Chancel Choir Update 9/30: News
Chancel Choir Sings at 10:30 a.m. Sunday
The Chancel Choir will be in the loft for the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday, Oct. 2. Call time is 10 a.m. in the music room. Anthems: Christ Is The Rock (men's chorus), My Jesus I Love Thee, Shepherd Me and O Lux Beatissima.

We Need Your Help For Fall Follies
Sign up sheets are available in the music room to volunteer to help with the Fall Follies, the choir's only fund raiser for the year. We need ushers, persons to take tickets the night of the concert, some help with the stage crew and some folks to assist with the reception after the show. Please stop by on Sunday and volunteer to help us out.

New York Trip Invitation Received
Another opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall is being offered to Chancel Choir members in 2006. Members of the Chancel Choir who would like to join a festival choir singing at Carnegie Hall in November 2006 can pick up trip information in the music room. The trip will run from Nov. 9 through Nov. 13. A massed choir of St. Louis choral groups will sing spirituals arranged by John Rutter.

Chancel Choir Update 9/29: Cares and Concerns
Funeral services for Ethel Hall, mother of Soprano Dixie Moll, will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3, at the Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin with burial immediately following at Salem United Methodist Church in Ballwin. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, at the funeral home.

Dellus Kime, uncle of Soprano Donna Biochini, died Tuesday evening of an aneurysm in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Donna would appreciate your thoughts and prayers for her family.

Recital
Soprano Caludia Fallert and Sylvia Stoll will present a vocal recital at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, in the church's Chapel. They will perform songs of faith and French, German and Italian art songs.

Chancel Choir Update 9/28: Death In Choir Family
We are saddened to report the death of Soprano Dixie Moll's mother this morning (9/28). She had been in hospice care at Delmar Gardens on the Green. Funeral arrangements are pending at Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin and will be reported as soon as they are available. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dixie and her family during the difficult time.

Chancel Choir Update 9/28: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Robin Greeley reports that her mother, Beverly Cowen, was injured in a serious automobile accident on Monday in Knoxville, Tenn. She has been hospitalized with a compound ankle fracture and other multiple injuries. Beverly is also the grandmother of Soprano Carolyn Cowen Nissen. The family asks for our thoughts and prayers.

September 26, 2005
Greetings One and All,
O What A Night! That's been the best way to describe what we encountered last night! To say the evening was a HUGE success is just the beginning. There's so much to report, not all of it will be in print, so you'll just have to show up for rehearsal on Thursday. There are, however, a few things to mention:

YOUR SINGING...was spectacular! Several of my close choir director friends ask me if I was nervous about singing in front of some many great musicians. I was not. I was excited to be a part of the evening, and I knew in my heart that if you sang with the kind of care and understanding I know you can muster, we'd be just fine. You did it. Robert Ray sends his heartfelt thanks, and was so excited to hear you. He was VERY impressed and sends his regards. Now that he's not directing a church choir, he "promises" to come back on Sunday morning to hear you.

THE CROWD...I'm not sure how we did it, but the concert ran rather smoothly. Thanks so much to all of you, and especially our ushers! They did a fantastic job. According to the "official" count, we set a record. Our attendance was 1553. That's larger than any service or concert we've hosted to date. WOW! The reception was a great way to end the night, and I was able to visit with a lot of our guests. Thanks to the hospitality crew for a job well done!

OUR EFFORT...The audience was generous in their praise of the choirs and equally generous in their giving. We raised $20,565 last night! When Kimberly told me that today, I was speechless. I'll say it again...in all areas, last night's concert was a HUGE success. I'm so proud of our church, our music program and our community.

You were wonderful...I can't wait to be together again!

Until the next,
KJ

Chancel Choir Update 9/26: Correction
It Was A Test -- Really
>From time to time, it is important to test the effectiveness of the Chancel Choir's communications systems. The update earlier this morning contained such as test. Yes, last night we sang Robert Ray's He Never Failed Me Yet, not the equally impressive Ain't Got Time To Die. One could assume that I made a mistake. However, I am pleased to report that our communications systems are in place and working and many of you caught the "test" and pointed out the error. Here are a couple of early responses:

"Hi Gary. Quick note: We sang He never failed me yet -- not Ain't got time to die. (or was I at a different concert?) HA!"

"I don't remember singing "Ain't got time to die." Maybe I was dozing."

Thanks to everyone for making this test of our communications systems successful. We now return you to our regular programming.

Chancel Choir Update 9/26: News / Cares and Concerns
What a Show - What a Show
If you weren't able to join us last night for the Sing St. Louis mega choral concert you missed some amazing singing. The Chancel Choir began the program with 130 singers and lots of good music. The building was packed with an estimated audience of 1,500. As a surprise, composer Robert Ray arrived in time to her the Chancel Choir perform his composition Ain't Got Time To Die. Besides our choir, Kevin's St. Louis Metro Singers did an outstanding job as well. But, the most amazing performance of the evening belonged to the Ambassadors of Harmony who take acapella singing to a different level in both barber shop, gospel and classical styles. This is the second "mega" concert held at our church this year. An orchestral concert featuring musicians from 11 cities was held in March and gained national attention. Concerts like these bring much positive attention to both our church and our music program. As host Harry Hamm said following the Chancel Choir performance, "Maybe I'm attending the wrong church."

Talent Show Signups This Thursday
If you'd like to help with the Chancel Choir's Fall Follies talent show, and we hope you will, sign up sheets will be available at rehearsal Thursday night. We'll need some help with ushering, ticket sales and management, after-show reception, and backstage production. The Fall Follies is the choir's major fund raiser and will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 29. The Chancel Choir also will perform during the show. Director Bill Borger reports some outstanding acts this year.

Cares and Concerns
As far as we know, Chancel Choir families escaped serious consequences from Hurricane Rita.
Alto Madia McCormack reports: "My older brother, JB, and his family and their kids all "hunkered down" in Houston, as did Joe's nephew, Sandy and family, as did my second cousin, Marian Gibbins and husband. All report they came through the anticipated "ordeal" with grateful hearts for little or no damage and electricity and other utilities still up and running. Praise God for some good reports."

Soprano Dixie Moll reports that her mother continues to be very critically ill and has been returned to Delmar Gardens on the Green where she is now in hospice care. Dixie asks for our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Chancel Choir Update 9/24: Cares and Concerns
Many Chancel Choir members have relatives and friends in Texas and Louisiana in the path of Hurricane Rita. As Kevin mentioned at rehearsal Thursday night, his family evacuated from Houston to Dallas on Thursday, but his niece, Chrissy, remained on Galveston Island where she works as a police officer. If anyone has news regarding their relatives in the storm's path, please pass the information along and we will share it with the choir. Meanwhile, our prayers are with those in the path of the storm as it makes landfall.

Chancel Choir Update 9/23: News / Cares and Concerns
It's Ladies Only In The Loft This Sunday
The Chancel Choir Women's Chorus will sing for worship this Sunday at both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. Call time for the women is 8:30 a.m. in the music room. Anthem: Jubilate Fanfare. Men are back to work the next week.

St. Louis Sings - Mega Concert Sunday Night
The Chancel Choir will be the first of seven choral groups performing in the St. Louis Sings benefit choral concert this Sunday evening in the Sanctuary. Channel Choir should report to the music room at 7 p.m. We'll wear robes. This will be a "sell out" so tell your relatives and friends to arrive early. All Chancel Choir "family units" are asked to provide two dozen cookies for the reception following the concert. Leave the cookies in the kitchen in Fellowship Hall on your way to the music room Sunday night. Choir members are being asked to park in the lot east of the Chapel. Once we've finished with our part of the performance, we can sit in the balcony for the remainder of the concert. This will be a night to remember.

Music Ministry Outreach to Centenary United Methodist Church
Our outreach to the Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown St. Louis begins this week when the Good News Quartet provides music for the church's main worship service Sunday morning. In coming weeks other music groups from Manchester, including the Chancel Choir, will provide music for the church, which is one of the oldest in St. Louis.

Calling Kevin? Here's His New Direct Dial Number
A few weeks ago, the church installed a new telephone system that allows you to dial various extensions directly from outside. But, you need to know the extension numbers to enjoy this new benefit. Here are important numbers for the music ministry -- add them to your speed dial.

Kevin -- 636-200-4712
Eedy -- 636-200-4702
Ted -- 636-200-4728

Cares and Concerns
Betty Miller, mother of Tenor Andy Miller, is hospitalized in a Chicago hospital undergoing treatment for heart problems. She had angioplasty last week, but complications prevented repair of the blockage in one artery. She is expected to return home this week and angioplasty will be attempted again in the near future.

Joe Elstner's Band Plays Saturday
The Decades will be layin' down some classic rock, Motown and blues Saturday night, Sept. 24, at its "home field," Here's Johnny's in O'Fallon, Mo., right between I-70 and Highway 40. From 40, take the Winghaven exit and go about 3 miles on Bryan Road -- it'll be on your left, just north of Mexico Road in a small strip mall called Gilman Plaza. From I-70, take Bryan Road south a half mile...the place is on your right. Decades will be playing from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Bass Joe Elstner plays keyboard and sings with the band.

Chancel Choir Update 9/20: News / Cares and Concerns
Parking May Be Tight Tomorrow Night
The City of Manchester's tax increment financing commission is holding a public hearing at our church tomorrow night beginning at 7 p.m. This meeting may attract a large attendance since the city council voted Monday to allow eminent domain to be used to condemn private property for commercial development. Taking private property for commercial use has sparked considerable controversy across the country since a Supreme Court decision earlier this year affirmed the expanded use of eminent domain. This is a hot topic in Manchester right now because a new shopping development called Manchester Heights is planned where the current Saturn dealership is located. If the crowd is large and parking is tight, remember there is a lot on the east side of the Chapel.

Help Needed With Talent Show
Signup sheets will be available next week for Talent Show workers. We'll need ushers, production staff helpers and ticket managers. If you aren't performing, we could use your assistance -- or sign up your spouse for a job.

Mega Choral Concert This Sunday To Benefit Hurricane Victims
The Internationally renowned men's barbershop chorus, The Ambassadors of Harmony from St. Charles, Mo., has been added to the line up of choral groups performing at a benefit concert in our Sanctuary on Sunday evening, Sept. 25, to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims. The Chancel Choir will participate in the event. Each will present a 15-minute segment of music. Charles Brennon, KMOX radio personality, has been asked to emcee the concert. Admission to the concert is free, but an offering will be taken to benefit the American Red Cross. Groups slated to perform include:
American Chamber Chorale
St. Louis Archdiocesan Choir
Bach Society of St. Louis
MUMC Chancel Choir
St. Louis Chamber Chorus
St. Louis Metro Singers
Ambassadors of Harmony

Cares and Concerns
Alto Dixie Moll reports that her mother has been hospitalized with pneumonia. Her mother has been living at Delmar Gardens on the Green for the past 3 1/2 years. Please keep Dixie and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Chancel C hoir Update: Additional Information
Soprano Dawn Bishop's mother's name is Gertrude Osborn. Funeral arrangements
and other details are included in the previous email update sent earlier this
afternoon.

Chancel Choir Update 9/17: Death In Chancel Choir Family
We are saddened to report the death of Soprano Dawn Bishop's mother. Details
appear in the note from Dawn below.

Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers for my mom, my family, and me! I really appreciate all of you very much.
My mom passed away last night around 7:30pm after being off of the respirator for 8 hours. She was peaceful and we know without a doubt that she is with God in Heaven.
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Visitation on Monday 9/19 from 4 to 8pm
Service on Tuesday 9/20 at 9:30am
Both the visitation and the service will be held at the Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler
Funeral Home in Arnold, MO on Jeffco near Hwy 141.
Your continued thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this
difficult time.
My best to all of you,
Dawn Bishop

Chancel Choir Update 9/16: News / Cares and Concerns
No Chancel Choir On Sunday
Chancel Choir has the Sunday off this week. No choir in the loft.

Officers Hold First Session of New Year
The 2005-2006 Chancel Choir officers held their first meeting of the year Thursday night prior to rehearsal. Here is what they did:
-- Discussed scheduling for the gourmet dinners purchased at the Youth Auction. One dinner will be offered in November and the other will be served sometime in the spring, at the request of the purchasers.
-- Discussed logistics for the annual retreat next month. It was agreed that the new format adopted last year which featured more singing and less down time would be followed again this year.
-- Discussed the upcoming Christmas concert and ways to promote attendance.
-- Heard a report on the upcoming Talent Show. Tickets will be distributed to choir members to sell in the next couple of weeks. All choir members will be asked to sell eight tickets to the event which is the choir's major fund raiser for the year. Signup sheets will be available soon for help to produce the concert.
-- Treasurer Jacque Rocchio reported the current balance in the choir activity account was $6,421.85 as of July 31, 2005. After all expenses for the Great Britain trip were paid, it was reported there was an apparent shortage of $3,710.21. A careful audit of receipts and expenses will be conducted to determine where the error occurred.
-- Kevin reported that the church has "adopted" Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown St. Louis as an outreach project. Various ministries in our church will be working with Centenary to revitalize it attendance. The music program will be providing concerts and worship music in the near future. Members of the Good News Quartet will sing for worship at the church on Sept. 25.

Great Britain CDs Will Be Available Soon
The CD set of the Great Britain tour concerts and the pre-trip concert will be finished in the near future. Choir members who ordered the recording have been inquiring about its projected completion date. The second disk of the two-disk set will be completed as soon as Kevin has selected the best tracks for each tour piece from the various location concert recordings.

Cares and Concerns
Mildred Bitting, mother of Soprano Barb Barrett, suffered a broken hip in a fall Wednesday night. She underwent successful hip replacement surgery at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Thursday.

Virginia Ford, mother of Bass Gary Ford, will undergo hip replacement surgery on Friday at St. Joseph's Health Center in Kansas City, Mo. She broke her hip in a fall on Thursday morning while walking into her doctor's office.

Chancel Choir Update 9/13: News / Cares and Concerns
Auditions This Weekend Uncover More Than 15 Talent Show Acts
They were lined up at the door Sunday afternoon waiting to audition for the second edition of the MUMC Fall Follies Talent Show to be presented Oct. 29. Follies Director Bill Borger said he was encouraged by the talent he saw and says this year's show will be "as good or better than the show two years ago."

The presentations ran the gamut from individual vocal and instrumental solos to dramatic presentations and scenes from television shows. When Alto Maida McCormack put out an appeal for an accordion earlier this month, she received offers to loan her four instruments ranging from a small concertina to a large, full-sized model. You may have thought she planned to use the accordion as a humorous prop -- not so. Turns out Maida is an accordion virtuoso who as a young girl, traveled to shows, churches, county fairs and community events playing the accordion. After slipping the instrument's straps around her shoulders, she told Bill Borger the accordion can perform many different music styles and proceeded to play a half dozen songs from memory.

Bass Buddy Rains performed a stand up comedy routine featuring some home-spun Southern humor similar to that performed by Andy Griffith. He opened his audition with a detailed explanation of how he used to enjoy comedy as a young boy growing up in Alabama. Several persons sang vocal solos as proposed talent show acts.

In additional to individuals acts, at least two groups presented vocal and dance numbers for the show director to review. One group performed a humerous rendition of a classical number. The casting call was held so Borger could see what people had prepared and help him put together a show concept. Over the next several weeks, individual acts will rehearse both alone and with Borger to focus their performances.

In addition to acts, Chancel Choir members will be asked to help out with production of the show including ticket sales, ushering, production assistance and publicity. Look for sign up sheets soon. And, don't forget, the choir will display some of its talent as well by singing a number or two during the show.

Fall Retreat Registration Is Due This Week
It's back to Mercy Center for the Chancel Choir's annual Fall Retreat Oct. 7 and 8. Registration forms were distributed during rehearsal last Thursday night and are due with payment no later than Sept. 18. Cost of the retreat is $29 for those not staying overnight and includes lunch. Overnight guests will pay $63 for a double occupancy room and $75 for a single room. Registration forms are available in the music room.

Ambassadors of Harmony Added To Benefit Concert On Sept. 25
The Internationally renowned men's barbershop chorus, The Ambassadors of Harmony from St. Charles, Mo., has been added to the line up of choral groups performing at a benefit concert in our Sanctuary on Sunday evening, Sept. 25, to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims. The Chancel Choir will participate in the event. Each will present a 15-minute segment of music. Charles Brennon, KMOX radio personality, has been asked to emcee the concert. Admission to the concert is free, but an offering will be taken to benefit the American Red Cross. Groups slated to perform include:
American Chamber Chorale
St. Louis Archdiocesan Choir
Bach Society of St. Louis
MUMC Chancel Choir
St. Louis Chamber Chorus
St. Louis Metro Singers
Ambassadors of Harmony

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Bertha Erhardt is recovering from laproscopic surgery to remove her gallbladder on Monday at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. She expects to be released from the hospital on Tuesday. Husband Don says thanks to our choir family for the thoughts, prayers, and calls of concern.

News From Other Church Organizations
On Sunday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m., the church's youth are hosting a "Multi-Generation Game Night". If you are in the 60-plus age group, you are invited to attend. Come join the youth of our church for an afternoon of card games and board games, snacks, and fellowship. Experience first hand what a neat group of young people our church is helping to raise and develop in Christian spirit. We'll be playing Tripoli, Texas Hold-em, Uno, Gin, Monopoly, Sorry, and lots of other games, but the real purpose of this event is for the "senior" members of our church to get to know our youth better, and for them to have a chance to interface and get to know you. The games begin at 4:30 p.m. and last until 6:30 p.m.

Chancel Choir Update 9/10: Buddie's Sister Is Okay
Bass Buddy Rains reports that his sister, Vicki Rains, who was missing in New Orleans is okay in a shelter in Massachusetts. Buddy received a call from her today and says she is doing well. "Friday I got a call from a friend saying he saw my sister on WWL-TV in New Orleans as she was being evacuated and loaded into a boat. Today she called me and is doing well . . . just very tired. She was evacuated to Camp Edwards in Bourne, Mass., on Cape Cod. Please thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. The Chancel Choir family is the best." Buddy had not heard from his sister since she left a voice mail message on his phone the Sunday before Hurricane Katrina made landfall. In the message, she indicated she had decided to ride out the storm in her New Orleans home near the French Quarter.

Chancel Choir Update 9/9: News / Cares and Concerns
Choir's Will Sing Two Services This Sunday
The choir will begin its Sunday morning singing season this Sunday, Sept. 11. We will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. Anthems will be: Jubilate & Benedictus, Sing Out My Soul and Be Thou My Vision. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the music room.

Fall Follies Casting Call This Weekend
Got those acts ready for the Fall Follies? Show us what you've got at our open casting calls this weekend: Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the choir room. For more information, contact show director Bill Borger at 636-256-1755 or email him at premierepartnership@earthlink.net. The Follies is set for Saturday night, Oct. 29 and is the primary fund raiser for the Chancel Choir this year.

St. Louis Chorus and Choir Benefit Concert For Hurricane Victims Set in Our Church Sept. 25
A benefit concert featuring major choirs and choruses from the St. Louis area will perform a benefit concert in our Sanctuary on Sunday evening, Sept. 25 to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims. The Chancel Choir will participate in the event. So far seven singing groups have been invited to participate. Each will present a 15-minute segment of music. Charles Brennon, KMOX radio personality, has been asked to emcee the concert. Admission to the concert is free, but an offering will be taken to benefit the American Red Cross. Groups invited to participate include:
American Chamber Chorale
St. Louis Archdiocesan Choir
Bach Society of St. Louis
In Unison Chorus
MUMC Chancel Choir
St. Louis Chamber Chorus
St. Louis Metro Singers

Fall Retreat Registration Is Due September 18
It's back to Mercy Center for the Chancel Choir's annual Fall Retreat Oct. 7 and 8. Registration forms were distributed during rehearsal last night and are due with payment no later than Sept. 18. Kevin reported last night that this year's retreat will be "streamlined" mainly because Mercy Center is unable to serve meals to more than 100 persons at a time. That means there will be no Friday or Saturday evening dinners this year. However, there will be plenty of snacks and other food to share. Lunch on Saturday will be served in shifts to accommodate the group. There will be rooms for 40 persons to stay overnight at Mercy Center. As you recall, sleeping rooms there are very comfortable. The retreat will get started with arrival and check between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. Rehearsal is set from 7 until 9:30 p.m. with a "slumber party" beginning at 10 a.m. Kevin says at least two movies will be shown. Breakfast will be served to those staying overnight at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 and a full day of singing and activities will follow at 9 a.m. much as at past retreats. Cost of the retreat is $29 for those not staying overnight and includes lunch. Overnight guests will pay $63 for a double occupancy room and $75 for a single room. Registration forms are available in the music room and are due on Sept. 18 along with your payment. Come join the fun at the retreat. It is an opportunity to make new friends, learn more about the choir and learn the music we'll be singing in the weeks ahead. See you there.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Buddy Rains reports that his sister, Vicki Rains, remains missing in New Orleans. Buddy says he has not heard from his sister since she left a voice mail message on his phone the Sunday before Hurricane Katina made landfall. In the message, she indicated she had decided to ride out the storm. Buddy says his sister lives in a house about two blocks from the French Quarter in an area that suffered only minor flooding and damage. He believes it is unusual that she has not contacted him by now and fears for her safety. Calls to the Red Cross and other agencies have not been helpful.

Soprano Bertha Erhardt will undergo surgery to remove her gall bladder on Monday, Sept. 12, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Bertha has been dealing with symptoms from a gall stone the past several weeks and suffered another attack on Thursday.

Hurricane Katrina Relief -- Since last Wednesday, more than $50,000 has been contributed by our church to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) for Hurricane Katrina victims. For more complete report on the church's activities and to learn more about immediate needs and things you can do to help, click on the link below:
http://view.exacttarget.com/?ffcd16-fe9015787663037875-fe301770726c0575751672-ff3213737466

Chancel Choir Update 9/8: News / Cares and Concerns
Another Rehearsal Set For Thursday
Yes, we're going to rehearse again at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the music room. It's the second Chancel Choir rehearsal of the new season. If you missed last week, you'll for sure want to be there this Thursday night.

Choir's First Sunday Singing Is Sept. 11
The choir will begin its Sunday morning singing season a week from this Sunday on Sept. 11. The choir will sing for both the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. Anthems will be: Jubilate & Benedictus, Sing Out My Soul and Be Thou My Vision.

Fall Follies Casting Call Is Next Week
Got those acts ready for the Fall Follies? Show us what you've got at our open casting calls: Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the choir room. For more information, contact show director Bill Borger at 636-256-1755 or email him at premierepartnership@earthlink.net. The Follies is set for Saturday night, Oct. 29. You'll hear more very soon.

Four Accordions Offered to Maida
The power of communications. No less than four accordions have been offered to Alto Maida McCormack for use in her Fall Follies act. After last Friday's email update, Maida received four messages about available accordions ranging from tiny to 12-base to 120 base (whatever that means).

Cares and Concerns
The following information about local efforts on behalf of Hurricane Katrina victims has been received by the church office.

> Catholic Charities Family Adoption Program
Catholic Charities is coordinating housing for families who are arriving from Louisiana.
Persons who have a house or apartment are asked to contact Catholic Charities at a special number: 314-802-0700.
If you wish to Adopt-A-Family (other than providing housing) you may also contact Catholic Charities. This will work something like the Adopt-A-Family works during the Christmas season. It might entail purchasing clothing, diapers, formula, household items, toys for the children, etc.

> Former St. Louis Country Correctional Facility In Chesterfield Valley
Volunteers at the Chesterfield Police Department Office of Emergency Management report that the St. Louis Correctional Facility in Chesterfield Valley (also known as Gumbo Flats) is now being called the St. Louis County Regional Assistance Center. There will be an orientation to train volunteers to assist hurricane victims who are being placed there. The date, time and location of that training will be forwarded to me as soon as it is scheduled and I will keep you informed.
There is an urgent need for the following items which are to be dropped off after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 9/8 at the St. Louis County Regional Assistance Center located at 18119 Chesterfield Airport Road in Chesterfield Valley.
Diapers (any kind)
Formula (any kind)
Crayons
Markers
Coloring books
Toilet tissue
Facial tissue
Paper towels
Baby wipes
Liquid and bar soap
Hand Sanitizer
Bottled Water
Deodorant
Combs & brushes
Phone cards
Gas cards

> Missouri Conference Hurricane Relief Information
Go the the following link to learn more about the activities of the church's Missouri Conference on behalf of hurricane victims.
http://www.moumethodist.org/newsbody.asp?id=262

Chancel Choir Update 9/2: News
Rehearsals Resume For 52nd Chancel Choir Season
With a lot of smiles and happy faces, the Chancel Choir returned to the music room for rehearsal Thursday night. A total of 124 singers were present for the rehearsal. Along with the regulars, 12 new members signed in to join the choir this year.
Chancel Choir President Mary Dean welcomed the choir back to work for the new season. She promised that the year would be full of great singing and new experiences. Mary challenged the choir to remember "why we are here" and asked them to do their part in bringing new people to the church and to Jesus Christ. She also said the choir officers would be looking at new ways for the Chancel Choir to become involved in the community this year. As part of the opening, a top 10 list was presented -- The Top 10 Reasons I'm Glad to Be Back in Choir. Various choir members jumped to their feet for each of the items on the list.

A large birthday cake was rolled into the choir room in recognition of Kevin's 44th birthday on Saturday. The choir sang happy birthday.

Later in the evening, Ted Cronbaugh presented Tenor Don Erhardt a framed recognition certificate to mark his 20th year as an associate organist at the church. Ted reported that Don had also received a pair of organist's shoes at a dinner earlier this summer for the church organists.

Rev. Debby Peebles stopped by during rehearsal to welcome the choir back to work. "I see you in the balcony every week during the summer. It will be nice for you to sit back up in the chancel."

Choir Asst. Treasurer Tim Zink welcomed new members as they arrived and introduced them to the choir. Persons sitting next to the new members were called on to tell the choir about the new members.

Following rehearsal, birthday cake and snacks made by Soprano JoAnn Jones were served. If you couldn't make it this week, we'll be happy to see you next Thursday. And if you know of anyone interested in joining the choir, now's the time to ask them to attend next week's rehearsal. Better yet, pick them up and bring them with you next week.

Choir's First Sunday Singing Is Sept. 11
The choir will begin its Sunday morning singing season a week from this Sunday on Sept. 11. The choir will sing for both the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. Anthems will be: Jubilate & Benedictus, Sing Out My Soul and Be Thou My Vision.

Retreat Registration Will Begin Next Thursday
The annual Chancel Choir retreat is set for Oct. 7 and 8 this year at Mercy Center in Town and Country (or Frontenac or Creve Coeur, depending on which city map you have). Details on the retreat and registration information will be available at next Thursday's rehearsal, Sept. 8.

Smile, It's Picture Day at Chancel Choir Rehearsal
The Chancel Choir needs a new "family photo." So, we're asking everyone to be present for our rehearsal on Oct. 13 when we will zip up the purple and go up to the loft for a photo session.

Fall Follies Casting Call Is Next Week
Got those acts ready for the Fall Follies? Show us what you've got at our open casting calls: Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the choir room. For more information, contact show director Bill Borger at 636-256-1755 or email him at premierepartnership@earthlink.net. The Follies is set for Saturday night, Oct. 29. You'll hear more very soon.

Maida Needs An Accordion
Yes, you read this correctly. Alto Maida McCormack needs an accordion (preferably 120 bass) for use in her act for the Fall Follies. If anyone in the choir has such a musical device or knows where she can borrow one for use from now through the end of October, please give her a call at 636-230-9913 or email at joemaida@swbell.net.

Chancel Choir Update 8/31: First Rehearsal Is Thursday Night / Other News
It's Back to Choir On Thursday
It's that time again. Dust off your vocal cords and get ready to start for Chancel Choir's 52nd season. Our first rehearsal of the season is this Thursday night, Sept. 1, 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 On Sunday Sept. 11 For Two Services
The Chancel Choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday, Sept. 11. It will be our first Sunday back in the choir loft for this season.

Fall Follies Casting Call Is Next Week
Got those acts ready for the Fall Follies? Show us what you've got at our open casting calls: Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the choir room. For more information, contact show director Bill Borger at 636-256-1755 or email him at premierepartnership@earthlink.net. The Follies is set for Saturday night, Oct. 29. You'll hear more very soon.

Coventry Choir 25th Reunion Celebration This Weekend
The Coventry Choir is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a reunion this weekend. So far, 13 former members of Coventry Choir will be joining current members with a dinner at Spiro's on Friday night, rehearsals on Saturday followed by a potluck. Coventry Choir joined by its visiting former members will provide music for worship on Sunday.

Cares and Concerns
With conditionings worsening in New Orleans, yet another choir member reports family in harm's way. Bass Buddy Rains says his sister lives in New Orleans just east of the French Quarter on Burgundy. "Her message early Sunday afternoon said she had boarded up and was staying there. I've not spoken to her but hope she changed her mind and left. Please keep her and her cats in your prayers."

Chancel Choir Update 8/29: Additional Hurricane Concerns
Bass Andy Belval reports Soprano Marci Belval "has a large contingent of relatives that are in the New Orleans/Baton Rouge area. The New Orleans folks got out yesterday, but the Baton Rouge clan is hunkering down. Any and all prayers that can be sent their way would be wonderful."

Chancel Choir Update 8/29: Cares and Concerns - Hurricane
We received this note from Soprano Beth Neuhalfen late on Sunday (8/28) regarding her family in the New Orleans:
"My son-in-law's family all live in New Orleans, as well as one of my best friend's daughter, son-in-law and little grandson. All had left New Orleans by 2 p.m. today, driving either northward (toward Jackson, Miss.) for friend's children and my son-in-law's family was headed to Dallas and his mom is headed to Jefferson City. All have been told to be prepared to not be able to get back into the area of their homes and business for two weeks. My son-in-law's brother is a doctor and was scheduled to be on call this weekend, but a single doc with no family in the area willing swapped call with Bob so that he could leave with his wife and two children and assorted "critters". Please keep all in your prayers. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew and his family live about 90 miles west in Lafayette, La. I spoke to them about 8 p.m. and they are still watching and waiting. Right now they have been told to expect tropical storm winds. They are all together at my brother's house and are packed to leave if it shifts further west."

Chancel Choir Update 8/28: Cares and Concerns
Rev. Julian Moorman, father of Soprano Mary Dean, is recovering in a Raleigh, N.C., hospital from surgery Friday to treat a broken hip he suffered in a fall in his apartment on Thursday night.

As far as we know, Chancel Choir members have no relatives or loved ones in the path of Hurricane Katrina as it prepares to strike New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf coast. If you know of relatives who are or will be effected by the storm, please reply to this email and keep us posted as the storm progresses.

Chancel Choir Update 8/25: Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services for Elizabeth Kneemiller will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 26 at Paul Funeral Home in St. Charles. A visitation will be held at the funeral home today, Aug. 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. She is the mother of Bass David Givens and mother-in-law of Soprano Kathy Givens. Mrs. Kneemiller died Tuesday afternoon (8/23) at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield where she had been hospitalized in intensive care suffering from a chronic lung condition. If you wish to contact the Givens family, the address is: 912 Oak Terrace Court, Fenton, MO 63026-7014. Phone: 636-861-7391. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Givens family during the difficult time.

Chancel Choir Update 8/24: Death In Chancel Choir Family
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Betty Kneemiller, mother of Bass David Givens and mother-in-law of Soprano Kathy Givens. She died Tuesday afternoon (8/23) at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield where she had been hospitalized in intensive care suffering from a chronic lung condition. Funeral services will be Friday morning at the Paul Funeral Home in St. Charles. A visitation will be held on Thursday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Givens family during the difficult time.

Chancel Choir Update 8/21: News You Can Use
Fall Kick Off Party Sets Record Attendance
What a night. Our Fall Kick Off Party had something for everyone, drama, emotion, music, fellowship and excellent food. According to an unofficial count, a record 115 and 120 persons attended the party held this year at the home of Soprano JoAnn Jones and her husband, Bruce, in Town and Country. In past years, the fall kick off party attendance has ranged from 60 to 80 persons. No doubt the special singing recognition for Kevin contributed to the high attendance. A total of 63 choir members participated in singing of the commissioned music dedicated to Kevin.

Kevin offered a welcome to choir members at the beginning of the evening. He read a personal letter to the choir from John Rutter which he had received in the mail earlier in the week. Rutter congratulated the choir on the planned performance of his music on Dec. 18 as recognition for the British composer's 60th birthday. Kevin said he had been trading email messages with Rutter for some time when the composer volunteered to write a letter for use in our concert program. Fran McMillian, the choir's director of recognition, read the list of August birthdays and anniversaries.

Immediately following dinner, Kevin was ushered to the back patio by Choir President Mary Dean. Singers had already assembled on a hill behind the house facing the patio. Mary told Kevin the choir had been working on a way to show its appreciation to him for his 10 years as its director. Kevin was introduced to the choir as its new director at a similar fall kick off party 10 years earlier. Past President Jim Desher explained to Kevin that a piece of music by composer Howard Helvey had been written and dedicated to him on behalf of the choir. Choir Vice President Chris Kennedy presented Kevin with a framed letter from Helvey and a framed copy of the music. Mike Latimer then stepped forward and conducted the choir in a performance of the piece while Kevin sat listening. Following the performance, Kevin made some brief emotional remarks to the choir and greeted choir members.

Several potential new choir members were spotted in the crowd. It is safe to say that some new faces will be present at the first rehearsal on Sept. 1. Soprano Maryann Brinkley told friends attending the party that she is moving to a new home in the country near Hannibal, Mo., and will be leaving the choir this fall. Special thanks goes out to JoAnn and Bruce Jones for opening their home to the choir for its fall party this year. Photos of the party have been posted in an album and may be viewed at the link listed below:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZMWbhs3aNmIK

We're Headed Back to the Emperor's Palace This Thursday and We Need Your Reservation
If you are planning to join us for the last dinner of the summer this week at the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield, we need your reservation. This Thursday, Aug. 28, the traveling dinner will hit the mega buffet again -- the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley. It sounds exclusively Chinese, but there's much more. Seven full buffets including Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese food, a Mongolian wok for custom stir fry, plus a full American buffet the size of the Home Town buffet. Add in a shrimp and crab bar, full dessert table, and a chocolate fountain and you've got a full stomach. Join us for it at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 25 at the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley next to the Spaghetti Factory. Reservations are required -- respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday, Aug. 24. Again, we are in the upper, private dining room. There are only 50 seats available for Thursday night. Reserve your place now.

Chancel Choir Update 8/20: Cares and Concerns
Bass David Givens' mother, Betty Kneemiller, is hospitalized in intensive care and listed in critical condition at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield suffering from a chronic lung condition. She has been in and out of the hospital with pneumonia throughout the last year and is currently on life support and heavily sedated. Dave and Soprano Kathy Givens request our through and prayers.

Chancel Choir Update 8/19: Important News / Cares and Concerns
By Popular Request: We're Headed Back to the Mega Buffet For The Final Summer Dinner
They couldn't believe it when we first stopped at the Emperor's Palace for dinner in July. Food of every description and nationality on massive buffet tables. For the last dinner of the summer, we're headed back for another dose of copious calories. Next Thursday, Aug. 28, the traveling dinner will hit the mega buffet again -- the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley. It sounds exclusively Chinese, but there's much more. Seven full buffets including Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese food, a Mongolian wok for custom stir fry, plus a full American buffet the size of the Home Town buffet. Add in a shrimp and crab bar, full dessert table, and a chocolate fountain and you've got a full stomach. Join us for it at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 25 at the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley next to the Spaghetti Factory. Reservations are required -- respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday, Aug. 24. Again, we are in the upper, private dining room. There are only 50 seats available for Thursday night. Reserve your place now.

Fall Kick Off Party Is This Saturday
Dust off the lawn chair and fire up the oven. The annual back to choir fall Kick Off party is this Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m. at the home of JoAnn and Bruce Jones, 13536 Royal Glen Dr. 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 and a lawn chair. To find the Jones' home, take Mason Road north from Manchester Road or south from Clayton Road. Look for Kings Glen Dr. which is the second street south of Clayton Road. Turn west and follow it around to Royal Glen Dr. and look for 13536. If you get lost, call 314-469-1511 and we'll talk you in. For a map, click this link:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=13536+Royal+Glen+Drive&csz=St.+Louis%2C+MO&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=

Cares and Concerns
Alto Debbi Brader asks the choir for its thoughts and prayers for her family. We received the following note from her yesterday (8/18). It is reprinted below:

Please keep our family in your prayers. My dad's sister passed away on Tuesday. The funeral is tomorrow in Jackson, Mo. She had been ill a long time and my dad is really having a difficult time with her death because they were so close. They were the closest in age, and had a special bond.

Chancel Choir Update 8/16: Very Important News
Thursday Night Dinner Relocated To Surf & Sirloin
The traveling summer Thursday night dinner this week has been moved to Surf & Sirloin at 13090 Manchester Road. Unfortunately, P.F. Chang's in Chesterfield was unable to accommodate us this year. Surf & Sirloin is located on Manchester Road just west of the Olive Garden. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday. Last call for reservations. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday. Because our dinner groups have been averaging over 40 people this year, some special considerations are necessary. Some weeks the number of seats are limited and a waiting list is established. If you sign up for a dinner reservation and are unable to attend, please notify us in advance.

Fall Kick Off Party Is This Saturday
Dust off the lawn chair and fire up the oven. The annual back to choir fall Kick Off party is this Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m. at the home of JoAnn and Bruce Jones, 13536 Royal Glen Dr. 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 Jones' home, take Mason Road north from Manchester Road or south from Clayton Road. Look for Kings Glen Dr. which is the second street south of Clayton Road. Turn west and follow it around to Royal Glen Dr. and look for 13536. If you get lost, call 314-469-1511 and we'll talk you in. For a map, click this link:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=13536+Royal+Glen+Drive&csz=St.+Louis%2C+MO&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=

Fall Follies Talent Show Casting Call Is Sept. 10 and 11
If you've always wanted to sing, dance or entertain your church friends. Now's your chance. The bi-annual MUMC Fall Follies talent and variety show is set for Saturday, Oct. 29. This year's theme features travel: "Around the World in a Daze." Get those acts together and be ready for the open casting calls in the music room on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Bill Borger, the show's director, at 636-256-1755 or at premierepartnership@earthlink.net. Any member or friend of the congregation college age or older is eligible to participate. The Fall Follies is the choir's one big fund raiser for the year.

Cares and Concerns
As far as we know, choir members suffered no injuries or catastrophic damage in Saturday's sever storms. Many choir members were still without power on Tuesday night. Some reported telephone and Internet service outages as well. The biggest problem was downed trees blocking subdivision streets, falling in yards, and damaging roofs.

Patrick Henry Corley was born to Rev. Erik and Mary Corley on Aug. 10.

Chancel Choir Update 8/10: News
Missing Robe Is Returned To Choir Room
Chancel Choir Robe No. 60, missing for more than 10 months, has been returned. The robe was found by music ministry assistant Eedy Gustafson on Monday morning laying folded on a counter in the music room. It apparently had been returned anonymously. No note of explanation was found. Robe No. 60 was noticeably wrinkled, but appeared to be in good health given its ordeal. Eedy immediately reported her discovery to Melissa Larson, choir wardrobe director, who rushed the robe to a nearby dry cleaning facility for observation and cleaning. Robe No. 60 was last seen during the choir's concert in October. The missing robe generated much comment among the choir and even sparked a garment hunt during the winter. After a short rest, Robe No. 60 will be returned to normal duty.

Chancel Choir Update 8/9: News / Cares and Concerns
Last Call For Thursday Dinner At Lazy River Grill
There are four seats left for this week's summer traveling dinner at the Lazy River Grill. Due to the size of the dining room, space is limited to 44 diners this week. The last four seats will go, on a first requested basis. The Lazy River Grill is in the strip mall behind the Sonic Drive-In at Big Bend and Sulphur Spring roads. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday night, Aug. 11. Please call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon, Wednesday, Aug. 10. Here is a link for a map to the restaurant:
http://lazyyellow.com/images/location.htm

Cares and Concerns
Alto Carol Shaffer's great nephew, Ty Quick, 19, was killed in a single car accident near his home in New Haven, Mo. on Saturday night. Ty was Carol's sister's grandson. Ty was a student at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. The Shaffers ask for your thoughts and prayers for Bill and Evelyn Quick and their son Bryan's family.

Chancel Choir Update 8/05: News / Cares and Concerns
Dinner Thursday At The Lazy River Grill
The summer traveling Thursday night dinner will stop at the Lazy River Grill on Big Bend at Sulphur Spring roads at 6:30 p.m., next Thursday, Aug. 11. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon, Wednesday, Aug. 10. Here is a link for a map to the restaurant:
http://lazyyellow.com/images/location.htm

Chancel Times Is In Your Mailbox
The latest edition of the Chancel Choir's newsletter, the Chancel Times, should have arrived in your mailbox by now. Look for a plain white 6x9 envelope. You'll find some very interesting and informative reading inside. You'll also note there is one typo and one grammar error included for educational purposes.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Jo Ann Jones is asking for thoughts and prayers for her cousin who had a mastectomy yesterday and was told she could expect to live only about a year. Jo Ann says her name is Carolyn, she is 55 years old and lives in a small rural town in western Missouri. Her husband suffered a heart attack about a year ago.

Chancel Choir Update 8/2: News
Last Call For Dinner Thursday At Big Bear Grill
The traveling summer dinners will make a stop at the Big Bear Grill in Wildwood this Thursday night, Aug. 4. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 3. The Big Bear Grill is at 16524 Manchester Road in front of the Schnuck's Store in the same building with St. Louis Bread Company. The food is excellent there. Here a link to a map:
http://bigbeargrill.com/location.htm

Ted Is Named Organist For the St. Louis Archdiocesan Choir
Congratulations are in order for Ted Cronbaugh, our organist and accompanist. Ted has been named organist for the Archdiocesan Choir at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica. He will accompany the choir for special Mass services at the Cathedral Basilica through out the year and will be a part of two of the Cathedral concerts in December and April. Ted will be working with John Romeri, choir director at the Cathedral. This does not affect Ted's duties with our church or the Chancel Choir.

Now You Can Dial Kevin Direct
The 21st century has arrived at the church office. The phone system was recently upgraded with direct in-dial numbers and now you can call your favorite staff member directly. Of course, the main church number is still working and the main church phone is answered every day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. by our own Alto Kristie Whitney, church receptionist. But, if you want to bypass Kristie's friendly voice or rather not be asked to "press one" by the auto answer system, here are the direct dial numbers for the music staff. You may want to add them to your speed dial.

Kevin McBeth -- 636-200-4732
Ted Cronbaugh-- 636-200-4728
Eedy Gustafson-- 636-200-4702
Lori Borger-- 636-200-4716
Dana Self -- 636-200-4726
Sherri Boland -- 636-200-4733

Chancel Choir Update 7/26: Cares and Concerns
Alto Bonnie Halls remains hospitalized at St. Louis University Hospital recovering from hip replacement surgery earlier today (Tuesday, 7/26). Bonnie says she has a congenital joint defect which has caused her increased pain over the past few years. A new arthoscopic technique was used to perform her hip replacement which should speed recovery time. She expects to be released from the hospital on Thursday.

Last Call For Dinner Thursday Night At The Olive Garden
If you want to dine with the group at the Olive Garden on Manchester Road in Des Peres at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, we need to hear from you by noon tomorrow (Wednesday, July 27). Either reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749.

Chancel Choir Update 7/21: News / Cares and Concerns
Location of August 20 Back To Choir Party Changed
Due to a scheduling conflict, the location of the annual Back-To-Choir party next month has been changed. Soprano Jo Ann Jones and husband Bruce have agreed to host the party at their home at 13536 Royal Glen Drive on Saturday, Aug. 20, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The format for the party will remain the same. It's a potluck. It's also an opportunity to invite friends and acquaintances interested in joining the choir to attend and check us out. Detailed directions and further information about the party will be provided closer to the event.

Joe Elstner's Rock Band Appearance Is Rescheduled
If you were headed to Here's Johnny's in O'Fallon, Mo., on Saturday night, July 30, to hear Decades, Baritone Joe Elstner's rock band, don't pack the car just yet. Joe reports that a scheduling conflict has resulted in his band having to cancel its appearance on July 30. According to Joe, the band will be back at Here's Johnny's on Saturday, Aug. 27, for sure.

You've Been Busy This Summer
Our appeal for "gossip" for the next edition of The Chancel Times has produced some interesting information. You'll have some fun reading about the choir member who chased a thief through an airport, another who was seen riding a Harley-Davidson in Texas, a couple of celebrity sightings, and some interesting vacations. But, we're sure there is more. If you know of some interesting, unusual, or humorous experiences during the summer, please let us know. Contrary to the description in our earlier appeal, we aren't looking for anything that would actually embarrass anyone, just some interesting experiences to share. If you've got some, please reply to this email.

Cares and Concerns
Add another grandchild to the list for Alto Diane and Bass Tom Lawrence. Elliot Lawrence Frank arrived on Thursday, July 20, in Lafayette, Colo. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces, was 21 inches long, and is the son of Melanie Lawrence and Kevin Frank. All are doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 7/18: 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 21. 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.

Chancel Times Is Seeking Some Good Gossip
The editor is burning the midnight oil putting together an issue of The Chancel Times. There's lots to talk about, but we always need to know the good stuff -- gossip about our choir friends. Did you do anything interesting our unusual this summer? Have an unusual, funny or embarrassing experience? Do you know about someone else in the choir that had an unusual, funny or embarrassing experience? 'Tis the season to share. Let The Chancel Times editor know by replying to this email in the next few days.

Fall Follies Is Just A Few Months Away
If you haven't put any thought into your act for this year's edition of the Fall Follies, time's a wastin'. This year's talent show, the major fund raiser for the choir this year, will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 29. A "casting call" to review and approve proposed acts for the show will be held in September. Show director Bill Borger is already at work on a theme, concept and structure for the show. This year, the entire choir will perform at least two numbers during the show. All choir members will be expected to perform on stage at least once during the evening -- either with the choir or in a special act. So, that means its time to put some serious thought into your participation. The last Fall Follies in 2003 was a major success. The Follies is presented by the choir every other year.

Cars and Concerns
It's another grandchild for Baritone Frederiksen. Andrew Christopher Lambert was born on July 8 to daughter Ginger. No work on location or vital stats. But, we are assuming all is well with the new arrival.

Chancel Choir Update 7/11: News / Cares and Concerns
We're Headed to the Mega Buffet on Thursday
Thursday, July 14, the traveling dinner will hit the mega buffet -- the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley. It sounds exclusively Chinese, but there's much more. Seven full buffets including Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese food, a Mongolian wok for custom stir fry, plus a full American buffet the size of the Home Town buffet. Add in a shrimp and crab bar, full dessert table, and a chocolate fountain and you've got a full stomach. Join us for it at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 14 at the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley next to the Spaghetti Factory. Reservations are required -- respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday.

Alto Barb Vendt's son and former Chancel Choir Scholarship winner, Daniel Vendt, has been notified that one of his films will be shown at the Tivoli Theater as part of the Fourth Annual St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. The film, entitled "Paper Due Monday" will be screened at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19. Daniel wrote, directed, shot and edited the film, and also wrote, directed and recorded the music for the film.

The Decades, Baritone Joe Elstner's rock band, will perform at Here's Johnny's in O'Fallon, Mo., from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 30. Joe plays keyboards and sings with the band which has been performing in St. Louis for more than 15 years. Joe says Here's Johnny's has great food and a lot of room to dance. It's located in a strip mall called Gilman Plaza. Take Highway 40/64 west to the Wing Haven exit and go north on Bryan Road for three miles. The Decades plays at Here's Johnny's the last Saturday of every month.

Cares and Concerns
Alto Dawn Bishop is asking for thoughts and prayers for her mother, Gertrude Osborn, who has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Family members believe she will be unable to return home to live on her own.

Chancel Choir Update 7/9: Cares and Concerns
Today we just have "cares". Here is some interesting information about choir members and their families:

Joanne Descher To Be Interviewed on American Justice Television Show
The national spotlight turns on one of our own tonight on the A&E cable television channel. Joanne Descher, wife of Baritone Jim Descher, will be interviewed on A&E's American Justice television show regarding a capital murder case now on appeal. Joanne, an attorney and partner in a Clayton law firm, is serving as court appointed counsel for the defendant in the appeal. The case, known as the Chain of Rocks Bridge murder, drew national attention 10 years ago when it was tried in the local courts. The defendant in the case was found guilty and received the death penalty. The case is now on appeal. The show is reviewing the case and taped an interview with Joanne. The show will air at 10 p.m. tonight, Saturday, July 9, on the A&E cable channel.

Laura Ferree and Son Jake Are Stars Once Again
Those talented Ferree's are back on stage this summer in two local community theater productions. Jake Ferree, son of Alto Laura Ferree is performing in a local production of the musical Peter Pan. The show is presented at the Marquette High School Theater on the following dates: At 7 p.m. on July 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16. At 2 p.m. on July 10 and 17. Tickets are $12 and $14 in advance and $14 and $16 at the door. Call 636-207-2541 to order tickets. Laura has a major role in the production of the musical Chicago produced by the same theater company. Chicago also will be presented at Marquette High School at 8 p.m. on July 29 and 30 and Aug. 4, 5, and 6. It will be presented at 2 p.m. on July 31 and Aug. 7. Tickets are $14 in advance and $16 at the door. Call 636-207-2541 to order tickets.

Chancel Choir Update 7/8: Dinner Thursday Night / News
We're Headed to the Mega Buffet
You may think you've been to the largest buffet restaurant in St. Louis. But unless you've dined at the place we're headed Thursday night, you only think you have. Next Thursday, July 14, it's the mega buffet -- the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield. It sounds exclusively Chinese, but there's much more. Seven full buffets including Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese food, a Mongolian wok for custom stir fry, plus a full American buffet the size of the Home Town buffet. Add in a shrimp and crab bar, full dessert table, and a chocolate fountain and you've got a full stomach. It is an experience. Join us for it at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 14 at the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley next to the Spaghetti Factory. We'll need to know you're coming. Respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday.

All Chancel Choir Email Updates Are Archived
Miss some news in a Chancel Choir email update? Can't remember when something happened? Traveling and wonder what's happening back home? All of the Chancel Choir email updates are archived on the choir Web site in the member section. They are cataloged by date and you can scroll through them all.

Chancel Choir Update 7/7: News / Cares and Concerns
Help Needed With Church's Fall Stewardship Devotional Guide
Tenor Josh Hayes says there are several slots open in the devotional guide published each fall for use during the stewardship campaign and he wonders if members of the Chancel Choir would be willing to help. He's looking for you to write a brief story between 200 and 300 words about a stewardship related topics such as prayers, presence, gifts, service, and commitment. Here's some questions to get you started: Why did you join MUMC? What attracted you to this place? What draws people to a faith community? In what ways do you give away your time in God’s name? In what ways do you share your God-given talents with others? Are you a person who tithes? What are some gifts you experience each day? Have you responded to the call to be in service to others for God’s sake? The essay would need to be completed by July 16 and can be emailed to Josh at josh@moosylvania.com. If you are interested, but would like more information send Josh a note.

More Photos of Great Britain Added Every Day
Check out the Great Britain trip photo albums on the Chancel Choir Web site. A new collection of photos is added every day or two. Click on this link to see the albums: http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/tourpage.htm You can also reach the albums from the main page on the Choir's Web site. We'd like to add your photos. It's easy. If you've got digital photos and would like to put them in an online album to share with other choir members, send me a note and I'll tell you how.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Margo Foster remains in St. John's Mercy Medical Center Skilled Nursing Center where she is recovering from hip replacement surgery.

Chancel Choir Update 7/6: Cares and Concerns
From Soprano Karen Fair:
Please pass along to our choir family the following good news. We returned from a doctor's visit today (Tuesday, 7/5) with the pathology from my last surgery. There was no cancer in the left breast, all margins were clear on the right breast, the additional 10 lymph nodes removed from the right arm all showed no cancer. Thanks to everyone for their continued prayers. We feel especially blessed in every step of this process by God's grace and the powerful uplifting of our choir family's prayers. Now we can both concentrate on my healing from this surgery, and on the chemo as soon as possible.
Love,
Karen and Ernie

Chancel Choir Update 7/5: Thursday Dinner
Last Call For Dinner Thursday
Here's a chance to beat the early late-summer doldrums -- join your choir friends for dinner Thursday evening. This week's dinner stop will be at the Home Town Buffet in Manchester (formerly Country Buffet). The name isn't the only thing that has changed at this place -- the food now is very, very good. There's steak and salmon every night. We'll meet at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 7, at the Home Town Buffet on Manchester Road east of Highway 141 in the strip mall behind Starbucks. While this is a buffet, with a group as big as ours we'll still need to know numbers. If you want to join us, let us know by noon on Wednesday, July 6. Either reply to this email or call 636-227-5749. We'll be making a stop in Chesterfield Valley the following week on July 14.

Chancel Choir Update 7/2: Thursday Dinner / Cares and Concerns
Thursday Night Dinner at Home Town Buffet
Join us this Thursday night when the summer traveling dinner makes a stop at the Home Town Buffet in Manchester (formerly Country Buffet). The name isn't the only thing that has changed at this place -- the food now is very, very good. There's steak and salmon every night. We'll meet at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 7, at the Home Town Buffet on Manchester Road east of Highway 141 in the strip mall behind Starbucks. While this is a buffet, with a group as big as ours we'll still need to know numbers, so you must make a reservation by noon on Wednesday, July 6, by either replying to the email or calling 636-227-5749. We'll be making a stop in Chesterfield Valley the following week on July 14.

Fireworks At The Church
Every year more than 500 folks gather in the church parking lot on Fourth of July night to view the Manchester fireworks display. It's a perfect location to see the fireworks and visit with your choir and church friends. There is a refreshment stand with beverages available. So, if the fireworks at the arch don't excite you, bring a lawn chair to the church and see some old-fashioned, down home fireworks with your friends at Manchester.

Cares and Concerns
Ray Lembke, husband of Soprano Carol Lembke, is recovering from knee surgery earlier this week.

Chancel Choir Update 7/1: News / Cares and Concerns
Choir Sings For Two Services This Sunday, July 3
The choir will provide music for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday, July 3. Call time is 8:30 a.m. We will wear robes.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Christine Vogel is asking for prayers for her father, John Stanard, who underwent surgery Tuesday to treat bladder cancer. He will undergo additional treatment once a week for the next six weeks.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.