Chancel Choir Update 12/29: News
In case you have forgotten, there is no Chancel Choir rehearsal tonight. The choir does not sing this Sunday. Rehearsals resume on Thursday, Jan. 5.

Make Reservations For Winter Choir Party Jan. 15
Don't miss the choir's annual winter party on Sunday, Jan. 15. This year the party moves to west county at the Sky Lounge Bar in the Barn at Lucern located at Kehr's Mill and Clayton roads. We'll have a live band, appetizer buffet, and cash bar. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. This is the choir's main social event of the year and we hope as many singers and guests as possible will attend. It's a great way for new members to get to know people in the choir. Cost is $25 per person. Deadline for reservations is Jan. 12. Please pay Alto Lois Hendrickson at rehearsals or you can mail your check to her at: 1047 Camargo, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Happy New Year.

Chancel Choir Update 12/21: News
Chancel Choir Sings Christmas Eve
The Chancel Choir will provide music for the 7 p.m. and the 9 p.m. worship services this Christmas Eve. Report to the Music Room 30 minutes before each worship service. Anthems will be from our Christmas concert.

No Choir On Christmas
There is no choir in the loft for the worship service on Christmas Day.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals Resume Next Year
Chancel Choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday, Jan. 5. Same time, same place. See you in 2012.

Concert Recording
Our Christmas concert Sunday night was recorded. If you'd like a CD and did not sign up on the sheet in the Music Room this week, you may reply to this email update.

Make Reservations For Winter Choir Party Jan. 15
Don't miss the choir's annual winter party on Sunday, Jan. 15. This year the party moves to west county at the Sky Lounge Bar in the Barn at Lucern located at Kehr's Mill and Clayton roads. We'll have a live band, appetizer buffet, and cash bar. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. This is the choir's main social event of the year and we hope as many singers and guests as possible will attend. It's a great way for new members to get to know people in the choir. Cost is $25 per person. Deadline for reservations is Jan. 12. Please pay Alto Lois Hendrickson this weekend or at rehearsals or you can mail your check to her at: 1047 Camargo, Ballwin, MO 63011.

A Look Back
This has been a wonderful musical Christmas season. Here are a few photos from the past couple of weeks including Christine Brewer rehearsing, some of the Christmas gifts from the Chancel Choir presented to Kevin and John, and an album Coventry Choir gave Kevin containing photos and programs from all 16 Coventry dinner concerts he has directed.

Have a very Merry Christmas.

Chancel Choir Update 12/16: Important News
Concerts Saturday and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. Call time is 6:30 p.m. in the Music Room in robes and ready to go.

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

No Perfume or Cologne
The choir loft has been declared a no fragrance zone this week. Please, no perfume, cologne, or other scented products.

Concert Recordings
Our Christmas concert will be recorded. If you'd like a CD, a sign up sheet will be available in the Music Room or you may reply to this email update.

Cookies For The Bridge
Last year all of the left over cookies from the Christmas concert receptions were taken to The Bridge homeless food program to the delight of the clients there. Since we're serving cake this year, we still want to treat The Bridge to some home baked cookies. If you'd like to help, please bring some cookies to one of the concerts this weekend. Put them in a non-returnable container and leave them in the Music Room. They will be delivered Monday to our friends at The Bridge at Centenary UMC downtown.

Make Reservations For Winter Choir Party Jan. 15
Don't miss the choir's annual winter party on Sunday, Jan. 15. This year the party moves to west county at the Sky Lounge Bar in the Barn at Lucern located at Kehr's Mill and Clayton roads. We'll have a live band, appetizer buffet, and cash bar. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. This is the choir's main social event of the year and we hope as many singers and guests as possible will attend. It's a great way for new members to get to know people in the choir. Cost is $25 per person. Deadline for reservations is Jan. 12. Please pay Alto Lois Hendrickson this weekend or at rehearsals or you can mail your check to her at: 1047 Camargo, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Need More Christmas Singing?
If you'd like to sing a few Christmas carols and bring some cheer to the residents of two senior residences, here is your opportunity. Volunteers from the choir will be conducting a holiday sing along at West County Care Center at 2 p.m. this Sunday. The Good News Quartet will present a holiday program at 7 p.m., Wednesday, in the chapel at Gambril Gardens. Come and join the fun.

Chancel Choir Officer Meeting News
Choir officers meet last night prior to rehearsal. Here's the news from that meeting:
-- Treasurer Tom Lawrence reported the activity fund balance is $14,263.70. A $108 deficit from the New York trip remains unresolved.
-- Choir members provided $1,500 in gift cards for Circle of Concern. Most of the cards were for Target or Walmart. Circle of Concern also needs volunteers to help. Diane Lawrence pointed out that Circle of Concern serves our neighbors in west county and needs our help.
-- Holiday Brass concerts were a huge success. Susan Slaughter is very pleased and told Kevin "the choir was fantastic and get better every year." Choir participation for the event was: 86, 90 and 98 for the three concerts. The choir will receive a payment for its participation. The Holiday Brass will return to our Sanctuary next year on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
-- Discussed and approved collecting cookies for The Bridge after our concerts this weekend.
-- Approved plans for this year's Winter Party on Jan. 15 at the Sky Lounge Bar. Lois Hendrickson will collect money for the party starting now.
-- Voces8, the British singing group that performed at the church last January, will return for another visit this coming January. The group will be here for five days, from Jan. 20 through Jan. 24. They will sing for worship, present a concert in our Sanctuary on Jan. 22, and conduct workshops for our youth choir and Coventry Choir.
-- Our fund raiser for 2012 is a production of The Follies. This year the show will be a Broadway Tribute on Feb. 12 and will include medleys and solos. The Chancel Choir will participate in the program. This is the choir's main fund raiser for scholarships and activities.
-- The choir will present the Seven Last Words on Good Friday.
-- Plans are underway for a trip to Memphis the weekend of April 13. This will be a three-day regional Chancel Choir tour. Details will be announced soon.

Chancel Choir Update 12/14: News / Cares and Concerns
Important rehearsal for our weekend Sing Christmas concerts. Report to the Sanctuary at 7:30 tomorrow night.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Applebee's in Ballwin (in front of Lowe's) for snacks, beverages and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

Holiday Brass Concerts
Wow, what a day yesterday. The 2011 edition of Holiday Brass was a success and a lot of fun. Chancel Choir participation was outstanding: 86 at 10:15, 90 at 2:15 and 96 at 8 p.m. A photo shot from the balcony on a cell phone appears at the end of this email.

No Perfume or Cologne
The choir loft has been declared a no fragrance zone this week. Please, no perfume, cologne, or other scented products.

Cars and Concerns
Here's a note from Alto Charlotte Shelton:
"To Our Choir Family: Thank you for the prayers, cards, phone calls and all the good wishes which came with the beautiful pink poinsettia. The plant has been a perfect reminder of Chancel Choir and the blessings shared through your music. I look forward to the new year when I can once again be a part of the choir's ministry. Merry Christmas, Charlotte"

Chancel Choir Update 12/12: Important News / Cares and Concerns
This is a busy week for Chancel Choir. Here are the details.

Rehearsal Tonight
We'll have a special rehearsal for Holiday Brass on Monday evening (12/12) from 6:30 until 9 p.m. Recordings of the Christmas Holiday Brass CD will be available to choir members Monday evening for a discount price of $10.
Rehearsal order:
-- Sweet Songs of Christmas
-- Joyful, All Ye Nations Rise
-- Fanfare for Christmas Day
-- Sing Along (words on HBC program sheet)
-- O Holy Night
-- Pie Jesu

Holiday Brass Concerts Tuesday
Concerts are at 10:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Call time is 30 minutes before each concert in the Music Room.

Sing Christmas Concert Rehearsal on Thursday
Important rehearsal on Thursday night. Sing Christmas, Ring Christmas concert rehearsal from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Sing Christmas Concerts on Saturday and Sunday
Our Christmas concert will be presented both Saturday and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. Call time is 6:30 p.m. on each night.

Sing For Worship on Sunday
We'll sing for the 10:50 a.m. worship service on Sunday (12/18).

Sing Christmas! Ring Christmas! Ushers Needed
Ushers are needed for the Sing Christmas! Ring Christmas! concerts on both Dec 17 and Dec. 18. If you have a family member or friend who is willing to usher for either of the concerts, please contact Diane Bunton at rehearsal or at dianebunton@sbcglobal.net or 636-256-1984.

Cares and Concerns
Here's a note from Don Erhardt:
"I am home after spending one night in the hospital after a successful prostatectomy. The surgeon said the cancer was contained and my prognosis is excellent. A beautiful poinsettia from the Chancel Choir arrived today. I am thankful for that and for the many thoughts, prayers, cards and calls. Our choir family is simply awesome. Blessings to all."

Tenor Dick Vreeland has provided the mailing address for Gary and Charlotte Moser: 5412 Ketch Court, Austin, TX 78730

Chancel Choir Update 12/9: News
Chancel Choir sings for the 8 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Call time is 7:30 a.m. in the Music Room. Anthem: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Rehearsal Monday Night
We'll have a special rehearsal for Holiday Brass on Monday evening (12/12) from 6:30 until 9 p.m. Recordings of the Christmas Holiday Brass CD will be available to choir members Monday evening for a discount price of $10.

Holiday Party on Jan. 15
Mark your calendar for the choir's annual holiday party on Jan. 15. Details coming soon.

Sing Christmas! Ring Christmas! Ushers Needed
Ushers are needed for the Sing Christmas! Ring Christmas! concerts on both Dec 17 and Dec. 18. If you have a family member or friend who is willing to usher for either of the concerts, please contact Diane Bunton at rehearsal or at dianebunton@sbcglobal.net or 636-256-1984.

Chancel Choir Update 12//7: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal tomorrow night. It's important to get ready for Holiday Brass.

Holiday Brass Rehearsal on Monday Night
We'll have a special rehearsal for Holiday Brass on Monday evening (12/12) from 6:30 until 9 p.m. Recordings of the Christmas Holiday Brass CD will be available to choir members Monday evening for a discount price of $10.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Kreigers at Highway 141 and Big Bend for snacks, beverages and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

Holiday Party on Jan. 15
Mark your calendar for the choir's annual holiday party on Jan. 15. Details coming soon.

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
The Bridge meal program at Centenary UMC downtown is needing help to fill its pantry. This month they are requesting canned tomatoes. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. If you have questions, contact Joan Lemen, the choir's community outreach director, at joanlemen4@gmail.com Last month Chancel Choir donated 71 lbs. of oatmeal, 65 lbs. of brown sugar, and 6 lbs. of grits.

Cares and Concerns
Tenor Don Erhardt will under surgery a robotic prostatectomy for treatment of prostate cancer tomorrow (12/8) at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

Chancel Choir Update 12/2: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings for the 10:50 a.m. service this Sunday. Call time is 10:20 a.m. in the Music Room. It's Hanging of the Greens. Anthem: Gentle Mary Laid Her Child.

Help Decorate The Church For The Holiday
Can't get enough of those Christmas decorations at home? Help decorate the church this Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
The Bridge meal program at Centenary UMC downtown is needing help to fill its pantry. This month they are requesting canned tomatoes. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. If you have questions, contact Joan Lemen, the choir's community outreach director, at joanlemen4@gmail.com Last month Chancel Choir donated 71 lbs. of oatmeal, 65 lbs. of brown sugar, and 6 lbs. of grits.

Chancel Choir Schedule For Rest of The Year
Sunday, Dec. 4, 10:50 a.m. -- Hanging of the Greens
Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Regular rehearsal
Sunday, Dec. 11, 8:00 a.m. -- Gifts in White (White Gifts Sunday)
Monday, Dec. 12, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. -- Holiday Brass Rehearsal
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 10:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. -- Holiday Brass Concerts
(Call time is 30 minutes prior to each concert)
Thursday, Dec. 15, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- Sing! Ring! Reh earsal
Saturday, Dec. 17, 7:00 p.m. -- Sing Christmas! Ring Christmas! Concert (Call time 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 18, 10:50 a.m. -- Sing for worship
Sunday, Dec. 18, 7:00 p.m. -- Sing Christmas! Ring Christmas! Concert (Call time 6:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 22 -- No Rehearsal
Saturday, Dec. 24, 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. -- Chancel Choir sings for Christmas Eve worship
Note: There will be no other Chancel Choir activities until rehearsals resume on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2012.

Cares and Concerns
It's another granddaughter for Pam and Mike Campbell. Macy Jane Harris arrived in Raleigh, N.C. on Tuesday (11/29). Macy, granddaughter number four, and parents Barb and Dave are doing well. She joins big sister Michaela and cousins Gabe and Ty who live in Charlotte with parents Mike and Maggie (Campbell) Coleman.

Chancel Choir Update 11/29: News / Cares and Concerns
It's back to work this week. Regular rehearsal on Thursday.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Applebee's in Ballwin (in front of Lowe's) for snacks, beverages and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

Holiday Party on Jan. 15
Mark your calendar for the choir's annual holiday party on Jan. 15. Details coming soon.

Servers Needed For Coventry Dinners
Help is needed serving the Coventry Christmas dinner concert this Friday and Saturday. In past years members of the Chancel Choir have helped out waiting tables. If you'd like to help, contact Joy Parisien at 636-227-8655 or joyparisien@gmail.com

Hospitality Bake Sale This Weekend
Each year Chancel Choir members help the church’s Hospitality Ministry by providing baked goods for their annual bake sale. It’s a way of saying thanks for helping us with our after concert receptions. The bake sale is this Sunday. Baked items can be left in the Cry Room on Saturday or dropped off early Sunday morning before the 8 a.m. worship service. If you want the container back, put your name on it.

Cares and Concerns
Alto Charlotte Shelton is undergoing surgery today at St. Mary's Health Center.

It's granddaughter number five for Soprano Karen Fair. Emma Louise Loomis arrived Monday in Spokane, Wash., weighing in at 8 lbs., 3 oz. and 20 inches long. Mother Lori and baby are doing well after an emergency C section.

Chancel Choir Update 11/25: News
Yes, we are back in the loft this Sunday. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room. Anthem: Hark the Glad Sound.

Last Call For Holiday Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir’s holiday mission project to give gift cards to the Circle of Concern will end this Sunday (11/27). The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families. The recipients of these cards will literally be our West County neighbors. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. If you cannot get gift cards, you may give Alto Diane Lawrence money and she will purchase the cards for you.

Last Call For Coventry Dinner Tickets
Tickets for the Coventry Choir's Candlelight Christmas dinner on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, will be on sale again this Sunday in the Narthex. This will be the last chance to purchase tickets. If you won't be in church this Sunday, order tickets or ask questions by calling Joy Parisien at 636-227-8655.

Archive Note
If you watched the St. Louis Thanksgiving Day Parade yesterday on television, a few flashbacks may be occurred. It was 10 years ago that the Chancel Choir sang at the start of the parade in the middle of Market Street in front of the KSDK studios. We rode school buses downtown early Thanksgiving morning, sang on television and returned to the church.

More Holiday Fun
Here is another amazing video clip to fill up some downtime this holiday. I have no idea why or how this musical instrument was made, but it is fascinating to watch. It's a growing story, so watch it to the end to avoid missing something. Take a look at this link.
http://www.mumchancelchoir.org/extraordinaire_instrument_de_musi_.wmv

Chancel Choir Update 11/22: News / Cares and Concerns
There is no rehearsal this Thursday. It's Thanksgiving.

Last Call For Holiday Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir’s holiday mission project to give gift cards to the Circle of Concern will end this Sunday (11/27). The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families. The recipients of these cards will literally be our West County neighbors. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. If you cannot get gift cards, you may give Alto Diane Lawrence money and she will purchase the cards for you. You may also leave the cards with Kristie Whitney in the church office.

Last Call For Coventry Dinner Tickets
Tickets for the Coventry Choir's Candlelight Christmas dinner on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, will be on sale again this Sunday in the Narthex. This will be the last chance to purchase tickets. If you won't be in church this Sunday, order tickets or ask questions by calling Joy Parisien at 636-227-8655.

Thanksgiving Entertainment
Sometime between the Thanksgiving turkey and the pumpkin pie when you are relaxing and perhaps a little bored, here are some entertaining and amazing video clips you'll enjoy. Guaranteed. They're okay to click, no viruses. Enjoy and happy Thanksgiving.

Take a look at the audience for the Dixieland jazz band:
http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/lXKDu6cdXLI?rel=0

Did you know that all Negro spirituals are written on the black notes of the piano? Listen to gospel singer Wintley Phipps sing Amazing Grace at Carnegie Hall:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=1312

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Sheri Sevier has been elected as the national president of the American School Counselor Association. She takes office as president-elect in the fall of 2012. More than 30,000 members strong, this is the premiere association for the profession, both nationally and internationally. “I'm very honored to have this privilege to advocate for and work on behalf of the school counselors who do such important work for our kids,” Sheri says.

Chancel Choir Update 11/18: News / Cares and Concerns
No Chancel Choir in the loft this Sunday. No rehearsal next Thursday.

Central Methodist University Choir Concert
Enjoy the Central Methodist University choir in concert at 7 p.m., Saturday in the Sanctuary.

Last Call For Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak 'N' Shake Saturday
Join us for the choir's annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak N' Shake at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. If you'd like to join us, please reply to this email or call 636-227-5749 on or before noon today.

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Chancel Choir Officers
Officers discussed several items of choir business at their meeting last night. Here are details:
-- There is $14.408.65 in the choir's activity fund.
-- A place is still needed for the Holiday Party. Several possible locations and formats were discussed. Potential dates are 1/15 and 1/21. Officers agreed the location and date need to be resolved quickly.
-- President Joe McMillen reported the choir can hear better in the loft on Sunday mornings. He encouraged choir members to report problems hearing.
-- The dinner following the Martin Luther King worship service on 1/14 was discussed. The Methodist Men declined the suggestion that they do a barbecue for the dinner. Several other options were discussed. It was decided that heavy appetizers and dessert would be served.
-- A printed choir directory will be produced this year.
-- Tenor Chris Kennedy has agreed to do a short devotional for the choir once a month.
-- Kevin reported on the successful trip to New York over last weekend. The orchestra there, singers and soloists were excellent.
-- The trip to Greece has officially been canceled. We have been invited to consider going to Greece in the summer of 2013 to debut Gospel Mass there.
-- A domestic tour for the choir this spring was discussed. Kevin said he is considering a trip to Memphis. Officers agreed mid to late April would be the best time.

Cares and Concerns
We are sad to report the death of Soprano Tara Sintek's grandmother. No additional details are available. Cards may be sent to: 2017 Brutus Court, Fenton, MO 63026.

Chancel Choir Update 11/16: Additional News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal this Thursday.

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

Housing Needed for Central Methodist Choir
Housing is still needed this weekend for at least 24 of the youth from Central Methodist this Saturday. Choir members who are willing and able are being asked to host two students. You will need to pick them up after their concert that begins at 7 p.m. this Saturday in the Sanctuary, provide some snacks for the evening and breakfast, and return them to the church on Sunday morning. See Soprano Carol Duggin at rehearsal Thursday to fill out a host card.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak 'N' Shake Saturday
Join us for the choir's annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak N' Shake Saturday, Nov. 19. We'll meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Steak N' Shake on Manchester Road near Mason Road. This year we'll also have home made pie for dessert. We're taking reservations by email or phone this year so we'll know how many seats to save. If you are joining us, please reply to this email or call 636-227-5749 on or before noon Friday, Nov. 18. This is an annual event that's lot's of fun and a quirky way to start the holidays. Last year about 30 people joined us. We'd love to see you and your family there this year.

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Cares and Concerns
A note from Tenor Don Erhardt:
"I have been diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer, as confirmed by biopsy. The CT scan indicates that the cancer appears to be contained. Due to family history, several medical opinions recommend prostate removal. I am scheduled for robotic prostatectomy on Dec. 8. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and prayers."

Soprano Karen Fair remains hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital for tests and observation.

Chancel Choir Update 11/15: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal this week. See you there.

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

Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak 'N' Shake Saturday
Yes, we're doing it again this year. The Chancel Choir Thanksgiving tradition will continue. Activities Director Sandy Ford has had a long talk with both the Steak 'N' Shake district manager and the restaurant manager and the problems we had last year will not happen again this year. The fun will continue. Join us for the choir's annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak N' Shake Saturday, Nov. 19. We'll meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Steak N' Shake on Manchester Road near Mason Road. This year we'll also have home made pie for dessert. We're taking reservations by email or phone this year so we'll know how many seats to save. If you are joining us, please reply to this email or call 636-227-5749 on or before noon Friday, Nov. 18. This is an annual event that's lot's of fun and a quirky way to start the holidays. Last year about 30 people joined us. We'd love to see you and your family there this year.

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Karen Fair was admitted to St. Luke's Hospital for tests and observation. She is too ill for visitors.

Sergei Himpel, son of Lois and John Himpel, grew up in MUMC and is now serving our country in Afghanistan. According to Lois, he is struggling emotionally with the demands of his daily assignments. His address is included so that choir members can send him a card of support. Additionally, two mailing boxes will be placed in the choir room for anyone who would like to contribute small items for his platoon, plus for the local Afghanistan kids they interface with daily. Suggested items are: Slim Jim’s, cheese & peanut butter sandwich crackers, salted sunflower seeds, wafer sandwich cookies w/vanilla filling, non-chocolate candy (Starburst, Jolly Ranchers), pens or markers, small pads of paper, dog biscuits or chews for the four stray dogs that his unit has adopted. Prayers are also always appreciated.

PFC Himpel, Sergei (1st PLT)
DCO 2-8 IN
2 BCT-4 ID
FOB Walton (COP Kowall)
APO AE 09367

Chancel Choir Update 11/11: News / Cares and Concerns
We'll sing for worship at 10:50 a.m. this Sunday. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room. Anthem: O Worship the King

Thanks
Special thanks to Pam Grooms, our director this weekend, and accompanist Marcia Hansen. The New York group made it to the Big Apple with some delays due to fog yesterday. Many of the group attended Anything Goes on Broadway last night with a late dinner at the Brooklyn Diner. Kevin reports he wants us to all to take tap dancing lessons. Kevin had breakfast this morning at Grand Central Station. In a text during the intermission of their show last night, I reported to Kevin we had a good group for rehearsal, Pam was doing a good job, and nobody had left early yet.

Greece Trip Is Canceled
The trip next summer to Greece to sing with John Rutter has been canceled due to lack of interest. Kevin reported earlier this week that at least 25 to 30 people were needed. We had 10 signed up.

Chancel Choir Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak 'N' Shake
Yes, we're doing it again this year. The Chancel Choir Thanksgiving tradition will continue. Activities Director Sandy Ford has had a long talk with both the Steak 'N' Shake district manager and the restaurant manager and the problems we had last year will not happen again this year. The fun will continue. Join us for the choir's annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Steak N' Shake Saturday, Nov. 19. We'll meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Steak N' Shake on Manchester Road near Mason Road for a turkey (or steakburger) and pumpkin pie dinner. We're taking reservations by email or phone this year so we'll know how many seats to save. If you are joining us, please reply to this email or call 636-227-5749 on or before noon Friday, Nov. 18. This is an annual event that's lot's of fun and a quirky way to start the holidays. Last year about 30 people joined us. We'd love to see you and your family there this year.

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
We’re reviving our monthly drive for ingredients to help the The Bridge meal program at Centenary UMC downtown. This month they are requesting oatmeal, grits, and brown sugar. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. Next help day there is next Wednesday, Nov. 16. If you can help, contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Host Families Needed
Host families are needed to house singers for the Central Methodist University Chorale when they perform at our church on Nov. 19. See soprano Carol Duggin to pick up a housing card if you can help.

Coventry Dinner Tickets
If you'd like to attend the annual Coventry Candlelight Christmas Dinner on either Dec. 2 or 3, tickets are on sale now. Stop by the Coventry table in the Narthex this Sunday to select your seat for the concerts.

Cares and Concern
It is with sadness we report the death of Paul Whitney, Jr., father-in-law of alto Kristie Whitney. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13, at Riggin-Pillatsch and Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, Ill. Visitation will precede the funeral at 11 a.m. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Carterville, 406 South Division Street, Carterville, IL 62918. Cards may be sent to 735 Foxwick Dr., Ballwin, MO 63011.

Chancel Choir Update 11/8: News
Regular Chancel Choir rehearsal Thursday night. Our holiday brass concerts are just four short weeks away. See you Thursday.

After Choir
Join us this week at Krieger's at Big Bend and Highway 141 for After Choir, right after choir.

John's Fifth Anniversary
How time flies. It's John Cargile fifth anniversary with us. Kevin surprised him with a special gift on Sunday morning before worship. It was a Peanuts nativity set based on the Peanuts comic strip characters. Photos appear at the end of this note.

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
We’re reviving our monthly drive for ingredients to help the The Bridge meal program at Centenary UMC downtown. This month they are requesting oatmeal, grits, and brown sugar. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. Next help day there is next Wednesday, Nov. 16. If you can help, contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Chancel Choir Update 11/7: Cares and Concerns
The family of baritone Jim Anderson is asking for prayers. Jim has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and will undergo surgery tomorrow. Results of tomorrow's surgery will determine how much followup treatment he will needs. Carleen is asking for the choir's thoughts and prayers. The surgery is an outpatient procedure. Cards may be sent to: 2361 Claymoor Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63017.

Chancel Choir Update 11/4: News
Chancel choir singers for the 10:50 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room Anthem: Pie Jesu

Daylight Saving Time Ends Saturday Night
Turn your clocks back one hour Saturday night. Yes, you'll actually be early to church if you don't.

New York Pre-Tour Concert
Come and hear your fellow Chancel Choir singers joined by the Church of the Resurrection choir and orchestra in a pre-New York trip concert at 4 p.m. this Sunday in the Sanctuary. The group will travel to New York and a concert at Carnegie Hall next weekend. They will sing four anthems by Mack Wilberg and Robert Ray's Gospel Mass.

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
We’re reviving our monthly drive for ingredients to help the The Bridge meal program at Centenary UMC downtown. This month they are requesting oatmeal, grits, and brown sugar. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. Next help day there is Nov. 16. If you can help, contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Coventry Christmas Dinner Concert On Sale This Sunday
Tickets for the annual Coventry Candlelight Christmas Dinner will go on sale in the Narthex this Sunday. The concerts this year are on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3. Be sure and get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Sound In The Loft Last Week
Several of you expressed concern that you could not hear the children's choir last week. I expressed your concerns to Will Brinkhorst. He said the children's choir was singing so softly they were not picked up in the public address system either for us or the congregation.

Chancel Choir Update 11/1: News
Regular rehearsal this Thursday. See you there.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Applebee's in Ballwin (in front of Lowe's) for snacks, beverages and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Chancel Choir Update 10/28: News
Chancel choir will sing for the 10:50 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Call time is 10:20. Anthem: Our Hope For Years to Come

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
We’re reviving our monthly drive for ingredients to help the The Bridge lunch program at Centenary UMC downtown. This month they are requesting coffee, creamer, sugar and pasta of any kind. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. We have volunteers for our October day to help The Bridge. Next help day there is Nov. 16, but they need a volunteer to help serve dinner on Oct. 31. If you can help, contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Missed You Last Night
We had 78 singers at rehearsal last night night. And we even got out in time to see all of the amazing baseball magic. There was an especially good time at Kreigers after rehearsal. You would be shocked if you knew who in the choir turned into a Cardinals fanatic at the restaurant. We have to win tonight.

Chancel Choir Update 10/26: Early Start For Thursday Rehearsal
Chancel Choir rehearsal on Thursday (10/27) will begin 30 minutes early at 7 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. The early start will allow singers to catch more of the World Series game. Here is a note from Kevin:

Chancel Choir Rehearsal Begins EARLY Tomorrow Night!
We’ll rehearse from 7:00-8:00 ”ish” tomorrow night, but remember – Christmas is coming!
(And so is Susan Slaughter and Christine Brewer!)

Let’s see if we can match last week’s attendance of 99!
See you at 7 pm – GO CARDS!

Chancel Choir Update 10/25: News
Reharsal Thursday at the regular time. See you there.

After Choir
Join us this week at Krieger's at Big Bend and Highway 141 for After Choir, right after choir.

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
We’re reviving our monthly drive for ingredients to help the The Bridge lunch program at Centenary UMC downtown. This month they are requesting coffee, creamer, sugar and pasta of any kind. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. We have volunteers for our October day to help The Bridge. Next help day there is Nov. 16, but they need a volunteer to help serve dinner on Oct. 31. If you can help, contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Chancel Choir Update 10/21: 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: The Majesty and Glory.

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
We’re reviving our monthly drive for ingredients to help the The Bridge lunch program at Centenary UMC downtown. This month they are requesting coffee, creamer, sugar and pasta of any kind. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. We have volunteers for our October day to help The Bridge. Next help day there is Nov. 16, but they need a volunteer to help serve dinner on Oct. 31. If you can help, contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

Gift Cards For Circle of Concern
The Chancel Choir will collect gift cards for Circle of Concern families this holiday season. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20 and delivered on Dec. 1. You are encouraged to purchase a $15 gift card from retail stores such as Walmart, Target or K-Mart. No grocery store cards, please. The cards will be used by Circle of Concern clients to purchase holiday gifts for their families.

Officers Discuss Business
The Chancel Choir officers covered a variety of topics at their meeting last night. Here's a summary:
-- Treasurer Tom Lawrence reported there is $14,443.14 in the choir's activity fund.
-- President Joe McMillen reported he is working with Chris Kennedy to resume the "Who Am I?" game to help choir members get to know each other
-- McMillien reported he completed an informal survey of choir members to determine child care needs. He and Kevin will meet with the people in charge of the church's child care program to establish child care for choir members.
-- The issue of new stoles to replace stoles with discolored while sides was discussed again. Some members had offered to purchase their own stoles. Officers declined that offer and agreed that no new stoles will be purchased. There are some new stoles available to use for replacement. Choir members with exceptionally bad stoles should bring them to the attend of Melissa Larsen, the choir's wardrobe director.
-- Officers agreed to collect gift cards for Circle of Concern again this holiday season. As last year, the cards should be in $15 denominations. Deadline is the Thursday rehearsal before Thanksgiving. The cards will be collected between Nov. 3 and 20.
-- This year's holiday party was discussed. Lois Hendrickson has agreed to chair the party this year. Officers approved two potential dates for the party, depending on availability of a facility. The dates are Sunday, Jan. 15th, or Saturday, Jan. 21.
-- The choir will host a dinner following the Martin Luther King worship service on Jan. 14. Officers will check with the Methodist Men about providing barbecue.
-- McMillen reported choir members were able to hear in the loft on Sunday. He encouraged singers to report poor audio after each Sunday service.
-- Providing printed "hymn sheets" rather than using hymnals in the loft on Sunday was discussed. This had been suggested as a way to provide music without carrying a hymnal on Sunday. Officers agreed it was primarily a decorum issue with many people turning their backs to the congregation or sitting to get hymnals before a hymn is sung in church. There are a few members who find holding a hymnal difficult. Several points were made: it would be some work each week to provide hymn sheets copied from the hymnal to every choir member, one officer said it would not be environmentally friendly to copy hymns and throw the paper away, and storage would be an issue if the sheets were kept for future use . Kevin said he did not want the choir to depend on the video screens only. After considerable discussion, officers agreed that for now hymn sheets would not be provided and choir members would continue to carry hymnals into the loft. Members would be encouraged not to turn their backs to the congregation to pick up a hymnal and to hold them in their folders whenever possible.
-- Officers decided not to appeal to choir members to collect food for Trunk or Treat. Instead members would be urged to participate individually if they wished.
-- McMillen reported he had gotten requests for a printed choir directory. A printed directory was not provided last year. Kevin will speak to Eedy about producing a directory.
-- A monthly devotional presented at rehearsals by Chris Kennedy will begin next month. Officers agreed the devotional would be limited to between 2 and 3 minutes and would occur on party night at the conclusion of the rehearsal.
-- There was a brief discussion about the church's new mission and making sure the Chancel Choir participated in the visioning process. Officers agreed service groups such as the choir were often left out of these processes at our church.
-- Kevin reported that the trip to Greece was questionable now. He said another 10 people were needed to bring the total to 25 and make the trip viable.
-- Tickets for the Holiday Brass concerts in the afternoon and evening are now sold out. There are a few tickets remaining for the morning concert.

Cares and Concerns
Danelle Gruenloh is recuperating at home from complications following surgery earlier this fall. Here is a note from her:
“I want to thank everyone for their many prayers. They certainly allowed me to get through the past seven weeks. I also want to thank everyone for the beautiful flowers and many cards I have received. It is very comforting to know that the Chancel Choir family is thinking of me. I am now recuperating at home and being treated for the two bleed clots. I am looking forward to coming back to choir and seeing all of you again. Thanks you again for all of the prayers and cards. Hoping to see you soon."

Cardinals Rehearsal
A surprisingly large group of singers turned out for rehearsal last night despite game one of the World Series. Choir president Joe McMillen provided a constant score update on the board during the rehearsal. Most everyone wore Cardinal red or some baseball designation. Here are some photos, in case you missed us.

Chancel Choir Update 10/19: Important News
Chancel Choir will rehearse tomorrow night as scheduled. Rehearsal will be held for one hour from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Chancel Choir officers will meet as scheduled at 6:30 p.m.

After Choir
Join us after choir at The Corner Pub at Dougherty Ferry and Big Bend roads for After Choir right after choir. They have lots of TV sets.

Chancel Choir Update 10/18: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal this week. Yes, it's the world series. Maybe we could project the came on the wall above Kevin? (Don't tell him I suggested it.)

Food For Centenary Homeless Kitchen
We’re reviving our monthly drive for ingredients to help the The Bridge lunch program at Centenary UMC downtown. This month they are requesting coffee, creamer, sugar and pasta of any kind. As in the past, there will be a collection box at the front of the Music Room. We have volunteers for our October day to help The Bridge. Next help day there is Nov. 16, but they need a volunteer to help serve dinner on Oct. 31. If you can help, contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

Perfume and Cologne on Sunday Morning
An alto asked me Sunday to include another reminder to the choir about perfume and cologne in the loft. This request isn't new and usually appears before concerts, but on Sunday morning two altos were barely able to sing because of pungent perfume nearby. It sounds like a silly request until you consider the problem. Most of you know that some fragrances (but not all of them) cause me to have sneezing fits or at least loud barks. But for some people, the fragrances cause immediate and profuse post nasal drip that prevents them from singing at all. Very frustrating if you've made it to every rehearsal and are excited about singing that beautiful anthem only to have someone's perfume shut you down. It all boils down to respect for our fellow Chancel Choir members. So, if you can't pass the sniff test, leaving the fancy fragrances, colognes and aftershaves at home.

St. Olaf Orchestra Performs Tuesday Night
Billed as one of the best orchestra's in the country, the St. Olaf College Orchestra will perform in our Sanctuary on Tuesday night, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. If you're facing a boring evening without baseball, stop by for some world series class music.

Cares and Concerns
It is with sadness that we the death of Dorothy L. Fair, Soprano Karen Fair's mother-in-law. Private services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the Chapel Hill Mortuary in Ceder Hill, Mo. Cards may be sent to: 468 Cortequay Court, Manchester, MO 63021.

Chancel Choir Update 10/12: No Rehearsal This Thursday
There will be no Chancel Choir rehearsal this Thursday, Oct. 13.
For the first time in Chancel Choir history, rehearsal has been canceled due to a sports event. In this case, the Cardinals' playoff game on Thursday night. In a note to the choir Tuesday evening, Kevin said, "In a mad rush of team spirit, I have made the decision to cancel Chancel Choir rehearsal this Thursday, October 13. Please enjoy your evening - wherever you choose to watch the game!"
If you show up for choir on Thursday, you'll be lonely.

Double Duty This Sunday In The Loft
Chancel Choir will sing this Sunday for both the 9:30 and 10:50 a.m. worship services. It's Music Dedication Sunday. Warm up in the Music Room at 9 a.m. Anthems: Come, Christians, Join to Sing | The Majesty and Glory of Your Name | O Clap Your Hands!

Chancel Choir Update 10/11: News
See you at rehearsal this Thursday, same time, same place.

Hearing In The Loft On Sunday
Several singers reported they could not understand several things during Sunday's worship service including Mike Williams' solo, the drama ministry presentation, and the audio for the video shown. I have communicated your concerns to Will Brinkhorst, the church's audio technician, and he promises to fix the problem and enourages us to let him know after each service when we can't hear or understand.

This is a reoccurring problem for the choir since we moved into the new Sanctuary and here's why. The Chancel and the choir loft are located behind the speakers that deliver sound to the congregation. When the public address system is running, most of the sound we hear in the Chancel is bounced off the back wall of the Sanctuary and is garbled to our ears. To solve that problem, smaller "monitor" speakers are mounted on the back wall of the Chancel immediately above the choir. Adding the sound from the PA system into these monitors overcomes the garbled sound from the back well of the Sanctuary and the words and music are clear to the choir. The level of the sound in the monitors has to be loud enough to overcome the garble from the back wall. Each individual sound source including all the microphones on people and music instruments, as well as the DVD player for the videos, has an individual control on the sound board in the balcony to adjust its individual volume in the monitors above the choir. That means someone has to remember to turn on and adjust the volume in our monitors for each and every microphone and sound source. That's why sometimes we can hear some of the things happening okay and others not at all.

To further complicate things, the settings for all of this equipment must vary depending on what is going on in the Sanctuary. So, monitor settings will be different for the Contemporary service, weddings, funerals, meetings or other events going on. That means someone must remember to put all of the settings back for the 10:50 Sunday service so the choir can hear. Through the years that hasn't always happened each Sunday. Things potentially got better a couple of years ago when the church purchased a digital sound contral board. This allowed all of the settings for all of those microphones and monitors to be saved in its memory for different kinds of events, then instantly reset for each event. But, as we know, that doesn't always happen either. It all boils down to the technician remembering to double check and set the equipment so the choir can hear. In addition, there is a set of microphones hanging above each side of the choir that feeds into the monitors on the opposite side of the choir loft so the choir can better hear itself. Surprisingly, the louder we are in the monitors, the better the choir sings. This all means there's a lot riding on the operation of the sound system -- how well we understand the Sunday worship service and how well we sing the anthem.

While all of this detail may help you understand the complexities of hearing on Sunday, it doesn't reduce the frustration. Will says the board was accidently reset to an old setting during a rehearsal for the Sept. 11 concert and he is working to get it back to where it should be for Sunday worship.

Choir's Work At The Bridge
This from Joan Lemen, the choir's outreach coordinator:
"Below is a link to a recent article in the New York Times by a homeless vet of the Afghan war. It reinforces for me the importance of the work being done at the Bridge. We don't know the stories of the clients being served by the Bridge."

http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/05/back-home-and-homeless/?ref=world

Chancel Choir Update 10/7: News
Chancel Choir sings at the 10:50 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room. Anthem: Kyrie.

Tickets For Holiday Brass Concerts
Tickets for this year's edition of the Holiday Brass are going fast. In fact, all tickets for the 2:15 p.m. performance are sold out. Tickets are $18 for seniors/students, $20 for adults. Each choir member can request one free comp ticket for one concert with seating in the Narthex. If you'd like to order tickets directly from the Holiday Brass website, here's the link: http://www.holidaybrass.com/prod01.htm

Chancel Choir Update 10/4: News
Regular rehearsal this week. Same time. Same place. See you there.

First Altos Bring Treats This Week
The treats for this first of the month rehearsal party will come from the First Altos. Can't wait.

After Choir
Join us this week at Krieger's at Big Bend and Highway 141 for After Choir, right after choir.

Susan Slaughter Will Sell Tickets Thursday Night
Tickets for this year's edition of the Holiday Brass are going fast. In fact, all tickets for the 2:15 p.m. performance are sold out. Tickets are $18 for seniors/students, $20 for adults. Each choir member can request one free comp ticket for one concert with seating in the Narthex. Susan Slaughter will be at the rehearsal Thursday from 7 until 7:30 p.m. with tickets to sell. If you'd like to order tickets directly from the Holiday Brass website, here's the link: http://www.holidaybrass.com/prod01.htm