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Chancel Choir Email Update Archive ~ 2008:
January - March

 

Chancel Choir Update 3/28: Cares and Concerns - Correction
Soprano Lynn Willits
reports that her mother, Peggy Compton, has been hospitalized at Heartland Hospital in St. Joseph, Mo., with severe breathing problems. She asks for our prayers for her parents, Bob and Peggy Compton. (A previous report that it was her father was incorrect.)

Chancel Choir Update 3/28: News
Chancel Choir sings at both 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday. Call time is 8:30 and 10 a.m in the Music Room.

Chancel Choir Sings Tonight
The Chancel Choir is combining with singers from other churches in our district to celebrate the work of retiring district superintendent Nancye Dunlap at a commemoration service in our Sanctuary at 7 p.m. tonight (3/28). Call time is 6:15 p.m. in the Music Room.

Request For Community Outreach Funding
Following initial approval of the Chancel Choir officers at their meeting last week, Kevin presented proposed requests for funding for three community outreach projects at rehearsal last night. They are:
-- Funding for a large-screen television and cart for Centenary United Methodist Church for use in presenting training and enrichment programming to the homeless who participate in its lunch program. Cost of the equipment is estimated at $2000.
-- A $1000 one-time scholarship to send a member of the Stephen Ministry to leadership training.
-- A $200 scholarship for dues to the Musician's Union for Michael Dunsmoor.
A vote on these proposals will be conducted at rehearsal next week. The Chancel Choir's activity fund balance currently totals approximately $18,500.

Easter Box Score
Here are attendance totals for Easter Sunday:
Saturday Vigil - 126
7 a.m. Sunrise - 116
8 a.m. - 162
9 a.m. (traditional) - 930
9 a.m. (contemporary) - 316
10:30 a.m. (traditional) - 1340
10:30 a.m. (contemporary) - 418
11:45 a.m. - 193
Total 2008 Easter - 3601
Total 2007 Easter - 3777

Chancel Choir Update 3/26: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular Chancel Choir rehearsal tomorrow night.

District Choir Rehearsal Monday Night
The Chancel Choir is combining with singers from other churches in our district to celebrate the work of retiring district superintendent Nanyce Dunlap at a commemoration service in our Sanctuary at 7 p.m. this Friday (3/28). Call time is 6:15 p.m. in the Music Room.

Photos For The Chancel Choir Calendar - This Week It's The Tenors
Work has begun on the next edition of the Chancel Choir wall calendar. This year we are going to take some group photos of the individual sections of the choir. The photos will be shot just prior to rehearsal during the next four weeks. This week, it's the tenors. All tenors who are available for the photo, please meet at 7 p.m. in the church Narthex tomorrow night. The photo will be taken between 7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. We'd like to get as many tenors in the shot as possible. If you can make it, you will be pictured in the calendar.

Greeters Needed in The Narthex This Sunday
Members of Chancel Choir are needed to greet people in the Narthex before the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday. Two singers are needed before each service. The choir provides greeters one Sunday each month as an outreach program. If you can help, please contact Chris Kennedy at: chris_kennedy@merck.com

Cares and Concerns
We are saddened to report the death (3/23) of William "Bill" Rutledge, father-in-law of Tenor Gene Stuckey. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday (3/28), at Schrader Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at Schrader's from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday (3/27).

We just wanted to let everyone know that my father -- Sarah's grandfather -- was able to come home from the hospital. What a glorious Easter in spite of the weather! We still don't know what caused his recent health problems, but he is feeling better and acting more like himself now. Thank you all for your prayers and concern. It really helps to know that we have so many friends in choir who care and pray with us.
Blessings,
Donna Biolchini

Chancel Choir Update 3/21: News
It's Easter Sunday
We sing for Easter 2008 worship at both the 9 a.m and 10:30 a.m. services. Call time is 8:30 a.m. Anthems: Arise, Your Light Has Come and Worthy Is The Lamb. It stands to reason the biggest Methodist Church in Missouri should have a big choir on Easter, so we'd love it if you'd sing with us at both services if you're in town. Also, please respect your fellow singers by not wearing perfume, cologne, or aftershave. There was a cloud of fragrance floating above the loft last night during the Maundy Thursday service.

District Choir Rehearsal Monday Night
The Chancel Choir is combining with singers from other churches in our district to celebrate the work of retiring district superintendent Nanyce Dunlap. The rehearsal is 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Monday, March 24. The recognition service will be in our
Sanctuary at 7 p.m. next Friday, March 28.

Chancel Choir at the New Cathedral
The Chancel and Coventry choirs will sing for mass at 5 p.m., Saturday, April 26, at the Cathedral Basilica (New Cathedral) in the Central West End.

Chancel Choir Update 3/20: Cares and Concerns
It's a granddaughter for Alto Lois Hendrickson. Hannah Lynn arrived yesterday afternoon (3/19) and weighed in at 5 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 18 1/4 inches. Mother/daughter Jenny and husband Don are smiling from ear to ear, according to Lois.

Ivan Kime, father of Soprano Donna Biolchini and grandfather of Soprano Sarah McMillin, is hospitalized at St. John's Mercy Medical Center to determine if he suffered a stroke. Sarah asks for our prayers.

Chancel Choir Update 3/19: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Marla McDaniel recently suffered a broken arm above the elbow, severely limited her ability to drive and do many common tasks. She needs our help with some transportation issues. Is there anyone in the choir who could drive her to a job interview in Chesterfield at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow (3/20)? If so, please call Marla at 314-757-7988.

Chancel Choir Update 3/19: News
Maundy Thursday Service and Easter Rehearsal
Chancel Choir will sing for the Maundy Thursday service tomorrow night with our Easter rehearsal with brass immediately following. Call time is 6:30 p.m. in the Music Room. The service begins at 7 p.m. Rehearsal with brass begins at 8 p.m. or so right after the service.

Easter Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing at 9 a.m and 10:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday.

Chancel Choir Update 3/15: Cares and Concerns
It's a granddaughter for Soprano Penny Klebe and Tenor Bob Klebe. Katherine Cheley Klebe was born on Friday morning (3/14) in New Orleans to Brooke and Kurt Klebe. All is doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 3/14: News
This is Palm Sunday. We'll sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Call time at 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: When I Survey The Wonderous Cross. It would be great to have a full choir at both services, especially during Holy week.

Maundy Thursday Service and Easter Rehearsal
Chancel Choir will sing for the Maundy Thursday service next week (3/20) with our Easter rehearsal with brass immediately following. Call time is 6:30 p.m. in the Music Room. The service begins at 7 p.m. Rehearsal with brass begins at 8 p.m. right after the service.

Help Needed To Serve Lunch at Centenary
Next Wednesday is the Chancel Choir's regular scheduled day to help cook and serve lunch at Centenary United Methodist Church. Unfortunately, it's spring break for some and we don't have enough help. You'd need to help from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Carpooling is available. Contact Barb Farmer at bfarmmo@sbcglobal.net.

Altar Guild Needs Help Making Palm Crosses
The Altar Guild needs help making palm crosses this Saturday, (3/15) in the hallway near Room 308. They also they could also use some help this Sunday, passing out the crosses to the congregation before worship services from 8:45 until 9 a.m. and from 10 until 10:30 a.m. Confirmands are welcome and this work counts toward family points for confirmands. If you can help, call Soprano Ann Garber at 314-307-1322.

Metro Singers Present Messiah
The Metro Singers will present portions of Messiah this Sunday (3/16) at 3 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. There will be a bus leaving from our church at 2 p.m. and returning about 5 p.m. The concert and bus ride are free.

Return Bound Copy of Mass
Please return your "Mass" score from last week's concert.

Music helps us recall memories of experiences we never had.

Chancel Choir Update 3/12: News
We're approaching our busy Easter season. Rehearsal tomorrow night will cover music for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunday, and the district event to celebrate retiring Superintendent Nanyce Dunlap on March 28. We need you.

Chancel Choir at the Cathedral Basilica
The Chancel Choir and Coventry Choir will sing at the Cathedral Basilica (old cathedral) in the Central West End on Saturday, April 26. The service begins at 5 p.m. Mark your calendar.

Chancel Choir Update 3/10: Death In Chancel Choir Family
It is with sadness we report the death March 2, of Lee Klein, step mother of Soprano Sarah Brueggeman. A memorial service was hold Saturday (3/8) in Sewickley, Penn. Address cards to: Sarah and Jeff Brueggeman, 502 Oaktree Crossing, Ballwin, MO 63021.

Chancel Choir Update 3/7: News
Chancel Choir Sings For Two Services Sunday
We will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Pie Jesu.

Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. this Saturday. Set your clock ahead one hour or you'll be late for church.

Concert Recording
A digital recording was made of Sunday night's concert. To reserve a CD, either reply to this email or sign up Sunday in the Music Room.

Chancel Choir Update 3/5: News
Get Ready For Easter
With last Sunday's concert behind us, it's time to get busy for Easter at rehearsal tomorrow night.

Chancel Choir Will Sing For Maundy Thursday
The choir will sing for the Maundy Thursday service again this year. It's Thursday, March 20, with regular rehearsal to follow.

Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend
Yes, it's early this year. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. this Saturday.

Concert Recording
A digital recording was made of Sunday night's concert. To reserve a CD, either reply to this email or sign up Thursday night.

Chancel Choir Update 3/1: Death In Choir Family
We are saddened to report the death of Anna Mae Anderson, mother of Baritone Jim Anderson and mother-in-law of Soprano Carleen Anderson. She died yesterday (2/29) at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield where she was admitted last Sunday following a stroke. She was 91. Services are pending at Bopp Chapel in Kirkwood. Probably visitation on Tuesday at Bopp Chapel with funeral services on Wednesday at Ladue Chapel. Cards may be sent to: 2361 Claymoor Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63017.

Chancel Choir Update 2/29: Death In Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Alto Lois Hendrickson's father, Merrill Mason. He died at 8 p.m. last night (2/28) at Delmar Gardens after a short illness. He was 89. No memorial service is planned. Cards may be sent to Lois at: 1047 Camargo Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011

Chancel Choir Update 2/29: Important News
Final Concert Rehearsal This Saturday Morning

Last night's orchestra rehearsal went well, the choir and soloists made great progress toward our performance. The final rehearsal will be from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday in Sanctuary. If you are on the fence about singing with us, bear in mind that 22 singers are down with the flu right now. If you can, we'll see you Saturday morning.

Sunday Morning In Worship
The Chancel Choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Lux Aeterna.

Respect Your Fellow Singers
Please, no perfume, cologne or fragrant aftershave at the concert Sunday night. Some of your fellow singers are negatively affected by fragrances. Also, Sunday night's concert will be recorded for choir members. Page turns, coughing and even talking during orchestra passages were evident in our last recording. Let's make the music be the only sound.

______________

February 27, 2008
Greetings One and All,

As we come into the home stretch, I wanted to get you caught up on a few details. So far, 2008 has been a really strange year for us as a choir. I can't remember a time when the weather has challenged us this much. And, while I've "gone to git some learnin'" nearly every winter, I feel a bit disconnected. What a joy, though, to have John C. to lead. I'm still not sure how we got so lucky, but I hope you keep telling him how much he's added to our ministry.
With all of that said, however, the main thing rings true. The music for this concert is WONDERFUL! It borders on sensory overload to have some many gems in one serving. I'm sorry it's taken so long to come up with a concert like this one. It is one of the most musically rewarding programs I've experienced. Because of the music, I think we're gonna be alright. I don't mean alright in the sense that every note will come out perfectly. I mean alright in the Baptist, hallelujah, biblical sense, that God will indeed take our efforts, as unrehearsed as they may be, and touch people's lives. (Maybe even touching some of us in the process.) So...my instructions are as simple as ever. Just come and sing your hearts out. (I hope you'll really think about that last part.)

When you arrive tomorrow night, please go directly downstairs to the Music Room. There will be a brief gathering and organizing time, and then you'll come up and join the orchestra in progress. If possible, try to be early, because it will take you a few minutes to deal with the concert seating arrangement. As always, limit your conversation to the essential things that need to be discussed. If you stay focused, we'll be in great shape. Please forgive me again for messing up your Saturday morning. We're are on from 9:00am to noon, so I'll say thanks in advance.

Lastly, being apart from you helps me to realize again, what an incredibly lucky person I am. I'm so proud of the work you do, both "on the field and off". People are noticing, and are blessed by your efforts, but none of them more than your humble director.

See ya there,
KJ


Chancel Choir Update 2/27: Important News
It's Concert Week
We'll rehearse with the orchestra tomorrow night beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The final rehearsal with orchestra will be from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday. We need everyone at both rehearsals.

International Flags Needed
Lori Borger is needing to locate 12 to 24 of the 3 ft. x 5 ft. international flags for the Music Makers musical set. The musical is April 6 at 3 p.m., and if possible, she'd like to have the flags from Saturday, March 29 through April 6. If you know where flags could be borrowed, please contact Lori at Bborger01@earthlink.net or 636-394-4114.

Chancel Choir Update 2/22: News
The choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday. Anthem: How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place. Because this anthem needs a fuller, rich sound, we really need participation this Sunday, especially at 9 a.m. service. Please join us. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room.

Counting Down To The Concert
A total of 45 singers braved the winter weather on Thursday night to rehearse for our March 2 concert. With Kevin in Kansas City Thursday for a master class continuing education meeting, John Cargile conducted the rehearsal. Next Thursday, the choir will rehearse with the orchestra. Obviously it will be important that everyone be there. We will rehearse with the orchestra again on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. until noon. This is the correct time for the Saturday rehearsal. Earlier announcements about an afternoon rehearsal were in error. Plan on singing with us for the concert even if you haven't been to recent rehearsals. We need everyone performing in the concert.

Housing Still Needed for the Concordia Choir Tuesday Night
If you can house a couple of college singers on the night of Tuesday, Feb. 26, we need your help. The Concordia Choir will be presenting a concert that evening and the singers need a place to stay. As of last night, we still needed housing for 10 students. You'll get one free ticket to the concert for your help. Contact Soprano Jo Ann Jones momjones@gmail.com if you can house a student.

Greeters Needed For This Sunday
Once each month the Chancel Choir provides greeters in the Narthex before the worship services. For some reason, finding a few choir members willing to smile and shake hands with people arriving for church has been difficult. Tenor Chris Kennedy reports that we disparately need choir members to greet before the 9 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday. If you are willing to help, please contact Chris at: clkhusker@aol.com

Chancel Choir Update 2/21: Use Main West Entrance Tonight
Please use the main west church entrance, as usual, tonight for Chancel Choir rehearsal. Watch your step in the parking lot.

Chancel Choir Update 2/21: Choir Rehearsal Will Be Held Tonight
Tonight's Chancel Choir rehearsal will be held as planned at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Room. You are urged to use your best judgment about travel conditions in your area.

Chancel Choir Update 2/20: News / Cares and Concerns
Important Rehearsal Thursday
With only two rehearsals left until our spring concert on March 2, this week's rehearsal is very important. We'll see you there Thursday night.

Greeters Needed For This Sunday
Once each month the Chancel Choir provides greeters in the Narthex before the worship services. For some reason, finding a few choir members willing to smile and shake hands with people arriving for church has been difficult. Tenor Chris Kennedy reports that we disparately need two choir members to greet before the 9 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday. If you are willing to help, please contact Chris at: clhusker@aol.com

Housing Still Needed for the Concordia Choir
If you can house a couple of college singers on the night of Tuesday, Feb. 26, we need your help. The Concordia Choir will be presenting a concert that evening and there are 75 singers needing a place to stay. You'll get one free ticket to the concert for your help. See Soprano Jo Ann Jones this Sunday if you can help.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Jana Stiller reports that both her parents have been hospitalized recently. Her mother, Ellen Lippard, underwent neck surgery and her father, Jack Lippard, was treated for a collapsed lung. Both are recovering at Meramec Bluffs Care Center.

Chancel Choir Update 2/15: News / Cares and Concerns
We sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday. Call time is 30 minutes before each service.

Snow Make Up Rehearsal This Sunday Night
Since our spring concert is only a few weeks away, a make up rehearsal for last week's snow out will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., this Sunday, Feb. 17.

Housing Needed for the Concordia Choir
If you can house a couple of college singers on the night of Tuesday, Feb. 26, we need your help. The Concordia Choir will be presenting a concert that evening and there are 75 singers needing a place to stay. You'll get one free ticket to the concert for your help. See Soprano Jo Ann Jones this Sunday if you can help.

Important Washington, D.C. Information
If you are headed to Kennedy Center with us in May and missed rehearsal last night, you need to see Kevin as soon as possible about final payment totals and logistics.

Cares and Concerns
This from Pam Nicholson, wife of Tenor Steve Nicholson: "I have finished nine rounds of chemo (which began in July) and am now having a six week break with no chemo. The side effects were really getting me down so now I have six weeks of no poison. After six weeks, I'll have blood test and at that time we will determine what to do then. Right now I am only thinking about the next six weeks. I thank you for your continued support and I thank God for seeing me through this challenging time. Prayers of thanksgiving are in order. Celebrate with me."

Chancel Choir Update 2/13: News
Regular Choir Rehearsal Tomorrow Night
We'll see you there.

Snow Make Up Rehearsal
There is no free lunch or, in the case, night off. Since our spring concert is only a few weeks away, a make up rehearsal for last week's snow out will be held at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 17.

On Your Calendar
The great Concordia Choir will perform in our Sanctuary at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 26. We will provide housing for the choir members. More on that later.

Chancel Choir Update 2/8: News
The choir sings for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 worship services Sunday. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: City Called Heaven. Kevin is singing the solo for this piece, it would be good if we had a good showing in the loft at both services to back him up.

Snow Make Up Rehearsal
There is no free lunch or, in the case, night off. Since our spring concert is only a few weeks away, a make up rehearsal for last week's snow out will be held at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 17.

On Your Calendar
The great Concordia Choir will perform in our Sanctuary at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 26. We will provide housing for the choir members. More on that later.

Chancel Choir will sing for the Maundy Thursday service on March 20. Rehearsal will follow to prepare for Easter Sunday.

Chancel Choir Update 2/6: Rehearsal Tomorrow Night
After a weather break last week, we're back at rehearsal tomorrow night. See you there.

Weather Cancellations
Since weather cancellations are now a possibility again for the choir, I have put the weather alert box on the home page of the Chancel Choir web site. We'll use the site, along with email alerts, to notify the choir of a cancellation. Just go to the home page and click on the yellow alert box in the lower left corner. You will be taken to the current weather message. You do not need a password or ID to get to the weather alert on the home page. Just go to any of these website addresses: www.chancelchoir.org, www.chancelchoir.com, www.mumchancelchoir.org or www.mumcchancelchoir.org. Any of them will get you to the Chancel Choir web site.

Chancel Choir Update 2/1: Funeral Service
Funeral service for Jim Jennings, husband of Alto Pat Jennings, will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3, in the Sanctuary, with a visitation preceding the service at 1 p.m. He died last night (1/31) after a long illness.

Chancel Choir Update 2/1: News / Death In Choir Family
Chancel Choir will sing for both services this Sunday. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Oh, Sing to the Lord a New Song.

Money Due for Gospel Mass at Powell Hall
If you signed up to attend the Robert Ray performance of the Gospel Mass at Powell Hall Feb. 9, ticket money is now due. Alto Barb Farmer will collect money this Sunday, Feb. 3, and at rehearsal next Thursday, Feb. 7. The tickets are $10.

Cares and Concerns
We are saddened to report the death last night of Jim Jennings, husband of Alto Pat Jennings. No additional details are currently available.

Chancel Choir Update 1/31: Rehearsal Tonight Is Canceled
Due to concerns about getting the church parking lot cleaned for tonight's rehearsal, Kevin has canceled rehearsal tonight (1/31). Kevin will remain at the church in case choir members don't receive the message in time and arrive for rehearsal. It was previously stated that rehearsal would be held regardless of the weather.

Chancel Choir Update 1/30: News
Rehearsal Tomorrow Night
We'll continue working on our spring music for Easter and our March concert tomorrow night. Same time and same place. Rehearsal will be held regardless of the weather tomorrow. Use your best judgment if threatening weather makes travel difficult.

Chancel Choir Update 1/25: News
We'll sing for both the 9 and 10:30 worship services Sunday. Warm ups at 8:30 and 10:00 in the Music Room. Anthem: Abide With Me. We need all the singers we can get at both services.

Good News Quartet Is Back This Sunday
After a 10 month hiatus, the Good News Quartet is returning to the worship lineup at the 9 a.m. service this Sunday with a new baritone. Joe Elstner will make his first appearance singing baritone with the quartet. Last spring baritone Gary Knackstedt left the quartet when he moved to Indiana. During the following months the group talked to and auditioned several candidates for the baritone part. The quartet has been a part of the church for more than 40 years. Tenor Gene Stukey has been with the quartet since it began as the Circuit Riders in the 1960s. It has been 19 years since the last personnel change in the group. Other singers are Steve Merritt, lead, and Gary Ford, bass. The group is accompanied by Tom Lawrence.

Sparkplugs and Carolebeth True In Concert Sunday Night
Come and hear some great vocal jazz singing when the Sparkplugs, the Parkway North High School jazz choir, sings in our church Sanctuary at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. They will be accompanied by Carolebeth True, one of St. Louis' finest jazz pianists. Remember, she played for our choir concert last year.

Washington Trip Notice
If you are going to Washington, D.C., with the choir to sing at Kennedy Center in May and were not present for a special meeting after rehearsal last night, you must to talk with Kevin this Sunday about flight information. This is very important.

Women's Retreat Needs A Pianist and Song Leader
The church women's retreat the weekend of Feb. 1 and 2 held at Mercy Center is in need of a woman to play piano and lead singing. If you'd like to help out or want more information, check with Margaret Mahan at 314-918-3330 or 636-236-6298.

Chancel Choir Update 1/23: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal tomorrow night. Same time, same place.

Cares and Concerns
Nolan Matthew Belval arrived yesterday (1/22). He is the son of Soprano Marci and Bass Andy Belval and the grandson of Soprano Sue and Bass Jim Belval. He weighed in at 9 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long. Everyone is doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 1/18: News
Chancel Choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services Sunday. Call times are 8:30 and 10:00. Anthem: We Shall Overcome.

Christmas Gifts Presented To Kevin and John Last Night
Chancel Choir president-elect Soprano Ann Garber, presented Kevin and John with Christmas gifts from the choir members at the close of rehearsal last night. Kevin received several gift cards, a nativity set which will be delivered at a future date, a handmade stole, and a stuffed bear. John, who also collects nativity sets, received a nativity set, a John Pills print of the Arch, some gift cards and a stuffed bear. The gifts were made possible by contributions from choir members.

King Memorial Service
There will be a community memorial service for the Rev. Martin Luther King at 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 21, in the Sanctuary. The Coventry Choir will sing for the service.

Gospel Mass Concert At Powell Hall
Robert Ray will conduct his Gospel Mass for a live concert recording at Powell Hall on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are only $10. Kevin is arranging to get group tickets for anyone who would like to attend. There is a signup sheet in the Music Room.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Carolebeth True
The next concert in the MUMC Concert Series will feature the vocal jazz choir, The Sparkplugs, from Parkway North High School. They will be accompanied by Carolbeth True. The performance is at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 27, in the Sanctuary.

Coventry Choir Will Sing For Concert at the Fox
The Coventry Choir will sing for a national touring performance of video game music at the Fox Theater this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The concert entitled Video Games Live will feature music included in many popular video and computer games. Here's a link for info. Tickets are available from the Fox.
http://www.videogameslive.com

Chancel Choir Update 11/16: Cares and Concerns
A memorial service for Frank Marosfalvi, father of Alto Sue Shepard, will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, in the Chapel. There will be a small reception in Fellowship Hall following the service. He died Jan. 5 at the age of 79.
Soprano Sue Woolweaver is recovering at home follow surgery yesterday (1/15) to treat arthritis in her left thumb.

Chancel Choir Update 1/16: News
Rehearsal Tomorrow Night
We're back to work on spring music and we'll have a first look at our spring concert music tomorrow night. Same time and same place. Rehearsal will be held regardless of the weather tomorrow. Use your best judgement if threatening weather makes travel difficult.

Chancel Choir Update 1/11: Holiday Party Start Time
The Chancel Choir's holiday party tomorrow night begins at 7 p.m. The rehearsal guide last night incorrectly reported a 6:30 p.m. start time.

Chancel Choir Update 1/11: News / Cares and Concerns
Choir Sings For 9 a.m. Worship Service This Sunday
The choir will be in the loft for the 9 a.m. worship service only this Sunday. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthems: We Enter Here, This Holy Place and Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ. Yes, it's an early call the morning after our holiday party, but we'd like to see as many singers in the loft as possible this week.

Big Holiday Party Is Saturday Night
The Chancel Choir's annual Holiday Party is this Saturday night. The festivities begin at 7 p.m at Spazio's in Westport. If you have a ticket, plan on joining us for an evening of good food, good music and fun. Spazio's is located at the Comfort Inn on Lackland Road. Here are the directions:
Directions To Spazio’s -- From I-270, take Page east approximately 1/2 mile to the Lackland Road/Westport Plaza exit. Turn right onto Lackland Road. The hotel is located at the intersection of Lackland Road and Westport Plaza Drive on the right. Look for the Comfort Inn sign.

Help Needed For Centenary Meal Service Wednesday
This Wednesday noon the Chancel Choir is scheduled to help prepare and serve lunch to the homeless at the Centenary church. But, with the holidays, we haven't put together a complete crew. If you can help between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. this Wednesday, Jan. 16, please see Barb Farmer this Sunday or email her at: bfarmmo@sbcglobal.net

Christmas Concert Recording Ready
If you ordered a CD of the Christmas Concert, please pick them up this Sunday in the Music Room. Your name is on your CDs. Just pick them up, put your money in the envelop and mark yourself paid. If you didn't order on and would like a CD, just let me know.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Jana Stiller
reports that her mother, Ellen Lippard, will undergo neck surgery Monday (1/14) at Barnes Hospital to relieve pressure on her spinal cord.

Chancel Choir Update 1/9: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal Thursday Night
We're going to get busy this week. We've got worship music, Easter and a concert ahead of us this spring. We'll see you all at rehearsal. Kev is back.

Cares and Concerns
Former Chancel Choir Alto Cindy Steiner underwent surgery yesterday (1/8) at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield to replace both of her knees. Dr. Bruce Jones, husband of Soprano JoAnn Jones, was the surgeon. She will be hospitalized for about three days.

Chancel Choir Update 1/5: Death In Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Alto Sue Shepard's father, Frank Marosfalvi. He died this morning (1/5) at the age of 79. Sue's mother and father recently relocated to St. Louis from California to be near their daughter. Funeral services are pending. Sue's address: 314 Clayton Trails Dr., Ellisville, MO 63011-2016.

Chancel Choir Update 1/4: News
Chanel Choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday, Jan. 6. Call time is 8:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Dona Nobis Pacem.

Last Call For Holiday Party Reservations
Reservations and money for the annual Chancel Choir holiday party on Jan. 12 are due to Alto Lois Hendrickson on or before this Sunday, Jan. 6. Bring your money on Sunday or mail your check to her at: 1047 Camargo, Ballwin, MO 63011. The Chancel Choir's holiday party will be Saturday night, Jan.12 at Spazio's in Westport. Cost is $25 per person. Bass Joe Elstner's band, The Decades, will provide the music.

Christmas Concert Recording
Work is underway to complete the CD of our Christmas concert. If you would like one and haven't signed up or told me, please reply to this email. They are $10.

Chancel Choir Update 1/2: News
Rehearsals Resume Tomorrow Night

It's back to work. There's a regular rehearsal at 7:30 p.m., tomorrow night, Thursday, Jan. 3. We'll begin looking at spring worship music and pieces for our March concert. The choir sings for worship this Sunday.

It's A Party on Jan. 12
If you haven't had a chance to send your holiday party reservations to Alto Lois Hendrickson, please see her at rehearsal tomorrow night. Our annual holiday part is Saturday, Jan. 12 at Spazio's in Westport. There will be a great buffet dinner and a cash bar. Cost is $25 per person. Bass Joe Elstner's band, The Decades, will provide the music.

Chancel Choir Web Site Updated
The pictorial directories at the Chancel Choir website have been updated with new member photos and contact information. We also have have a master membership directory there that lists everyone who has been a member of the Chancel Choir during the past eight years with their last known contact information. That directory is listed on the site as the "alphabetical directory." There also is a section featuring new members who joined the choir this fall. Photos, contact information and biographical information is available for those new members who completed the online survey earlier this year. Check it out at:

http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Directory/New%20Members%20-%202007-2008.htm

All of this information and much more is posted at the Chancel Choir's website at: www.chancelchoir.org. Look under the member section. You'll need the ID and password to access that section of the site.