Chancel Choir Update 6/30: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir Will Sing For Two Worship Services This Sunday
Dust off your vocal chords, the choir sings for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday, July 2. We'll meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room to rehearse patriotic music. Singers are asked to wear something red, white and blue.

Summer Dinner Tour Stops at Hometown Buffet Next Thursday
What better way to follow a holiday than a banquet with your friends? With the four-day summer break this week, we needed a little scheduling flexibility and that means a trip the the Hometown Buffet on Manchester Road east of Highway 141 behind Starbuck's. Over the past few months, Hometown has added a number of regular menu items including barbecue ribs, steak, salmon and pot roast. We hope you'll join us at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 6. Please reply to this email or call 636-227-5749. We always want a count by noon on Wednesday, but if you don't receive this notice until July 5, give us a call anyway. A total of 39 of your closest friends enjoyed a beautiful evening last night on the patio at Madison's. Perfect weather, perfect food and perfect fun.

Chancel Choir Members Are Performing This Holiday
You've got the chance to hear some of your choir friends as they perform with other groups this weekend. The St. Louis Metro Singers will present their concert entitled "One World" at 7 p.m., Saturday, in our Sanctuary. Tickets will be available at the door. And if choral music isn't your thing, then Bass Joe Elstner and his band, Decades, will perform classic rock this Saturday at JP's Corner Bar on Gravois, about half mile or so east of I-270. The band will play from 8:45 p.m. until 12:45 a.m.

Cares and Concerns
Two Chancel Choir members are celebrating the 100th birthday of a parent this weekend. Bass Charles Shaffer's mother, Mary Shaffer, will turn 100 tomorrow on July 1. Alto Kay Sherrill's mother, Jennie Rae, celebrated her 100th on June 26.

Soprano Christine Vogel asks prayers for her father, John Stanard, who will undergo surgery on Thursday, July 6, for treatment of bladder cancer. He had the same surgery last year and hopes for as quick a recover this time. Christine's parents live in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Have a safe and happy Fourth.

Chancel Choir Update 6/25: Important News
Chancel Choir Will Sing For Worship This Sunday, July 2
Dust off your vocal chords, the choir sings for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday, July 2. We'll meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room to rehearse patriotic music. Singers are asked to wear something red, white and blue.

Last Call For Madison's This Thursday
The Chancel Choir Summer Dinner tour stops this Thursday, June 29, at Madison's located at Manchester and Baxter roads (formerly S&P Oyster Bar) at 6:30 p.m. We'll be on the patio if weather permits or inside if it doesn't. As always, we'll need to know if you are coming. Respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday.

Summer Chancel Choir Singing Schedule
Here is the rest of the summer schedule. For each of these Sundays, the choir will sing for two worship services with warmup at 8:30 a.m.
July 16 -- Women's Choir
July 30 -- Men's Choir
August 6 -- Chancel Choir with Mark Hayes
(There will be a rehearsal with Mark Hayes at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5)
August 27 -- Summer Choir

Classic Rock This Saturday
Bass Joe Elstner and his band, Decades, will perform classic rock this Saturday, July 1, at JP's Corner Bar on Gravois, about half mile or so east of I-270. It's on the south side of the street. The band will play from 8:45 p.m. until 12:45 a.m. Joe says the band is trying to "crack the regular lineup" at JP's and hopes some folks can come and add to the crowd.

Chancel Choir Update 6/23: News
Join Summer Dinner Next Week at Madison's
The Chancel Choir Summer Dinner tour makes its next stop at Madison's located at Manchester and Baxter roads (formerly S&P Oyster Bar) at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday. We'll be on the patio if weather permits or inside if it doesn't. As always, we'll need to know if you are coming. Respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday. With our group now at 40 plus, we need a solid count on Wednesday for the restaurant manager. If you find you can't join us, please cancel so others waiting may be included. More than 40 feasted on the Emperor's vast variety at the Emperor's Palace last night in Chesterfield. Overheard at one table, "I don't know what this is, but it does taste good."

Chancel Choir Update 6/20: News
Last Call For the Emperor's Palace
If you're joining us for dinner Thursday at the Emperor's Palace, we'll need to know by noon on Wednesday. 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. Thursday, June 22, 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, June 22 at the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley. We'll need to know you're coming. Respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday.

Visiting Youth Choir Performs on Wednesday Night
The youth choir from St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, will present "Celebrate Life" in our Sanctuary at 7 p.m., Wednesday. This is a moving musical our youth choir performed in the 1980s. The Chancel Choir also has done "In Remembrance" from the musical as well.

Chancel Choir Update 6/16: Dinner Thursday Night / News
We're Headed to the Emperor's Palace Next Thursday
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 next Thursday night, you only think you have. Next Thursday, June 22, 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, June 22 at the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley. We'll need to know you're coming. Respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday and if you make a reservation and can't attend, please, please be let us know so we can accommodate someone on the waiting list.

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. Just got to www.chancelchoir.org from anywhere in the world.

Chancel Choir Update 6/12: Correction
Yes, many of you are very sharp on Monday mornings. I did leave the "l" out of the word Chancel in the link to the web site in the earlier email update. That also meant the link wouldn't work. So, click on any of these links to reach the Chancel Choir web site:
www.chancelchoir.org
www.chancelchoir.com
www.mumchancelchoir.org
www.mumcchancelchoir.org

Chancel Choir Update 6/12: News / Cares and Concerns
Web Site Upgrade and Update
File this note into the FYI category. The Chancel Choir's web site was moved to a different server over the weekend. The change is mainly for technical reasons and the only difference you should notice is that the pages should load faster. The new server is what the computer people like to call "more robust" which means its bigger, better and has several additional features. The choir's email list was also moved and now has more features and will be easier manage. Here's one for trivia night: the server for the choir's web site is physically located in Middleton, California.

While the technical aspects of the new server won't mean much to you, we did make some changes to the site. We now have a new "splash" page which you should recognize. All of the section header pages have been updated with new photos and new information. So, check all of this out at: www.chancelchoir.org See how many changes you can find.

We're Headed To C.J. Muggs This Thursday
The summer caravan of calories makes a stop at C.J. Mugg's in Webster Groves this week. Join us for at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 15, at C.J. Mugg's located at Lockwood and Gore avenues in downtown Webster Groves. Look for the parking garage behind the restaurant. We'll need to know you're coming. Respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Mike Latimer has a new grandson. Adam Eugene Lange arrived at 4:52 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 22 inches long. Daughter Melissa and son-in-law Steve are doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 6/12: News / Cares and Concerns
We're Headed To C.J. Muggs Next Week
A total of 31 of your favorite choir friends enjoyed a fine meal Thursday night at Applebee's in Ballwin. Next week the caravan of calories makes a stop at C.J. Mugg's in Webster Groves. Join us for at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 15, at C.J. Mugg's located at Lockwood and Gore avenues in downtown Webster Groves. We'll need to know you're coming. Respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday.

Chancel Choir Update 6/4: Summer Dinners
Thursday Night Dinners Begin This Week
The Chancel Choir's annual summer traveling dinners will begin this Thursday evening, June 8. Each summer the choir has dinner at a local restaurant on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. Traditionally, the first dinner of the summer is at the Applebee's in Ballwin. Location for the next dinner is announced at the dinner each Thursday night and by email. If you wish to join us this Thursday, we must have your reservation by Wednesday, June 7. Reservations for the summer dinners are an absolute necessity because of the size of the group and restaurant limitations. We often start a waiting list for cancellations. So, if you wish to attend, please let us know by the deadline each week -- this time on or before Wednesday, June 7. If your plans change and you can't attend, please let us know so we can fill your seat from the waiting list. You may make reservations by replying to this email or calling Sandy Ford, the choir's social director, at 636-227-5749.

Chancel Choir Update 6/2: Very Important News
Choir Sings For Two Services Sunday; Wear Red and Black
The Chancel Choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Pentecost Sunday worship services this Sunday. If you were not at rehearsal Thursday, take note: Instead of robes, we will wear red and black. That means any combination of red and black or just red or just black. Anthems: Church On Fire, Praise His Holy Name, Let Us Go In Peace. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room.

Official Chancel Choir Calendar Was Distributed Thursday Night
One of the surprises on Thursday night was the distribution of the Chancel Choir's full-color, wall calendar. The calendar lists birthdays, concerts and important dates for the next 12 months. It also has dozens of photos of choir members. A calendar was distributed to every choir member present on Thursday night. If you weren't there, pick up a calendar in the Music Room. Choir members are asked to contribute $5 to help pay for part of the expense of producing each calendar. Checks may be made payable to Mary Dean.

Revised Dates For Two Events Next Year
There are already a couple of changes for next year's calendar. The Swing concert originally set for Feb. 4 has been rescheduled for Feb. 18 because Feb. 4 is Super Bowl Sunday. The choir will travel to Cincinnati for its bi-annual regional tour on May 18, 19, and 20. Dates for the trip were not yet confirmed when the official calendar was printed.

Chancel Choir Centenary Connection Program Is Begun
The Chancel Choir officers approved a formal outreach program to Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown St. Louis at their meeting Thursday night. In addition to providing occasional music for the church, the choir has agreed to the reconstruction of a room in the church for use as a counseling center. First steps for the project will be to develop a work plan. Bass David Givens has agreed to serve as project leader for the reconstruction project. You'll be hearing more about this in the near future. There will be opportunity for choir members with building skills to lend a hand for this much needed project. Bass Maurice Parisien is coordinating the choir's Centenary Connection program.

Chancel Choir Will Provide Music Outreach in Fall
The choir will provide a very special outreach ministry to local churches next fall. On a Sunday in October, the choir will split into four smaller choirs and provide worship music at four St. Louis churches simultaneously. One of the groups will sing at Centenary and another will stay at Manchester with the remaining two in the loft at other St. Louis churches. This will be a unique opportunity for the choir to provide community outreach.

Chancel Choir To Adopt An MUMC Ministry
Choir officers approved a plan to adopt a new or "struggling" smaller MUMC ministry. Once a ministry is selected, the choir will provide monetary support and any manpower the ministry might need to carry out its work plan. Look for more details on this project in the fall.

One Voice Concert At Centenary at 3 p.m. This Sunday
One Voice will perform in a benefit concert at Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown St. Louis at 3 p.m. this Sunday.

Summer Singing Schedule
The Chancel Choir will be in the loft a few times this summer. Mark your calendar:
July 2 (Patriotic Sunday) -- Chancel Choir will sing for two services
July 16 -- Women's Chorus (two services)
July 30 -- Men's Chorus (two services)
August 6 -- Guest conductor Mark Hayes. Chancel Choir will sing for two services. There may be a Saturday afternoon rehearsal the day before.
August 27 -- Summer volunteer choir (two services)

We'll see you on Sunday -- remember, wear Red and Black.

Chancel Choir Update 5/31: News / Cares and Concerns
Final Rehearsal Thursday Night
Yes, it's the last rehearsal of the year. But, we need you to attend tomorrow night anyway. Kevin has a couple of important announcements and he says there are also a couple of surprises he wants everyone there to see. And if that isn't enough, we also have snacks. We hope to see you there.

Thursday Night Dinners Begin Next Week
If you'll miss your choir buddies during the summer, then you'll love our summer plans. The annual summer traveling dinners will begin next Thursday evening, June 8. Each summer the choir has dinner at a local restaurant on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. Traditionally, the first dinner of the summer is at the Applebee's in Ballwin. Location for the next dinner is announced at the dinner each Thursday night and by email. If you wish to join us, we must have your reservation on or before Wednesday, June 7. Reservations for the summer dinners are an absolute necessity because of the size of the group and restaurant limitations. We often start a waiting list for cancellations. So, if you wish to attend, please let us know by the deadline each week -- this time on or before Wednesday, June 7. If your plans change and you can't attend, LET US KNOW so we can fill your seat from the waiting list. You may make reservations by calling Sandy Ford, the choir's social director, at 636-227-5749 or by replying to this email or sending a note to sandyford@fordcom.net.

Cares and Concerns
Alto Fran McMillian is a great-grandmother. Addison Rae Jones was born on May 29. Parents are Sean and Molly Jones of Ballwin.
Soprano Sue Grant lost her brother-in-law, Daniel Richard Grant, on April 27. He was the brother of Sue's husband, Ron Grant. Funeral services were held in Ohio.

Chancel Choir Update 5/26: News / Cares and Concerns
Choir In The Loft at 10:30 On Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing for worship this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Call time is 10 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Seek First the Kingdom.

Last Rehearsal Next Thursday
It's the end of the season. After this week, we have one more rehearsal and one more Sunday to sing in worship before the summer break. It is important that everyone plan to attend the final rehearsal of the season next Thursday. Kevin says there will be a surprise for the choir that night and he would like as many singers as possible to attend. As a further incentive, there will be food too.

Messiah Recordings Are Available
If you ordered a recording of the Messiah concert, the CDs are ready for pickup.

Cares and Concerns
Pam Nicholson, wife of Tenor Steve Nicholson, is recovering from surgery yesterday at Barnes Hospital to remove a mass from her abdomen. She expects to be hospitalized for about seven days.

Alto Fran McMillan will return to her home today. Fran is ready for visitors, but you'll need to call before stopping by. Her address is: 7 Stardust Court, Manchester, Mo. 63011. Her phone is: 636-391-8297.

Ron Grant, husband of Soprano Sue Grant, will undergo back surgery on Tuesday at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

Chancel Choir Update 5/24: News
Rehearsal This Thursday
Yes, there is rehearsal this week. For those of you unable to join us at the end-of-year party on Saturday, Kevin will review our plans for next year. We've got tours, concerts and some special events planned. Learn more tomorrow night. See you there.

Chancel Choir Update 5/21: Important News / Cares and Concerns
Eleventh Annual Choir Scholarship Awarded to Dylan Briggs
In front of a standing ovation of worshippers and Chancel Choir members, Dylan Briggs was awarded the eleventh annual Chancel Choir scholarship during youth Sunday worship services today.

“I am honored to present the choir scholarship to a deserving youth,” choir vice president and scholarship committee chair Chris Kennedy told the congregation.

Dylan is the son of Julia and DeWayne Briggs of Ballwin, Mo. He plans to attend Truman State University next fall where he will major in biology and will put the $2,000 scholarship to good use as he begins study to become a psychiatrist. “Thank you so much to the Chancel Choir for this honor,” he said. Dylan is a member of Joyful Noise and has been active in the church's music and youth programs, as well as the media club and the Chancel Choir tenor section. He also participated in music during high school and competed in state music competitions.

The annual Chancel Choir scholarship is presented to a graduating senior each spring. The selection process begins in March with applications and ends with extensive interviews in May.

The selection committee is chaired each year by the choir’s vice president/president elect.

Also during the Sunday youth service, a scholarship was presented by the Youth Auction committee to Katie Nicholson, daughter of Tenor Steve Nicholson. She received a $2,000 award from Youth Auction proceeds. Baritone Dave Divjak made the presentation on behalf of the Youth Auction committee.

Kevin Reveals Choir Plans For 2006-2007 at End-of-Year Party
It's going to be a busy time next year. Concerts, a tour, a special commemoration service, the church's 150th anniversary mega concert. "It's all on the schedule for next year and we're going to have fun," Kevin told choir members and spouses attending the annual end-of-year party Saturday night in Town and Country at the home of Alto Bonnie Halls.

Highlights of next year will include a special concert commemorating the fifth anniversary of 9-11 in September. We'll also participate in a massive concert commemorating the 150th anniversary of Manchester United Methodist Church the first weekend in October. The concert will feature all 500 participants in the church's Music Ministry. We will present a special Lessons and Carols Christmas concert being designed and written by Ted Cronbaugh, the choir's accompanist and music assistant.

In February, the choir's annual fund raiser will feature a concert of big band swing music. Then in May, we'll make our semi-annual regional tour -- this year to Cincinatti, Ohio, to sing at composer Howard Helvey's church. Details on all of these events and concerts will be available at rehearsal this Thursday night.

In addition to Kevin's state-of-the-choir speech and announcement of next year's schedule, Debbie Kennedy, wife of president-elect Chris Kennedy was installed as Queen of the Chancel Choir during annual coronation ceremonies.


Chancel Choir Officers For 2006-2007 Elected
A slate of officers proposed by president-elect Tenor Chris Kennedy was approved by voice vote during reheasal Thursday night. Elected officers for next year will include:

President - Chris Kennedy
Vice-President (president-elect) - Josh Hayes
Recording secretary - Kristie Whitney
Rehearsal Secretary - Ann Garber
Treasurer - Tim Zink
Asst. Treasurer - Tom Lawrence
Soprano Member Representative - Barb Barrett
Alto Member Representative - Bonnie Halls
Tenor Member Representative - David Schenck
Bass Member Representative - Doug Ross

Cares and Concerns
It's a granddaughter for Soprano Sue and Bass Jim Belval. Katherine Elizabeth Williamson arrived at Sibley Hospital in Arlington, Va., at 5:54 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 20. Kathrine weighed in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Mother and former Chancel Choir soprano Becky Williamson, as well as father Nick, are doing well.

Alto Jean Kinnard is now a great-grandmother. Michael Cannon Kinnard was born to Jean's grandson, James Cannon Kinnard, and wife, Sarah, on Friday, May 19. The baby will be called Cannon.

Chancel Choir Update 5/19: News/ Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir Scholarship Presented This Sunday in Worship
It's Youth Sunday and there is no choir in the loft this week. But, the Chancel Choir scholarship will be presented to a graduating high school senior during both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 worship services. As we did last year, we're asking for as many choir members as possible to be present at the 9 a.m. worship service when the scholarship is first announced. Hope to see you there.

End-of-Year Party Choir Party Is 6 p.m. Saturday; Bring a Lawn Chair and Food
That's right, the time has been changed to 6 p.m. You can't miss this annual event. Installation of choir officers, coronation of the Chancel Queen, and a State-of-the-Choir speech by Kevin in which he will reveal some very exciting news. Alto Bonnie and Gary Halls have graciously agreed to host the party at their home again this year. The event begins at 6 p.m., this Saturday, May 20. That's one half hour earlier than previously announced. Bonnie says there are two very important things to remember: Bring a lawn chair to sit in and bring a serving spoon for your tasty covered dish.

Here are the details:
Directions -- The address is 2415 N. Ballas Road. From Clayton and Ballas roads, go south on Ballas. Count 13 houses on your right (west side of Ballas). There's a white mailbox in front of 2415. If you're coming north on Ballas Road from Manchester Road, look for the white mail box on the left.
Map -- If you really are geographically challenged, here's a link to a map:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=2415+N.+Ballas+Road&csz=St.+Louis%2C+MO&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=
Parking -- First come, first serve in the circle drive in front of house. You can only park on the west side of Ballas Road. You can park on one side of the two subdivision streets opposite the house: West Point Lane and Crystal View Lane.
If you have questions, direct them to Bonnie at 314-994-3777 or by email to gbhalls@sbcglobal.net.
Food -- Bring a tasty covered dish that will serve at least eight people. (This is a sophisticated way of saying that this event is a "potluck".) And remember to bring a serving spoon for your dish.

Messiah Concert CDs Are Available for Pick Up
The CDs of the Messiah concert are finished and ready for pick up. If you ordered a CD, they will be available again next Thursday.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Jim Descher's grandmother underwent surgery yesterday to repair a broken hip. Jim says she is a major fan of the Chancel Choir and has been to every one of our concerts during the last five years.

Bass Jim Belval and Soprano Sue Belval are still awaiting the arrival of their grandchild. Jim reports they are camped out in D.C. waiting on the blessed event to unfold. Word is daughter Becky will deliever on or before Tuesday, one way or the other.

Chancel Choir Update 5/17: Choir Party Details
Huge End-of-Year Party Choir Party Set This Saturday, May 20, at 6:00 p.m.
That's right, the time has been changed to 6 p.m. You can't miss this annual event. Installation of choir officers, coronation of the Chancel Queen, and a State-of-the-Choir speech by Kevin in which he will reveal some very exciting news. Alto Bonnie and Gary Halls have graciously agreed to host the party at their home again this year. The event begins at 6 p.m., this Saturday, May 20. That's one half hour earlier than previously announced.

Here are the details:
Directions -- The address is 2415 N. Ballas Road. From Clayton and Ballas roads, go south on Ballas. Count 13 houses on your right (west side of Ballas). There's a white mailbox in front of 2415. If you're coming north on Ballas Road from Manchester Road, look for the white mail box on the left.
Map -- If you really are geographically challenged, here's a link to map:
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=2415+N.+Ballas+Road&csz=St.+Louis%2C+MO&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=
Parking -- First come, first serve in the circle drive in front of house. You can only park on the west side of Ballas Road. You can park on the two subdivision streets opposite the house: West Point Lane and Crystal View Lane.
If you have questions, direct them to Bonnie at 314-994-3777 or by email to gbhalls@sbcglobal.net.
Food -- Bring a tasty covered dish that will serve at least eight people. (This is a sophisticated way of saying that this event is a "potluck".)

Rehearsal This Thursday
We hope to see you at rehearsal this week. We'll be working on music for the remainder of the season.

Scholarship Will Be Announced This Sunday
The annual Chancel Choir Scholarship presented each year to a graduating high school senior will be announced during worship this Sunday morning. Plan on being in church to show your support for the choir. There may be a special seating area for the choir, more details at rehearsal Thursday.

Chancel Choir Update 5/12: News / Cares and Concerns
Choir Sings For 10:30 a.m. Service Sunday
The Chancel Choir will be in the loft for the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday, May 14. Call time is 10 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name.

End of Year Party Location Set
The annual end-of-season party will be held at the home of Gary and Alto Bonnie Halls, 2415 N. Ballas Road in Town and County beginning at 6:30 p.m. next Saturday, May 20. This is a potluck, so bring a tasty dish to share. We'll provide directions to the party next week.

Slate of Officers For Next Year Is Proposed
Chancel Choir president-elect Tenor Chis Kennedy unveiled his slate of choir officers for 2006-2007. Each year in May, the choir's president elect recruits officer candidates and presents a slate of offices to the choir for its approval. The choir will vote approval of the list at next Thursday's rehearsal. Officer candidates are:

President - Chris Kennedy
Vice-President (president-elect) - Josh Hayes
Recording secretary - Kristie Whitney
Rehearsal Secretary - Ann Garber
Treasurer - Tim Zink
Asst. Treasurer - (to be filled)
Soprano Member Representative - Barb Barrett
Alto Member Representative - Bonnie Halls
Tenor Member Representative - David Schenck
Bass Member Representative - Doug Ross

Cares and Concerns
Alto Kristie Whitney is undergoing surgery today at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield to repair an incision from a previous surgery. She had been hospitalized earlier this week for treatment on an infection. She will return home to recover today. Kristie reports that she is feeling fine.

Tenor Mike and Alto Pam Campbell are soon-to-be grandparents. Daughter Barb is expecting later this year.

Chancel Choir Update 5/8: Cares and Concerns
Alto Kristie Whitney is a patient at St. Luke's Hospital undergoing treatment for an infection. She is in Room 8707.

Chancel Choir Update 5/6: Cares and Concerns
Alto Charlotte Moser is recovering from surgery to treat a shoulder injury she sustained in a fall while hiking Friday in Hawn State Park near Ste. Genevieve. She was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder and a fracture. She underwent surgery to repair the fracture and torn muscle. She was expected to return to her home on Saturday. Cards may be sent to: Charlotte Moser, 1532 Englebrook Dr., Wildwood, MO 63011-2091 My update to the choir on Saturday about Charlotte created some confusion about her identity. I forwarded husband Gary Moser's note to me from my Blackberry while I was out of town. Charlotte's last name was not included in the forwarded note. Sorry for the confusion.

Chancel Choir Update 5/5: Cares and Concerns
Sorry to hear about the fall. Will get the word out.

Original Message From: gary@lizzieslather.com
Hi Gary

Just so our friends know why Charlotte may not be in the choir on Sunday....

While we were hiking in a Hawn State Park near Ste. Genevieve, Charlotte had a bad fall. We ended up taking her to the ER in Ste. Genevieve where they diagnosed a dislocated shoulder and a fracture caused by the dislocation. After a ride in an ambulance to St. Louis, they ended up having to do surgery to repair the fracture and torn muscle which was caused by the rotator cuff muscle wrenching a piece of bone off the humerus. She was finally in her room at 4 am. She will probably come home today. Please ask our dear friends to give a little prayer of thanks that it wasn't more serious, and for a speedy recovery.

Cancel Choir Update 5/5: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir In the Loft Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing for the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Call time is 10 a.m. Anthem: Make A Joyful Sound.

End of Year Party Will Be May 20
Plan on joining the fun. Our annual end-of-year party will be May 20. We'll have our usual excellent potluck dinner, the coronation of next year's queen, an installation of new choir officers, and Kevin's state-of-the-choir speech that will include announcements of next year's projects. Don't miss it. A location for the party will be announced soon.

Cares and Concerns
Congratulations to Soprano Mary Ann Sumpter on her recent engagement. We're sure more details will soon follow.

Alto Fran McMillian is on the mend. In fact, she made a short visit to rehearsal last night. Word is she will be able to return home soon. Fran is up for visitors. If you would like to stop by and see Fran, please call first and make sure she is not in therapy and there aren't others planning to visit at the same time. She is in room 511 at the Springbridge Rehab & Wellness Center at 550 White Road in Chesterfield. Go north on Clarkson/Olive about 1.8 miles north of Highway 40 where Clarkson becomes Olive Boulevard. Turn east on White Road. (White Road is across the street from the Faust Park entrance.) Look for the small signs for Springbridge. The telephone number for Springbridge is 314-469-1200.

Chancel Choir Update 5/2: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal This Thursday Night
Join us for a regular rehearsal this Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. We'll be working on music for worship. Kevin has promised rehearsals for the remainder of the year will conclude by 9 p.m.

Chancel Choir Youth Auction Contributions Bring In $3,550
People just can't get enough of our gourmet cooking. Bidding for the choir's gourmet dinner stopped at $1,600 as Soprano Mary Dean and husband Kenny made the final, winning bid. But, dinner chairman Baritone Jim Descher offered another dinner to the unsuccessful bidder and Kevin and Linda Hennessey will be enjoying our cooking also for $1,600. Bidding for the "Choir for Hire" singing engagement stopped at $350. We've been unable to determine who bought the choir's singing services. All totaled, the Chancel Choir's contributions to the auction brought in $3,550 for the church's youth program.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Doug Ross reports he is making a speedy recovery from surgery last Thursday to repair an abdominal hernia. Doug says he'll be back to choir in a week or two and be ready to move altar tables by June.

Chancel Choir Update 4/28: News
We Sing This Sunday
The Chancel Choir sings for the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Call time is 10 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Peace Like A River

We Need You This Sunday
Attendance at last night's rehearsal ran about 50 percent of normal. Although we have completed our major concerts for the year, the choir is still responsible for providing worship music. So, we need you on Sunday morning. The congregation might wonder where our priorities are if we have 140 people singing before our concert and then only 80 after.

End Of Year Party Will Be May 20
Plan on joining the fun. Our annual end-of-year party will be May 20. We'll have our usual excellent potluck dinner, the coronation of next year's queen, an installation of new choir officers, and Kevin's state-of-the-choir speech that will include announcements of next year's projects. Don't miss it. More details will follow.

Last Rehearsal on June 1
The Chancel Choir's season officially concludes with our June 1 rehearsal. Kevin mentioned last night that a surprise will be unveiled at the June 1 rehearsal. "Something that will be talked about for a long time," he hinted.

Traveling Summer Dinners Are Planned
The choir's social director is busy putting together a schedule of Thursday night dinners this summer. Instead of rehearsal on Thursday's during the break, we visit local restaurants for dinner. More details will follow soon.

Chancel Choir Update 4/25: News / Cares and Concerns
It Ain't Over Yet
With the triumphant performances of the Messiah behind us, you may be ready to kick back for the rest of the year. In fact, you may believe that for all practical purposes the Chancel Choir season is over. You would be wrong. The choir still has several important worship services to prepare for. We will be back at rehearsal this Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. No doubt, we'll discuss the Sunday evening concert and then we'll prepare some upcoming anthems. We'll see you there.

Digital Concert Recordings Will Be Available
One person in the audience Sunday night said she thought our Messiah concert was the best Chancel Choir performance she has ever heard. Humbly, I can't disagree and perhaps you can't either. The choir was in the "zone" Sunday night. The soloists were exceptional and, of course, the orchestra was outstanding. You have an opportunity to relive that musical experience. A digital recording was made of the concert. The sign up envelope will be available at rehearsal Thursday night if you did not order a CD. If you did and haven't paid yet, we'd appreciate that too. The CDs will be available in a few weeks.

Remaining Sunday Schedule
April 30 -- Peace Like A River
May 7 - Make A Joyful Sound
May 14 (Mother's Day) -- The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
May 21 -- Youth Sunday (No choir in loft, but our scholarship will be presented)
May 28 (Memorial Day weekend) -- Seek First the Kingdom
June 4 (Pentecost Party) -- Church On Fire, Praise His Holy Name, Let Us Go In Peace

Cares and Concerns
As you may have noticed, Alto Fran McMillian was in the audience Sunday night for part of our concert. Word is, she is doing much better and is now ready for some visitors. If you would like to stop by and see Fran, please call first and make sure she is not in therapy and there aren't others planning to visit at the same time. She is in room 511 at the Springbridge Rehab & Wellness Center at 550 White Road in Chesterfield. Go north on Clarkson/Olive about 1.8 miles north of Highway 40 where Clarkson becomes Olive Boulevard. Turn east on White Road. (White Road is across the street from the Faust Park entrance.) Look for the small signs for Springbridge. The telephone number for Springbridge is 314-469-1200.

Also in the audience Sunday was the recovering Soprano Sue Woolweaver who reports both of her new knees are working very well. She's driving the car, walking around, shopping and doing most of the other usual things. She hopes to be back to work and back to choir before too much longer.

Music Associate Dana Self has been named the 2006 recipient of the Thomas Family Fellowship by Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS), where he teaches. The fellowship provides $8,000 for opportunities in educational technology. Dana will use the money to upgrade computer hardware and software for his advanced placement music theory course. Students in the class are expected to teach their parents as the year progresses and consistently score in the top five percent on the annual advanced placement national exam. Congratulations to Dana.

Chancel Choir Update 4/21: News
Choir Sings for Two Services This Sunday
It will be a busy Sunday for Chancel Choir. We sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday. Call time is 8:30 a.m. Anthem: Hallelujah chorus.

Messiah Concert Sunday Night
This is it. Call time is 7 p.m. for the concert at 7:30 p.m. Please, no perfume or cologne on Sunday.

Important Dates
The last rehearsal of the season for the Chancel Choir will be Thursday, June 1. Date of the end-of-year choir party will be announced soon.

Esprit De Choir
Since our group is growing so rapidly, Kevin has begun offering a weekly reminder about ways to make the choir look sharp on Sunday morning. As many as a thousand pairs of eyes are on us each Sunday, so everything you do is noticed. Here's this week's tip:

This week's tip: "In Sunday worship, the choir is always on "display." When you are seated, please do so in a professional manner. We provide a backdrop for everhtying tha thappens in the Chancel."

Keep in mind that our Sunday morning services are video taped and the choir serves as a backdrop for the activity on the Chancel. In recent weeks, comment has been made about sun glasses propped on heads, color of shoes, lack of attention during sermon, talking, and distracting head movements.

Our weekly Esprit De Choir tips are archived on the choir's web site at:
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/espritdechoir.htm
Also, the Chancel Choir's official Procedures, Rules and Expectations are posted on the web site at:
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/choirprocedures.htm

Chancel Choir Update 4/19: News
Concert Ushers Are Needed
We are in need of ushers for Sunday night's Messiah concert. Perhaps your spouse or family members would be willing to help out. Check with them before Thursday night's rehearsal and let Ann Garber know.

Messiah Concert Will Be Recorded
A digital audio recording of the Sunday evening Messiah concert will be made and CDs will be available to choir members. A collection envelope and signup sheet will be available Thursday night for CD orders. They are $10 each. Checks should be made payable to Gary Ford.

Chancel Choir Update 4/18: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular Rehearsal This Thursday Night
Yes, Chancel Choir will rehearse this Thursday night at the usual time. Kevin plans to do a quick review of portions of the Messiah in preparation for our Sunday evening concert. Also, Gary Halls, the successful Youth Auction bidder for the opportunity to direct the Hallelujah chorus will practice his directing skills. Both he and Josh Hayes will direct the chorus during worship services this Sunday.

Messiah Concert Will Be Recorded
A digital audio recording of the Sunday evening Messiah concert will be made and CDs will be available to choir members. A collection envelope and signup sheet will be available Thursday night for CD orders. They are $10 each. Checks should be made payable to Gary Ford.

Cares and Concerns
Two Chancel Choir members suffered falls over the weekend. Alto Joan Lemen fell down the stairs on the east side of the choir loft during the rehearsal break on Saturday morning. Joan reports that she only suffered bruises in the tumble and thanks all of the choir members who helped her Saturday morning and have expressed concern about her since. Soprano Karen Fair was not so lucky. She fell on her basement stairs about 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning while getting ready for church and broke a bone in her left wrist. Karen was in the congregation at the 11:45 a.m. service after a two-hour visit to the ER. She will be seen on Wednesday by our favorite orthopedic surgeon, Soprano Jo Ann Jones' husband Bruce.

Chancel Choir Update 4/14: News
Chancel Choir Will Sing For Two Services This Sunday -- Easter
This Sunday is Easter and the Chancel Choir will present a mini Messiah concert during the 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. worship services. Call time is 10 a.m. in the Music Room.

Saturday Rehearsal Will Put Final Touches on Messiah
Tomorrow, this Saturday, April 15, the Chancel Choir will rehearse with the full orchestra for its Messiah presentations on Sunday and our concert on April 23. The rehearsal will run from 10 a.m. until noon. Singers should be in their seats ready to go at 9:50 a.m. Kevin will run the Messiah presentation in concert order, so have your music ready.

Chancel Choir Update 4/8: Fran McMillian Update and Birthday
Alto Fran McMillian was moved Friday (4/7) to the Springbridge Rehab & Wellness Center at 550 White Road in Chesterfield. Fran had been hospitalized for several days at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. We have no word on the advisability of visitors at Springbridge, so choir members are asked hold off on visiting Fran for now. Fran and Mac's family will be in town until Monday.

As some of you may know, Fran's birthday is April 12. Several members of the choir are going to prepare a video birthday greeting for Fran. Choir members are asked to stay for a few minutes after church this Sunday to sing Happy Birthday to Fran. A big "Happy Birthday Fran" sign to hold up as we sing would be nice as well. A large cardboard birthday card for us to sign is also planned. The tape will be shown to Fran this week. So, remember to stay in the loft for a few minutes after worship this Sunday to tape the Happy Birthday greeting.

Chancel Choir Update 4/7: News
Choir Sings at 10:30 a.m. This Sunday
It's Palm Sunday this week. The Chancel Choir will sing for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Call time is 10 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Lift Up Your Heads (Messiah).

Don't Forget The Trip to Fast Eddie's This Saturday
We're headed to Fast Eddie's in Alton, Ill., for a fantastic lunch tomorrow. We'll leave the church parking lot near the trash dumpster at exactly 10:00 a.m. this Saturday morning, April 8, and make the drive to Alton in time to be there when Fast Eddie's opens for lunch. You'll enjoy the cheapest, finest food anywhere. Huge 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 Eddie's. We hope you'll join us.

Esprit De Choir
Since our group is growing so rapidly, Kevin has begun offering a weekly reminder about ways to make the choir look sharp on Sunday morning. As many as a thousand pairs of eyes are on us each Sunday, so everything you do is noticed. Here's this week's tip:

This week's tip: "Please remember to wear your dark shoes and socks (gentlemen) in the loft. Whenever possible, please be sure to sit with both feet on the floor. Apparently, the view from the balcony is interesting if you don't."

Our weekly Esprit De Choir tips are archived on the choir's web site at:
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/espritdechoir.htm
Also, the Chancel Choir's official Procedures, Rules and Expectations are posted on the web site at:
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Notes/choirprocedures.htm

We Sing For Two Services on Easter and on April 23
The Chancel Choir will sing for the 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. worship services on Easter Sunday, April 16. We will sing for the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday, April 23. Sign up sheets for the Easter Sunday services have been circulated. If you haven't indicated your Easter participation on the signups, please see Kevin.

Chancel Choir Update 4/5: News / Cares and Concerns
First Run-through of Messiah Tomorrow Night
With only two weeks remaining before Easter, Kevin will conduct a full run-through of the Messiah during rehearsal tomorrow night. We'll be in the Sanctuary.

Don't Forget The Trip to Fast Eddie's This Saturday
Back by intense demand, it's our most popular destination. We'll leave the church parking lot near the trash dumpster at exactly 10:00 a.m. this Saturday morning, April 8, and make the drive to Alton in time to be there when Fast Eddie's opens for lunch. You'll enjoy the cheapest, finest food anywhere. Huge 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 Eddie's.

Messiah Easter and Concert Schedule
Here's the performance and rehearsal schedule for Messiah:
Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. -- Run through in the Sanctuary
Thursday, April 13, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. -- Choir and Orchestra rehearse in the Sanctuary
Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m. to noon -- Choir and Orchestra rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Easter Sunday, April 16, 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. -- Easter Sunday Messiah presentation
Sunday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. -- Messiah Concert
Note -- There is no rehearsal on Saturday, April 22

Cares and Concerns
Congratulations to Alto Lisa Sudduth on her marriage March 4 to Scott Null. She's now Lisa Sudduth Null.