Chancel Choir Update 9/29: Important News
Important Weekend for Chancel Choir
It's our church's 150th birthday, at least the birthday of our first permanent building. Sunday will be a big deal. The Bishop will conduct the worship services. The District Superintendent will be there. Kevin would like as many Chancel Choir members as possible to participate in both services on Sunday. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthems: Legacy of Faith and Precious Lord. Then Sunday afternoon it's the huge Festival of Praise concert at 3 p.m. featuring the entire Music Ministry of the church. Call time is 2:30 p.m. in the Music Room. We will wear robes and be in the loft for the concert.

Chancel Choir Vice President Resigns
Tenor Josh Hayes has resigned as choir vice president and next year's president-elect. He cites increased work responsibilities and travel as reasons why he must step aside. President Chris Kennedy will identify a replacement candidate in coming weeks.

Social Activities Are Announced
The Choir's social director, Sandy Ford, has announced a schedule of fun social events for fall and winter. Here is the line up. Details will be provided prior to each event.

Saturday, Oct. 28 - Movie Night and Dinner. Everyone will wear orange for Halloween.
Saturday, Nov. 18 - Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak 'N' Shake. Individual family photos will be taken with an actual turkey.
December (concerts)
January (official choir holiday party)
Saturday, Feb. 24 - Dinner and Joke Night at Surf 'N' Sirloin. We'll take over the back room and tell jokes to compete for hugh prizes.
Saturday, March 24 - Lunch at Fast Eddies in Alton.

Choir Goes On Road For Music Mission
The choir will sing for worship at four different churches simultaneously on Sunday, Oct. 29. The four locations are University UMC, Centenary UMC, Lafayette Park UMC and Manchester UMC. Signups for each loft are available in the Music Room.

Chancel Choir Update 9/26: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearse For Sunday Concert This Thursday
We're on for the big Festival of Praise concert this Sunday afternoon. We'll work on music for the concert this Thursday evening at the usual time, 7:30 p.m. in the Music Room.

Chancel Choir Web Site Is Updated
The pictorial directories, birthday lists, fall schedules and other information on the Chancel Choir web site has been updated. Check out your listing in the pictorial directory and make sure information is accurate and complete. If not, send a note to garyford@fordcom.net. You might also check out our new members on the "new members" page. Biographical information has been included for those who completed the new member survey. The web site is located at www.chancelchoir.com. An ID and password are needed to enter the "member" section.

Cares and Concerns
Alto Jean Kinnard has been moved to a different rehab facility in Tennessee. Her address is: NHC Place - Cool Springs, 211 Cool Springs Blvd., Room 1104, Franklin, TN 37067.

Chancel Choir Update 9/22: News / Cares and Concerns
Choir In Loft This Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing for both the 9 and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday, Sept. 24. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room.

Deadline for Retreat Registration Is Sunday
Retreat registration and completed forms are due to Janie Walker this Sunday, Sept. 24. Our annual fall retreat will be Oct. 13 and 14 at Mercy Center in Frontenac. No overnight option this year. Forms and info are available in the choir room. A form is needed from everyone, attending or not. Cost: Full retreat, $25. Saturday only: $21. Friday evening only: $8.

Centenary Kitchen Crew
Our outreach program is organizing a kitchen crew to help at the Centenary Food Kitchen. We need to know availability of volunteers. If you'd like to help and are available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, a sign up to indicate interest is available with Alto Barb Farmer.

Cares and Concerns
Former Chancel Choir Alto Joan Allen is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Her address is: 3750 S Belgrave Dr., Inverness, FL 34452

Alto Jean Kinnard continues to make progress at a rehabilitation facility at Franklin, Tenn. If you would like to participate in a card shower for her, bring a get well card to choir on Sunday and place it in the marked envelope on the registration table.

Chancel Choir Update 9/16: Cares and Concerns
Alto Jean Kinnard was moved today (9/16) to a rehabilitation facility at Franklin, Tenn., near her daughter Sarah's home. The goal is for her to return to independent living here in St. Louis in four to six weeks. Her St. Louis physicians are reportedly pleased with her progress from open heart surgery to replace her mitral valve. So, if you are planning to visit Jean at Springbridge Rehab Center in Chesterfield, she's no longer there. Alto Maida McCormack is organizing a card show for Jean. Bring your card to rehearsal Thursday night and place it in a large orange envelope at the sign-in table.

Alto Kay Sherrill has a granddaughter. Peyton Katheryn Sherrill was born July 22 to Mark and Heather Sherrill.

Chancel Choir Update 9/15: News
No Choir This Sunday
Chancel Choir does not sing for worship this Sunday, Sept. 17. Coventry Choir will sing for the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services.

Rehearsal CDs
A rehearsal CD containing our fall music is available in the Music Room for everyone free of charge. If your CD fails to work in your car CD player, tell Gary Ford. The rehearsal CDs were made on economy grade CD blanks and may not be compatible with some late model automotive CD players and some DVD players. I will bring a quantity of the recordings made on premium archival CD blanks to the next rehearsal. If you need one, let me know.

Centenary Kitchen Crew
Our outreach program is organizing a kitchen crew to help at the Centenary Food Kitchen. We need to know availability of volunteers. If you'd like to help and are available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, a sign up to indicate interest will be available at rehearsal next Thursday or talk to Barb Farmer.

Piano and Organ Concert
Our own Stephanie Allee, along with organist Gail Robins, will present a piano/organ concert at 3 p.m., this Sunday, Sept. 17, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5508 Telegraph Road.

New Members
Who are those new members? A photo directory of the new members is now available on the choir Web site. Each new member has been asked to complete an online biography survey. So, you can learn more about them on the Web site as well. If you are a new member and have not completed the survey, please take a few minutes and do it. The link was sent to you in your welcome email.
You can reach the new member pictorial directory at this link:
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Directory/New%20Members%20-%202006-2007.htm

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Carleen Anderson and Bass Jim Anderson report that their daughter, Christie Waldrop, underwent a biopsy of her thyroid yesterday and asks for the choir's prayers for a good result.

Alto Jean Kinnard remains at the Springbridge Rehabilitation Center, 550 White Road, Chesterfield, Mo., 63017, in Room 514.

Chancel Choir Update 9/15: Care and Concerns
Soprano Beth Morey reports the birth of her first grandchild. Jonathan Augustus Morey arrived at 8:15 a.m., Sept. 12, at Barnes/Jewish Medical Center. He weighed in at 4 pounds, 6 ounces. Jonathan and parents Greg and Monnika Morey are doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 9/12: News
Rehearsal This Thursday Night
Back to work this week on Fall music and prep for the Oct. 1 concert. Fall music rehearsal CDs are available for everyone in the Music Room.

Stats For Last Sunday
Singers in worship: 9:30 a.m. - 52; 10:30 a.m. - 72. Total attendance Sunday night: 410, including singers and audience. Total collection: $1,800 to be given to St. Louis Backstoppers after expenses are paid. Excellent concert. Those of you who didn't show missed a nice evening.

Fall Retreat Registration Due
Our annual fall retreat will be Oct. 13 and 14 at Mercy Center in Frontenac. Registration is due to Janie Walker by Sept. 28. No overnight option this year. Forms and info are available in the choir room. A form is needed from everyone, attending or not. Cost: Full retreat, $25. Saturday only: $21. Friday evening only: $8

Chancel Choir Update 9/8: News
Choir Sings This Sunday
Chancel Choir will sing Sunday. Call time 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthems: All Hail The Power, Create In Me.

Fall Retreat Registration Information
The choir's annual fall retreat will be Oct. 13 and 14 at Mercy Center in Frontenac. Registration is due to Janie Walker by Sept. 28. No overnight option this year. Forms and info are available in the choir room. Forms are needed from everyone attending or not. Cost: Full retreat, $25. Saturday only: $21. Friday evening only: $8

Rutter Sing Along Concert
Chancel Choir will join four other churches in our Sanctuary Sunday night to sing the Rutter Requiem. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Call time is 6:45 p.m.

Rutter Requiem Sing Along Radio Promos
Our Sept. 10 Concert of Remembrance: Rutter Requiem is being promoted by radio station Classic 99 - KFUO, 99.1 FM. The promos will air at: Friday, 9/8 - 8:20 am, 10:52 am, 6:35 pm, 8:20 pm, and 9:50 pm; Saturday, 9/9: 9:50 am, 5:21 pm; Sunday, 9/10: 6:40 am, 1:35 pm, 6:50 pm.

Gentle Reminders
Last year we published several "Esprit de Choir" reminders about some basic rules and regulations. Here is an abbreviated version at the start of the year as a gentle reminder for new and "old" members alike. Please insert the word "please" in front each of these:

-- Wear black shoes and dark slacks.
-- No large earrings.
-- No cologne, aftershave or perfume at Thursday rehearsals or especially Sunday morning and performances.
-- Don't turn your back on the congregation to reach for music or hymnals. Keep them in your folder at the ready.
-- When processing, folders go in the hand that is away from the congregation.
-- Don't cross legs, read, talk or snooze during the service. We are the backdrop for the video tape of the service.

Chancel Choir Update 9/5: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal This Week
Regular rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. It's party night - treats following. Bring a new member.

Photos From The First Rehearsal
Take a look at some photos from last week's rehearsal including Chris Kennedy's comedy routine and the presentation honoring Fran for 50 years.
Click on this link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZMWbhs3aNmNt

Rutter Requiem Sing Along Radio Promos
Our Sept. 10 Concert of Remembrance: Rutter Requiem is being promoted by radio station Classic 99 - KFUO, 99.1 FM. The promos will air this week from 5:30 a.m. through midnight weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Cares and Concerns
This note of thanks from Baritone Maurice Parisien who recently underwent hip replacement: "The Chancel Choir members have been so great to me over the past seven weeks during the time of my surgery and post surgery in their forwarding of cards, well wishes and prayers and I'd like for them to know that I greatly appreciate the choir family's expressions of cares and concerns. It's in the difficult and challenging times that we look to our family for support, and my family has been there for me for which I am very grateful."

This note from Alto Fran McMillian regarding the recognition of her 50th year in Chancel Choir: "A heartfelt thank you message to the choir for the beautiful crystal cross honoring my 50th year n the Chancel Choir. I feel like I did when I was honored with the Life Membership in Women's Society of Christian Service. Now I really have to try to earn the honor you have bestowed upon me."

Chancel Choir Update 9/1: News
Choir Will Sing For Both Services This Sunday
The choir will sing for both services this Sunday, Sept. 3. It's our first Sunday back in the loft and Carl's first Sunday back in the pulpit. Call time: 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthems: All Hail The Power, Sing Out My Soul, and How Great Thou Art.

Fran McMillian Honored for 50 Years in Choir
Alto Fran McMillian was presented a Waterford crystal cross at rehearsal last night to mark the start of her 50th year in Chancel Choir. The first rehearsal attracted six new singers. More than 130 choir members were present. President Chris Kennedy started the evening with some jokes.

Piano and Organ Concert
Our own Stephanie Allee, along with organist Gail Robins, will present a piano/organ concert at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5508 Telegraph Road.

Chancel Choir Update 8/29: News
First Rehearsal Is Thursday Night
The new Chancel Choir season begins with rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday, Aug. 31. Know of anyone interested in joining us? This would be the night to bring them.

Choir Will Sing For Both Services This Sunday
The choir will sing for both services this Sunday, Sept. 3. It's our first Sunday back in the loft and Carl's first Sunday back in the pulpit.

Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir President Tenor Chris Kennedy is recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained during safe driver training required by his employer. Chris has never had an auto accident, but his company made him take the class anyway. He injured his shoulder while steering the car in a defensive turn.

Chancel Choir Update 8/25: Quick News
Here are some quick reminders:
Back To Choir Party Saturday Night -- It's at 5:30 p.m. at the home of JoAnn and Bruce Jones, 13536 Royal Glen Dr. Bring a desert, side dish or salad. JoAnn will provide barbecue beef and turkey sandwiches and drinks. The party will be held rain or shine. Directions were listed in an earlier email. Here's a link to a map: http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=13536+Royal+Glen+Drive&csz=St.+Louis%2C+MO&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=

Summer Choir Sings In Church Sunday
Kevin is recruiting a volunteer summer choir to sing for both services this Sunday. Report to the Music Room 30 minutes before each service.

First Rehearsal Is Thursday Night
The new Chancel Choir season will begin with rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31. The choir will sing for both services the following Sunday, Sept. 3.

Chancel Choir Update 8/23: Summer Choir This Sunday
A special "Summer Choir" will sing for worship this Sunday, Aug. 27. The choir is open to anyone interested in singing and would be a great "trial" for potential new members. Call time is 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. service and 10 a.m. for the 10:30 a.m. service. The Summer Choir will sing three pieces as a part of the communion service this week.

Chancel Choir Update 8/18: News
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 earlier this summer. 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. 24, 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 24 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. 23.

Fall Kick Off Party Is Next Saturday, Aug. 26
Dust off the lawn chair and fire up the oven. The annual back to choir fall Kick Off party will be Saturday, Aug. 26, 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 meat will be provided, as will , but choir members are asked to bring salads, side dishes and desert. JoAnn says they also will provide lemonade, iced tea, soda, decaf coffee and water. 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 third 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=

First Rehearsal For The Season Is August 31
We'll be back in the music room on Thursday, Aug. 31. We sing in church for this first time on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Chancel Choir Update 8/14: News / Cares and Concerns
Dinner This Thursday Night At Bandana's Barbecue
Like barbecue? This is your week. We'll be feasting at Bandana's Barbecue on Manchester Road just west of Wiedman Road. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday. The following week, Aug. 24, will be the last dinner of the summer. Look for an announcement of the special location.

Fall Kick Off Party Is Saturday, Aug. 26
Dust off the lawn chair and fire up the oven. The annual back to choir fall Kick Off party will be Saturday, Aug. 26, 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 meat will be provided, but choir members are asked to bring salads, side dishes and desert. 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
A memorial service for Connor Sterling Gray, the infant grandson of Baritone Larry and Soprano Sue Woolweaver, will be at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Restland Funeral Home, 9220 Restland Road Dallas, Texas (800-749-7379). The family is asking for donations in Connor's name to the March of Dimes - Fighting to Save Babies from Premature Birth (www.marchofdimes.com). Larry and Sue's home address is 443 Charter Way Dr., Grover, Mo. 63040. They plan to return to St. Louis on Friday.

Soprano Carol Lembke reports that her mother, Marty Lepley, was hospitalized at St. John's Mercy Medical Center last week for treatment of a blood clot in her leg.

Chancel Choir Update 8/12: Death In Chancel Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death this morning of Connor Sterling Gray, the infant grandson of Baritone Larry and Soprano Sue Woolweaver. Connor was born on July 5 at the Plano Medical Center in Plano, Texas, 16 weeks premature. "He was a tough little guy that fought every minute of each of the approximate 20 days he was alive. He was with is parents, Heather and Cole, his grandmother Woolweaver, and his aunt Hillary Jackson," Larry reports. "Please let everyone know we deeply appreciate the many thoughts and prayers. Conner is now being held by our Lord in heaven."

Chancel Choir Update 8/8: News / Cares and Concerns
Join Us For Mexican Cuisine This Thursday
Dinner this Thursday will be at an old favorite -- El Nopal in the Stonegate strip mall at the southeast corner of Big Bend and Old Highway 141 for excellent Mexican food. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday.

Look For Newsletters - You Could Win
The Chancel Times is in the mail. So, look for a 6x9 white envelope in your mailbox this week. This edition of the newsletter contains some very important news about fall scheduling and interesting information about the choir, its members and what we're doing this fall. It has news not previously reported anywhere. And you could win a prize, just by reading it. One of the newsletter copies has a phrase inserted in the middle of an article that mentions that the reader has won a prize. That copy of the newsletter with the note about the prize was inserted into the mail at random. You may have received it. Read your copy carefully and if you find the note about the prize, call the newsletter editor by the first choir rehearsal and you will win a free copy of every concert CD we record during the coming season.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Larry Woolweaver reports that his infant grandson, Connor Sterling Gray, continues to survive in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Plano Medical Center in Plano, Texas. Conner was born 11 weeks premature and had successful surgery Sunday to place a tube for nourishment.

Chancel Choir Update 8/5: Important News / Cares and Concerns
Attire for the Mark Hayes Concert Sunday Night
In case you missed rehearsal this afternoon, Kevin has asked that singers participating in Sunday's concert with Mark Hayes wear all black clothing. That means black shirts, pants, skirts, blouses, shoes, etc. This is not formal concert black attire, just clothes that are black. Dress for Sunday morning worship services is whatever you would normally wear to church on Sunday morning in the summer.

Help Needed Next Week For Centenary Project
We are in need of two or three persons to donate an afternoon helping with some light carpentry work at Centenary United Methodist Church at 16th and Olive in downtown St. Louis. As you know, the choir has agreed to assist Centenary with some projects as a part of its outreach ministry. A room at the church is being remodeled into a conference center. The room needs some sheet rock walls installed and some painting. If you can help next week with this project, please call Baritone Dave Givens at 314-640-4575. Dave is the project leader.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Sue and Baritone Larry Woolweaver ask your thoughts and prayers for their grandson, Connor Sterling Gray, who was born on July 24, 11 weeks premature. Connor is in critical condition in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Plano Medical Center in Plano, Texas. Sue says this next week will be an especially critical time for the infant.

Alto Jean Kinnard continues to recover from open heart surgery July 5 to replace her mitral valve. She remains a patient at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfied and was moved Friday from the Cardiac Intensive Care Stepdown Unit to the rehab unit. Her room number is 8504-2. Choir members are encouraged to send cards. She is listed at the hospital as Wilma Jean Kinnard.

Chancel Choir Update 8/4: Ushers Needed For Sunday Concert
We are in need of eight ushers for the Sunday night Mark Hayes concert. They can be spouses, friends or family members. The should plan on reporting at 7 p.m. If someone you know can help usher, please send a note to Ann Garber at: Elizabeth.A.Garber@nga.mil

Chancel Choir Update 8/4: News
Rehearsal, Worship and Concert This Weekend
Don't forget that famous composer Mark Hayes will be in our church this weekend. The Chancel Choir will rehearse with Mark from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Mark will direct the Chancel Choir during both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday. The Chancel Choir will also participate in Mark's evening concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Warm up for the concert is at 7 p.m. in the Music Room. We hope as many singers as possible can participate in the weekend events.

Join Us For Mexican Cuisine This Thursday
Dinner this Thursday will be at an old favorite -- El Nopal in the Stonegate strip mall at the southeast corner of Big Bend and Old Highway 141 for excellent Mexican food. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday.

Chancel Choir Update 8/1: News
Thursday Night Dinner at Acropolis in Ballwin
We'll be trying some favorite Greek and American dishes this week as the traveling summer Thursday night dinner stops at Acropolis in Ballwin. This place serves outstanding Greek and American food. The restaurant is located on Holloway, just north of Manchester Road in the building formerly occupied by Frick's. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday.

Mark Hayes Weekend This Week
Don't forget that famous composer Mark Hayes will be in our church this weekend. The Chancel Choir will rehearse with Mark from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Mark will direct the Chancel Choir during both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday. The Chancel Choir will also participate in Mark's evening concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Warm up for the concert is at 7 p.m. in the Music Room. We hope as many singers as possible can participate in the weekend events.

Chancel Choir Update 7/28: News
Men Are On For Worship This Sunday
It's the Chancel Choir men's turn to provide music for worship this Sunday. There were 26 women singing in the loft a couple of weeks ago and word is the men have been challenged to outnumber them. The men's chorus will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Plan on arriving in the Music Room at 8:30 a.m. for a quick warm up of some familiar, yet impressive music. Remember, the men have been challenged, the gauntlet is down, the gloves are off, and there's a line in the sand. Women this week can report to the balcony.

Thursday Night Dinner Next Week at Acropolis in Ballwin
We'll be trying some favorite Greek and American dishes next week as the traveling summer Thursday night dinner stops at Acropolis in Ballwin. The restaurant is located on Holloway, just north of Manchester Road in the building formerly occupied by Frick's. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email by noon on Wednesday at the latest. You can also call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749.

Chancel Choir Update 7/24: Cares and Concerns
It's a first grandson for Soprano Sue and Bass Larry Woolweaver. Conner Sterling Gray arrived at 9:55 a.m. this morning at the Plano Medical Center in Plano, Texas, 11 weeks premature. He weighed in at 1 pound, 13 ounces and 13 inches long. Conner is resting in the hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and is reported to be doing well with a strong heart rate and blood pressure. Daughter Heather and son-in-law Cole are also doing well. Sue, who was in Texas for the birth, and Larry ask for the choir's prayers for their grandson.

Chancel Choir Update 7/24: News / Cares and Concerns
Men Are On For Worship This Sunday
It's the Chancel Choir men's turn to provide music for worship this Sunday. The men's chorus will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Plan on arriving in the Music Room at 8:30 for a quick warm up of some familiar, yet impressive music. There were 26 women singing in the loft a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps the men can outnumber them. Women this week can report to the balcony.

Thursday Night Dinner at To Surf & Sirloin
The traveling summer Thursday night dinner this week will make a stop at Surf & Sirloin at 13090 Manchester Road. Surf & Sirloin is located on Manchester Road just west of the what used to be the Olive Garden. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email as soon as possible and by noon on Wednesday at the latest. You can also call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749. We'll need an accurate advance number this week.

Mark Hayes Weekend August 5 and 6
Don't forget that the famous composer Mark Hayes will be in our church performing with us the weekend of Aug. 5 and 6. The Chancel Choir will rehearse with Mark from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5. Mark will direct the Chancel Choir during both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday, Aug. 6. Report to the Music Room at 8:30 a.m. that Sunday. A new addition to the weekend schedule is the Chancel Choir's participation in Mark's evening concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. Warm up for the concert is 7 p.m. in the Music Room. We hope as many singers as possible can participate in the weekend events.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Joyce Lang is hospitalized in St. John's Mercy Medical Center for treatment of a pulmonary embolism. The blood clot in Joyce's lungs was discovered following a CT scan at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The radiologist found the life-threatening condition after Joyce left for a return trip to St. Louis. She was hospitalized Saturday afternoon. Joyce will continue her chemotherapy treatment in St. Louis following recommended changes by physicians at M.D. Anderson. Joyce asks for our thoughts and prayers.

Soprano Marlene Kuhlman will undergo surgery to remove a gall stone on Thursday, July 27.

Bass John Lemen is on the mend following a broken shoulder suffered in a recent bicycle accident while trail riding.

Yes, there were unexpected "lights out" for Chancel Choir members after last week's storms. Sorprano Carol Lemke reports her home was in the dark from the storm on Wednesday evening until Saturday, but "lots of dry ice" saved all of their stored food. It was a double outage for Alto Carol and Bass Charles Shaffer for about 14 hours. Once restored, Carol's sister and mother moved in for 8 hours, only to return following the second storm on Friday.

Chancel Choir Email Updates Accessible On The Internet
If that DSL or Charter Pipeline service goes down, you can always access the Chancel Choir Email Updates at the Choir's Web site from any computer anywhere connected to the Internet. The email messages are posted to the choir's Web site as soon as they are sent out. Click on www.chancelchoir.org to find them and get caught up.

Chancel Choir Update 7/21: News / Cares and Concerns
Thursday Night Dinner at To Surf & Sirloin
The traveling summer Thursday night dinner this week will make a stop at Surf & Sirloin at 13090 Manchester Road. Surf & Sirloin is located on Manchester Road just west of the what used to be the Olive Garden. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday.

Music Is Missing
The Chancel Choir librarians are distressed. There are more than 200 pieces of music missing because choir members failed to turn it in at the end of the season. At between $2 and $6 a copy, that's a sizable missing treasurer. So go through your piano bench, glove box, trunk, kitchen counter or anywhere else things accumulate at your house and see if you can find some of the choir's music. You can turn it in the next time you are in the church building. Librarians say the return boxes are sitting in the Music Room and they'd love to find something in them this summer.

Cares and Concerns
As far as we know, Chancel Choir members experienced no injuries or major property damage during Wednesday night's storm. No one has reported being without power so far. The church offered Fellowship Hall as a cooling shelter, but by Thursday evening, no one had reported there. At least two choir members were at Busch Stadium when the storm hit. Bass Buddy Rains and Soprano Sarah Biolchini McMillen witnessed hurricane force winds, torrential rains, and damage to the stadium. When Sarah and her husband, Joe, returned home after the game they found a tree had fallen on their car. Bass Larry Woolweaver reported that lightening wiped out television sets and electronics at his condo in Ellisville. If you know choir members out of power or who suffered damage or injury, please let us know.

Chancel Choir Update 7/18: News / Cares and Concerns
Summer Dinner Heads to Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill
This Thursday night we're headed to the Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill in Ballwin on Manchester Road just east of New Ballwin Road (in a strip mall directly across the street from Taco Bell). This is a fun place with great sandwiches in edition to the wings it's named for. They even have 12 different kinds of sauce. Don't let the name fool you, you can enjoy a full meal in a pleasant atmosphere with no smoke since Ballwin prohibits smoking in restaurants. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday.

What's Happening? Check The Calendar
One look at the thermometer says summer is quickly marching by. But the thermometer won't tell you when the Chancel Choir's fall kickoff party is or when choir rehearsals begin. No, for that you'll need to chec your bright purple official Chancel Choir Calendar. That's the one with all of the pictures that you picked up the last night of rehearsal in June and promptly hung on your kitchen wall. All of the dates for this fall's events, concerts, parties, the retreat, and the kickoff are on the calendar. In case you didn't get one, there are some calendars left in the Music Room. We're asking for a $5 donation to cover a portion of the expense of producing each calendar.

Cares and Concerns
Alto Jean Kinnard remains hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield recovering from open heart surgery July 5 to replace her mitral valve. Her room number is 6703.

Chancel Choir Update 7/14: News / Cares and Concerns
Calling All Women - It's Your Turn To Sing This Sunday
Chancel Choir women will form a special women's choir for worship this Sunday (7/16). The women's choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Women will report to the Music Room at 8:30 a.m. for warm up -- men can report to the balcony.

Summer Dinner Headed to Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill
The summer dinner caravan will make a stop next Thursday (7/20) at the Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill in Ballwin on Manchester Road just east of New Ballwin Road. This is a fun place with great sandwiches and entrees in edition to the wings it's named for. So, don't let the name fool you, we'll be having a full meal in a pleasant atmosphere with no smoke since Ballwin prohibits smoking in restaurants. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday, July 19. And remember if you make a reservation and are unable to attend, please let us know -- even if it's last minute.

Do Anything Fun This Summer?
Work on the back-to-choir edition of the Chancel Times, the choir's official newsletter, is underway. If you've gone someplace out-of-the-way, did something interesting, experienced something unusual, or had something bazaar happen to you, we'd like to know. We'd also like a photo of that unusual event if you have it. And if you've got some good gossip, we'd like to hear that too. Send a short explanation and a photo to garyford@fordcom.net in the next week or so.

Cares and Concerns
Baritone Moe Parisien is recuperating at home follow successful surgery Tuesday to replace his left hip. Moe's address is: 1210 Berquist Court, Ballwin, MO 63011-4212. The new hip was installed by the choir's favorite orthopedic surgeon, Soprano Jo Ann Jones' husband Bruce.

Chancel Choir Update 7/10: News / Cares and Concerns
Calling All Women - It's Your Turn To Sing This Sunday
Chancel Choir women will form a special women's choir for worship this Sunday (7/16). The women's choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Report to the Music Room at 8:30 a.m. for warm up. Here's the schedule for the remainder of the summer:

Summer Chancel Choir Singing 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

Dinner Thursday At Big Bear Grill
The traveling summer dinners will make a stop at the Big Bear Grill in Wildwood this Thursday night, July 13. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday, July 12. 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

Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we report the death of Soprano Barb Barrett's nephew, Mike Tobler. He died unexpectedly Saturday in Rogers, Ark., at the age of 43. Funeral services will be tomorrow (7/11) in Arkansas. Barb asks for our thoughts and prayers for her sister and brother-in-law and her nephew's family. Barb's address: 1209 Oak Borough Dr., Ballwin, MO 63021-8333.

Bass Maurice Parisien will undergo surgery to replace his hip tomorrow (7/11) at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield. He is expected to remain hospitalized for a few days before recuperating at home.

Chancel Choir Update 7/7: News
Dinner Next Thursday At Big Bear Grill
The traveling summer dinners will make a stop at the Big Bear Grill in Wildwood next Thursday night, July 13. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday, July 12. 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

Chancel Choir Update 7/6: Cares and Concerns
Alto Jean Kinnard remains in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at St. Luke's Hospital where she underwent open heart surgery yesterday afternoon (7/5) to replace her mitral valve. Her surgeon is said to be pleased with the result. She was transferred to St. Luke's from Des Peres Hospital where earlier diagnostic tests revealed the need for surgery.

Chancel Choir Update 7/3: Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we report the death this morning in Florida of Rick Layman, husband of former Chancel Choir soprano Linda Layman. Rick has suffered from lymphoma. Funeral services in Florida are pending, but will likely be scheduled for Friday. Cards may be sent to: Lynda Layman, 529 LaCaruna Court, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950.

Soprano Carleen Anderson is undergoing a cardiac angiogram this morning (Monday, 7/3) at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield. She has been suffering from chest pains for the past few days.

Alto Jean Kinnard is also undergoing a cardiac angiogram this morning at Des Peres Hospital in Des Peres after experiencing shortness of breath last Tuesday night.

Due to an erroneous information provided, an earlier report that Alto Fran McMillian had returned to Springbridge Rehab & Wellness Center in Chesterfield is incorrect. She remains at her home.

Chancel Choir Update 7/2: Cares and Concerns / News
Alto Jean Kinnard is hospitalized at Des Peres Hospital after experiencing shortness of breath last Tuesday night. She has undergone diagnostic tests this week and will have a cardiac angiogram on Monday (7/3). Phone calls are okay, but she would prefer no visitors right now. The hospital phone number is 314-966-9448.

Alto Fran McMillian has returned to the Springbridge Rehab & Wellness Center at 550 White Road in Chesterfield for additional therapy and treatment. She had been recuperating at home for the past several weeks.

Summer Dinner Tour Stops at Hometown Buffet 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.