has already been canceled for tomorrow."

Duplicate Those Amazing Retreat Goodies in Your Own Kitchen
If you sampled a rather innocent looking blob of chocolate on a silver patter at the retreat, you'll understand what we mean when we say it was a very unique display of the latest culinary technology available to the appetizer sciences. This chocolate cracker spread was brought by Maida McCormack. Intense interrogation got her to reveal the secret formula for this stuff. Here it is, but use it sparingly.

CHOCOLATE CHEESE SPREAD

11 oz. cream cheese, softened
6 oz. chocolate chips, melted
1 generous tsp. cinnamon

Combine the softened cream cheese, melted chocolate chips and cinnamon. Pour into a mold and top with white chocolate shavings. Chill. Serve with Ritz crackers at room temperature.
OPT: Mold into a chocolate volcano with melted chocolate in the crater; OR, place in a cake icing bag and squeeze over small oyster crackers; OR, use your imagination.

Chancel Choir Update 9/23: Only Women Sing This Sunday
The hard working Chancel Choir men get Sunday off to recuperate from those intense retreat rehearsals. Well, it sounds good doesn't it? Truth is, Sunday is United Methodist Women Sunday so it's women only in the loft. The men can sit in the balcony and critique. Women sing for the 10:30 a.m. service and report to the music room at 10 a.m.

See you at Dittmer.

Chancel Choir Update 9/22: Cares and Concerns
Zoe Anne Fritz, newly born daughter of Alto Joan Fritz, arrived yesterday afternoon (9/21) at 4:45 p.m. For those keeping score, she was 7 pounds, 8 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Joan, father and brother MJ are all doing well. She'll be home from the hospital tomorrow.

Chancel Choir Update 9/21: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Joyce Lang soon will begin six months of chemotherapy for treatment of an inoperable tumor discovered in her abdomen last week during medical testing. Joyce underwent treatment a few years ago for ovarian cancer. She asks the choir's thoughts and prayers that the treatment will be successful.
Hurricane Ivan Followup -- Bass Tom Lawrence reports that his sister in Panama City, Florida, near the storm's path survived with no injury or property damage. Choir Social Director Sandy Ford's mother and sister's family live two blocks from the beach in Pensacola, Florida, near the storm's landfall. After several anxious days, her sister learned Saturday that their house had miraculously escaped damage. During the storm, all homes and structures along the nearby beach were destroyed and the wreckage swept out to sea. The family will return to survey their neighborhood later this week after evacuating to Indiana.

Chancel Choir Update 9/14 p.m.: Great Britain Tour Deadline Is Wednesday, 9/15
Last Call To Withdraw or Join The Great Britain Tour
Here is a clarification for this morning's tour announcement.
In addition to the notice this morning asking anyone who has interest in going to Great Britain with the choir to call Kevin, anyone who has already paid a $100 deposit and now wishes to withdraw from the trip must also let him know by 3 p.m. (tomorrow), Wednesday, Sept. 15. As stated in the earlier announcement, there are only a very few slots left. So, to clarify, anyone wishing to join the trip who hasn't paid a deposit and anyone who has already paid a deposit and now wishes to withdraw from the trip must let Kevin know by 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 15. If you have questions, give Kevin a call at the church at 636-394-7506.

Chancel Choir Update 9/14: News / Cares and Concerns
Last Call For Great Britain; Your Decision Is Needed Now
If you are going to join the choir for the tour of Great Britain next June, Kevin needs to know now. With 98 persons on the tour list and a potential cutoff of 100, the tour is nearly full. Kevin would like to hear this week from anyone else who wants to make the trip next year so a decision can be made on final arrangements.

Gentle Reminder Department
Here's a not so subtle reminder for Chancel Choir singers about perfume and cologne in rehearsal, Sunday worship and concerts. While very pleasant to wear, fragrances cause a great deal of problems for some individuals in the choir. There are a few who lose their ability to sing almost immediately due to throat closure or drainage caused by fragrances and there is at least one person who sneezes loudly and uncontrollable when exposed to most women's perfume and men's cologne and aftershave. So please resist the temptation to spritz before choir and if you've got a "problem" we recommend a shower.

This Just In From The European Theater
An urgent email dispatch from Irvine, Scotland, was received over the weekend. Tenor Chris Kennedy is in Great Britain visiting his uncle and cousins who live in Scotland and England. Chris will be tracing part of the choir's tour route during his visit and will serve as our informal advance scout. He reports the weather is very much like that in St. Louis. He has been to Loch Lomond and seen the Bonny, Bonny Banks. He is proceeding to Coventry from Birmingham and will arrive in London tomorrow. If we receive additional dispatches, we'll pass them along.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Carleen Anderson's sister, Sharon Fernquist, underwent amputation of her leg in a Detroit hospital yesterday morning. She has suffered from diabetes for many years. Carleen is in Detroit with her sister and asks for your thoughts and prayers.
Hurricane Ivan has spared most of the Chancel Choir's former members living in Florida, but it's headed directly for the family of choir social director Sandy Ford. Sandy's sister's family and her mother live in a house about two blocks from the beach in Pensacola, Florida. They are evacuating today. Bass Tom Lawrence has family and property in Panama City, Florida, also near the forecast path of the storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and relatives living in Florida.

Chancel Choir Update 9/10: News / Cares and Concerns
Choir Sings One Service This Sunday
Chancel Choir will be in the loft for the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday. Warmup begins at 10 a.m. in the music room. Anthems are: O Worship the King and Abide With Me.

Retreat Registration Forms Are Due This Sunday, September 12
Last call for this year's Chancel Choir retreat. Signup forms and money are due this Sunday morning. The retreat is being held a week earlier than normal on September 24 and 25 so choir members may participate in the second annual installment of the ongoing Chapel Anniversary in October. The retreat will be at the Revive Us Again Conference Center in beautiful suburban (actually exurban, actually make that rural) Dittmer, Missouri. All choir members need to fill out a form and indicate if they will or will not participate in the retreat. If you were among the missing last week, pick up the retreat information as soon as possible.

Great Britain Trip Information Cards Are Due Now
Following rehearsal last night, Kevin held a quick meeting with those planning to make the trip to Great Britain with the choir in June. He distributed a red trip info card that all travelers need to complete and return. Kevin explained that if we have more than 100 singers making the trip, ground transportation will be more expensive due to the need for an extra bus. Trip costs were figured using only two buses, if the number goes above 100 a third bus will be necessary. For that reason, the trip will be limited to 100 participants. At the close of last night's meeting, a total of 98 persons had committed to participate. If you still haven't decided, talk with Kevin now. Total cost for the trip has been determined to be $2,516 per person. The first installment beyond the $100 deposit for the trip will be due on October 15 and will be 10 percent of the total cost or about $250. The second installment representing 15 percent will be due November 15. The third installment, representing 20 percent, will be due on February 15. The remainder of the pay schedule is yet to be determined. Kevin also explained that participants were free to make trip extensions to go to Europe and Great Britain earlier than the choir tour or stay later after the choir tour. If you plan to go earlier, you will need to make all of your own travel arrangements to get you to Europe and back. If you are planning on traveling to Great Britain with the choir and return at a later date, the tour company can make your return travel arrangements for you. If you make your own travel arrangements, the cost of the tour airfare already factored into the total trip cost listed above will be deducted and you will pay for your air travel costs directly to the airline and be responsible for paying only ground tour costs to the tour company.

Chancel Choir Membership Sets New Record
It's hard to believe that not too many years ago the Chancel Choir had fewer than 100 members. But as of last week, membership in the Chancel Choir stood at 158 singers. Totals by section are: Soprano - 55; Alto - 47; Tenor - 23; Bass - 33. With additional new singers attending last night's rehearsal, the total will likely stand in the low 160s. If you'd like to brag to your friends, the Chancel Choir's membership is closely approaching the half way point to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir which lists its membership at 360. As we do each year, photos, contact information and brief biographies of the new members will be posted on the choir's Web site soon. The general and photo directories on the Web site will be updated later this fall.

Chancel Choir Section Managers Are Named
Each section of Chancel Choir has a "manager" assigned for the year. The Section Manager is the "go to" person for information for each section. They also keep track of members who stop attending and followup to find out why and if the choir family can help them. This year's section managers are:
Soprano - Cece Spatola; Alto - Bonnie Halls; Tenor - Bud Kemper; and Bass - Charles Shaffer.

Chancel Choir Officers Held Their First Meeting Last Night, Sept. 9
A round of first year business was handled by Chancel Choir officers at their meeting last night. Chancel Choir president Jim Descher introduced members of the choir's operations staff who were invited to attend the first officer meeting of the year so new officers would be familiar with their duties. Tim Zink, in charge of new member orientation, reported that he has assigned fellowship friends for each new member and will provide them with new member folders containing needed information about the choir. The fellowship friends will help new members for the first six to eight weeks of the season. Treasurer John Lemen reviewed the the treasurer's report and explained how choir funds were tracked. The treasurer's report appears later in the email update. The whereabouts of 15 missing choir members who have not returned this fall was discussed. Each of them will be called by the section managers. Kevin reviewed information about the Great Britain trip that he planned to present to the trip participants after rehearsal last night. Tickets for the fall fund raising concert will be available beginning Sunday, Sept. 26. As in the past, choir members will be expected to sell four tickets which will cost $10 each. Patron tickets will again be available for $20. Lois Hendrickson reported on plans for the annual holiday party set for Jan. 8 at Spazio's in Westport, site of last year's successful holiday party. Cost will $25 per person and the format will be much the same as last year's. Choir officers meet the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Chancel Choir Treasurer's Report
Here is a report of treasury fund balances as of August 31. Keep in mind that the Chancel Activity fund represents the choir's "spending" account. Other accounts are set up to handle money on a "pass through" basis for projects and trips. Questions about the treasurer's report may be directed to Bass John Lemen, choir treasurer. John, who is an internal auditor by profession, will also track money for both the retreat and the Great Britain trip. Questions about money turned in for those events may also be directed to him.

Activity $ 5,890.77
Holiday Party 0.00
Indy Trip (150.02)
Great Britain 7,700.00
Total 13,440.75

Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we report the death of Soprano Shari Seivier's 51-year-old sister-in-law in Syracuse, New York, Monday, Sept. 6, of a massive heart attack. She asks that we keep her brother and his children in our thoughts and prayers.
Alto Becky Schenck's mother-in-law, Grace Schenck, who also happens to be the mother of senior pastor Carol Schenck is recovering at Friendship Village Infirmary from recent surgery to remove her gall bladder.

Keeping Your Choir Family Posted
To keep the Chancel Choir family informed and maintain our sense of community, we provide information by email and weekly rehearsal guides about deaths, medical emergencies, and family crisis. Situations involving choir members and their immediate family, defined as parents and children, are provided to the choir immediately by email as soon as information becomes available. Ongoing situations involving choir members and their immediate families will be updated as immediately as they unfold. Situations involving "immediate extended" family members, defined as adult children, grandchildren, and siblings, are provided in the next scheduled email update or as appropriate for the situation. Look for situations involving "extended" family members, defined as adult siblings, cousins, in-laws, rich uncles, etc., in the weekly rehearsal guide distributed at each rehearsal. These informal guidelines are followed to inform the choir while keeping our email updates both welcomed and limited. Our best flexibility and judgment will be used in each situation. Choir members should provide complete information about Cares and Concerns as quickly as you learn them to Gary Ford either by email at garyford@fordcom.net or by phone to 636-227-5749.

Chancel Choir Update 9/5: Death In Chancel Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Robert Dean, father of Soprano Mary Ann Sumpter. Mr. Dean died unexpectedly this morning (9/5) of natural causes. Funeral arrangements are pending. Further details were not immediately available. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Ann and her family.

Chancel Choir Update 9/3: News You Can Use / Cares and Concerns
Choir Is In The Loft at 10:30 a.m. This Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing only for the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday. Call time is 10 a.m. in the music room. If you are a new member who has not yet been assigned a robe or music, arrive by 10:15 a.m. Anthem: Day By Day.

Choir Is Asked To Sing For The Bishop
It doesn't happen too often, but every now and then a new Bishop is installed. Someone has to sing for these impressive ceremonies and this time it's us. The new Bishop for the Missouri Conference, Robert Schnase, will be installed during a special service in our Sanctuary at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 19. Warm up for the Chancel Choir begins at 3 p.m. in the music room. Plan on taking part in this historic vent. Then you'll be able to brag in the years to come that "I was there."

Sunday Anthem Schedule
After hours of deliberation, Kevin has determined the anthem schedule for the next few weeks. If you are worried about the tunes on the Sunday horizon, here they are:

Sept. 12 -- Abide With Me
Sept. 19 -- Zion's Walls
Sept. 26 -- Ride On, King Jesus (United Methodist Women Sunday)
Oct. 3 -- My Maker's World, Keep Silence, Think On Me, Communion Invitation
Oct. 10 -- Youth Sunday (No Chancel Choir)
Oct. 17 -- The Awakening (Music Ministry Sunday -- We sing for both services)
Oct. 24 -- Legacy of Faith
Oct. 31 -- Pacem, Praise to the Lord

Retreat Forms Are Due Now
Registration forms for this year's Chancel Choir retreat on September 24 and 25 are due now. The retreat will be held this year at the Revive Us Again Conference Center in beautiful suburban (actually exurban, actually make that rural) Dittmer, Missouri. All choir members need to fill out a form whether they are going to the retreat or not. You need to indicate on the form if you'll be participating.

Like The Parties? We Need Some Help
If you enjoyed the sumptous snack buffet after rehearsal last night, then you'll understand that these things don't just happen. The monthly after-rehearsal parties are the work of the choir's hospitality crew. Right now, the crew consists only of Jo Ann Jones, the director of hospitality. She may get a little tired of doing all the work, so we need some volunteers to serve on the hospitality crew this year. Main responsibility is organizing and setting up the monthly party and handling arrangements for receptions after our concerts. (You don't have to bake -- you just recruit others to bring food.) If you'd like to work on the hospitality crew, contact Jo Ann Jones at 314-469-1511 or email her at momjones@aol.com.

Cares and Concerns
It's yet another grandchild for Soprano Karen Fair. Rachel Lynn Britton arrived at 6:40 p.m.on Wednesday (9/1) and weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces. Parents are Carrie and Rick Britton.

Chancel Choir Update 9/1: Death In The Chancel Choir Family
It is with great sadness that we report the death this morning (9/1) of Morgan Owens, father of Alto Bobbie Parker and grandfather of Soprano Kelly Kall. Funeral services are pending. Further details were unavailable.

Chancel Choir Update 9/1: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal Number Two Thursday Night
Both the weather and an early start for school has rushed the start of fall and rushed many of the Chancel Choir members at the start of the singing season. If you weren't able to join us last week, it's never too late. Tomorrow night is your second chance to return to Chancel Choir this year. We'll learn more about the choir's fund raising concert scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 24, and registration forms for the fall retreat will be available. Plus, it's party night and there'll be fancy, free refreshments provided this time by the Chancel Choir officers. See you there.

Retreat Registration Forms Are Due September 12
This year's Chancel Choir retreat is being held a week earlier than normal on September 24 and 25 so choir members may participate in the second annual installment of the ongoing Chapel Anniversary in October. The retreat will be held this year at the Revive Us Again Conference Center in beautiful suburban (actually exurban, actually make that rural) Dittmer, Missouri. Registration forms with all of the important information were handed out at rehearsal last night. All choir members need to fill out a form and indicate if they will or will not participate in the retreat. If you were among the missing last week, pick up the retreat information as soon as possible.

Cares and Concerns
A belated congratulations is in order for Alto Kathryn Cox who is the proud mother of Natalie Sue Cox born at 2:11 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Natalie weighed in at 8 pounds and 14 ounces. Father Lee and brother Sam are also doing well. We all met Natalie on Sunday morning during warm up when Kathryn proudly displayed her in front of the choir. In case you don't remember her, Kathryn is the pregnant woman shown in a photo in the recent edition of the Chancel Times eating a banana during the Indianapolis trip.

Keeping Your Choir Family Posted
To keep the Chancel Choir family informed and maintain our sense of community, we provide information by email and weekly rehearsal guides about deaths, medical emergencies, and family crisis. Situations involving choir members and their immediate family, defined as parents and children, are provided to the choir immediately by email as soon as information becomes available. Ongoing situations involving choir members and their immediate families will be updated as immediately as they unfold. Situations involving "immediate extended" family members, defined as adult children, grandchildren, and siblings, are provided in the next scheduled email update or as appropriate for the situation. Look for situations involving "extended" family members, defined as adult siblings, cousins, in-laws, rich uncles, etc., in the weekly rehearsal guide distributed at each rehearsal. These informal guidelines are followed to inform the choir while keeping our email updates both welcomed and limited. Our best flexibility and judgment will be used in each situation. Choir members should provide complete information about Cares and Concerns as quickly as you learn them to Gary Ford either by email at garyford@fordcom.net or by phone to 636-227-5749.

Chancel Choir Update 8/27: News You Can Use / Cares and Concerns
Choir Sings For Both Services This Sunday, Aug. 29
It's back to the choir loft for the Chancel Choir. We're back to work for both the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. services this Sunday. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the choir rehearsal room. New members need to report by 8:15 a.m. at the latest for robe and music assignments. We're hoping to make a good showing this Sunday, that's a polite way of saying we're hoping as many of you as possible sing at both services.

First Rehearsal Brought In New Singers
If you weren't at the first rehearsal of the 2004-2005 choir year last night, you missed an opportunity to win a free lunch with Kevin -- a rare opportunity on both counts. A total of 115 choir members and nine new members were present. Kevin conducted drawings during rehearsal for vintage 1995 Chancel Choir water bottles (rumored to be popular collectibles on Ebay), some old Christmas CDs, and his lunch. New member Barb Bess will be dining with Kevin real soon. There is absolutely no excuse for choir members to make musical mistakes this year, those burned out, dim and disabled light bulbs plaguing the choir in recent months were changed this summer. Our sight reading should be much easier, if not accurate, now. Photos and bios of new members will be posted on the choir Web site soon. Meanwhile, if you see someone you don't recognize, pretend their new members and say hello.

Retreat Registration Forms Are Due September 12
This year's Chancel Choir retreat is being held a week earlier than normal on September 24 and 25 so choir members may participate in the second annual installment of the ongoing Chapel Anniversary in October. The retreat will be held this year at the Revive Us Again Conference Center in beautiful suburban (actually exurban, actually make that rural) Dittmer, Missouri. Registration forms with all of the important information were handed out at rehearsal last night. All choir members need to fill out a form and indicate if they will or will not participate in the retreat. If you were among the missing last night, pick up the retreat information as soon as possible.

Care and Concerns Update
Soprano Karen Fair is recovering at home from successful surgery earlier this week to reconstruct tear ducts in her right eye.
Tenor Bruce Brader is recuperating from pneumonia which was diagnosed when what he thought was a bad case of allergies got much, much worse.
Ashley Marie Peters, two-month infant granddaughter of Baritone Charles and Alto Carol Shaffer, is recovering at home on intravenous antibiotics from a Type B Strep infection. The problem was diagnosed when her parents noticed she wasn't moving her left leg. She will be wearing a leg brace for several weeks while she recovers.

Chancel Choir Update 8/24: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Karen Fair underwent surgery this morning (8/24) to repair and reconstruct tear ducts in her right eye. The outpatient procedure was performed at the Barnes Hospital Center For Advanced Medicine and she will recuperate at home.

Chancel Choir Update 8/24: First Rehearsal Is Thursday Night
It's Back to Choir On Thursday
It's that time again. Dust off your vocal cords and get ready for Chancel Choir. Our first rehearsal of the season is this Thursday night, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m. We've got a busy fall ahead, so plan on joining us for the first rehearsal. If you know of someone who has always wanted to sing in the choir, bring them with you Thursday evening.

Choir Returns To The Loft This Sunday For Two Services
The Chancel Choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday, Aug. 29. It will be our first Sunday back in the choir loft for this season.

Chancel Choir Update 8/20: Death In Chancel Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Alto Terri Thompson's father, Jeff Darrell Burton, on Thursday (8/19). Mr. Burton, who lived in Lake St. Louis, suffered from pancreatic cancer. Funeral arrangements are pending. Terri's address is: 801 Feil Dr., Ballwin, MO 63021. Her phone is: 636-227-3951.

Chancel Choir Update 8/17: News You Can Use / Cares and Concerns
Final Dinner Thursday Night at P.F. Chang's China Bistro
It's the last summer choir dinner of the year and we're headed to someplace special for the Grand Finale. Join us for dinner Thursday at P.F. Chang's China Bistro in Chesterfield. One of the finest Chinese places in the city -- love those lettuce wraps. That's this Thursday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Absolute advance reservations needed. To reserve your place at the table, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon tomorrow, Wednesday, 8/18.

Big Back-To-Choir Party Is This Saturday Night
The choir's big season kickoff party is set for 5:30 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 21, at the home of Sandy Wilmoth, 710 Chancellor Heights Dr. in Manchester. If you've been talking to a friend about joining choir, this is the night to make your move. Invite them to the party to get acquainted. The party is a potluck so bring your best cooking. To find the party: go north on Henry Road from Manchester Road until you reach Chancellor Heights Dr. (it's the 7th street to the right -- you'll see it at the end of a long wooden fence), turn right (east) and follow the street round to the left. If you get lost, call 636-227-3144 and we'll talk you in.

Photos of Indianapolis Trip Are Available For Your Viewing
The Chancel Times contained only about 20 of the nearly 200 photos taken during our trip to Indianapolis earlier this summer. The entire collection of shots taken by Jo Ann Jones, Lori Holcomb and yours truly, are available for you to look at in album form by clicking on the link below. If you see a shot you like, you can also order inexpensive prints for your scrap book. Just follow the directions. The album is available only to members of the choir through this link and presented only as a service to you.
http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeAMmLNw2btGzlg

Hurricane Charley Survivor's Followup
As we mentioned last week, several former and current members of the Chancel Choir were affected by Hurricane Charley's trip through Florida over the weekend. Here are reports from two more survivors.
Alto Kristie Whitney -- "We were staying at my Dad's beach house in Myrtle Beach, N.C., which is just two blocks east of Highway 17 and about three blocks from the ocean. It rained all day Friday and then the warnings started to come that an evacuation order might be issued so we started packing up our stuff. The evacuation order was issued for all people staying east of Highway 17 so we had to leave. The police even sent cars around with bullhorns announcing that everybody had to leave immediately. We were very lucky that we picked a pretty deserted highway to leave town and did not get trapped in any traffic. I talked to my Dad last night and he said he has not been able to get any word on how his house weathered the storm. This is typical of our luck to have bad weather or some crisis to happen while we are on vacation but this is the first time we have ever been ordered to leave somewhere!"
Former Alto Joan Allen -- "Thanks for the thoughts and prayers! It was heading right for us until it turned NE. I spent the night at the rehab center (where Ross is) on 2 mattresses on the floor of the rehab room! They couldn't turn the lights off so I didn't get much sleep. We had only slight wind but lots of rain; we sustained no damage! But tornado warnings were in neighboring counties!"

Cares and Concerns
It's a new grandson for Alto Mary Lou Adams. Patrick Nelligan Adams was born on Aug. 11 to Sheila and Greg Adams. We presume in St. Louis and all are doing well.

Important Dates Coming In August
Mark your calendars. The 2004-2005 Chancel Choir season is on the horizon. Here are important dates to remember:
Saturday, August 21, 5:30 p.m. -- Annual Back-to-Choir Party at the home of Sandy Wilmoth, 710 Chancellor Heights Dr.
Thursday, August 26, 7:30 p.m. -- First rehearsal of the season.
Sunday, August 29, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. -- First Sunday Chancel Choir sings in church.

Chancel Choir Update 8/15: Former Choir Members Survive Hurricane
We have managed to contact both former Chancel Choir sopranos Linda Layman and Judi Burket who live in Florida in or near the path of Hurricane Charley. Linda Layman is living in recently constructed house in Punta Gorda, Fla., where the hurricane made landfall on Friday. The community was virtually destroyed. The note below summarizes a phone conversation Alto Bobbie Parker had with Linda's daughter last night. Judi lives in the Tampa Bay area which dodged the Hurricane's direct hit when it made a sudden right turn just before hitting the coast. Her note to Alto Fran McMillian appears below.

Linda Layman and Husband Rick Ride Out The Storm Under a Mattress
Bobbie Parker talked with one of Layman's daughters, Kaki, in Colorado. Kaki had talked with her parents last night (Friday, 8/13) about 9:00 p.m. They are fine. Some very minor damage. Even their boat made it through! I guess Rick built that house to keep it from blowing down! Kaki said Rick, Linda, and Jet, the dog, huddled in the hall under a mattress. Linda told her she had never been so scared!

Last Minute Turn Spares Judi Burket and Her Daughter
"Just checked my email for the last time today before I close my computer and saw your note. As you have probably heard already the storm made a turn to the east through Punta Gorda and didn't come here at all. We had several heavy rain showers, but basically missed the brunt of the storm. I too was wondering about Linda and her new home there in Punta Gorda. The storm leveled most of the mobile homes, knocked out all three of their hospitals, they have no water, no electricity, no phones. The pictures of the devastation are unbelievable, to say the least. There are several other communities that have been hit hard and Florida has been declared a disaster area so they are eligible for federal funds. Let me tell you, Jenn and I were a little apprehensive and quite relieved to hear of the change in the direction of the storm. We were prepared, we thought, until we saw what it did to the areas it hit. I know that we would have been 10 times worse if it had hit in the Tampa Bay area as we have thousands more homes, businesses and people. The Lord was with us once again!"

Chancel Choir Update 8/14: Former Soprano In Hurricane Charley's Path
Former Choir Member Linda Layman Lives Where Storm's Eye Made Landfall
Attempts to reach Linda and Rick Layman Saturday morning were unsuccessful. The former Chancel Choir soprano now lives in Punta Gorda, Florida, where Hurricane Charley made landfall on Friday. News reports show most of the community on the west Florida coast was flattened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Laymans.

Storm Effects Other Choir Members
Alto Kristie Whitney and her family are vacationing this weekend in Myrtle Beach, N.C., where Hurricane Charley is forecast to make a second landfall later today. A number of Chancel Choir and church members own property and time-shares on Sanibel and Captiva islands. The eye of the storm crossed north Captiva Island as it made landfall on the coast. Significant property damage is reported on the island. Former Alto Joan Allan lives in Iverness, Florida, well north of the storm's path. We are certain there are others either vacationing or living near the storm or with families who have been effected.

Chancel Choir Update 8/13: News You Can Use
Final Dinner Next Thursday Night at P.F. Chang's China Bistro
It's the last summer choir dinner of the year and we're headed to someplace special for the Grand Finale. Join us for dinner next Thursday at P.F. Chang's China Bistro in Chesterfield. One of the finest Chinese places in the city -- love those lettuce wraps. That's next Thursday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Absolute advance reservations needed. To reserve your place at the table, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday, 8/18.

Important Dates Are Coming In August
Mark your calendars. The 2004-2005 Chancel Choir season is on the horizon. Here are important dates to remember:
Saturday, August 21, 5:30 p.m. -- Annual Back-to-Choir Party at the home of Sandy Wilmoth, 710 Chancellor Heights Dr.
Thursday, August 26, 7:30 p.m. -- First rehearsal of the season.
Sunday, August 29, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. -- First Sunday Chancel Choir sings in church.

Chancel Choir Update 8/10: Chancel Times / Other News
Check Your Mailboxes This Week
Be on the lookout for the newest edition of the Chancel Times arriving in your mailbox either today or tomorrow. It's wrapped in a plain white envelope to keep it fresh. The newsletter contains news and information not distributed by email or available through any other source. You will learn important information about our October fund raising concert, read the latest details on the Great Britain trip, see balances for the choir's bank accounts, review a map to the fall choir retreat, learn what the choir president has on his "to do" list this fall, admire a closeup photo of mint cheese cake, learn the titles of the special commissioned music being written in honor of Kevin's mother, and find out which choir member once worked as a repo man lifting cars from deadbeats. All of this plus literally dozens of photos from Indy, Christmas, the end-of-year party and many other amazing choir activities. All of this arriving in your mail box this week at no additional cost to you.

Dinner Next Thursday Night Is At The Olive Garden
Join us for dinner at the Olive Garden on Manchester Road in Des Peres at 6:30 p.m., this Thursday (8/12). To reserve your place at the table, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon tomorrow (Wednesday, 8/11). There's only one more Thursday dinners this summer, then it's back to work.

Special Grand Finale Summer Dinner Planned on Aug. 19
The Chancel Choir's social director is negotiating a deal that will take the Chancel Choir's summer Thursday night dinner tour to a very special location on Aug. 19, the last dinner of the summer. Details will be released when the deal is done.

Chancel Choir Update 8/7: Humphrey Visitation
A visitation for the family of Alto Joyce Humphrey's father, Lloyd Humphrey, will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin. Funeral services and burial will be Tuesday with a visitation on Monday evening in Iberia, Mo. Time and location of the arrangements in Iberia are still being determined. Mr. Humphrey died Friday night, Aug. 6, at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield. He was 83. Joyce's address: 268 Treasure Cove, Ballwin, Mo. 63021-5074. Her phone number is 636-394-4918. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and her family in this difficult time.

Chancel Choir Update 8/6: Death In The Chancel Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Alto Joyce Humphrey's father, Lloyd Humphrey, tonight (Friday, 8/6) at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield. Mr. Humphrey, who was 83, had been unresponsive on life support in intensive care since surgery last week to correct an intestinal obstruction. He had developed a blood stream infection and a CT scan today revealed another intestinal blockage, inoperable due to his condition. He had undergone treatment for colon cancer in recent months. Services are pending. Joyce's address: 268 Treasure Cove, Ballwin, Mo. 63021-5074. Her phone number is 636-394-4918. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and her family in this difficult time.

Chancel Choir Update 8/6: News You Can Use
Dinner Next Thursday Night Is At The Olive Garden
Next week we'll enjoy the Italian cuisine at the Olive Garden on Manchester Road in Des Peres at 6:30 p.m., Thursday (8/12). If you would like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon next Wednesday (8/11). Last night 34 of your choir friends enjoyed cool breezes on the deck at Keith's American Bistro in Chesterfield -- perfect weather and a perfect dinner. There's only two more Thursday dinners this summer, then it's back to work.

No Summer Pick Up Choir This Sunday
For those of you who have been singing with the summer volunteer choir on Sundays or those who might decide to join them this week, due to a scheduling oversight there will be no summer volunteer pick up choir in the loft this Sunday, Aug. 8. Summer choir will resume the following week.

Chancel Choir Update 8/3: News / Cares and Concerns
Join Us For Dinner This Thursday at Keith's American Bistro
The summer is beginning to wind down and if you haven't joined your choir buddies for Thursday night dinner, this could be the week. We'll dine at Keith's American Bistro in Chesterfield. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Thursday (8/5) at 450 Chesterfield Center across from Chesterfield Mall between the old Casa Giardo and Bahama Breeze. The Bistro has excellent gourmet pizza, a vast selection of fine dinner entrees and outstanding sandwiches. We'll eat on the deck if weather permits. If you would like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon tomorrow, Wednesday (8/4). We'll need an exact count for this one, if you plan to attend call ahead and please, if you must cancel let us know ahead of time.

Important Dates Are Coming In August
Mark your calendars. The 2004-2005 Chancel Choir season is on the horizon. Here are important dates to remember:
Saturday, August 21, 5:30 p.m. -- Annual Back-to-Choir Party at the home of Sandy Wilmoth, 710 Chancellor Heights Dr.
Thursday, August 26, 7:30 p.m. -- First rehearsal of the season.
Sunday, August 29, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. -- First Sunday Chancel Choir sings in church.

See Your Chancel Choir Friends Perform This Weekend
If you like community theater, you'll love the current production of the musical Jekyll & Hyde presented by the Rockwood Community Spotlight Productions. The show features three Chancel Choir people in its cast and orchestra. Alto Laura Ferree has a singing and speaking role in the production, as does Andy Waggoner, the Chancel Choir's guest conductor on our last trip to New York. Tenor Dan Dorrance plays the french horn in the show's orchestra. There's still time to see the show, but this is the final weekend. Show times are Friday and Saturday, Aug. 6 and 7, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 8, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14 in advance and $16 at the door. The show is presented in the Marquette High School theater in Chesterfield. Call 636-938-2362 to reserve tickets. If you'd like to read a review of the show, click on this link:
http://www.kdhx.org/reviews/jekyll_and_hyde_0408.html

Cares and Concerns
Alto Joyce Humphrey's father, Lloyd Humphrey, remains in very serious condition in intensive care at St. Luke's Hospital.

Chancel Choir Update 7/30: Dinner This Thursday at the Bistro
Join Us For Thursday Dinner This Week
The summer is beginning to wind down and if you haven't joined your choir buddies for Thursday night dinner, this could be the week. We'll dine at Keith's American Bistro in Chesterfield. Join us at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday (8/5) at 450 Chesterfield Center across from Chesterfield Mall between the old Casa Giardo and Bahama Breeze. The Bistro has excellent gourmet pizza, a vast selection of fine dinner entrees and outstanding sandwiches. We'll eat on the deck if weather permits. If you would like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon next Wednesday (8/4). We'll need an exact count for this one, if you plan to attend call ahead and please, if you must cancel let us know ahead of time.

Chancel Choir Update 7/27: Cares and Concerns / News
Cares and Concerns
Alto Joyce Humphrey's father, Lloyd Humphrey, underwent emergency surgery to correct a small bowel obstruction at noon today (7/27) at St. Luke's Hospital. Joyce took her father to the emergency room at 2 a.m. yesterday morning and a CT scan yesterday afternoon revealed the problem. Joyce's father has undergone treatment for colon cancer in the past few months. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and her father.

Join Use Thursday Night at The Hometown Buffet in Manchester
Join us for your favorite food, whatever that might be, when the traveling Thursday night dinner makes a stop at the Hometown Buffet (formerly Country Buffet) in Manchester on Manchester Road east of Highway 141 (it's behind Starbuck's on the south side of the street). If you haven't been there in a while, the place has been completely remodeled and the food is very good. As always, we'll meet there at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday (7/29). If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 before noon tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/28) to reserve your place at the table.

Coventry Choir Update 7/26: Death In Coventry Choir Family
We are saddened to report the death of Soprano Joyce Lang's mother, Evelyn Poulton, this morning (7/26) in Stow, Ohio. Mrs. Poulton will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in one to two weeks. Joyce's mother had been in failing health for some time. Joyce is traveling to Ohio today and will remain there until all final business and arrangements are complete. Joyce will be staying at her mother's house. The address is: 3833 Stow Road, Stow, Ohio, 44224. Our thoughts and prayers are will Joyce in this difficult time.

Chancel Choir Update 7/25: New / Cares and Concerns
Can't Decide What to Eat? Join Use Thursday Night at Hometown Buffet
Join us for your favorite food, whatever that might be, when the traveling Thursday night dinner makes a stop at the Hometown Buffet (formerly Country Buffet) in Manchester on Manchester Road east of Highway 141 (it's behind Starbuck's on the south side of the street). If you haven't been there in a while, the place has been completely remodeled and the food is very good. As always, we'll meet there at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday (7/29). If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 before noon Wednesday to reserve your place at the table.

Tickets Available For The Big Senior Open at Bellerive Country Club
Like to attend the Senior Open at Bellerive Country Club this week (that's golf in case don't follow these things), but don't have a ticket. Soprano Mary Ann Brinkley has two tickets for Monday (tomorrow, 7/26) and one ticket for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. She's giving them away and you can arrange to pick one up by calling her at 636-227-3331 or emailing her at mabrinkley15@yahoo.com.

Cares and Concerns
Another Grandchild Arrives
Soprano Carol Lembke is holding her first grandchild this week. Stephen Richard Vandyk was born on July 23 and weighed in at five pounds and eight ounces. No word on where the child lives, but we presume where ever he is grandma is there too.

Chancel Choir Update 7/21: Cares and Concerns
Former Alto Joan Allan's husband, Ross, underwent cardiac angioplasty this morning (7/21) in Florida. He is also scheduled for a left hip replacement on Monday. (7/26). The Allans have a new home address: 3750 South Belgrove Dr., Inverness, Florida 34452.

Ashley Marie Peters, infant granddaughter of Alto Carol and Baritone Charles Shaffer, was released from Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital earlier this week. She had suffered from a serious viral infection later diagnosed as viral pneumonia.

Chancel Choir Update 7/18: Cares and Concerns / News
Cares and Concerns
Alto Jean Kinnard was hospitalized Friday (7/16) for treatment of a blood clot in her leg resulting from knee surgery several weeks ago. She expects to remain at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield for about five days. Her room number is 7702. Maida McCormack reports that her spirits are good, but she will be unable to take a planned group trip to Switzerland later this summer. Jean also has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Soprano Carleen Anderson asks for prayers for his sister, Sharon Fernquist, who is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of a Detroit hospital for complications resulting from arterial bypass surgery to correct a blockage in her leg resulting after incisions to take a graft for cardiac bypass surgery last year failed to heal. Her sister is sever diabetic and healing is a grave concern.

Join Us For An Italian Dinner Thursday Evening
Join us Thursday night for your favorite pasta dish at Chirco's Italian Restaurant at 14844 Clayton Road in the Wildwood Plaza. That's just east of the intersection of Clayton and Baxter roads on the south side of Clayton Road in the strip mall next to Blockbuster. (It's really easy to find, it just sounds complicated.) As always, we'll meet there at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday (7/22). If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 before noon Wednesday to reserve your place at the table. FYI -- They have spumoni truffles for desert.

Chancel Choir Update 7/16: News You Can Use
Good Old Hymns You Always Want To Sing
If you're one of those people who always wishes "we would sing the good old hymns in church like we used to" then this Sunday is for you. That's right, Kevin says there's about a dozen good old hymns on the schedule for this Sunday morning. So clear your throats and come to church this week. And if singing hymns in the pews isn't enough, the summer "pick up" choir continues in the loft at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

It's Italian For Dinner Next Thursday Evening
Thirty-two of your closest friends enjoyed Tex-Mex at Chevy's last night and next week it will be Italian. Join us for your favorite pasta dish at Chirco's Italian Restaurant at 14844 Clayton Road in the Wildwood Plaza. That's just east of the intersection of Clayton and Baxter roads on the south side of Clayton Road in the strip mall next to Blockbuster. (It's really easy to find, it just sounds complicated.) As always, we'll meet there at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday (7/22). If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 before noon Wednesday to reserve your place at the table.

Bragging Rights
While we normally limit cares and concerns announcements to immediate family, but Soprano Carol Duggin is especially joyful about becoming a great aunt this week. Her second great nephew, Brayden Derek Phillips, was born July 10 to her nephew, Derek Phillips, and his wife, Jenny, at St. John's Mercy Medical Center.

Chancel Choir Update 7/14: Death In The Chancel Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Jane Holcomb, mother of Lori Holcomb who is the wife of Tenor Tim Zink. Mrs. Holcomb, who was 75, died in her sleep Tuesday (7/13) at her home in Ballwin. She had been in good health. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday (7/16) at the Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin with burial in the Bethel Cemetery in Wildwood. Family visitation will from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday (7/15) at the funeral home. Mrs. Holcomb formerly attended Manchester United Methodist Church and was a member of the Ellisville United Methodist Church. Her death came unexpectedly and Tim asks for your thoughts and prayers for Lori and her family. Tim and Lori's address: 1122 Dutch Mill Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011. Home phone: 636-230-9017.

Chancel Choir Update 7/14: Cares and Concerns
More Grandchildren Arrive
Soprano Sue Lemley and Bass Art Lemley became grandparents at 10:54 p.m. Tuesday, July 13. Kayden LaRoyce Johnson was born at St. John's Mercy Medical Center and weighed in at 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 10 3/4 inches long. All are doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 7/13: Cares and Concerns / News
It's Twins
Soprano Martha Holt is now the grandmother of twins born this morning (7/13) at St. John's Mercy Medical Center to daughter-in-law Jennifer and son Steve. Connor James weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and Emily Grace weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces. Mother, dad, twins and grandma are all doing well.

Thursday Dinner At Chevy's In Chesterfield
If you're joining us Thursday night for dinner at Chevy's in Chesterfield we'll need to hear from you by noon tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/14). We'll meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening at Chevy's in Chesterfield located in the Dierberg's strip mall at the intersection of Clayton and Clarkson roads. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 to reserve your place at the table.

Chancel Choir Update 7/9: Summer Choir Clarification
Summer "Pick Up" Choir Will Sing For Both Services Each Week
Contrary to earlier reports, the summer "pickup" choir will sing for both services. That's the correct word from Kevin himself regarding the summer choir that begins a seven-week run this Sunday. There will be a summer "pick up" choir for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services beginning this Sunday and running through mid-August. Choir No. 1 will warm up at 8:30 a.m. and sing for the 9 a.m. service. Choir No. 2 will warm up at 10 a.m. and sing for the 10:30 a.m. service. Anyone is welcome to join the fun. Invite a neighbor, friend or casual acquaintance. The idea for having a 9 a.m. choir this summer was the possibility of drawing in some new people who only attend the 9 a.m service. So, you can sing for one or sing for both. Or you can rest in the balcony and critique the music. The options are vast and many.

Chancel Choir Update 7/9: Revised Information
Cares and Concerns
The email update sent a few minutes ago surfaced a condition report on Tenor Andy Miller's father, Andrew Miller Sr. Good news. An angiogram found no arterial blockage, so no surgery was needed. His heart condition will be treated with medication and the Millers are on their way back to St. Louis from Chicago.

Chevy's Location Correction
Due to early morning dementia, the location of next Thursday's dinner was incorrectly listed in the email update earlier this morning. The Chevy's restaurant in Chesterfield is at the intersection of Clayton and Clarkson roads.

Chancel Choir Update 7/9: News / Cares and Concerns
Thursday Dinner Next Week At Chevy's In Chesterfield
Thirty of your closest choir friends dined on the patio at Bandana's last night telling power outage stories and critiquing Ameren-UE on its emergency preparedness. Power had returned for everyone at dinner with the longest blackout being three days. Next week (Thursday, 7/15, 6:30 p.m.) we'll enjoy Tex-Mex at Chevy's in Chesterfield in the Dierberg's strip mall at the intersection of Clayton and Baxter roads. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 before noon Wednesday to reserve your place at the table.

Cares and Concerns
Tenor Andy Miller's father, Andrew Miller, Sr., underwent emergency heart surgery yesterday (7/8) in Chicago. Andy and wife Alto Roxanne Miller traveled to Chicago yesterday. No further details are immediately available.

Chancel Choir Update 7/7: News / Cares and Concerns
Summer "Pick Up" Choir Scheduled For July and August
If you can't bear to take the summer off from the loft, there is a weekly opportunity for you and anyone else you know who can sing. A summer "pick up" choir will sing each week during July and part of August at the 10:30 a.m. service beginning this Sunday, July 11. Report to the music room at 10 a.m. if you'd like to join in.

Official Coronation Ceremony Transcript Now Available
There has been several requests from those not attending the end of year choir party for a transcript of the official Coronation Ceremony of Her Majesty the Queen of the Chancel Choir. The official transcription has just arrived from the court reporter's office and is now posted on the Chancel Choir Web site for historians, legal scholars and chancel choir members to review and study. It may be accessed by clicking on this link or visiting the "Member" section of the Chancel Choir Web site.
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/2004%20Coronation%20transcript.htm

Investigative Reporting for The August Chancel Times Begins: Got Any News?
One thing about your fellow Chancel Choir members, they are a curious bunch and are really, really interested in what you've been up to this summer? The next issue of the Chancel Times will be published in August. No-stone-unturned investigative reporting has begun and we'd like to know what you've been doing this summer. Any interesting vacations? Spectacular trips? Bump into any celebrities? Do anything rare or unusual? Got any pictures? We also would like to hear any gossip you may have about yourself or, better yet, other unsuspecting choir members. And, we're especially interested in any pictures you may have of either the trip to Indy or the coronation ceremony at the end of year party last month. Reply to this email with any intel or call the editor on the following secure telephone line: 636-227-5749. We promise to respect the identity of our sources.

Cares and Concerns
New Addition Is Born To The Alto Section
It's a boy. Peter Arthur Santen was born to Alto Mary (Schmitz) Santen at 1:47 p.m, July 2 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. He weighed 10 pounds and was 21 inches long. Word is mother and baby are both healthy and happy. If you'd like to see him, click on this link:
http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=8I3E7U5S0Z

Chancel Choir Update 7/5: News / Cares and Concerns
Thursday Night Dinner Stops At Bandana's This Week
The traveling summer choir dinner makes a stop at Bandana's Barbecue in Manchester at 6:30 p.m., this Thursday, July 8. That's the Bandana's on the north side of Manchester Road near Wiedman Road. As always, if you would like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday.

Cares and Concerns
Tenor Wes Sailer was hospitalized at St. John's Mercy Medical Center Friday for complications from surgery last month to treat bladder cancer.

Good News For Ambassadors of Harmony
Many of you know that Soprano Rose Carlisle's son and grandson, as well as former chancel choir member Steve Merritt, sing with the Ambassadors of Harmony, the huge barbershop chorus in St. Charles. The Ambassadors of Harmony have a national reputation in the barbershop singing world, but each year at the International barbershop competition they come within a hair's breath of claiming the top prize as International champions. Well, those years of returning to St. Charles with second and third place trophies are over. The Ambassadors of Harmony achieved the rare honor of top International Barbershop Chorus Champions at the competition held Saturday in Louisville. They competed against barbershop choruses from around the world.

Chancel Choir Update 7/2: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir Sings For Both Worship Services This Sunday, July 4
You can't barbecue all day on the Fourth. And since the Fourth of July falls on Sunday this year, you'll have to deal with the pesky problem of whether you're going to church on a national holiday. Well, the Chancel Choir is going to help you make the correct decision. You're going to church because the choir needs you to sing. The Chancel Choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services this Sunday, July 4. We'll meet in the choir room 30 minutes before each service to warm up, but that shouldn't be an issue since as many of you as possible will sing for both services and be arriving at 8:30 a.m. Dress is casual red, white and blue. No robes this week. Eedy's note on Wednesday listed the music -- it's patriotic and, best of all, we know it. So join us. There's be plenty of time for barbecue and fireworks after church.

View Manchester's Fireworks From The Church Parking Lot
Speaking of fireworks after church, as many of you know a large crowd of people gathers in the church parking lot each year on the Fourth to watch the Manchester city fireworks . This year will be no different, even if it is Sunday. So, if you don't have a place to be when the shells explode Sunday night, join your choir and church friends in the lot. Bring a lawn chair, some food, and your good humor.

Thursday Night Dinner Heads to Bandana's Next Week on July 8
The traveling summer choir dinner makes a stop at Bandana's Barbecue in Manchester at 6:30 p.m., next Thursday, July 8. That's the Bandana's on the north side of Manchester Road near Wiedman Road. (Some of us managed to show up at the wrong Sweet Tomatoes last night. But, Creve Coeur and and Crestwood do start with the same letter . . .) As always, if you would like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon next Wednesday. There was great food and great conversation at Sweet Tomatoes last night with 32 of your best choir friends eating together.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Beth Morey is undergoing surgery for treatment of breast cancer today (7/2) at St. John's Mercy Medical Center.
Ewin Roberts Jones, latest grandchild of Soprano Jo Ann Jones, arrived yesterday morning (7/1) in Iowa City, Iowa. Parents are son Kevin and daughter-in-law Arden Jones.

Be Nice To Kevin This Weekend
Kevin will need our friendly smiles and gentle greetings -- he returns home today after spending 10 days on a bus loaded with kids. Exotic stops on the youth choir tour included: Indianapolis; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Saline, Mich.; Toronto, Canada; Niagara Falls, N.Y. (Slowly I Turn . . .); Toledo, Ohio; Chicago and then home.

Have a safe and happy holiday.