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Chancel Choir Email Update Archive ~ 2011:
January - March

 

Chancel Choir Update 3/29: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal this Thursday night. See you there.

After Choir
Join us at The Corner Pub & Grill at Big Bend and Dougherty Ferry for After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Bring Some Food Thursday For Centenary
Please help stock the pantry at the Centenary UMC Bridge homeless food program. A collection box is located in front of the Music Room. Here are the current needs:
April -- olive oil, plain oatmeal, cream of chicken and mushroom soups.

Cares and Concerns
Former Chancel Choir member Kate Eastwood reports that her sister Annie Walsh, is very seriously ill. Kate moved to Minnesota recently to be with her sister. You can write to Kate at this address: 490 Holly Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.

Kevin reported to the choir on Thursday that Soprano Christina Southard is undergoing treatment for kidney stones. No additional information is available.

Chancel Choir Update 3/25: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings for the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room Anthem: Hear My Prayer.

Bring Some Food For Centenary
Please help stock the pantry at the Centenary UMC Bridge homeless food program. A collection box is located in front of the Music Room. Here are the current needs for March: Unsweetened, evaporated milk, grape jelly and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. The bigger the can, the better.)

Some Important Dates
Sunday, April 17, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Thursday, April 21, 8 to 9 p.m. -- Choir rehearsal
Friday, April 22, 7 p.m. -- Lenten Concert: Faure Requiem
Saturday, April 23, 2 to 4 p.m. -- Easter rehearsal
Sunday, April 24, Easter Sunday -- Choir sings at 10:30 and 11:45
Thursday, April 28 -- No Rehearsal
Thursday, June 2, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to noon -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Sunday, June 5, 7 p.m. -- Concert of Love (Chancel Choir's annual fund raising event)

Too Much Fragrance
Please respect fellow singers sitting around you by not wearing excessive amounts of perfume and cologne. This applies to rehearsals too.

Cares and Concerns
Former soprano Julie Southwick gave birth to Erin Elizabeth Southwick Wednesday evening. She was 7 lbs., 0 oz. and 19 3/4 inches long. The Southwicks moved to the Kentucky suburbs near Cincinnati last fall.

Chancel Choir Update 3/23: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal this week. See you there.

After Choir
Join us at Krieger’s at Big Bend and Highway 141 After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Donations For The Mission Auction
Rather than prepare baskets that eventually sell for much less than the value of their contents, Chancel Choir will present a cash contribution to the annual Mission Auction this year. Donations will be collected at rehearsal this week.

Bring Some Food For Centenary
Please help stock the pantry at the Centenary UMC Bridge homeless food program. A collection box is located in front of the Music Room. Here are the current needs for March: Unsweetened, evaporated milk, grape jelly and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. The bigger the can, the better.)

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Sue Woolweaver is recovering at home following shoulder surgery on Monday.

It's grandchild number nine for Soprano Jo Ann Jones. Granddaughter Claussen was born on 3/15, weighing in at 8 lbs., 7 oz. and 20 inches long.

Chancel Choir Update 3/18: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings for the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room. Anthem: Cantique de Jean Racine.

Chancel Choir Founder Will Be Honored at Reception this Sunday
Join us right after the 10:50 service this Sunday is saying farewell to Dorothea Bante, one of the Chancel Choir's founders. She will be honored with reception in Fellowship Hall. Dorothea has been in failing health and will move into senior independent living near her children who live near Osage Beach, Mo. Dorothea and her late husband, Gus, started the first choir for our church in 1953 when worship services were held in what we know today as the Chapel. Dorothea's new address is: Garden Gate Estates, 6230 Bady Peak Dr., Apt. 214, Osage Beach, MO 65065. Her phone number is 573-348-1727.

Donations For The Mission Auction
Rather than prepare baskets that eventually sell for much less than the value of their contents, Chancel Choir will present a cash contribution to the annual Mission Auction this year. Donations will be collected at rehearsal next Thursday.

Singing For Faith In Action
There will be several FIA opportunities this year that involve singing. Small choirs will be formed to support worship services at three retirement homes and there will be sing alongs at several others. Any Chancel Choir member who would like to sing or be a part of a choir as their participation in Faith in Action can sign up on an FIA registration form and indicate "singing". Contact Merry Gnaegy at mggnaegy@gmail.com for further information.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Jim Anderson, husband of soprano Carleen Anderson, remains in Intensive Care at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield following a seizure on Thursday morning. He is stable and will undergo tests today. Jim suffered a stroke four years ago. No visitors now.

Alto Mary Lou Adams remains in Intensive Care at Barns West Hospital after surgery earlier this week to remove a shunt. Complications following that procedure resulted in the need for additional surgery later this week. No visitors now.

Soprano Bertha Erhardt's daughter Emily underwent surgery to remove her gallbladder Wednesday night. She is recuperating at home.

Soprano Sue Woolweaver will undergo shoulder surgery to repair her rotator cuff on Monday at St. Luke's Hospital.

Chancel Choir Update 3/15: News
Regular rehearsal this week. Same time, same place.

After Choir
Join us at Applebee's at Barrett Station and Manchester roads for After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Chancel Choir Founder Will Be Honored at Reception on Sunday, March 20
Dorothea Bante, one of the Chancel Choir's founders, will be honored with a farewell reception in Fellowship Hall right after the 10:50 a.m. worship service on Sunday, March 20. Dorothea has been in failing health and will move into assisted living near her children who live near Lake of the Ozarks. Dorothea and her late husband, Gus, started the first choir for our church in 1953 when worship services were held in what we know today as the Chapel. Gus was the choir's first director and Dorothea was the accompanist. Through the years since, Dorothea has continued to accompany music groups in the church. She accompanied the Good News Quartet for nearly 40 years. Everyone in the Chancel Choir is invited to join us in wishing Dorothea well next Sunday. If you're interested in more about the history of the Chancel Choir and our other church music groups, two pages from the August 1994 Chancel Times newsletter are attached to this email update.

Bring Some Food Thursday For Centenary
Please help stock the pantry at the Centenary UMC Bridge homeless food program. A collection box is located in front of the Music Room. Here are the current needs:
March -- Unsweetened, evaporated milk, grape jelly and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. The bigger the can, the better.)

Chancel Choir 25 Year Club
Some may call them old timers. I prefer senior singers. Anyway, below is the list of active Chancel Choir members with 25 or more years in the loft. The list includes those people who replied to our survey as of last Friday. A few took some years off so the year total is actual years in the loft and may not match the date they started. The are listed in order of advancing seniority. They represent 18 percent of the current membership. (I'm thinking sleeve stripes would be a nice touch.)

Andy Miller . . . . . . . . 25
Gary Ford . . . . . . . . . 25
Karen Yeomans . . . . .25
June Van Klaveren . . .25
Mike Latimer. . . . . . . 26
Sue Belval . . . . . . . . 27
Sandy Wilmoth . . . . . 27
Margo Foster. . . . . . . 28
Joyce Humphrey . . . . 28
Charlotte Moser . . . . . 29
Bob Klebe . . . . . . . . 30
Dixie Moll . . . . . . . . . 30
Carleen Anderson . . . . 30
Bob Klebe . . . . . . . . . 30
Bonnie Halls . . . . . . . 30
Merry Gnaegy . . . . . . 31
John Frederiksen . . . . 31
Rose Carlisle. . . . . . . 32
Judith Burket . . . . . . . 32
Jim Love . . . . . . . . . . 33
Kay Sherrill . . . . . . . 36
Carolyn Andrews. . . . 39
Larry Shepard . . . . . . 42
Sue Sturhahn . . . . . . . 43
Bobbie Parker . . . . . . 45
Gene Stukey . . . . . . . 49
Fran McMillian . . . . . 54

Chancel Choir Update 3/11: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir is in the loft this Sunday at 10:50 a.m. Call time is 10:20 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Salvation Is Created.

Daylight Saving Time Starts This Sunday
Remember to "spring forward" this Sunday. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning. Set your clocks forward one hour when you go to bed Saturday night.

Help Needed Wednesday at Centenary Bridge Homeless Kitchen
We need some volunteers to help prepare and serve lunch on Wednesday at Centenary UMC Bridge homeless food program. Choir members work there once a month. If you can work from 10 a.m. until about 2 p.m., please contact Charlotte Moser at: charlotte@tritech-pmi.com The group usually car pools from our church to make the trip to Centenary.

Bring Some Food For Centenary
Please help stock the pantry at the Centenary UMC Bridge homeless food program. A collection box is located in front of the Music Room. Here are the current needs for March: Unsweetened, evaporated milk, grape jelly and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. The bigger the can, the better.)

Chancel Choir Founder Will Be Honored at Reception on Sunday, March 20
Dorothea Bante, one of the Chancel Choir's founders, will be honored with a farewell reception in Fellowship Hall right after the 10:50 a.m. worship service on Sunday, March 20. Dorothea has been in failing health and will move into assisted living near her children who live near Lake of the Ozarks. Dorothea and her late husband, Gus, started the first choir for our church in 1953 when worship services were held in what we know today as the Chapel. Gus was the choir's first director and Dorothea was the accompanist. Through the years since, Dorothea has continued to accompany music groups in the church. She accompanied the Good News Quartet for nearly 40 years. Everyone in the Chancel Choir is invited to join us in wishing Dorothea well next Sunday. If you're interested in more about the history of the Chancel Choir and our other church music groups, two pages from the August 1994 Chancel Times newsletter are attached to this email update.

Chancel Choir Officers Meeting
Choir officers met before rehearsal last night. Here's the business they discussed:
-- Received a preliminary treasurer's report from Treasurer Kathryn Cox. Data provided from the church's treasurer will be clarified and a more complete report will be provided later.
-- Choir vice president Joe McMillien reported the 2011 choir scholarship selection process will begin soon. The scholarship will be presented on Youth Sunday, May 15.
-- Chancel Choir outreach director Charlotte Moser reported on the food drive for Centenary's Bridge homeless food program. The drive will continue through the spring.
-- Officers discussed the proposed singing activities set for Faith In Action Sunday May 1. Officers agreed to defer to the Faith In Action committee all planning and recruiting for singing opportunities that Sunday.
-- Due to timing issues, flowers from the Chancel Choir were not sent to the funeral of Soprano Martha Holt. The choir will make a contribution to the Music Ministry Endowment Fund in Martha's name in the amount equal to the cost of flowers. As always, choir members are encouraged to also make individual contributions to the endowment fund in memory choir members and their family. There is no change to the choir's policy of sending flowers for deaths and illnesses.
-- The choir's involvement in this year's mission auction was discussed. It was agreed that a more beneficial project would be found to replace baskets provided in the past.
-- Publicity for the Chancel Choir's June fund raising concert was discussed. Work will begin soon to raise awareness of the concert.

Cares and Concerns
Free Piano

Would you like to have an electronic piano? Coventry Choir member Paula Mraz is offering a Casio CPS-80S Electric Piano free to any choir member that can pick it up at her home in High Ridge. She’s got room for a “real” piano now. It’s 12 years old, was $700 new, includes music rack, bench, and sustain pedal. It's full size, 88 keys, 54” wide x 29-1/2” high x 16” deep. Preprogrammed library of classical pieces for listening or playing along. Includes transposition setting and eight different sound choices including grand piano, strings, harpsichord, jazz piano, etc. Has inputs for headphones and speakers. If you’d like it, call Paula Mraz 636-677-1113.

Chancel Choir Update 3/8: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal this Thursday. Same time, same place.

Bring Some Food Thursday For Centenary
Please help stock the pantry at the Centenary UMC Bridge homeless food program. A collection box is located in front of the Music Room. Here are the current needs:
March -- Unsweetened, evaporated milk, grape jelly and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. The bigger the can, the better.)

Last Call For Chancel Choir 25-Year Club
Have you been active in Chancel Choir for 25 years or more? Since I first asked this question last week, several people have filled out the form. But I think there are more. If you have sung with the choir for 25 years or more, click on the link and let us know.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F5HLP5N

Some Important Dates
Sunday, April 17, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Thursday, April 21, 8 to 9 p.m. -- Choir rehearsal
Friday, April 22, 7 p.m. -- Lenten Concert: Faure Requiem
Saturday, April 23, 2 to 4 p.m. -- Easter rehearsal
Sunday, April 24, Easter Sunday -- Choir sings at 10:30 and 11:45
Thursday, April 28 -- No Rehearsal
Thursday, June 2, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to noon -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Sunday, June 5, 7 p.m. -- Concert of Love (Chancel Choir's annual fund raising event)

New Members This Spring
We've added four new members since the beginning of our spring "term." Their photos appear below. You can see photos of all new members and all of our current members in our pictorial directories at the Chancel Choir's website. It's at www.chancelchoir.org. The member information is password protected. User ID: mumsinger Password: purplerobe Both are all one word and lower case.

Cares and Concerns
This note from Bass Cy Gruenloh:
“Thank you all very much for your thoughts and prayers, the beautiful plant, your phone calls, and cards. They certainly helped me get through this past week. I am doing well, pain level is much better, almost gone. It will be awhile before I can be in the loft again. I will miss it, but I will be listening in the congregation as soon as possible. I am in good hands. Denelle is a great nurse, as I knew she would be.”

Chancel Choir Update 3/4: Funeral Service For Martha Holt
The funeral service for Soprano Martha Holt will be at 10 a.m., Monday, March 7, in the Manchester United Methodist Church Sanctuary. A visitation will be held from 3 until 7 p.m., Sunday, March 6, at the Kutis Funeral Home & Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road. She died today (3/4) at St. Anthony's Medical Center after suffering an apparent heart attack on Monday.

Chancel Choir Update 3/4: Death In Choir Family
It is with sadness we report the death of Soprano Martha Holt. She died today (3/4) at St. Anthony's Medical Center after suffering an apparent heart attack on Monday. Funeral services are pending at Kutis Funeral Home.

Chancel Choir Update 3/4: News
No choir in the loft on Sunday. Sheep will be grazing there instead. Come and see the Music Maker's musical "We Like Sheep" at the 9:30 and 10:50 worship services or at 3 p.m.

Chancel Choir 25-Year Club
Have you been active in Chancel Choir for 25 years or more? Since I first asked this question earlier in the week, several people have filled out the form. But I think there are more. If you have sung with the choir for 25 years or more, click on the link and let us know.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F5HLP5N

Some Important Dates
Sunday, April 17, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Thursday, April 21, 8 to 9 p.m. -- Choir rehearsal
Friday, April 22, 7 p.m. -- Lenten Concert: Faure Requiem
Saturday, April 23, 2 to 4 p.m. -- Easter rehearsal
Sunday, April 24, Easter Sunday -- Choir sings at 10:30 and 11:45
Thursday, April 28 -- No Rehearsal
Thursday, June 2, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to noon -- Choir/orchestra rehearsal
Sunday, June 5, 7 p.m. -- Concert of Love (Chancel Choir's annual fund raising event)

Party Night Food
Well, after last night's buffet courtesy of the second altos, the basses need to schedule a meeting soon in anticipation of their turn on April 7.

Chancel Choir Update 3/3: Cares and Concerns
Soprano Martha Holt is hospitalized in the intensive care unit at St. Anthony's Medical Center after suffering a heart attack on Monday morning. No visitors or calls at this time. Her family asks for our thoughts and prayers.

Soprano Bertha Erhardt is recovering at home following surgery Monday to repair her rotator cuff. Cards may be sent to: 14910 Royalbrook Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63017.

Chancel Choir Update 3/1: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular Chancel Choir rehearsal this week. It's party night. Refreshments provided by the second altos this month.

After Choir
Join us at Applebee's at Barrett Station and Manchester roads for After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Bring Some Food Thursday For Centenary
Please help stock the pantry at the Centenary Bridge homeless food program. A collection box is located in front of the Music Room. Here are the current needs:
March -- Unsweetened, evaporated milk, grape jelly and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. The bigger the can, the better.)

Chancel Choir 25-Year Club
A few weeks ago someone mentioned they had just celebrated their 25th anniversary singing with the choir. My 25th anniversary was the first rehearsal in January this year. I think there are more. If you have sung with the choir for 25 years or more, click on the link and let us know.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F5HLP5N

Cares and Concerns
Tenor Cy Gruenloh is recovering at home from recent shoulder replacement surgery. Cards may be sent to: P. O. Box 402, St. Albans, MO 63073. I am told mail sent to his street address will not be delivered.

Chancel Choir Update 2/25: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings for the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday. Call time 10:20 in the Music Room. Anthem: When the Saints Go Marching In.

From Kevin
"This past weekend was another 'defining moment' for our Music Ministry and for me, personally. Sunday's worship will resonate in my soul forever -- the pride I felt in watching you sing under Dr. Wehr, and the way you gave everything was a huge God moment. I was completely overcome with emotion, as was Dr. Wehr. He was very impressed with your musicianship and he said 'your singing surpassed all of his expectations.' Through the love and care you show me, I am so richly blessed. My family has said once again that they don't have to worry about me being far from home. 'Wow, they really love you!' The feeling is mutual!"

Cares and Concerns
It's a grandson for Alto Lin Brinkman. Casey John Dick was born yesterday (2/24) in Columbia, Mo. He weighed in at 10 pounds and was 22 inches long. Daughter Jennifer and Casey are doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 2/23: Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we report the death of Henrietta Masse, grandmother of Soprano Kristin Pierce. She died Sunday afternoon in Jefferson City at the age of 92. A memorial will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City. The family asks for donations to the Missouri Botanical Gardens instead of flowers. Kristin's home address: 7723 Attingham Lane, St. Louis, MO 63119.

Bass Cy Gruenloh is recovering from successful surgery today (2/23) to replace his shoulder. He will be hospitalized at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center until Friday. His address is: 874 Cabernet Lane, St. Albans, MO 63073

Chancel Choir Update 2/23: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal this Thursday. Same time. Same place. See you there.

After Choir
Join us at Krieger’s at Big Bend and Highway 141 After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Kevin's Debut Weekend
What a wonderful weekend for Kevin, for the Chancel Choir and for our church -- not to mention the St. Louis Symphony and the In Unison Chorus. For the 50 or so Chancel Choir members present at Powell Hall Friday night, it was an enchanted evening of proud moments along with happy thoughts ("yes, I know the new director personally"), beautiful music ("yes, I sang that with the Chancel Choir in New York") and seeing old friends ("yes, there's Kevin's sister, oh there's another one"). The only thing missing was a red carpet at the entrance.

Kevin made his debut as the new director of the St. Louis Symphony's In Union Chorus with a rousing John Williams fanfare. A perfect way to start his SLSO conducting career. The evening was filled with selections that turned out to be the Chancel Choir's greatest hits performed as only the St. Louis Symphony can. Nine members of Kevin's family were in town for the event. They were also present in church on Sunday and renewed acquaintances with many they old friends in the choir. And if all this this wasn't special enough, Kevin's college professor/mentor/hero was in town to see his favorite student debut at Powell Hall, conduct a vocal workshop on Saturday evening for the Chancel Choir, and direct us in church on Sunday singing one of Kevin's old college choir's special signature pieces.

Watching Dr. David Wehr direct us was like watching Kevin. Now we know where all of his tricks and conducting techniques come from. A delightfully gentile musician, Dr. Wehr guided us during the workshop through the complexities of the Faure Requiem and When I Survey The Wondrous Chorus, a signature piece of Kevin's college choir at Houston Baptist University. Even though we have it pretty good in our choir loft, the Chancel Choir had a very rare gift of experiences this weekend that few church choirs can dream about. Let's count our blessings every time we are together. Some photos from the weekend appear below.

Bring Some Food Thursday For Centenary
We're received word that the Centenary Bridge pantry also needs grape jelly. So we're adding that to the list of groceries. Here are the needs:
February -- cream of chicken soup, grape jelly and canned fruit. (the bigger the can, the better. Commercial size would be best.)
March -- Unsweetened, evaporated milk, grape jelly and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. Again the bigger the can, the better.)

Cares and Concerns
Bass Cy Gruenloh will undergo surgery this morning (2/23) to replace his shoulder at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center.

Chancel Choir Update 2/18: News
Chancel Choir will be in the loft this Sunday for the 10:50 a.m. worship service. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room. Anthems: When I Survey and Let Everything That Hath Breath.

Kevin's Professor Will Conduct Workshop For Us
Dr. David Wehr, Kevin's music professor at Houston Baptist University, will conduct a Choral Workshop for our choir tomorrow evening (2/16) 6 to 8 p.m. in the Music Room. Dr. Wehr will conduct the choir on Sunday.

Bring Some Food Thursday For Centenary
Bass John Lemen reports the pantry at Centenary is seriously bare. Please bring specified canned goods to the Music Room. You'll see a collection box near the piano. Here are the needs: February -- cream of chicken soup and canned fruit. (the bigger the can, the better. Commercial size would be best.)

Chancel Choir Update 2/15: News
Rehearsal this Thursday. Same time. Same place. See you there.

After Choir
Join us at the Applebees at Manchester and Barrett Station roads After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Kevin In The Newspaper
In case you missed Sunday's Post-Dispatch story about Kevin and the In Unison chorus, here's a link:
http://tinyurl.com/4sa2273

Bring Some Food Thursday For Centenary
We are reviving our food collection project to help supply the pantry for the Centenary UMC homeless meal program (The Bridge). Please bring specified canned goods to the Music Room. You'll see a collection box near the piano. Here are the needs:
February -- cream of chicken soup and canned fruit. (the bigger the can, the better. Commercial size would be best.)
March -- Unsweetened, evaporated milk and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. Again the bigger the can, the better.)

Cares and Concerns
Funeral services are pending for Julie Yeomans, mother of Alto Karen Yeomans. She died Monday (2/14) in Bloomington, Ind., after a long battle with alzheimer's disease. She was 86. Karen's home address is 1014 Burgundy Lane, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Chancel Choir Update 2/14: Death In Choir Family

It is with sadness we report the death of Julie Yeomans, mother of Alto Karen Yeomans. She died this evening (2/14) in Bloomington, Ind. after a long illness. Funeral services are pending. Karen's home address is 1014 Burgundy Lane, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Chancel Choir Update 2/11: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir will sing Sunday for the 10:50 a.m. worship service. Call time is 10:20 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: O How Amiable

Faure Requiem Study CD
Your study CDs are available from your section manager. If you didn't get yours, pick it up Sunday.

Food Collection For Centenary Homeless Meal Program
We are reviving our food collection project to help supply the pantry for the Centenary UMC homeless meal program (The Bridge). Please bring specified canned goods to the Music Room. You'll see a collection box near the piano. Here are the needs:
February -- cream of chicken soup and canned fruit. (the bigger the can, the better. Commercial size would be best.)
March -- Unsweetened, evaporated milk and canned greens (collards, turnip greens, or spinach. Again the bigger the can, the better.)

November New York Trip
If you're interested in participating in the fall New York trip, the initial deposit of $200 is due now. Pick up forms in the Music Room and turn in money and forms to Chancel Choir treasurer Kathryn Cox.

We Can See
Special thanks to the church staff member who replaced burned out light bulbs above the altos. There is a definite improvement in their singing, now that they can see. Once the bulbs above the sopranos and the director are replaced, then we'll be completely tuned up.

Chancel Choir Officers Meeting
Officers met prior to last night's practice. Here's what happened:
-- Treasurer Katheryn Cox reported the current balance in the choir's activity fund (money raised by the choir for activities) is $11,646. Expenses for January included $630 for the previously approved purchase of dishes for Centenary UMC and $482 subsidy for the winter party.
-- Heard reports on the Voces8 concert and Martin Luther King services. Voces8 wants to return. Kevin says they will do a clinic for the choir the next time.
-- Revived the food collection project for the Centenary soup kitchen pantry. The choir collected food for the pantry last year. With extremly cold weather, demand on the meal program has surpassed food supplies. Agreed on which food items were needed in February and March.
-- The 2011 scholarship selection process will begin. The scholarship project is headed by the choir's vice president each spring. Vice president Joe McMillen will chair the committee this year.
-- Details are still being worked out for an appearance of the William Jewel College Concert Choir in our Sanctuary March 16 as a fund raiser for Centenary UMC.
-- Kevin reported there would be a 30-piece orchestra for the Faure Requiem concert on Good Friday, April 22. Guest soloists will be announced soon.
-- All details for the St. Olaf choir concert have been completed. The St. Olaf choir has 86 members.
-- Faith In Action Sunday, May 1, was discussed. This year the choir will provide music at three senior centers: Friendship Village Chesterfield, Friendship Village South and Meramec Bluffs. Officers agreed to invite members of St. Paul's AME church to join us in singing at these locations.

Cares and Concerns
Kevin and John Cargill reported to the choir last night that John has been diagnosed with leukemia. John had been treated in the ER twice during the week for high fever and an allergy to antibiotics he was taking for an unrelated infection. He learned of the leukemia diagnoses last week after suffering symptoms for some time. The good news is that his leukemia is a very rare type that is treatable with good results. He will begin oral medication soon and no chemotherapy or more invasive treatment will be needed. John told the choir that he appreciated its care, support and concern, "but I am reluctant to discuss this because I don't want to be defined by it. I don't want you to think of me as the guy in the bubble. If you have to have leukemia, I'm told this is the best kind. I'm going to fight it and I will be okay."

As you know, our cares and concerns notices are limited to information about our choir family. But Suzanne Schwartz, wife of Miles Schwartz, has requested that the choir be notified of his death. Miles, many of you may know, was active in our church for the past 15 years and started the church's Cancer Support Group. Miles died yesterday (2/10) after a long illness. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday (2/14) in the MUMC Chapel. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday (2/13) at the Bellerive Funeral Home, 740 North Mason Road in Creve Coeur. The home address is: 598 Highland Ridge Dr., Ballwin, Mo. 63011.

Chancel Choir Update 2/9: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular choir rehearsal tomorrow night. Same time, same place. We'll see you there.

After Choir
Join us at the Mulligan's in Ellisville on the northeast corner of Clarkson and Manchester for After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

St. Olaf Choir Concert This Friday
Kevin has requested that all choir members attend. If you still need a ticket, order your ticket online. Heres a link: http://www.stolaftickets.com

Kevin's Professor Will Conduct Workshop For Us
Dr. David Wehr, Kevin's music professor at Houston Baptist University, will conduct a Choral Workshop for our choir on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we report the death of Alto Bonnie Halls' mother, Jeanette Frederich. She died at Manor Grove in Kirkwood on Tuesday (2/8) at the age of 97. Services are scheduled for this Saturday at Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin. Visitation is at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral at 1 p.m. Bonnie's home address is: 219 Meadowbrook Country Club Est., Ballwin, MO 63011

Chancel Choir Update 2/7: Cares and Concerns
Bass John Frederiksen has one ticket for this Friday's St. Olaf Choir performance for sale. If you are interested, you can call him at 314-378-3160 or email him frederiksen11@msn.com

Bass Jim Starbuck is doing well after surgery last week to replace a knee. He has sent word that his doctors say his recovery is ahead of schedule. He expects to go to the Friendship Village Sunset Hills Health Center for rehab. Send cards and greetings to his home address at: 12609 Friendship Ridge Lane, St. Louis, MO 63126.

Chancel Choir Update 2/4: News / Cares and Concerns
We will sing for the 10:50 a.m. worship service on Sunday. Report to the Music Room at 10:20 a.m.

Weather Notifications
Hopefully we won't have any more snow days, but if we need to cancel a Thursday rehearsal every effort will be made to send out an email notice by 3 p.m. or as soon as we can thereafter. If you don't hear from us, assume the show will go on.

St. Olaf Choir Concert Feb. 11
Kevin has requested that all choir members attend. If you still need a ticket, order your ticket online. Heres a link: http://www.stolaftickets.com

Kevin's Professor Will Conduct Workshop For Us
Dr. David Wehr, Kevin's music professor at Houston Baptist University, will conduct a Choral Workshop for our choir on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Jim Starbuck is recovering from knee replacement surgery yesterday at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield. He expects to be hospitalized for a few days and then go to the Friendship Village Sunset Hills Health Center for rehab. Send cards and greetings to his home address at: 12609 Friendship Ridge Lane, St. Louis, MO 63126.

Chancel Choir Update 2/2: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal tomorrow night. It's party night. Second sopranos provide the treats.

After Choir
Join us at the Corner Pub & Grill at Daugherty Ferry and Big Bend for After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Interview With Austin McBeth
As promised, here is the link to an interview with Kevin's son Austin, now playing for the Iowa State basketball team. Click the link, the click on the box with the video.
http://www.cyclones.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10700&ATCLID=204943695

Cares and Concerns
Bass Jim Starbuck will undergo a knee replacement Thursday at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield. He expects to be hospitalized for a few days and then go to the Friendship Village Sunset Hills Health Center for rehab.

We have learned that Linda Hawk, wife of Jerry Hawk, both former Chancel Choir members, died Monday. Her memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Ozark Chapel UMC in Laurie, Mo., near Lake of the Ozarks. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Linda was the director of the Felicities women’s chorus for many years at our church.

Chancel Choir Update 1/28: News Cares and Concerns
No choir in the loft this Sunday. Come and hear Voces8 provide music for worship.

Concert This Sunday
The renowned British a cappella singing group Voces8 will perform in our Sanctuary this Sunday evening at 7 p.m. Kevin wants everyone in the Chancel Choir to hear the group. Admission is free. Voces8 is on tour in the United States and will travel to St. Louis after performing for the Hilton Head Choral Society in Hilton Head, S.C. on Friday. If you're curious about the group, here's a link:
http://www.voces8.com/web/

New York Trip Sign Up Deadline
Sign ups have begun for the November New York trip. If you are certain that you plan to make the trip, sign up now.

St. Olaf Choir Concert Tickets
The world renowned St. Olaf Choir will perform in our Sanctuary on Feb. 11. Kevin wants everyone in Chancel Choir to hear the famous group. Order your tickets now either at www.stolaftickets.com or call 1-800-363-5487.

Cares and Concerns
The correct address to get cards and notes to Alto Mary Lou Adams is: Skilled Nursing Unit, Meramec Bluffs, 50 Meramec Trail Dr., Ballwin, MO 63021.

This from Soprano June Van Klaveren: "Larry and I would like to thank the choir for the lovely plant and condolence cards on the death of Larry's father. This choir is truly a wonderful "family" in times like these."

Chancel Choir Update 1/26: Correction
This morning's update contained what might be a confusing typo. The sentence should read:
"Alto Mary Lou Adams is now in the skilled nursing facility at Meramec Bluffs."
And since we're sending it again, I'll include the address this time: 182 Ameren Way, Ballwin, MO 63021.

Chancel Choir Update 1/26: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal tomorrow night. Same time. Same place. See you there.

Events Coming Up
Sunday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. -- Concert by Voces8. Free admission. Kevin wants us all to attend.
Friday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. -- Concert by the St. Olaf Choir. Admission $25. Kevin wants us all to attend.
Saturday, Feb. 19, 6 to 8 p.m. -- Choral workshop for Chancel Choir with Dr. David Wehr. He was Kevin's choral conducting professor in college.

News About Kevin's Sons
Kevin's sons Cameron and Austin have been in the news lately. Here is a link to Cameron's music video released this week featuring his song Frozen. This is a very good production that reminds me of a scene from Glee. The link appears below. Kevin's other son, Austin, is now playing basketball for Iowa State and was on the court in Columbia Saturday night at Mizzou. Kevin says Austin has now decided to focus entirely on basketball after a short career in college football at Iowa State. I am told there is a video interview with Austin on the Iowa State Athletics website. I couldn't find it in time to get this note out. If you locate the link send it my way and I'll be glad to send it out.

Cameron's music video link:
http://vimeo.com/19083477

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Harriet Kettenhofen asks for our thoughts and prayers for her grandson, Nick Krueger, who will undergo extensive back surgery here in St. Louis on Thursday. Nick and his family live in New Orleans.

This from Tenor Don Erhardt: "My brother Jim was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and is scheduled for a prostatectomy on Thursday (1/27) in Fort Collins, Colo. Indications are that the cancer is contained. Please keep him in your prayers for successful surgery and recovery."

Alto Mary Lou Adams is not in the skilled nursing facility at Meramec Bluffs.

Soprano Christina Southard reports that her mother-in-law, Pearl Southard, died Wednesday evening in Rolla after a long illness. “I would like to ask the choir family for prayers for my husband Richard and his family.”

Chancel Choir Update 1/20: Rehearsal Tonight Is Canceled
No Chancel Choir Rehearsal Tonight
After a great deal of debate, Kevin has decided to cancel rehearsal tonight. He is worried about cold temperatures and slush refreezing by the time rehearsal is finished.
Although the parking lot at church is clear and most streets in the area of the church are clean, he has decided to err on the side of safety.

Chancel Choir Sings Sunday
We will sing for the 10:50 a.m. worship service on Sunday. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room.

Chancel Choir Update 1/17: News
Chancel Choir Joins St. Paul AME in MLK Celebration
A total of 66 Chancel Choir singers were in the loft Saturday night along with the choir of St. Paul AME Church for a joint MLK celebration worship service at the inner city church in St. Louis. Our senior paster Greg Weeks gave an outstanding message during the service which included anthems Hear My Prayer and Let Everything That Hath Breath featuring Soprano Jackie Smith. The joint celebration worship is an annual event for the two congregations which alternates between the two churches. Another highlight of the evening was Robert Ray accompanying his wife's solo. Kevin succeeded Robert Ray as conductor of the St. Louis Symphony's In Unison Chorus.

Party At The Bistro Takes Choir Parties To The Next Level
Sunday's holiday party at The Bistro in Grand Center was one of the most enjoyable Chancel Choir events I can remember. The winter (holiday) party was moved this year to The Bistro and reincarnated into a dinner/concert after several years as a dinner/dance at Spazio's in Westport. Food and fun are fine, but this year's party highlight was a 90-minute non-stop concert of classic jazz performed by Carolebeth True and her ensemble Two Times True along with singer Christi John Bye and one number by our own Kevin McBeth. The evening was remarkable starting with a time of visiting followed by an excellent buffet dinner. A total of 104 choir members and guests attended this year. Some photos appear below. All of the party photos can be seen at this link:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZMWbhs3aNmbC
Learn more about Carolebeth True and Two Times True at this link:
http://www.carolbethtrue.com

Choir Generosity Brings $650 For Centenary Lunch Pantry
The Chancel Choir is a very generous group. When an appeal was sent out last month for donations to help supply meat for the meals at Centenary United Methodist Church’s food program for the homeless (The Bridge), choir members donated more than $650. That’s enough meat to prepare and serve 7 or 8 meals for the 200 plus homeless served each day. This will be a great help to Centenary and the people it serves at a time of great need. Thanks to all who contributed.

Chancel Choir Update 1/14: News / Cares and Concerns
The Chancel Choir will participate in the MLK Celebration at St. Paul AME Church on Saturday. Details:
When: Saturday, Jan. 15
3 p.m. -- Bus departs MUMC for St. Paul (sign ups for the bus were taken last night)
3:30 p.m. -- Warmup
5 p.m. -- Celebration Service
Location: St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave., St. Louis, 63112
Dress: robe
Music: Let Everything That Hath Breath and Hear My Prayer
Link to a map: http://tinyurl.com/4lrr7mk

This Sunday
Chancel Choir is in the loft for the 10:50 a.m. worship service. Call time is 10:20 a.m. Anthem: Let Everything That Hath Breath.

Winter Chancel Choir Party
We're steppin' out in mid-town St. Louis for our winter party this year. For those with reservations, join us this Sunday (1/16) at The Bistro at 3536 Washington in Grand Center (just across from the Fox Theater). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with social time at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m with seating in tables of four. (We've been asked not to move the tables.) A concert by Carolbeth True and Two Times True begins at 7:30 p.m. Parking is available in the area.
Link for The Bistro website: http://www.jazzbistrostl.com/
Link to a map: http://tinyurl.com/4qnmrk6

Choir Officers Meeting
Chancel Choir officers covered the following business in a short meeting last night.
-- Treasurer Kathryn Cox reported the choir's activity fund balance is $12,758. She reminded officers that we are committed to $4000 in scholarship payments this spring. Officers expressed concern that our fund raising concert in June must be successful.
-- President Diane Lawrence reviewed the issues with baking cookies for the Christmas concerts. She said in the future, we'll ask choir members who are willing to bake as many homemade cookies as they wish, put them out for the receptions and any left overs will be taken to the food program at Centenary as we did this year. She reported that most of the leftovers this year went to Centenary and they were very appreciative.
-- All plans for the winter party are complete. Kevin reported that the final cost for the meals will be $34 per person with the choir picking up the difference. Costs associated with the musicians will come from funds the choir earned from the Holiday Brass performances.
-- Choir outreach director Charlotte Moser reviewed recent outreach activities. This year's Faith In Action Sunday on May 1 was discussed. Last year the choir undertook mini-tour concerts at area senior centers in addition to music events scheduled on Faith In Action Sunday. There was discussion if the choir should do both this year. A potential schedule for mini-concerts will be researched and a decision made later in the spring. If the mini-concerts are done on May 1, it is important that choir members also have an opportunity to participate in other Faith in Action Sunday events.
-- Kevin discussed the upcoming concerts by Voces8 and the St. Olaf Choir. Ushers and greeters will be needed for both.
-- The November New York trip was discussed. There is a minimum number needed to undertake the trip, but Kevin said the production company has not provided the minimum yet.

Cares and Concerns
Tenor Dick Vreeland reported to the choir last night that Alto Mary Lou Adams has been hospitalized for treatment of an infection. She is expected to be release soon. Her husband, Jack, is in the process of moving to Meramec Bluffs and Mary Lou will be move to the skilled nursing center there upon release from the hospital.

Chancel Choir Update 1/11/11: News / Cares and Concerns
Rehearsal this Thursday. We'll prepare for the Saturday worship service at St. Paul's AME church.

After Choir
Join us at Buffalo Wild Wings in Ballwin on Manchester Road near New Ballwin Road for After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Events Coming Up
Saturday, Jan. 15, 5 p.m. -- MLK worship service at St. Paul AME downtown. Call time is 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m. -- Winter party at The Bistro in Midtown.
Sunday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. -- Concert by Voces8. Free admission. Kevin wants us all to attend.
Friday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. -- Concert by the St. Olaf Choir. Admission $25. Kevin wants us all to attend.
Saturday, Feb. 19, 6 to 8 p.m. -- Choral workshop for Chancel Choir with Dr. David Wehr. He was Kevin's choral conducting professor in college.

Winter Chancel Choir Party
We're steppin' out in mid-town St. Louis for our winter party this year. For those with reservations, join us this Sunday (1/16) at The Bistro at 3536 Washington in Grand Center (just across from the Fox Theater). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with social time at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m with seating in tables of four. A concert by Carolbeth True and Two Times True begins at 7:30 p.m. Parking is available in the area.
Link for The Bistro website: http://www.jazzbistrostl.com/
Link to a map: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Curious About The Sheep?
Do the numbered sheep on the wall behind Kevin have something to do with insomnia? Are they a promo for the Music Maker's upcoming musical "We Like Sheep"? No, according to Lori Borger they represent the number of sheep that have been purchased through the Heifer Project.

Cares and Concerns
-- It is with sadness we report the death of John Van Klaveren, 89, father-in-law of Soprano June Van Klaveren. He died Saturday (1/8) in Pella, Iowa. Services will at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Pella. June and Larry Van Klaveren’s address is 14664 Amberleigh Hill Court, Chesterfield, MO 63017.
-- David Oldani, husband of Soprano Wanda Oldani, is recovering at home from knee surgery on Jan 3.
-- Soprano Claudia Fallert is recovering at home from recent foot surgery.

Chancel Choir Update 1/7: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir will sing for worship at the 10:50 a.m. service this Sunday. Call time is 10:20 a.m. in the Music Room.

November New York Trip Decision Needed Soon
The Chancel Choir will make another trip to sing at Carnegie Hall in November the weekend of Nov. 10-14. Deadline for the initial deposit is Thursday, Feb. 10. If you were absent last night, pick up a trip information sheet.

Events Coming Up
Saturday, Jan. 15, 5 p.m. -- MLK worship service at St. Paul AME downtown. Call time is 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 16 (time to be announced) -- Winter party at The Bistro in Midtown. Reservations were due last night.
Sunday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. -- Concert by Voces8. Free admission. Kevin wants us all to attend.
Friday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. -- Concert by the St. Olaf Choir. Admission $25. Kevin wants us all to attend.
Saturday, Feb. 19, 6 to 8 p.m. -- Choral worship with Dr. David Wehr. He was Kevin's choral conducting professor in college.

Help Need To Take Down Decorations
The Altar Guild is asking for help this Saturday to take down and pack up the Christmas decorations at the church. Call time is 9 a.m.

Church Voice Mail Is Out
The church's voice mail system has failed. If you leave a message for Kevin or anyone at the church they will not hear it. Email is best if the person is not available. Work is underway to repair or replace the phone system.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Bill Lange is returned home to continue his recovery from back surgery in December.

Alto Mary Lou Adams remains at Town & Country Health Care, 13995 Clayton Road, Town & Country, MO 63017. Cards from choir members would be appreciated.

Chancel Choir Update 1/5: News
Rehearsals resume tomorrow night. Same time, same place. See you there for the start of another great year.

After Choir
Join us at Applebees at Manchester and Barrett Stations roads for After Choir right after choir this Thursday.

Last Call For Winter Party Reservations
If you plan to join us for the winter (holiday) party on Sunday, Jan. 16, bring your check to rehearsal tomorrow night. The party will be at the Bistro in mid-town just across Grand Avenue from the Fox Theater. There will be a buffet meal with entertainment by St. Louis legend Carolbeth True and her ensemble Two Times True. Cost is $30 per person.

Concert Recordings Are Ready
Pick up your CDs of the Christmas concert at rehearsal tomorrow night. Cost is $10 each.