Chancel Choir Update 6/30: Death in Choir Family / Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness we report the death of Jack Lippard, father of Soprano Jana Stiller, last night at St. Joseph's Hospital in Kirkwood. He had been hospitalized for some time and was being treated for a sever infection. Funeral arrangements are pending, but a memorial service will be held in the near future at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood. Our thoughts are prayers are with Jana and her family.

Alto Barb Vendt reports that her father is improving after several days of deteriorating neurological status.

Chancel Choir Update 6/27: News / Cares and Concerns
Yes, Summer Choir Sings In Church This Sunday
That's right. It's the fifth Sunday and there will be a summer choir in the loft at the 10:30 a.m. worship service this week. Report to the Music Room at 10 a.m. for a quick rehearsal and bring a friend, relative or anyone else you know that would like to sing.

Still Need Some Wedding Singers For Tomorrow
There's still room for you to sing at Rev. Debbie Peebles daughter's wedding tomorrow. We especially need basses. Kevin says there are eight tenors signed up and only four basses. If you'd like to sing, just join us. Warm up begins in the Music Room at 12:45 p.m. The wedding begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We'll wear robes. You already know the music: In The Very Room and The Greatest Is Love.

Authentic Mexican Food Next Week at Senor Pique
We're Headed to Senor Pique for outstanding Mexican food next Thursday. This is a favorite stop that serves authentic Mexican food direct from Mexico City. Join us at Senor Pique, now located on Manchester Road in Ballwin in the building formerly O'Charlie's, at 6:30 p.m., next Thursday, July 3. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon Wednesday, July 2. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Jana Stiller reports that her father, Jack Lippard, is hospitalized at St. Joseph's Hospital in Kirkwood with a severe infection. After five days in the ICU, he was moved to a regular room yesterday. Jana says, "Mom is holding up pretty well, but they could both benefit from your prayers."

Soprano Jo Ann Jones suffered a broken arm this week following a fall at her home.

Chancel Choir Update 6/24: News
Next Stop On The Dinner Express Is Mimi's
We're headed to one of the best destination restaurants in the Chesterfield Valley Thursday night -- Mimi's Cafe. Mimi's is a favorite and one summer dinner you won't want to miss. We have a private room, but seating is limited so let us know quickly. Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon Wednesday, June 25. If demand exceeds the number of seats available, we'll start a wait list and let you know. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by tomorrow noon, Wednesday, June 25.

Want to Be a Wedding Singer?
There's a great group signed up to sing for Debby Peeble's daughter's wedding this Saturday. But Kevin says we can use some more -- especially bases. Warmup will be at 12:45 p.m. in the Music Room. The ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The choir will wear robes and we'll sing In This Very Room and The Greatest Is Love.

Summer Choir
Kevin thanks everyone who's shown up to sing in the summer choir so far this season. "We've had nearly 60 singers each week, with a few brand new singers joining us," he reports. There's still several more opportunities to sing on the third and fourth Sunday of the month. Warmup is at 10 a.m.. We sing for worship at 10:30 a.m.

Chancel Choir Update 6/20: News / Cares and Concerns
Next Stop On The Dinner Express Is Mimi's
Thirty-four of your choir friends enjoyed the finest hamburgers around at The Corner Pub & Grill last night. Next week the traveling dinners will make a stop at Mimi's Cafe in Chesterfield Valley. Mimi's is always a favorite. Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon Wednesday, June 25. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon, Wednesday, June 25.

Farewell To Debbie Peebles
As you may have heard, Rev. Debbie Peebles has been reassigned to the Fenton United Methodist Church. This Sunday is her last day with us. The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday. It would be great to have a large summer choir sing for her that morning. A farewell reception will be held following the worship service.

New Choir Officers
A new slate of Chancel Choir officers was announced and voted on at the choir party last week. The vice president serves as president-elect and will move into the leader's position next year. Here is the new administration:

President - Ann Garber
Vice President - Donna Biolchini
Treasurer - Kathryn Cox
Asst. Treasurer - Tom Lawrence
Attendance Secretary - Kristie Whitney
Recording Secretary - Mary Ann Kinder
Section Reps:
Soprano - Mary Ann Whitaker
Alto - Joyce Humphrey
Tenor - Steve Nicholson
Bass - Doug Ross

Cares and Concerns
This from Alto Barb Vendt: "My father had surgery Sunday for the blood clot on his brain. Seemed to go okay, but now his condition is drastically worse: not responding to verbal or touch stimuli, periods of apnea (not breathing), probably pneumonia now also. My mom is having to deal with making the DNR decision as his condition worsens. I am leaving to go back up there. Any and all prayers would be appreciated."

Chancel Choir Update 6/17: News / Cares and Concerns
Last Call For The Corner Pub & Grill
This Thursday our summer traveling dinners will make a stop at the Corner Pub & Grill at the corner of Big Bend and Daugherty Ferry roads. This place opened last fall in a brand new strip mall. The food there is amazing -- hamburgers to rival any others in St. Louis. We'll be in a private room. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon tomorrow, Wednesday, June 18. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon, Wednesday.

Farewell To Debbie Peebles
As you may have heard, Rev. Debbie Peebles has been reassigned to the Fenton United Methodist Church. She will preach on her last day with us this Sunday, June 22. The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday. It would be great to have a large summer choir sing for her that morning.

We're Headed To Chicago Next Spring
Next year will be busy as usual. Kevin unveiled the 2008-2009 choir schedule at the choir party Saturday night. The biggest news is that the choir's regional tour next spring will take us to Chicago. The tour will be held April 24 through 26 next year, so mark your calendars.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Beth Morey has announced her engagement. She will be married later this summer.

Chancel Choir Update 6/13: News / Cares and Concerns
Summer Choir In The Loft This Sunday
The Chancel Choir will field its summer edition in the loft this Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Report to the Music Room at 10 a.m. for a quick rehearsal and bring a friend, relative or anyone else you know that would like to sing.

It's The Corner Pub & Grill Next Week
Twenty-six of your choir friends enjoyed excellent Italian food on the patio at D. Marie's last night. This Thursday traveling dinners will make a stop next week at the Corner Pub & Grill at the corner of Big Bend and Daugherty Ferry roads. This place opened last fall in a brand new strip mall. The food there is amazing -- hamburgers to rival any others in St. Louis. We'll be in a private room. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon Wednesday, June 19. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon, Wednesday, June 18.

Spring Potluck Choir Party Is 5:30 p.m. Saturday
Tomorrow night is the choir's spring pot luck at the home of Alto Bonnie and Gary Halls. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., this Saturday, June 14. We will eat as soon after 5:30 p.m. as we can. Bonnie says to bring a dish to share that serves 10 to 12 people and a lawn chair to be "guaranteed a seat" at the party. The annual Chancel Choir wall calendar with more than 200 photos will be available for purchase at the party. In case you missed the directions, here they are again.

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.
Parking -- First come, first serve in the circle drive in front of house. You can only park only on the west side of Ballas Road. You can park only on the north side of the two subdivision streets opposite the house: West Point Lane and Crystal View Lane.
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.
If you have questions, direct them to Bonnie at 314-994-3777 or by email to: gbhalls@sbcglobal.net

Cares and Concerns
Kane Marley Alan Brader was born at 6:09 p.m. last night, June 12, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 oz, and 22 inches long. He is the grandson of Alto Debbi and Tenor Bruce Brader.

Be careful out there -- it's Friday, the 13th.

Chancel Choir Update 6/11: Help Needed
Table Help Needed
Each year we use tables and chairs for our spring party from Soprano Jo Ann Jones. We're in need of some help to move the chairs on Saturday morning and early Saturday afternoon. This from Jo Ann: "Can you ask if anyone can help me schlep tables and chairs Saturday morning or early afternoon? I just can't do it all by myself this time. Preferably someone with an SUV or a large enough vehicle that we can get a lot of them in. I still have my PT Cruiser, and it will hold a lot, but it takes two trips for me to do it alone. Also if someone could help bring them home afterwards." If you can help, please contact Jo Ann at: momjones@gmail.com

Support for the MoHab Bike Ride
This from Bass John Lemen: "This week is the annual MoHab Bike Ride supporting and funding MUMCs Habitat for Humanity ministry. This year the only choir members going are both Woolweavers and me. In the past, Chancel Choir has been a great source of financial and prayer support for this ministry and we would appreciate all the support we can get this year. The ride is from Clinton, Mo. starting Friday at 6:30 a.m. until we reach St. Charles sometime Monday afternoon."

Chancel Choir Update 6/10: Important News
Last Call For Italian Dinner Thursday Night
The traveling summer dinners will make a stop this Thursday at D. Marie's Italian restaurant located at Manchester and Baxter roads. (Formerly Madison's). We'll be on the patio, weather permitting. Join us at 6:30 p.m., next week at D. Marie's. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon on Wednesday, June 11. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11.

Spring Potluck Choir Party Is 5:30 p.m. Saturday
You can't miss this annual event and there'll be the State-of-the-Choir speech by Kevin in which he will reveal plans for next year. Plus the annual Chancel Choir wall calendar with more than 200 photos will be distributed. Alto Bonnie and Gary Halls have graciously agreed to host the party at their home again this year. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., this Saturday, June 14. We will eat as soon after 5:30 p.m. as we can. Bonnie says to bring a dish to share that serves 10 to 12 people and a lawn chair to be "guaranteed a seat" at the party.

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.
Parking -- First come, first serve in the circle drive in front of house. You can only park only on the west side of Ballas Road. You can park only on the north side of the two subdivision streets opposite the house: West Point Lane and Crystal View Lane.
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.
If you have questions, direct them to Bonnie at 314-994-3777 or by email to: gbhalls@sbcglobal.net

New Chancel Choir Calendar Ready
The new Chancel Choir wall calendar is finished. You can pick up a copy either at the spring potluck party on Saturday or on Sunday in the Music Room. The calendar contains next year's complete Chancel Choir schedule and some great photos from this year. Cost of the calendar this year is $5 per copy.

Summer Choir In The Loft This Sunday
Chancel Choir summer volunteers will provide music for the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday, June 15. Warm up and a quick rehearsal will begin at 10 a.m. in the Music Room. Feel free to bring, invite or drag any singing family members or friends.

Chancel Choir Will Sing For A Wedding
If you've always wanted to be a wedding singer, here's your chance. Rev. Debbie Peebles purchased our "choir for hire" offering at the church auction this spring and plans on us singing for her daughter Sharon's wedding at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 28. Warm up begins in the Music Room at 12:45 p.m. We'll wear robes. You already know the music: In The Very Room and The Greatest Is Love. All Chancel Choir members are invited.

Farewell To Debbie Peebles
As you may have heard, Rev. Debbie Peebles has been reassigned to the Fenton United Methodist Church. She will preach on her last day with us, Sunday, June 22. It would be great to have a large summer choir sing for her that morning.

Hear Stephanie Merritt in Recital
Soprano Stephanie Merritt is performing this Saturday in a voice recital with her friend Annie. The event, Prima Donnas and Drama Queens, will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at the Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in the Tree of Life Chapel, 100 East Adams. "We picked out lots of stuff you'll recognize, like the Flower Duet, the Queen of the Night's Vengeance Aria, Gilbert and Sullivan, Guys and Dolls, and even Wicked! We hope you can make it."

Chancel Choir Update 6/6: News
Join Us For Italian Food Next Week
The traveling summer dinners will make a stop next Thursday, June 12, at D. Marie's Italian restaurant located at Manchester and Baxter roads. (Formerly Madison's). We'll be on the patio, weather permitting. Join us at 6:30 p.m., next week at D. Marie's. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon on Wednesday, June 11. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday, June 11. Last night 31 of your choir friends had a great dinner at Applebee's. We'll see you next week.

End of Regular Season Spring Potluck
The annual Chancel Choir spring potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at the home of Alto Bonnie Halls. We'll send a map next week.

Still More DC Photos Have Been Posted
Another set of DC photos has been posted at www.dctour.shutterfly.com For those who made the trip to Washington, D.C., why not share those digital photos with the rest of the choir? Upload those photos from you computer, camera or disk. To view the photos or upload some more, go to the link below.
www.dctour.shutterfly.com

New Chancel Choir Calendar Ready Next Week
The new Chancel Choir wall calendar will be ready next week. You can pick up a copy either at the spring potluck party on Saturday or on Sunday in the Music Room. The calendar contains next year's complete Chancel Choir schedule and some great photos from this year. Cost of the calendar this year is $5 per copy.

Chancel Choir Update 6/3: News / Cares and Concerns
Last Call For Thursday Night Dinner
Join us at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday at Applebee's in Ballwin for the first of 12 traveling summer dinners on Thursday evenings. We'll need to know if you are planning to join us by noon tomorrow (Wednesday). Call 636-227-5749 or send a note to sandyford@fordcom.net

More DC Photos Are Posted
Another set of DC photos has been posted at www.dctour.shutterfly.com For those who made the trip to Washington, D.C., why not share those digital photos with the rest of the choir? Upload those photos from you computer, camera or disk. Just go to the link below.
www.dctour.shutterfly.com

End of Regular Season Spring Potluck
The annual Chancel Choir spring potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at the home of Alto Bonnie Halls. We'll send a map next week.

No Chancel Choir This Sunday
There is no Chancel Choir in the loft this Sunday. The first summer choir will sing for worship on Sunday, June 15.

Cares and Concerns
Now that my emotional equilibrium is returning to normal, I want to thank everyone in the Chancel Choir for your many kind thoughts, cards, calls, flowers and emails since the death of my mother a few weeks ago. As many of you know, the lose of a parent is an emotionally difficult time and having the support of this great choir family is a blessing. I also want to thank those of you who have contributed to a memorial established in my mother's name for the Chancel Choir.
-- Gary Ford

Washington Music Critic Liked Us
Here's a review of the DC tour concert at Kennedy Center published in the Washington Post.

Masterworks Festival Chorus and Orchestra
The Washington Post
May 25, 2008

Eleven choirs from the East Coast to the Midwest assembled their forces in various combinations Saturday for a festival of classical and contemporary music at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

The most impressive musicmaking came during the concert's first half, when six groups joined in a single chorus. Conductors Kevin McBeth and Duane Davis took turns leading the singers in Randall Thompson's "Testament of Freedom" and Gabriel Fauré's Requiem -- both eloquent staples of choral literature worldwide.

Of World War II vintage, Thompson's music pulses with military-march rhythms that enforce texts peppered with angry overtones and timely irony ("We Have Counted the Cost" and "We Fight Not for Glory"). Soprano Danielle Talamantes and bass Jeffrey Tarr provided powerful, vibrant solos. And the chorus sang with fitting nobility, pungent dynamic contrasts and clean-as-a-whistle diction. Organist John Cargile accompanied with telling effect.

An anthem by Joseph Martin was a weak follow-up to the Thompson. But, accompanied by orchestra and organ, Fauré's familiar Requiem was given a full measure of flowing lyricism voiced by the chorus in counterpoint that was smooth as glass.

After intermission, a sizable multi-choir ensemble and orchestra took the stage, the entire performance based on the music of conductor John Leavitt. His compositions were dressed-up, easily accessible versions of American spirituals cast in tired harmonic cliches -- unlike beautiful settings of this literature by prominent composer-arrangers such as Aaron Copland and Alice Parker. Leavitt also gave a Liberace-style grand finale as accompanist/conductor, offering painfully exhibitionist keyboard antics in his own arrangement of "River in Judea."

Judging audience reaction to the performance proved iffy, for only a few rows of the concert hall were occupied by non-participants.

-- Cecelia Porter

Chancel Choir Update 5/28: Information
Share Your DC Photos
For those who made the trip to Washington, D.C. over the weekend, why not share those digital photos with the rest of the choir? I've set up a photo sharing site at Shutterfly. You can upload your digital photos into your own album there. That way, we can all enjoy each other's photos and relive the trip. Upload those photos from you computer, camera or disk. Just go to the link below and you'll find an album of some of my snapshots to get us started.
www.dctour.shutterfly.com

Thank You From The Choir Scholarship Winner
Hanna Allee, recipient of this year's Chancel Choir scholarship, has posted an e-greeting card with a special thank you message. To view the card, go to:
http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=EG4944822855423M263214579Y&product_id=

Chancel Choir Update 5/27: News
Chancel Choir Performs at Kennedy Center / Places Wreath at Tomb
Members of the Chancel Choir along with singers from St. Louis Metro Singers returned to St. Louis yesterday after performing on the stage of Kennedy Center and participating in the wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cometary. The trip began with four hours of rehearsal conducted by composer John Leavitt on Thursday afternoon in meeting room at the Hilton Washington near DuPont Circle, where the group stayed.

On Friday morning two buses took the group to Arlington National Cometary for the 9 a.m changing of the guard ceremony and the formal wreath laying ceremony. Four military veterans chosen from the two singing groups participated in the wreath ceremony. They were Gene Stuckey, Buddy Rains and Gary Moser from the Chancel Choir, and Bob Weisgerber from the Metro Singers. The four were selected by a lottery drawing during a rehearsal several weeks ago. A photo of the ceremony appears at the end of this update. Another four hour rehearsal followed on Friday afternoon. Thursday and Friday nights were free and singers explored Washington restaurants, museums and monuments.

Saturday began with everyone dressed in concert black for the Kennedy Center performance. We were bussed to the center and began a one hour rehearsal on stage with John Leavitt followed by another hour on stage with Kevin rehearsing the section of the program to be performed only by the St. Louis singers.

The Kennedy Center performance began at 3 p.m. Saturday with the St. Louis group singing Testament of Freedom and Who Are The Brave. Another group then performed the Faure Requiem, then the St. Louis group, accompanied by the Pittsburgh group, returned to the stage to perform the Leavitt music. In all, the concert was approximately two and a half hours long in the main Kennedy Center concert hall before an audience of about 800. Following the concert, all participants were treated to a dinner cruise on the Potomac River.

On Sunday, Kevin lead a small group to worship services at the National Cathedral. The service featured the cathedral's boys choir in a special memorial day service. Sunday night, another contingent from the traveling group staked out grass on the Capitol lawn and watched a 90-minute live broadcast of the annual Memorial Day concert. Others spent the day touring monuments, viewing exhibits, eating in area restaurants, visiting relatives living nearby, walking through museum and generally having a good time. Most of the group returned early Monday morning with others traveling later in the day.

First Summer Dinner Is Set
Experiencing Thursday night choir withdrawal? The traveling summer Thursday night dinners begin on Thursday, June 5. Tradition calls for first dinner of the summer to be at the Applebee's in Ballwin. We'll meet there at 6:30 p.m. We'll need to know if you are going to join us no later than noon next Wednesday. Either call the social director at 636-227-5740 or send an email to: sandyford@fordcom.net. This will be the process each week during the summer -- let us know on or before noon on Wednesday the day before the dinner. The social director has many interesting locations planned this year -- some old favorites and some sumptuous new addresses to try. We'll scout them, set up the reservation and depend on you to let us know how many are coming on or before Wednesday noon. See you next week.

End of Regular Season Spring Potluck
The annual Chancel Choir spring potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at the home of Alto Bonnie Halls.

There's Still Time To Contribute To The Music Ministry Endowment
There's still a few days remaining for your gift to the Music Ministry Endowment Fund to count toward a generous matching gift. If we collect $5,000 for the fund by June 5, Jerry Fritz will match it with another $5,000. Your contributions may be turned in to Chancel Choir President Tim Zink. Make checks payable to Manchester United Methodist Church and indicate music ministry endowment on them and hand or send to Tim Zink. Direct questions to him at: timnlor@charter.net

Chancel Choir Update 5/20: News
Chancel Choir Scholarship Awarded to Hanna Allee
Chancel Choir president Tim Zink presented the Chancel Choir's 13th annual scholarship to Hanna Allee, daughter of Stephanie and Jeff Allee. Hanna plans on studying health related professions with an eye on perhaps physical therapy. The $2,000 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. Three candidates competed for the scholarship this year.

What A Concert
With almost 200 singers in the loft and a large audience in the pews, the Testament of Freedom concert Sunday afternoon was a huge success. Member of the St. Louis Metro Singers joined the Chancel Choir to present the concert. A portion of the singers will travel to Washington, D.C. on Thursday and present the concert at Kennedy Center on Saturday afternoon.

No Rehearsal This Week -- We're Off For The Summer
Don't show up for rehearsal this Thursday. You'll be lonely.

End of Regular Season Spring Potluck
The annual Chancel Choir spring potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at the home of Alto Bonnie Halls.

Summer Thursday Dinners
It's dinner out season again. Our social director is working on the itinerary for the traveling Thursday night dinners this summer. Look for an announcement soon.

Music Ministry Endowment
Money for the Music Ministry Endowment Fund you read about in the email last week may be turned in to Chancel Choir President Tim Zink. As of Sunday, more than $2,000 had been collected toward the $5,000 goal for the matching gift. Make checks payable to Manchester United Methodist Church and indicate music ministry endowment on them and hand or send to Tim Zink. Direct questions to him at: timnlor@charter.net

Chancel Choir Update 5/16: Weekend Information
Here is a review of specific details for this weekend in case you missed the rehearsal last night.

Saturday Rehearsal
The group of singers going to Washington, D.C. are to report for rehearsal in the Sanctuary at 4 p.m., Saturday. The singers not going to Washington, D.C., but participating in Sunday's concert, should report to the Sanctuary at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The rehearsal will conclude at 6 p.m.

Sunday Morning In Worship
We sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday, Pentecost Sunday. Everyone should wear some combination of red and black. We will not wear robes this Sunday. This is the last Sunday in the loft for the spring season. The Chancel Choir scholarship will be presented this Sunday.

Sunday Concert
Our big concert will begin at 3 p.m., Sunday. All singers participating in the concert are to report to the Music Room at 2:30 p.m. Singers headed to Washington, D.C. are to wear the concert black attire they will wear when performing at Kennedy Center. Chancel Choir singers not going to Washington, D.C. will wear robes. Please respect your fellow singers: no cologne, no perfume, no cologne, no perfume, no cologne, no perfume.

Music Return
If you are not going to Washington, D.C., your spring packet of music is to be returned this Sunday either after worship or after the concert. If you are going to Washington, D.C., your music will be turned in later.

End of Regular Season Spring Potluck
The annual Chancel Choir spring potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at the home of Alto Bonnie Halls.

Summer Thursday Dinners
It's dinner out season again. Our social director is working on the itinerary for the traveling Thursday night dinners this summer. Look for an announcement soon.

Music Ministry Endowment
Money for the Music Ministry Endowment Fund you read about in the email yesterday may be turned in to Chancel Choir President Tim Zink. Direct questions to him at timnlor@charter.net

Chancel Choir Update 5/15: Music Ministry Endowment
At rehearsal last week, Chancel Choir President Tim Zink, presented a proposal to the choir that an endowment fund be started for the Music Ministry at the church. A member of the congregation is willing to put $5000 into a music ministry endowment if members of the ministry can raise another $5000 to meet the $10,000 minimum required to start an endowment fund. Below is further information prepared by Tim to answer some of your questions about what this is, why we need it, what we could do with it, etc. The challenge to raise the additional $5000 will begin tonight and run for three weeks until June 5. See below for details. If you have questions, please direct them to Tim at timnlor@charter.net

Music Ministry Endowment
It may come as a surprise to most of you that there is a Music Ministry Endowment identified in MUMC’s Endowment Committee By-Laws. The reason it may be a surprise is because it is unfunded.

What is a Music Ministry Endowment?
This endowment was specifically named knowing that some day members of our congregation would want to support the various Music Ministries of MUMC financially, but outside the regular budget process. However, it has never been lifted up to the congregation. This fund is open to current and future contributions/donations that upon reaching $10,000, should generate an annual revenue stream which could be used to support various aspects of MUMC’s Music Ministries.

Is this for Chancel Choir only?
No. This fund would be available to support all of the various Music Ministries of MUMC.

Who makes the investment decisions regarding this Fund?
The MUMC Endowment Committee has general responsibility for identifying the appropriate investment allocation for all Endowment Funds. The Missouri Methodist Foundation is the actual Money Manager for not only our Endowment Funds but also the general investment funds of MUMC. The Foundation makes quarterly and annual reports to the Endowment Committee and disbursements are made annually to the beneficiaries of the various endowment funds based on a formula adopted by the Endowment Committee.

How would the revenue be used?
Annually, the amount of revenue that is available (not all revenue because a portion is used to continue the growth of the fund through reinvestment) will be sent to the Music Ministry. Currently, that would be to Kevin and the Music Ministry Committee. Tim Zink is currently the chair of that committee. Because this revenue has not been available before, the Music Ministry Committee does not currently have a process for allocating these funds. However, it would become a priority to establish this process. It may include letting each of the Music Ministries know what is available and using an application process.

Why is this important now?
The reason that this is being lifted up not only to the Chancel Choir, but also all of the various Music Ministries, is because a member of our congregation, Jerry Fritz, has decided to make a challenge gift of $5,000 to MUMC’s Music Ministry Endowment. This is a challenge gift. He will match the amount that members of the Music Ministries raise up to $5,000. He is asking the various Music Ministries match his gift so that we can reach the $10,000 threshold amount to begin the annual distribution of revenue. At some point we will have Jerry come to talk about why he wants to do this. What you need to know now is that our Music Ministries touch lives outside of those in the Music Ministries and members of our congregation want that to continue far into the future.

We are presenting this to the Chancel Choir first and want to let you know that the officers are in agreement that this is a worthy challenge. As of tonight (5/15), we will begin accepting donations and gifts to the “MUMC Music Ministry Endowment Fund.” If you make a gift or donation by check you can give it to Kevin, Tim Zink, Ann Garber, or Tom Lawrence. It will then be deposited into the Music Ministry Endowment Fund with the Missouri Methodist Foundation. To make sure that this does not get lost in the shuffle of summer vacations, this challenge will be going on for three weeks ending on June 5, 2008. We will let you know where we stand weekly. Please don’t think that if we match Jerry’s challenge we are done. We want the members of the Music Ministries to beat this challenge and really jump-start the future support of the Music Ministries of MUMC.

Chancel Choir Update 5/14: Important News
It's Concert Week
Very important rehearsal tomorrow night when we prepare for our Sunday concert and Pentecost Sunday worship music. It's important that you be there.

Weekend Schedule
We'll rehearse for our concert from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
Our concert is at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Call time is 2:30 p.m. in the Music Room.
We sing for worship at both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. The Chancel Choir scholarship will be announced at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Chancel Choir Update 5/9: News
We'll sing for both worship services Sunday. Call time is 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthems: In This Very Room (9 a.m. only) and The Greatest Is Love.

End of Regular Season Spring Potluck
The annual Chancel Choir spring potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at the home of Alto Bonnie Halls.

Choir Will Provide Music For Sharon Peebles' Wedding
Rev. Debbie Peebles purchased the "Choir For Hire" at last month's church auction and she's going to put us to work singing at her daughter's wedding. Mark your calendar for the afternoon of Saturday, June 28.

Summer Schedule
The choir's regular season will end with worship on May 18. Starting in June, the choir will provide music at worship services on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays during June, July and August. Rehearsals will be held 30 minutes prior to the worship service.

Summer Thursday Dinners
It's dinner out season again. Our social director is working on the itinerary for the traveling Thursday night dinners this year. Look for an announcement soon.

Chancel Choir Update 5/7: News You Can use
Don't be tempted by nice weather. We still need you at rehearsal tomorrow night. We'll be rehearsing music for Mother's Day and the remainder of the spring worship season. Plus, our spring concert is just a little over a week away. We need all of you, whether you've been attending regularly or not. See you tomorrow.

Chancel Choir Update 5/2: News
Chancel Choir will sing for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday. Call time is 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Anthems: I Sing the Mighty Power and It Is Well With My Soul.

Mark Your Calendar End of Season Party
The annual Chancel Choir end of year spring potluck dinner will be at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14. Location still to be announced.

Summer Singing
The Chancel Choir will field a summer choir this year. The choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays in June, July and August. There will be no Thursday rehearsal during the summer.

Chancel Choir Update 4/29: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal this Thursday. We're closing in on our spring concert just a few weeks away and rehearsing worship music. We need you there.

Choir For Hire Is Purchased
We offered an ensemble of Chancel Choir singers for hire at this year's Youth/Mission Auction. We were purchased by Rev. Debbie Peebles for $400 and will be deployed to sing for her daughter's wedding later this year.

See Ben Nordstrom in Joseph One More Time
MUMC's Drama Ministry is offering an opportunity to get group rate tickets to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" at Stages professional theater this summer. Ben Nordstrom is in the show, singing "One More Angel". Tickets are normally $46, but our group rate for the the show on Sunday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. is $30 per ticket. (No other discounts for children or students may apply.) There are 50 seats on hold. RSVP to Lori Borger at bborger01@earthlink.net if you'd like to attend this performance. Tickets will be reserved on a first-come and first paid basis. Make checks to MUMC and mail or bring your order and check to Lori or leave it in her box at church.

Cares and Concerns
Tenor Bruce Brader is recovering at home from arthoscopic knee surgery.

Chancel Choir 4/25: Address Book Virus
Several people in the Chancel Choir are receiving messages from a web site called Reunion.com. The site asks for you to log in to find lost friends. It then sends out requests to everyone in your email address book without your knowledge. This is called a Trojan Horse virus. It did not originate from the choir email server. But, it appears that several people in the choir have received the message and accessed the site and these Reunion.com messages are beginning to circulate. If you get a message from one of your friends with the header "_____ wants to connect with you" delete it immediately without opening.

Chancel Choir Update 4/25: News You Can Use
We're Singing at Cathedral Basilica Saturday
The Chancel Choir, the Coventry Choir and the Manchester Brass will provide music for the 5 p.m. mass at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica (New Cathedral) in the Central West End tomorrow (4/26). Gather in the lobby of the cathedral at 4 p.m. Bring your robe and music with you. Pre-service music begins at 4:50 p.m. The mass will conclude by 6:15 p.m. We will be in the rear gallery high above the cathedral floor. There's lots of steps and no elevator, so wear comfortable shoes. The Cathedral Basilica is located at the corner of Lindell and Newstead. Take I-44 to Kingshighway. Go north on Kingshighway to Lindell and turn right. Head for the cathedral at the third traffic light. Dress is casual. (We're wearing robes.) See you there.

No Choir In Loft This Sunday
It's youth Sunday this week and we get the morning off. Chancel Choir does not sing for worship this Sunday. We'll see you in the pews.

Chancel Choir Update 4/22: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal Thursday Night
We're preparing for our appearance Saturday at the Cathedral Basilica, music for worship and our spring concert. We'll see you there.

Photos For The Chancel Choir Calendar - This Week It's The Sopranos
We're working on the next edition of the Chancel Choir wall calendar. This week, it's the sopranos. All sopranos who are available for the photo, please meet at 7 p.m. in the church Narthex Thursday night. The photo will be taken between 7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. We'd like to get as many altos in the shot as possible. If you can make it, you will be pictured in the calendar.

Chancel Choir Sings At The Cathedral Basilica Saturday
Both the Chancel Choir and Coventry Choir along with the Manchester Brass will provide music for the 5 p.m. Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End this Saturday.

Greeters Needed For Sunday Morning
Chancel Choir will provide greeters in the Narthex this Sunday. We're still needing greeters for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. If you can help, there's a signup sheet in the Music Room.

Cares and Concerns
This from Bass Gary Ford:
"Thanks to everyone in the Chancel Choir for your cards, phone calls and words of encouragement following the death of my mother last week. We could feel your thoughts and prayers with us and we are grateful for our Chancel Choir family."

Pamela McBride, sister of Chancel Choir social director Sandy Ford and sister-in-law of Bass Gary Ford, is undergoing treatment in a Cincinnati hospital for recently diagnosed kidney cancer which has spread to her spine. She will undergo surgery this week to remove the tumors and reconstruct her vertebrae.

Chancel Choir Update 4/15: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal Thursday Night
Regular -- but important -- rehearsal this week. We're preparing for our appearance at the Cathedral Basilica, rehearsing worship music, and getting ready for the spring concert next month that will include the entire choir -- not just the DC group. That mean's you. We hope to see you Thursday.

Soprano Section Photo Postponed a Week
Since the photographer won't be available Thursday, we'll wait a week to shoot the soprano section.

Cares and Concerns
Note from your editor:
Thanks to all of you for the many email replies to me as we prepare in Kansas this week to say goodbye to my mother. Since she loved to hear the choir on her many visits to St. Louis and always enjoyed hearing about the choir as well, I have established a memorial to the Chancel Choir in her name.

Chancel Choir Update 4/14: Ford Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services for Virginia Ford, mother of Bass Gary Ford, will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday (4/17) at Eddy-Birchard Chapel, 210 Main Street, Osawatomie, Kansas, with burial following in nearby Beagle, Kansas. Family visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday (4/16) at the chapel.

Chancel Choir Update 4/14: Death In Chancel Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Bass Gary Ford's mother, Virginia Ford. She died at 12:30 p.m. today (4/14) at the age of 79 while under hospice care in Leawood, Kansas. Funeral services are pending at Eddy-Birchard Chapel, 203 Main Street, Osawatomie, Kans. Cards may be sent to 421 Dana Meadows Lane, Ballwin, MO 63021

Chancel Choir Update 4/11: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings for both the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services Sunday. Anthem: I Know That My Redeemer Lives.

Last Chance To Purchase Auction Tickets
Sunday is the last day to purchase tickets for the Mission Auction (formerly Youth Auction) set for Friday, April 18. See Alto Judi Shephard for tickets and reservations.

Centenary Lunch Crew Needed For Wednesday
The Chancel Choir's monthly duty cooking and serving the homeless at Centenary Church is next Wednesday, April 16. So far, there is no one signed up to help. If you have some open time on Wednesday, contact Alto Barb Farmer at bfarmmo@sbcglobal.net.

DC Tour Choir Rehearsal
Singers headed to Washington, D.C. in May will rehearse at 7 p.m. this Sunday in the Music Room.

Photos For The Chancel Choir Calendar - Next Week It's The Sopranos
We're working 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. Next week, it's the sopranos. All sopranos who are available for the photo, please meet at 7 p.m. in the church Narthex next Thursday night. The photo will be taken between 7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. We'd like to get as many altos in the shot as possible. If you can make it, you will be pictured in the calendar.

Cares and Concerns
Funeral services and visitation for former Chancel Choir member Adeiene Terrill's mother will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday (4/19) at Ambruster Donnelly Mortuary, 6633 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63117. Cards may be sent to her at 5411 Alabama, St. Louis, MO 63111.

We are saddened to report the death of Virginia Love, mother of former Chancel Choir member Janet Love. She died April 1. Cards may be sent to Janet Love, 4409 Austin Pass Drive, St. Charles, Mo. 63304.

Alto Debbi Brader reports the death of her aunt, Catherine Anderson. She was her father's only remaining sibling out of seven children and Debbi reports he is taking the death pretty hard. "Most of my aunt's family lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I would like to ask for prayers for my aunt's family and especially for my dad."

Soprano Bobby Parker's granddaughter suffered burns and other injuries in a motorcycle accident earlier this week.

Chancel Choir Update 4/9: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Christina Vogel reports that her great-aunt Katie Noble died yesterday (4/8) morning. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She had been ill for several months with pulmonary fibrosis. "My family asks for prayers for Katie's entire family and for her husband, Frank Noble."

We are saddened to report the death yesterday (4/8) of former Chancel Choir member Adeiene Terrill's mother. Cards may be sent to her at 5411 Alabama, St. Louis, MO 63111.

Chancel Choir Update 4/8: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal this week. We're working on spring concert music. Hope to see you there.

Photos For The Chancel Choir Calendar - This Week It's The Altos
We're working 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. This week, it's the altos. All altos who are available for the photo, please meet at 7 p.m. in the church Narthex this Thursday night. We will then move to another location in the church. The photo will be taken between 7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. We'd like to get as many altos in the shot as possible. If you can make it, you will be pictured in the calendar.

Tickets For MUMC Mission Auction On Sale
Plan on attending this year's Mission Auction (formerly the Youth Auction) on Friday, April 18. Tickets are available from Alto Judi Shepard.

Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we report the death of Alvera Lillian Heck, the adopted “mom” of Alto Barb Grimm. She died Sunday (4/6). Barb was the caregiver for Alvera and lived with her for several years. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday (4/8) at Schrader Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday (4/9) at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 327 Woods Mill Road. Cards may be sent to Barb at 442 Orchard Avenue, Manchester, MO 63021.

Chancel Choir Update 4/4: News
No Chancel Choir in the loft on Sunday. Attend a performance of the Music Makers musical.

Funding for Centenary Approved
The Chancel Choir voted at rehearsal last night to spend up to $2,000 to purchase 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.

DC Tour Choir Rehearsal
Singers headed to Washington, D.C. in May will rehearse at 7 p.m. this Sunday in the Music Room.

Photos For The Chancel Choir Calendar - Next Week It's The Altos
We're working 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. Next week, it's the altos. All altos who are available for the photo, please meet at 7 p.m. in the church Narthex next Thursday night. The photo will be taken between 7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. We'd like to get as many altos in the shot as possible. If you can make it, you will be pictured in the calendar.

Tickets For MUMC Mission Auction On Sale
Plan on attending this year's Mission Auction (formerly the Youth Auction) on Friday, April 18. Tickets are available from Alto Judi Shepard.

Chancel Choir Update 4/2: News
Chancel Choir rehearsal tomorrow night. We're preparing for our spring concert and music for worship. We need you.

Photos For The Chancel Choir Calendar - This Week It's The Basses
We're working 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. This week, it's the basses. All basses 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 basses in the shot as possible. If you can make it, you will be pictured in the calendar.

Road Trip to Cathedral Basilica
The Chancel Choir will sing for mass at the Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.

DC Tour Choir Rehearsal
Singers headed to Washington, D.C. in May will rehearse at 7 p.m. this Sunday in the Music Room.