Chancel Choir Update 9/30: News
Another important rehearsal this Thursday as we close in on our big fund raising concert on Oct. 19. See you there.

Last Call For Retreat Registration
Fall retreat registration forms, plus a check for $22 ($30 if you'd like a boxed lunch) made out the MUMC, are due Thursday. Forms are available in the Music Room. There's also a wide menu selection for the box lunch and forms to select your choice are also available. All members of the choir, including those who aren't attending the retreat, need to complete a form. The retreat will be at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and in Fellowship Hall on Friday, Oct. 10, from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Concert Tickets
If you haven't picked up your tickets to sell, you need to do that now. There are five tickets with your name on them and you can pick them up from Alto Barb Farmer. All choir members are expected to sell five tickets to the fund raising concert this year.

Eight New Members Join Choir This Fall
The Chancel Choir membership list now includes eight new singers who have joined us in the rehearsal room and in the loft this fall. Our new recruits have a variety of backgrounds and musical experience. Their photos appear below. Five of the eight have completed an online survey listing bio information. We also asked the new members to share their initial experiences about the choir. Here are some of their responses:

"It is a bit overwhelming, but I am glad to be singing again!"
"I've only been to one rehearsal and one Sunday service, but so far the people I've talked to have been helpful and friendly."
"Fun folks!"
"It's pretty much what I expected . . . more of a homecoming than a new experience!"
"This has truly been a blessing for me! I have not sang with a choir in my four years out of college and I didn't realize how much I missed it until my first rehearsal. Thank you to all who made me fell welcome. I feel blessed to be a part of such a talented group and one in which we can sing praises to God together!"

Just click the link below see their bio information and to get acquainted and learn more about them. Also click the link if you are unable to view their photos below in your email software.
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/Member/Directory/New%20Members%20-%202008-2009.htm

Chancel Choir Update 9/26: News
It's "gospel Sunday" this week. Join the choir along with bass and percussion as we present two gospel anthems. Call time is 8:30 a.m. for the first service and 10 a.m. for for the 10:30 service. Anthems: Order My Steps and Climbin' Higher Mountains.

Retreat Registration Forms Due
Fall retreat registration forms, plus a check for $22 ($30 if you'd like a boxed lunch) made out the MUMC, are due on or before Thursday, Oct. 2. Forms are available in the Music Room. There's also a wide menu selection for the box lunch and forms to select your choice are also available. All members of the choir, including those who aren't attending the retreat, need to complete a form. The retreat will be at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and in Fellowship Hall on Friday, Oct. 10, from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Concert Tickets Distributed This Week
Tickets for our Oct. 19 fund raiser were distributed to choir members last night. Everybody has five tickets to sell. Be sure and pick up yours Sunday if you missed last night. The fall concert is our only fund raiser of the year. We alternate each year with a big concert or the fall talent show --this is the year for the concert. Money raised pays for our youth scholarships, mission outreach, and choir activities.

Chancel Choir Update 9/21: Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we report the death of Pamela McBride, sister-in-law of Bass Gary Ford and sister of Chancel Choir social director Sandy Ford. She died Saturday night in Walton, Kentucky after a long struggle with metastatic renal carcinoma. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Anna United Methodist Church in Anna, Illinois, with burial in the Jonesboro, Illinois, Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, at Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna. The Ford's address is: 421 Dana Meadows Lane, Ballwin, Mo. 63021.

Chancel Choir Update 9/19: News
We'll sing for both services this Sunday. Anthems: The Last Words of David and Joy in the Morning. Call time is 8:30 a.m. for the first service and 10 a.m. for the second.

Retreat Registration Forms Due
Fall retreat registration forms plus a check for $22 ($30 if you'd like a boxed lunch) made out the MUMC are due on or before Thursday, Oct. 2. Forms are available in the Music Room. All members of the choir, including those who aren't attending the retreat, need to complete a form. The retreat will be at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and in Fellowship Hall on Friday, Oct. 10, from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Chancel Choir Update 9/12: News
We'll be in the loft this Sunday for both services. Call time for the 9:00 a.m. worship service is 8:30. If your singing at 10:30, the call is 10 a.m.

Centenary Meal Service
We need help with our mission outreach to Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown St. Louis. Once each month a team of four choir members goes to the church to help prepare and serve lunch to the homeless in the church's food kitchen. You don't need to be a cook, just be willing to help out. It is a worthwhile experience and actually fun. Check with Barb Farmer at bfarmmo@gmail.com for details.

Chancel Choir Update 9/9: News
Regular rehearsal this Thursday at 7:30 p..m. Construction work is underway to repair the columns at the west (main) church entrance. When you arrive Thursday you'll find the main church entrance blocked. Instead, enter down the outside stairway just to the right (south) of the main entrance. Go down the stairs and through the glass doors and you'll find yourself on the lower level outside the choir room.

Concert Recordings and Wall Calendars
Pick up your Testament of Freedom recording Thursday night. The remaining supply of Chancel Choir wall calendars will be available. It includes all events for the year and birthdays of choir member plus some interesting photos. There are a few left and one can be yours for just $5.Chancel Choir Update 9/5: Cars and Concerns
Kenny Dean, husband of Soprano Mary Dean, is recovering from surgery this morning to replace his right knee. He is a patient in Room 400A at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

Chancel Choir Update 9/5: News
Choir In The Loft This Sunday
The Chancel Choir will provide worship music for both services this Sunday. Call time for the 9 a.m. service is 8:30 a.m. Call time for the 10:30 a.m. service is 10 a.m.

Golf Opportunity
Here's an opportunity if you're a golf fan and would like to see today's first round of the Pro-Am PGA Tournament at Bellerive today. Bass Jim Desher has a free pass and its yours if you call him at 636-405-1599. There'll be a little wet grass and a shuttle bus to ride.

Chancel Choir Update 9/2: News
Rehearsal This Thursday
We'll be back at work this week. There'll be plenty to do getting ready for our first Sunday in worship this week and the fall fundraising concert. See you at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Room.

Choir Calendars
If you picked up a calendar last week, you've probably noticed it was not punched to hang on the wall. Bring it back this week for a calendar with a hole for hanging. Calendars will be available this week if you haven't picked yours up yet.

Concert Recordings
Recordings of our Testament of Freedom concert in May will be available Thursday night. If you would like one and did not sign up, please reply to this email.

Chancel Choir Update 8/29: News / Cares and Concerns
No Choir This Sunday
There will be no choir in the loft this Sunday. The first rehearsal of the year last night went well. We welcomed eight new members. If you missed, we'll see you next Thursday. The choir will begin singing for church on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Cares and Concerns
Former Chancel Choir member Pam Ekey reports the death of her father, Jack Ekey, in Kansas City last Saturday. A memorial service was held in Leavenworth, Kans. on Thursday. You may contact Pam at: pastorpame@yahoo.com

Chancel Choir Update 8/26: Important News
Question: What are you doing Thursday night? Answer: I'm going to choir.
That's right, it's the first Chancel Choir rehearsal of the season at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday. We'll hit the ground running as we begin preparing for our big concert on Oct. 19 with full 30-piece orchestra. Plan on arriving early to visit with your friends before rehearsal. The choir will begin singing in worship on Sept. 7.

Calendars and Concert Recordings
If you didn't pick up your official Chancel Choir wall calendar this summer, there will be a supply available on Thursday. The calendar includes birthdays of all choir members, lists special events for the year and has some great photos of choir members. The calendars are $5. If you'd like a CD of our pre-Washington, D.C. concert in May, a sign up will be available on Thursday.

Chancel Choir Update 8/22: News
Fall Kick Off Party Is Saturday
Dust off the lawn chair and fire up the oven. The annual back to choir fall Kick Off potluck party will be Saturday, Aug. 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the home of JoAnn and Bruce Jones, 13536 Royal Glen Dr. 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.

Summer Choir Is Back On Duty Sunday
The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will be back in the loft this Sunday for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sing just show up in the Music Room this Sunday 30 minutes before each service for a quick rehearsal.

It's Back To Rehearsal Thursday
The summer is over and it's back to work. The Chancel Choir will resume regular rehearsals at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28. We've got our work cut out for us. Our big fund raising concert with full orchestra is just seven weeks away. We'll sing in worship for the first time on Sept. 7.

Chancel Choir Update 8/19: News / Cares and Concerns
Last Summer Dinner at Hometown Buffet Thursday
What better way to end the summer than a banquet with your friends? We'll make the final summer dinner stop this Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Hometown Buffet on Manchester Road east of Highway 141 behind Burger King. We hope you'll join us at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21. Please reply to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday.

Fall Kick Off Party Is Next Saturday, Aug. 22
Dust off the lawn chair and fire up the oven. The annual back to choir fall Kick Off potluck party will be Saturday, Aug. 22, 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. JoAnn 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=

Gold Medal Concert Will Feature Music of the Olympics
If they gave gold medals for concerts, our fall fund raiser on Oct. 19 could earn a medal. Kevin says the concert will feature the choir accompanied by a full orchestra singing music from the John Williams score used for the Olympics. We'll also sing patriotic music with full orchestrations -- and that's just the first act. The choir will then perform music from all over the world featuring different cultures and music styles -- again accompanied by full orchestra. "We'll be talking about this one for some time to come," Kevin says. The concert will be the choir's only fund raiser this year. A concert alternates every other year with the Fall Follies Talent show.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Ellen Maxfield is undergoing rehabilitation at The Cedars at JCA following recent surgery for a broken leg. Her address is: The Cedars, 13190 S. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. She is in room 2316.

Chancel Choir Update 8/15: News
Last Summer Dinner at Hometown Buffet Next Thursday
What better way to end the summer than a banquet with your friends? We'll make the final summer dinner stop next Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Hometown Buffet on Manchester Road east of Highway 141 behind Burger King. We hope you'll join us at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21. Please reply to this email or call 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Summer Choir Is Back On Duty Sunday for BOTH Services
The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will be back in the loft this Sunday. Contrary to earlier information, we will sing for both the 9 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. worship service. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sing just show up in the Music Room this Sunday 30 minutes before each service for a quick rehearsal.

It's Party Time Next Saturday
The annual back to choir summer potluck will be at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at the home of Bruce and Jo Ann Jones. More details to come. Regular Chancel Choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Testament of Freedom Concert Recording
The recording of our concert on May 18 is completed. It sounds good. A signup for CDs will be available in the Music Room this Sunday.

Chancel Choir Update 8/12: News
Dinner This Thursday At Big Bear Grill
The traveling summer dinners will make a stop at the Big Bear Grill in Wildwood this Thursday night, Aug. 14. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon tomorrow (Wednesday). The Big Bear Grill is at 16524 Manchester Road a mile or so west of Clarkson 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

Summer Choir Is Back On Duty Sunday
The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will be back in the loft this Sunday for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sing just show up in the Music Room Sunday at 10 a.m. for a quick rehearsal.

Mark Your Calendar
The annual back to choir summer potluck will be on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the home of Bruce and Jo Ann Jones. More details to come. Regular Chancel Choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday, Aug. 28.

An Inside Look at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Tabernacle in Temple Square in Salt Lake City, home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, has been remodeled. The choir's new facilities are quit impressive. Like a private tour? Click on the link below for photos showing the MTC's locker rooms, rehearsal hall, music library, individual music lockers and other behind the scenes stuff. The link is to a personal blog of one of the MTC's members who shares the photos.
http://www.vincentfam.net/2008-05-16_Tour_Under_the_Tabernacle/
Also, if you are a techie, here's a link to an article about the Tabernacle's audio/visual equipment:
http://svconline.com/how/features/avinstall_back_drawing_board/
For a story about the Tabernacle renovation, click on this link to a story from television station KSL:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1054849
These links were provided by Tenor Richard Uhlman.

Chancel Choir Update 8/9/08: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Ellen Maxfield undersent surgery this afternoon (8/9) to repair a broken femur (thigh bone). She broke her leg during a fall yesterday afternoon. She is a patient at Des Peres Hospital.

Chancel Choir Update 8/8/08: 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, Aug. 14. If you'd like to join us, reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon Wednesday, Aug. 13. The Big Bear Grill is at 16524 Manchester Road a mile or so west of Clarkson 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

No Summer Choir This Week
Summer choir will finish up the season on Aug. 17 and on Aug. 24.

Mark Your Calendar
The annual back to choir summer potluck will be on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the home of Bruce and Jo Ann Jones. More details to come. Choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Chancel Choir Update 8/7: Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we report the death of former Chancel Choir member Bill Boland's mother. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. today (Thursday, 8/7) at the Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m., Friday (8/8), in the Sanctuary. She had been ill for some time.

Soprano Claudia Fallert asks for prayers for members of her family. Here is her note: "My mother-in-law is back in the hospital (3rd time in a month) with severe congestive heart failure. Both in-laws have gone between hospital and nursing home over the last month and both have heart failure. My father-in-law, Norman Fallert, has been moved to Briarcrest. Winifred remains hospitalized and we are also in the process of moving my mother, Marjorie Gay, to a retirement center on Sept. 2. Prayers requested for as much health as possible for all involved, and peace to get all of us through this time in one piece."

Chancel Choir Update 8/5: News
Thursday Night Dinner at Surf & Sirloin
This week the traveling summer Thursday night dinner will be at Surf & Sirloin at 13090 Manchester Road. Surf & Sirloin is located on Manchester Road just across the street from the Red Robin restaurant. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 7.

No Summer Choir This Week
Summer choir will finish up the season on Aug. 17 and on Aug. 24.

Mark Your Calendar
The annual back to choir summer potluck will be on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the home of Bruce and Jo Ann Jones. More details to come. Choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Chancel Choir Update 8/1: News / Cares and Concerns
Thursday Night Dinner at To Surf & Sirloin
The traveling summer Thursday night dinner will make a stop next week at Surf & Sirloin at 13090 Manchester Road. Surf & Sirloin is located on Manchester Road just across the street from the Red Robin restaurant. As usual, we will meet there at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday, Aug. 8. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call Sandy Ford at 636-227-5749 by noon on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Special Worship This Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing with visiting artists Jane Holstein and Joel Raney at both worship services this Sunday. In preparation, a special rehearsal will be held from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. this Saturday. Kevin asks that only singers attending the Saturday rehearsal plan on singing with the choir on Sunday morning.

Music Ministry Endowment Exceeded $5000 Goal
A total of $5,630 was contributed to the Music Ministry Endowment fund by members of the Chancel Choir this spring. Church member Jerry Fritz challenged the Music Ministry in May with the offer of a $5,000 matching donation to start a music program endowment. Chancel Choir President and Music Ministry Chair Tim Zink reports more than enough money has been raised to receive the matching funds. "As a result of the choir's generous contributions, more than $10,000 will be used to start the endowment account. And we haven't even solicited the other music programs yet," Zink said.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Karen Fair is home from a two week hospital stay to undergo treatment for ulcerative colitis. This note from Karen: "Please pass on my deepest appreciation and love for all the prayers, flowers, and cards of good cheer while I was hospitalized. I came home July 30th, and will be recuperating with the help of home health care, and my lovely husband. Still no food, but that will come later. I feel so blessed to be a part of our Manchester Music Ministry. You are all truly my extended family and closest friends. Continue to keep us in your prayers."

Chancel Choir Update 7/29: News
We're Headed to the Mega Buffet at Emperor's Palace Thursday
Last call for the Emperor's Palace this week. This Thursday, July 31, the traveling dinner will hit the mega buffet -- the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley. 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. Join us at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 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 tomorrow, July 30.

Special Worship This Sunday
The Chancel Choir will sing with visiting artists Jane Holstein and Joel Raney at both worship services this Sunday. In preparation, a special rehearsal will be held from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. this Saturday. Look for an email from Kevin this week with special instructions for this weekend.

Chancel Choir Update 7/25: News
We're Headed to the Mega Buffet at Emperor's Palace Next Thursday
You won't believe it when you join us at the Emperor's Palace for dinner next Thursday. Food of every description and nationality on massive buffet tables. Next Thursday, July 31, the traveling dinner will hit the mega buffet -- the Emperor's Palace in Chesterfield Valley. It sounds exclusively Chinese, but there's much more. Seven full buffets including Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese food, a Mongolian wok for custom stir fry, plus a full American buffet the size of the Home Town buffet. Add in a shrimp and crab bar, full dessert table, and a chocolate fountain and you've got a full stomach. Join us for it at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 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, July 30.

Summer Choir This Sunday
The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will be back in the loft this Sunday for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sing just show up in the Music Room Sunday at 10 a.m. for a quick rehearsal.

Chancel Choir Update 7/22: News / Cares and Concerns
Unique Dinner This Thursday at a New Place in Creve Coeur
Dinner Thursday will be at GC Food and Brewery in Creve Coeur. This place a unique with an amazing menu. It's new, located on Olive east of I-270 at Craig Road in a strip mall with a Dierbergs. It's actually known as Granite City Food & Brewery in other cities, but took the GC name here to avoid confusion with Granite City, Ill. (It started in St. Cloud, Minn., known as Minnesota's "granite city"). We'll gather there at 6:30 p.m., this Thursday, July 24. We need your reservation by noon, tomorrow, Wednesday, July 23. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749. And if you need to cancel, please let us know.

Summer Choir Is Back On Duty Sunday
The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will be back in the loft this Sunday for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sing just show up in the Music Room Sunday at 10 a.m. for a quick rehearsal.

Cares and Concerns
This note from Soprano Jana Stiller: “I would like to thank the choir for the beautiful plant I received when my dad died. It is still filled with blooms and I will continue to enjoy it for a long time. I would like to add my thanks for everyone’s prayers, kind words and all the cards. I feel blessed to be a part of such a caring community.”

Tenor Wes Sailer has returned home after recent heart surgery. He wants to thank the choir for “the beautiful potted plant and many calls and cards.”

Soprano Karen Fair remains hospitalized at Barnes West Hospital in Creve Coeur.

All Chancel Choir email updates are posted to the Chancel Choir web site soon after they are distributed. You can access our updates from anywhere in the world by going to www.chancelchoir.com and following the buttons to the email archives.

Chancel Choir Update 7/18: News / Cares and Concerns
Summer Choir Is Back On Duty Sunday
The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will be back in the loft this Sunday for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sing just show up in the Music Room Sunday at 10 a.m. for a quick rehearsal.

Unique Dinner Next Thursday at a New Place in Creve Coeur
Dinner next Thursday will be at GC Food and Brewery in Creve Coeur. This place a unique with an amazing menu. It's new, located on Olive east of I-270 at Craig Road in a strip mall with a Dierbergs. It's actually known as Granite City Food & Brewery in other cities, but took the GC name here to avoid confusion with Granite City, Ill. (It started in St. Cloud, Minn., known as Minnesota's "granite city"). We'll gather there at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 24. We need your reservation by noon, Wednesday, July 23. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749. And if you need to cancel, please let us know.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Karen Fair was hospitalized on Tuesday immediately on returning from her daughter's wedding. She is undergoing treatment for ulcerative colitis and expects to be hospitalized for two weeks. She is a patient at Barnes West Hospital in Creve Coeur.

Tenor Wes Sailor has returned home after heart surgery and a short stay in rehab.

Chancel Choir Update 7/16: Cares and Concerns
Tenor Wes Sailor has been moved from the hospital for rehab to:
Meramec Bluffs
50 Meramec Trail Drive, Room 273
Ballwin, MO 63011
Visitors are welcome. Wes and Ima want to thank the choir for the thoughts, prayers, and kind words and deeds that have been sent their way.

Chancel Choir Update 7/15: News / Cares and Concerns
Special Dinner Thursday at the Spaghetti Factory
Dinner Thursday will be at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Chesterfield Valley. The "factory workers" are preparing a special meal just for us -- spaghetti with your choice of six special sauces, a salad, and vanilla or spumoni ice cream plus your drink all for one affordable price. Although we normally order off the menu, this week is special. We'll gather there at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17. We absolutely must have your reservation by tomorrow noon, Wednesday, July 16, or sooner. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749. And if you need to cancel, please let us know. Don't miss this one. We'll be talking about it the rest of the year.

Summer Choir Is Back On Duty Sunday
The summer edition of the Chancel Choir will be back in the loft this Sunday for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sing just show up in the Music Room Sunday at 10 a.m. for a quick rehearsal.

Vacation Bible School Needs Help
Having a dull summer and need a few smiles? The Vacation Bible School is in serious need of teachers. If you'd like to spend a few hours helping the kids, they would love to have you. I don't have any additional details, but if you call the church office at 636-394-7506 they'll point you in the right direction.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Karen Fair was released from the hospital in time to travel to her daughter's wedding on Saturday.
Tenor Wes Sailor remained hospitalized yesterday, recovering from heart surgery. He is reportedly doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 7/11: News
Dinner Next Week at the Spaghetti Factory
Dinner next Thursday will be at Spaghetti Factory in Chesterfield Valley. I'm sure no explanation is needed, but if you've been on a carb diet for the past few years know that the Spaghetti Factory is the destination for pasta of all kinds. We'll gather there at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon Wednesday, July 16. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749. And if you need to cancel, please let us know.

No Summer Choir This Week
Summer choir will be back on the third and fourth Sundays in July.

Help Needed With Our Centenary Outreach
Next Wednesday, July 16, is Chancel Choir's next monthly time to help serve the homeless at Centenary United Methodist Church downtown. Workers are need to help with the lunch program between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Right now we have no one to help next week. The group carpools from the church. If you can help next week, contact Barb Farmer at bfarmmo@sbcglobal.net.

Straw Poll Presidential Election at Dinner Last Night
We passed out the ballots at dinner last night and came up with preliminary presidential election results. Votes were cast by the 32 choir members and spouses dining at Llywellyn's Pub in Webster Groves. By a two-to-one margin, it was McCain over Obama, 21 to 11. We also asked for vice presidential nominees for each candidate. Here is the list of names offered. Multiple mentions are shown with numbers. Obama -- Jackson (4), Clinton (6), Gore, Lieberman, Edwards, Caroline Kennedy, Kerry, Rice, and Fredbird, Goofy and Gary Ford. McCain -- Romney (5), Lieberman (2), Dole, Blunt, Rice, Crist (2), Huckabee, and Fredbird, Pluto, and Sandy Ford. I'll get right on the phone to CNN with these results.

Chancel Choir Update 7/8: News / Cares and Concerns
Join Us at Llywelyn's in Webster
Dinner Thursday will be at Llywelyn's Pub in Webster Groves. This is a wonderful Irish/Welsh pub located at 17 W. Moody in downtown Webster Groves. (One block north and one block east of the corner of Gore and Lockwood). We'll gather at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 10. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon tomorrow Wednesday, July 9. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749.

Cares and Concerns
It's a new granddaughter for Soprano Shari Sevier. Delaney Lee McHale was born on her grandpa's birthday, July 6. Delaney's mom and dad are Jamie (Shari's daughter) and Mark McHale. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz, 20 inches long. All are doing well.

Soprano Karen Fair is hospitalized at Barnes West Hospital in Creve Coeur for tests and observation to diagnose intestinal problems.

Chancel Choir Update 7/6: Cares and Concerns
Tenor Wes Sailer will undergo open heart surgery on Tuesday (7/8) at St. John's Mercy Medical Center to replace the aortic valve in his heart. He will undergo cardiac catheterization on Monday (7/7) to determine if coronary artery bypass grafting will also be performed during the operation Tuesday.

Chancel Choir Update 7/4: News / Cares and Concerns
Dinner next Thursday will be at Llywelyn's Pub in Webster Groves. This is a wonderful Irish/Welsh pub located at 17 W. Moody in downtown Webster Groves. (One block north and one block east of the corner of Gore and Lockwood). We'll gather at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 10. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon Wednesday, July 10. Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749.

Fireworks at the Church
This year in additional to the Car Show at the church all day on the Fourth of July, there'll be a concert in the parking lot before the Manchester fireworks. Bring a lawn chair, sit back and relax. Festivities start around 7 p.m.

Cares and Concerns
Memorial services for Jack Lippard, father of Soprano Jana Stiller, will be at 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, at the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 E. Adams. You may send cards to: 1196 Laven Del Lane, Kirkwood, MO 63122.

Chancel Choir Update 7/1: News
Authentic Mexican Food Thursday at Senor Pique
If you haven't been to this place, you haven't had real authentic Mexican food in St. Louis. One of the owner's mother is from Mexico City and supervises the kitchen with her personal recipes. Join us for a nice evening of dining and fun at Senor Pique, now located on Manchester Road in Ballwin in the building formerly O'Charlie's. We'll gather at 6:30 p.m., this Thursday, July 3. We absolutely must have your reservation by noon tomorrow (Wednesday, July 2). Either respond to this email or call 636-227-5749.

Fireworks at the Church
Well, at least a good place to watch them. This year in additional to the Car Show at the church all day on the Fourth of July, there'll be a concert in the parking lot before the Manchester fireworks. Bring a lawn chair, sit back and relax. Festivities start around 7 p.m.

No Summer Choir This Week
If you normally sing in the summer choir, you can take Sunday off and sit with your family in the pew. Summer choir returns to the loft on the third Sunday in July.