Chancel Choir Update 3/30: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings for both the 9:30 and 10:50 worship services on Sunday. Call time is 9:00 a.m. in the Music Room. It's Palm Sunday. Anthems: Glorious and Sing, Jerusalem, Sing.

Seven Last Words Rehearsal Sunday Night
A special rehearsal for next week's Seven Last Words concert will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday in the Sanctuary. It's important that we're all there. You'll get to hear the soloists.

Memphis Trip Money Is Due
If you're headed to Memphis with us next month, money is due tomorrow night. See Diane Bunton for an invoice and turn money in to her.

Cares and Concerns
It's with sadness that we report the death of Alto Karen Abney's nephew, Andy Gammon, of Park Hills, Mo. He was killed Thursday in an accident while working on the new Mississippi River bridge downtown.

Alto Margo Foster is recovering from a broken right wrist she suffered in a recent fall.

Alto Charlotte Shelton's mother is now in hospice care.

Chancel Choir Update 3/28: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal Thursday night. Just one more rehearsal after this week before the Seven Last Words concert. It's important that you are there.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Buffalo Wild Wings in Ballwin on Manchester Road just east of New Ballwin Road for snacks, beverages, and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

Broadway Recordings
If you ordered a Broadway Follies concert CD, please pick it up this Thursday. If you still owe me money for a CD, please pay this week. I'd like to finish up the Broadway recording project.

Memphis Money
If you're headed to Memphis with us next month, money is due tomorrow night. See Diane Bunton for an invoice and turn money in to her.

Cares and Concerns
It's granddaughter number six for Soprano Penny and Tenor Bob Klebe. Samantha Cheley Klebe was born on St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans. She is the daughter of Kurt and Brooke Klebe and joins sisters Ellie and Kate. All are doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 3/23: News
Chancel Choir will sing for the 10:50 worship service on Sunday. Call time is 10:30 in the Music Room. Anthem: Kyrie.

Broadway CDs are Ready
If you ordered a Broadway CD and didn't pick up or pay for it on Thursday, they will be available on Sunday morning.

Spring Choir Schedule
Here’s the spring choir schedule:
Sunday, April 1, 9:30 and 10:50am -- Sing for Palm Sunday worship (DOUBLE)
Sunday, April 1, 6:30-8:00pm-- Concert Rehearsal I for Seven Last Words
Maundy Thursday, 8:15-9:30pm -- Concert Rehearsal II for Seven Last Words
Good Friday, April 6, 7:00pm -- Lenten Choral Concert: Dubois Seven Last Words (Call time: 6:30pm)
Saturday, April 7, 11:00am to Noon -- Easter Worship Rehearsal
Sunday, April 8, 10:30 and 11:45am -- Sing for Easter Sunday worship (Double)
Thursday, April 12, 7:30pm -- Special Rehearsal for Memphis Tour
Friday to Sunday, April 13-15 -- Chancel Choir Tour: Memphis

Sunday Morning Schedule
March 25 - Kyrie
April 2 (Palm Sunday - DOUBLE!) - Sing Jerusalem Sing and Let the People Praise Thee
April 8 (Easter - DOUBLE!) - Hark, Ten Thousand Harps and Voices
April I5 - No Choir in the loft (Tour)
April 22 - No Choir in the loft (Guest Choir from Kansas)
April 29 - No Choir in the loft (Faith in Action)
May 6 - No Choir in the loft (Youth Sunday)
Note: We will sing for the balance of May!

Cares and Concerns
Cindy McGraw reports that her husband's mother, Betty McGraw, has died. She lived in Athens, Ohio. Her memorial service is today in Sioux City, Iowa.

Chancel Choir Update 3/16: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings at the 10:50 a.m. worship service on Sunday. Call time is 10:30 in the Music Room.

March Bridge Food Pantry Needs
We'll collect cans of tuna and chicken for the Bridge food program at Centenary UMC during the month of March. Large cans work the best. Bring the food to the Music Room.

Cares and Concerns
Bass Bill Lange is recuperating at home at being hospitalized recently for treatment of pneumonia.

Several choir members who went to visit Mac McMillian found the Springbridge Rehabilitation Center hard to find. The center is in the back of the Westchester House Nursing Home on White Road a block south of Olive on the left side. There is no sign for the rehab center. The turn on to White Road is near Faust Park.

Chancel Choir 3/14: Cares and Concerns
Mac McMillian needs some visitors. Mac was expected to be released from the Springbridge Rehabilition Center this week, so his daughter Bobbette drove here from Indianapolis. But they have postponed his release until the end of next week and his daughter headed back to Indianapolis until next week. Mac seems very depressed at this postponement. Bobette has asked for any choir member who could to drop by and visit him this week to help lift his spirits and keep him company. Springbridge is located on Olive Street Road across from Faust Park on White Road. Mac is in room 304.

Chancel Choir Update 3/14: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal this week. See you there.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Corner Pub & Grill at Dougherty Ferry and Big Bend for snacks, beverages and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

March Bridge Food Pantry Needs
We'll collect cans of tuna and chicken for the Bridge food program at Centenary UMC during the month of March. Large cans work the best. Bring the food to the Music Room.

Cares and Concerns
Alto Sally Gaan's 94-year-old father, John Fogg, has been hospitalized after a fall. She asks for the choir's prayers.

Lori Borger is looking for a dog sitter while her family is out of town. If you can recommend someone, contact her at: bborger01@earthlink.net

Chancel/Coventry Choir Update 3/10: Important Reminder
Note to all choir singers -- Daylight Saving Time begins tonight at 2 a.m. Be sure and set your clock FORWARD one hour when you go to bed tonight. Otherwise you will be an hour late for church tomorrow and we'll wave at your when you walk in.

Chancel Choir Update 3/9: News
Chancel Choir will sing at the 10:50 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Kevin told the choir last night is was "required, mandatory, and expected" that you be there Sunday because we need as many singers as we can get to make this anthem sound good.

Daylight Saving Time This Sunday
Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. this Sunday morning. Remember to set your clock "ahead, forward" before you go to bed. Remember: Spring forward, fall back.

Centenary Kitchen Help Needed
A sign up sheet is in the Music Room for help with our monthly visit to The Bridge at Centenary UMC on the third Wednesday.

Choir Approves Contributing $1000 For Good Friday Service
Chancel Choir president Joe McMillen asked the choir if it would approve contributing $1000 toward the $2000 cost of producing the Good Friday worship service concert of the Seven Last Words. There has been a shortfall in the money collected from the Music Ministry's Concert Series and there is not enough money to cover the concert's expenses. Choir officers discussed the contribution during its meeting before rehearsal and approved presenting it to the choir for a vote. The choir voted to approve the contribution.

Easter Schedule
The Chancel Choir will sing for two services on both Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday this year. Palm Sunday we will sing at 9:30 and 10:50 a.m. On Easter Chancel Choir will sing at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m.

Chancel Choir Officers Meeting
Choir officers met prior to last night's rehearsal. Here is what they discussed:
-- Registration forms for the Memphis Tour are due March 11. Money for the trip will be due on Easter Sunday. There are only a few spaces left on the bus.
-- The choir has been asked to help with dinners during Vacation Bible School again this summer between July 15 through 19.
-- At the February meeting officers agreed to create a new volunteer position of Publicity Director to promote the choir's concerts both within the church and in the community. Tom Lawrence has volunteered to fill this roll and will begin by promoting the Seven Last Words concert.
-- President Joe McMillen reported the results of a recent survey the need for child care for choir members. The survey sought responses from people who would use child care if provided. Seven people replied. Results:
Thursday rehearsals - 1 yes, 6 no
Special rehearsals - 6 yes, 1 no
Sunday morning - 7 yes
Concerts - 7 yes
-- Joe said there were three people interested in joining choir, but child care is an issue. People surveyed said the biggest issue was that there is currently no Sunday school offered during the 10:50 worship hour. There are four current choir members who will have child care issues in the future.
-- Three people have volunteered to take the Cares and Concerns job that Fran McMillian held for many years. Kevin will visit with them.
-- Four youth have been identified as being qualified to apply for the Chancel Choir Scholarship this year. Letters to them will go out Friday. Those who apply will be interviewed in the next few weeks by the scholarship committee. The scholarship will be presented on Youth Sunday in May. Kevin suggested that the choir create a volunteer position to track and promote the scholarships from year to year now that we have sustaining scholarships that run for up to four years. Since officers cycle on and off the board, more consistent management of the program is needed.
-- Kevin asked if the choir officers would approve a contribution of $1000 to help pay for expenses of the Seven Last Words concert. The concert is a part of the church's concert series which has not raised as much money this year and is unable to cover the cost of the Good Friday concert. Officers agreed to present the proposal to the choir during the rehearsal.

Chancel Choir Update 3/7: Cares and Concerns
Bass Bill Lange has been hospitalized in serious condition at Missouri Baptist Medical Center for treatment of double pneumonia. His wife, Alto Jean Lange, asks for the choirs thoughts and prayers.

Chancel Choir Update 3/7: News / Cares and Concerns
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.

March Bridge Food Pantry Needs
We'll collect cans of tuna and chicken for the Bridge food program at Centenary UMC during the month of March. Large cans work the best. Bring the food to the Music Room.

Cares and Concerns
It's a new, four-year-old grandson for Soprano Claudia Fallert. Her son, Adam who live in Columbia, Mo., completed adoption of Tyrone Davis Fallert. Claudia says she now officially has two grandchildren.

Soprano Christina Southard reports that her mother, Vida Stanard, has been admitted to Barnes Hospital for several days to receive treatment to allow her heart to pump more efficiently. She asks for the choir's prayers.

Chancel Choir Update 3/2: News
No Chancel Choir in the loft on Sunday. Instead, come and see the Music Maker's musical at 9:30 a.m., 10:50 a.m. or at 3 p.m. See Bass Joe Elstner play Goliath. You know what happened to him.

Memphis Tour
Registration forms for the spring Chancel Choir tour to Memphis were distributed last night. Everyone in the choir should fill one out whether or not they are participating in the tour this year. Pick up your copy in the Music Room.

Chancel Choir Update 2/28: News / Cares and Concerns
Regular rehearsal Thursday night. It's party night. First sopranos will show off their buffet preparation skills.

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

Memphis Bound
Time to begin thinking about our spring tour. A signup sheet is available for persons wishing to ride a bus to Memphis for the tour. We'll be on tour April 13 through 15.

Cares and Concerns
It's grandchild number three for Tenor Andy and Alto Roxanne Miller. Rachel Anne Fischer arrived in Cincinnati two weeks early on Monday (2/27). She weighed in at 6 lbs., 12 oz, and 19 3/4 in. Parents are daughter Holly and Jason Fischer. Parents and big sister Kara are all doing well.

Chancel Choir Update 2/27: Kevin on TV
Kevin will be featured on television tonight in an hour long broadcast of the Lift Every Voice concert presented earlier this month by the St. Louis Symphony's In Unison Chorus directed by Kevin. The program can be seen at 7 p.m., tonight, Feb. 27, on KETC, channel 9.

Chancel Choir Update 2/24: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir will sing for the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday. Call time is 10:30 a.m. in the Music Room.

Memphis Bound
Time to begin thinking about our spring tour. A signup sheet is available for persons wishing to ride a bus to Memphis for the tour. We'll be on tour April 13 through 15.

Broadway Concert Recordings
If you did not already sign up for a concert CD and would like one, please reply to this email.

Party Night Next Thursday
Next week after rehearsal is the monthly party night for March. Goodies next week will be provided by the Soprano 1 section.

Thanks For The Contribution
This from Mary Beth Harper: "Please pass on to the Chancel Board my appreciation on behalf of the Christian Couples Fellowship Class for their generous donation." The Trivia Night raised about $4500 which will be equally split between Epworth Children's Home and Shalom House.

Cares and Concerns
Alto Melissa Larsen is undergoing surgery this morning to treat carpel tunnel syndrome in her left hand.

Mac McMillian remains hospitalized at Missouri Baptist Medical Center for treatment of pneumonia and issues with his knee.

Chancel Choir Update 2/22: News
Regular rehearsal Thursday. We'll begin working on The Seven Last Words for Good Friday.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Corner Pub & Grill at Dougherty Ferry and Big Bend for snacks, beverages and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

Memphis Bound
Time to begin thinking about our spring tour. A signup sheet is available for persons wishing to ride a bus to Memphis for the tour. We'll be on tour April 13 through 15.

Contribution Clarification
Here's a clarification about the donation the Chancel Choir made to the Trivia Night last week. As you know, the choir has a tradition of contributing either money or items to the spring fund raising auctions either for the Youth in past years or more recently the church's Mission ministry programs. Since there is no auction this year, the choir agreed last week to donate $500 to the Trivia Night which will go its identified charities. The church office is concerned that the Chancel Choir might incorrectly believe the gift is going to the church's Mission ministry. Money from the Trivia Night went to Epworth, Shalom House, and Circle of Concern, the charities selected by the Christian Couple's Sunday School Class.

"If the choir would like to donate to MUMC missions (ie: youth work trips, Faith in Action, Volunteers in Mission, etc) there will be future fundraisers for these ministries (in addition to the budget money). I believe the youth fundraiser is scheduled for sometime in May. The Adult Missions/Mission Funds Committee fundraiser is TBA," according to Beth Elders. She further explained that money for the Mission program comes from:

"Budget -- We were incredibly blessed to have been able to support a 2012 budget that is larger than it has been in previous years. A majority of the monies raised in previous years from the auction are built into the 2012 budget for children (VBS), youth (work trip), and adult (Faith in Action) expenses."

"Alternate Fundraisers -- Monies over and above what was included in this year's budget will be met through several fundraisers. The youth have chosen to do a fundraiser of their own for youth mission expenses (work trips, etc.). The Outreach & Missions Team is currently exploring other fundraising ideas for other ways to fund putting people in mission from MUMC (including Volunteers in Mission, etc.)."

Bottom line is the money went to four worthy charities identified by the sponsors of the Trivia Night and not to the church's Mission program.

Chancel Choir Update 2/17: News
We will sing for the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday. Call time is 10:30 a.m. in the Music Room.

Memphis Bound
Time to begin thinking about our spring tour. A signup sheet is available for persons wishing to ride a bus to Memphis for the tour. We'll be on tour April 13 through 15.

Winter Follies Success
Chancel Choir President Joe McMillen reported to the choir at rehearsal last night that the Winter Follies grossed about $9,000. Once expenses have been paid, a 10 percent tithe of the net amount will be given to the church's operating fund, as required by choir policy.

Help Needed With Cares and Concerns
The Chancel Choir is searching for someone to manage the choir's cares and concerns. The job would included sending cards or flowers to choir members in times of loss or illness and tracking birthdays and anniversaries for recognition. If you would like to apply for this position, please contact Kevin.

Mission Auction Fund Contribution This Year
Through the years, the Chancel Choir has been active in contributing sale items and money to the annual Youth Auction. This also was true when the auction became the Mission Auction a few years ago. This year money for the church's mission projects will be raised through the annual Trivia Night rather than the annual auction. The Chancel Choir's holiday party this year generated more money than it cost and there was a $370 surplus. The choir approved adding $170 to this amount and contributing the $500 to this year's mission "auction" effort.

Chancel Choir Update 2/15: News
Regular rehearsal Thursday night. 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.

Concert Recordings
A sign up sheet will be available at the back of the Music Room to order CDs of Sunday's Broadway Follies.

Bridge Donations Matched by Foundation
The Chancel Choir's food donations to The Bridge at Centenary UMC next month will stretch even further. During March, the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation will match our gifts through its Feinstein Challenge. During the month the foundation is pledging $1 million to nonprofit organization providing food. Donations of food and cash made between March 1 and April 30 will be matched. Look for information soon on needed food items to donate during the month.

Gershwin Girls Perform This Friday
Come support the Gershwin Girls at their concert at 7 p.m. this Friday (2/17) at Friendship Village West, 15201 Olive Blvd. The Gershwin Girls are seven members of the Chancel Choir alto section. Their program will include show and popular tunes from several musical eras.

Kevin's First Year With In Unison Chorus
Kevin directed his second Lift Every Voice concert with the In Unison chorus and St. Louis Symphony. His first year with the group was featured in great story on the Playbill Arts website at the link below. Check it out. The Friday concert was recorded and will be shown on Channel 9 on Feb. 28.
http://www.playbillarts.com/features/article/8657.html

Broadway Follies
Not only did we sound great Sunday night, we looked pretty good too. Below are some photos that prove we were lookin' good.

Chancel Choir Update 2/10: News
Chancel Choir will rehearse for the Sunday Follies concert from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) in the Sanctuary. If you are singing in the concert, it is important that you attend the rehearsal.

Sunday Morning
The Chancel Choir sings for the 10:50 a.m. worship service on Sunday. Call time is 10:30 in the Music Room.

Sunday Concert
Please no perfume, cologne or other fragrances. The concert will be recorded -- watch those noisy page turns.

Ticket Money
All ticket money must be turned at rehearsal tomorrow. See Kristie Whitney.

Sunday Announcement
We have learned that the church has named as many as 15 women to receive a new honor called Women of Achievement. This was announced last Sunday while we were in the Narthex waiting to process. Soprano Ann Garber was among the honorees. There may be other Chancel Choir members who received the honor, we don't know. If so, let me know and I'll pass this along. The issue of the choir not being able to hear announcements on Sunday has been pointed out and so far not resolved.

Chancel Choir Update 2/7: News / Remembering Fran
Regular Chancel Choir rehearsal this Thursday. Our Broadway Follies concert is this weekend and it's important that you be at rehearsal this week.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Corner Pub & Grill at Dougherty Ferry and Big Bend for snacks, beverages and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

Follies Ticket Money
Please turn in all ticket money to Kristie Whitney as soon as possible.

Remembering Fran McMillian
It's always very sad to lose friends and special people in our lives. It's especially sad to lose a fixture in our choir family like Fran McMillian. She had been a member of the Chancel Choir for more than 55 years -- almost a charter member. She once told me she decided to sing in the choir because she liked music and wanted to be a part of the church. The choir experience was very different then. About 20 people in the small loft in what is now The Chapel. Fran saw our choir grow from 20 to 160 and many, many other changes along the way. She took these in stride and in fact embraced change as a part of life.

Fran talked to me often about cares and concerns and the emails I send out each week. She was not shy about correcting errors and wanted to know as soon as people were reported ill. She was the choir's care and concern ambassador for many years. If you have received flowers or a card from the Chancel Choir due to illness or death in your family, they were sent by Fran. After her sight failed enough to stop her from making her hand-made greeting cards, she began calling people on their birthdays and anniversaries. In fact, that is the last time I talked with Fran. She called to wish my wife a happy birthday and we visited for a while. I sensed she had second thoughts about announcing her retirement from choir a few days earlier. "I'm not quiting, you know. Kevin says I can come back whenever I want," she said. But we both knew her sight had made the decision for her.

One thing many people don't know about Fran is that for many years in the early 1960s she managed the U.S. Post Office in Manchester at a time when there was only one rural mail carrier assigned to the office. The carrier was Gus Bante, her first choir director. While Fran was running the office, Gus would deliver all of the mail for people living in an area bounded by Highway 40 on the north and Big Bend on the south and west from Manchester to Ellisville. He would be finished by 3 p.m. Fran was his substitute carrier and drove the mail route when he was off. Fran sold a lot of stamps in during her post office career. Maybe that's why she enjoyed sending cards so much.

Regrettably I was unable to attend Fran's funeral on Monday, to hear Maida McCormack read Fran's own reflection of her life. That reflection is included below. I've also included a link to about 40 pictures of Fran at various choir activities. Just click the link and follow the directions to view them in a "slide show" on your computer. Fran was a legend and a fixture in our choir. She will be missed.

Photos of Fran:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZMWbhs3aNmel
______________

Reflection Read At Fran McMillian's Funeral

My name is Maida McCormack, and I was a charter member of a small group of 15 women who have been meeting weekly for nearly 25 years for Fellowship, Study and Spiritual formation. Fran became a part of that group over 15 years ago. The group is named “Reflections” because meetings always begin by sharing reflections of how God had moved in our lives the prior week. Today I am honored to be reading Fran’s final reflection -- on how God has moved in her life for the past 85 years.

My life as I reflect on it...

I was born on April 12, 1926 in Springfield, Missouri in the home of my parents, Jim Darnell and Bertha Ashby. I don’t remember much of my first two years, but I do remember vividly the night my parents decided that it was best for their situation if they parted. I was two and a half years old, and it was raining.

My mother moved from job to job in various areas around Springfield, and when I was 13, she married Guy Mace. In July of 1941 we moved to a farm area near Crocker, Missouri, and Mac and I met a month later, in August of 1941. We dated one year, 3 months, 1 week and 1 day before eloping on December 12, 1942. I was 16 years old.

I had just finished my junior year of High School when Mac was drafted into the Army Air Corps. I went where he went as he obtained training. In 1944, Mac was sent to Italy and eventually to Casablanca, North Africa. He served 25 months overseas, and was discharged in 1946.

Jobs and apartments were scarce at that time. We went to an employment agency that placed us both with Buick dealers in the St. Louis area. Mac’s job led to a lifelong career with Buick.

Along the way, we were able to take a wonderful 3 week vacation to England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the Normandy Beach area in France.

In February of 1952, Mac’s sister, Lucille, died in an auto accident in Pacific, Missouri, leaving two small children. In May, we brought Bobette and Jerry home to live with us. August of 1954 brought the final adoption papers -- we were a family!

In 1955 we moved from Maplewood to Manchester, and chose Manchester United Methodist Church for our church home.

The years passed quickly, and before long, Bobette went to college and Jerry joined the Air Force.

In 1998 I lost center vision in both eyes due to macular degeneration. I had to give up driving, my favorite activity of competitive roller skating, my work with baking and decorating cakes, and sewing. However, with help from choir friends, I devised a way to prepare my music so that I could continue to stay in choir. Little did I know way back in 1956 that I would still be singing in Chancel Choir some 55 years later!

Mac and I celebrated 69 years of marriage in December. While we’ve taken turns with health concerns, we have always enjoyed leading active and busy lives. We have been able to do everything we’ve wanted to in life, and have a lovely family of children, grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many friends. God has been so good to us.

And from Psalm 126:2 - “We were filled with laughter and we sang for joy.”

Chancel Choir Update 2/5: Singing For Fran McMillian Funeral
The Chancel Choir will sing for the funeral service for Alto Fran McMillian tomorrow morning (Monday, Feb. 6). Fran requested the choir sing several of her favorite pieces of music at the service. Call time is 10:15 a.m. in the Music Room. The funeral service begins at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary with lunch following at noon. A visitation will precede the service beginning at 9 a.m. If you are able to sing tomorrow morning, please plan on joining us.

Chancel Choir Update 2/3: Death In Choir Family
It is with sadness that we report the death of Alto Fran McMillian. She died at Missouri Baptist Medical Center this morning (2/3). She had been placed in hospice care yesterday. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Chancel Choir Update 2/3: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings for the 10:50 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Call time is 10:30 in the Music Room. Anthem: Communion Invitation

Food Items and Help For The Bridge
This month's pantry items for The Bridge food service program at Centenary UMC are peanut butter, jelly, and tuna. A collection box is located at the front of the Music Room. The choir's next day to help in the kitchen at The Bridge is Wednesday, Feb. 15. There is a signup sheet in the back of the Music Room.

Follies Ushers Needed
Ushers are needed for the Winter Follies concert on Feb. 12. If you have a family member or friend willing to usher, there's a signup sheet at the back of the Music Room or contact Diane Bunton at dianebunton@sbcglobal.net or 636-256-1984.

Follies Tickets
Pick up your two Follies tickets and turn in money to Kristie Whitney.

Cars and Concerns
Tenor Gene Stuckey underwent shoulder surgery yesterday to repair his rotator cuff.

Alto Fran McMillian has been placed in hospice care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Senior pastor Greg Weeks met with Chancel Choir at last night's rehearsal to report on Fran's worsening condition and offer a prayer.

Chancel Choir Update 1/29: Cares and Concerns
Alto Fran McMillian was readmitted to Missouri Baptist Medical Center on Thursday morning for treatment of an intestinal obstruction. She has grown weaker due to not being able to eat and is in very serious condition. Her daughter, Bobbett, arrived from Indianapolis on Wednesday and has been giving support to both Fran and Mac who remains a patient at Springbridge Rehabilitation in Chesterfield. Mac was being taken to see Fran this afternoon. She is in room 470. Prayers for Fran and Mac are requested. Fran wanted the choir to know of her situation.

Chancel Choir Update 1/27: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir will sing for the 10:50 a.m. worship service Sunday. Call time is 10:20 in the Music Room. Anthem: Deep River

Broadway Follies Solo Auditions
If you'd like to try out for one of the many solo moments in our Broadway Winter Follies concert, here is the audition schedule:
Sunday, Jan. 29, noon to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 5, noon to 1 p.m. (if necessary)
Report to the Music Room at one of these times, sign in, and wait your turn.

Memphis Trip Is a Go
Yes, we're headed to Graceland. Our spring tour of Memphis is April 13 to 15. More details will follow.

Follies Tickets
Pick up your two Follies tickets and turn in money to Kristie Whitney.

Basses Bring Treats Next Week
It's the basses' turn to bring the goodies next Thursday, Feb. 2, for our monthly after rehearsal "treat fest".

Cares and Concerns
-- Alto Cece Spatola's father, Burchard Neel, is recovering at home after a brief stay in the hospital last week for dehydration.
-- Alto Fran McMillian is recovering at home following a visit to the ER this week for dehydration. Her husband, Mac, remains a patient at Springbridge Rehabilitation.
-- Soprano Diane Finnestead is recovering at home after being hospitalized for dehydration and an infection.

Chancel Choir Update 1/24: News
Regular rehearsal this 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.

Follies Tickets
Distribution of two tickets to each Chancel Choir member to sell was begun last night. Kristie Whitney is in charge of ticket sales. She'll find you.

Voces8 Concert Sunday Night
In case you missed the outstanding performance Sunday night by the vocal group Voces8, here are a few photos. They also conducted a master class for the Cantate youth choir earlier Sunday afternoon.

Chancel Choir Update 1/20: News / Cares and Concerns
No Chancel Choir in the loft this Sunday. Come her Voces8 provide worship music at 10:50 a.m.

Voces8 Concert This Sunday
Come and hear Voces8, the international singing ensemble form Great Britain, in concert at 7 p.m. this Sunday in the Sanctuary. They were here last year and now we're lucky enough to hear them again. This is the start of a two month U.S. tour for the group.

Memphis Tour
Yes, we're headed to Graceland and the rest of Memphis too. A lot of interest was shown in participating in the tour, so the planning will continue. The tour is April 13-15.

Follies Tickets
Distribution of two tickets to each Chancel Choir member to sell was begun last night. Kristie Whitney is in charge of ticket sales. She'll find you.

Cares and Concerns
Mac McMillian, husband of alto Fran McMillian, has been moved to the Westchester House/Springbridge Rehabilitation Center, 500 White Road, Room 304, off Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield. Fran thanks everyone for their help and support and asks for continued prayers for both of them.

Chancel Choir Update 1/18: More News / Cares and Concerns
Going on the Memphis Tour?
Check your calendar and be prepared to let us know at Thursday's rehearsal if you are planning to join us on the Memphis tour the weekend of April 13 through 15.

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

Christmas Concert Recordings
It would be helpful if this Thursday you could please pick up your Christmas concert CD or pay for the CDs you have picked up.

Cares and Concerns
Alto Fran McMillian reports her husband, Mac, continues to be hospitalized at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in room 631-A. Mac was hospitalized last week for dehydration and was to have had surgery Friday to place a stint in an artery in his leg. That surgery was canceled and he was sent home. On Monday he discovered that he could not walk. He was returned to the hospital where he remains. Fran asks for the choir's thoughts and prayers for Mac and for her to be able to care for herself. She also asks for volunteers to give her rides to the hospital and needed errands since Mac can't drive. If you can help with transportation, send her an email at: mac-fe@juno.com

Chancel Choir Update 1/16: News / Cares and Concerns
Great party last night and outstanding worship service Saturday evening. Photos of the MLK Worship service reception have been added to the Chancel Choir's Facebook page. Look for it on Facebook at MUMC Chancel Choir. If you haven't already, click "like" and you will get updates when things are added to the Chancel Choir Facebook page. Photos from last night's holiday party can be found in an album at Shutterfly. Just click this link and follow the directions to see them:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZMWbhs3aNmd4

Regular rehearsal this Thursday night.

Going on the Memphis Tour?
Check your calendar and be prepared to let us know at Thursday's rehearsal if you are planning to join us on the Memphis tour the weekend of April 13 through 15.

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

Cares and Concerns
I have no update on Mac McMillian.

We have received this note for Diane and Tom Lawrence:
"Tom and I wanted to let you know of a situation in our family that will be around for a while. Since it is hard to remember to whom we have told what, this is the easiest way to communicate. Some of you know that our #2 daughter, Alicia, received a kidney from Tom almost 20 years ago. That kidney is now losing function. Rather than get into a crisis situation, Alicia has elected to begin the process for another kidney by having a dialysis port implanted last Friday. Because she has had children and a transfusion, she has foreign antibodies in her blood and cannot be typed for a new kidney; she must first undergo dialysis at home to clean her blood. She has an older sister, Melanie, and a younger sister, Nanette, who are potential candidates to donate to her. Logistics will be interesting since they live in Colorado and Georgia respectively. Now we are in a waiting game. It will be 4 to 6 months before they can begin trying to find her a matching kidney. Please just keep all of us in your prayers. We are all just going to have to live day by day and trust that God will work things out the way they are suppose to be. Isn’t that what we’re all supposed to do anyway?"
Diane & Tom Lawrence

Chancel Choir Update 1/13: News / Cares and Concerns
Chancel Choir sings tomorrow (Saturday) evening for the Celebration of Unity MLK service with St. Paul AME Church in our Sanctuary at 5 p.m. Call time is 4 p.m. in the Music Room. We will wear robes.

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

Chancel Choir Winter Party This Sunday
This year's winter party will be at the Sky Lounge Bar in the Barn at Lucern located at Kehr's Mill and Clayton roads. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. A total of 86 persons have reservations to attend.

January Pantry Items For The Bridge at Centenary
Food items needed for The Bridge food program for the homeless at Centenary UMC are coffee, sugar and creamer. Please place these items in the box in the Music Room.

Help Needed Serving Lunch at The Bridge at Centenary UMC Downtown
The Chancel Choir's next service day at the Bridge food program for the homeless at Centenary UMC is Wednesday, Jan. 18. Four people are needed to help. Please signup in the Music Room or contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

Chancel Choir Makes a Difference at The Bridge
The Chancel Choir's pantry donations to The Bridge at Centenary have been significant. Here are the totals:
Oatmeal -- 80 lbs.
Pasta -- 51 lbs.
Creamer -- 24 lbs.
Sugar -- 46 lbs.
Coffee -- 17.5 lbs.
Tomatoes -- 48 cans
Grits -- 6 lbs.
Total hours of volunteer time -- 124

MLK Service Reception Help Needed
The Chancel Choir has taken on the responsibility of preparing food for the reception following Saturday's MLK service. Help is needed in the kitchen at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) to prepare the food. If you can help, please show up then. Also, we are serving cupcakes at the reception. If you can bake or purchase cupcakes, please bring them tomorrow night. For further information on helping, contact Ann Garber at: Elizabeth.A.Garber@nga.mil. Information on cupcakes, contact Diane Lawrence at: twlawr@swbell.net

Memphis Tour
Our spring tour to Memphis is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of April 13-15. We would leave by bus mid-day Friday and return late Sunday afternoon. We would present a concert on Saturday night and sing for worship in a church on Sunday morning. To determine if there is enough interest to make the tour, a show of interest will be requested at next Thursday's rehearsal. Look at your calendar and think about participating in the tour then next Thursday express your interest so planning can go forward. We've had some exciting and good times on previous tours.

Broadway Follies Tickets
All Chancel Choir members will be expected to sell at least two tickets to this year's Follies Fund Raiser concert on Feb. 12. Tickets will be distributed to Chancel Choir members next Thursday. Our Follies concerts is the main fundraiser for the Chancel Choir's scholarships and activities.

Chancel Choir Officers
Here is a summary of business discussed at last night's Chancel Choir officers meeting.
-- Treasurer Tom Lawrence reported the balance in the choir's activity fund was $14,080.42. In addition, Tom also reported that Susan Slaughter made a $2000 contribution to the choir for its participation in the Holiday Brass Concerts in December.
-- Everything is in place for the holiday party. The menu will include six appetizers: chicken wings, toasted ravioli, spinach dip, Swedish meatballs, veggie/cheese tray, and stuffed mushrooms.
-- The MLK reception and the issue of who was paying for the food was discussed. While the event is a church wide function, other organizations within the church had not planned or budgeted for it. Ann Garber and Diane Lawrence had made preliminary plans for heavy appetizers for the reception. Cost would be about $1,000 to serve 400. It was agreed to ask the church Hospitality Committee to participate in the costs and ask the Chancel Choir for permission to spend up to $500 for the food. The choir will be asked to help prepare the food at 10 a.m. Saturday and to bake or bring cupcakes.
-- Housing for for Voces8 has been arranged. They will stay in homes as they did last year. The group will sing in worship on Sunday, Jan. 22 and perform a concert that evening in the Sanctuary.
-- The Broadway Follies was discussed. Kristie Whitney is managing ticket sales this year. Officers agreed that each choir member would be asked to sell two tickets. It is hoped the concert will net at least $5000 for the choir's activity fund. The choir is committed to paying $4000 in sustaining scholarships each year. Tickets will be distributed to choir members next Thursday. A poster will be available next week.
-- Kevin reported on preliminary plans for the tour to Memphis. He is getting bids from the bus company and has talked to the Peabody hotel and will get a room rate quote. The Peabody may be out of our price range. Singing venues have been identified. We will need a show of interest from the choir before further confirmations and planning can continue. Kevin says at least 50 people will need to participate to make the trip feasible. Officers and Kevin acknowledged the fact that the trip was on the weekend of the Cardinals season opener, however this is the only weekend available for the tour.

Cares and Concerns
Mac McMillian, husband of Alto Fran McMallian, was scheduled for surgery this morning at Missouri Baptist Medical Center to place a stint in an artery in one of his legs. He was hospitalized earlier this week for sever dehydration.

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

Chancel Choir Update 1/11: News
Regular rehearsal Thursday night. Same time, same place.

After Choir
Join us for After Choir this Thursday at Corner Pub & Grill at Dougherty Ferry and Big Bend for snacks, beverages and visiting. After Choir is right after choir.

Last Call For Winter Choir Party, Deadline Thursday
The deadline for reservations for the choir's annual winter party is this Thursday.. 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 rehearsal or you can mail your check to her at: 1047 Camargo, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Help Needed Serving Lunch at The Bridge at Centenary UMC Downtown
The Chancel Choir's next service day at the Bridge food program for the homeless at Centenary UMC is Wednesday, Jan. 18. Four people are needed to help. Please signup in the Music Room or contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

January Pantry Items For The Bridge at Centenary
Food items needed for The Bridge food program for the homeless at Centenary UMC are coffee, sugar and creamer. Please place these items in the box in the Music Room.

Chancel Choir Update 1/6: News / Cares and Concerns
The choir will sing in the loft at the 10:50 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Anthem: Be Still

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 rehearsal or you can mail your check to her at: 1047 Camargo, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Fran McMillian Announces Her Retirement from Choir
A fixture with the Chancel Choir for more than 55 years, Soprano Fran McMillian announced to the choir last night that she is leaving due to failing eyesight. At the close of her monthly presentation of birthdays and anniversaries after rehearsal, Fran told the choir she can no longer see well enough to sing. She was diagnosed with macular degeneration 12 years ago and as the disease worsened, she has used various methods of enlarging her music. "My eyesight has gotten to the point that I can't see much of the time. I knew eventually I would have to stop, but the time has finally come. I have had to give up most of the things I enjoy because of my eyesight. Kevin says I can come back when we sing something I know or have memorized," she told the choir which rose to its feet for a standing ovation. Fran began singing in the choir when the church occupied what is now the historic Chapel. She was one of the choir's charter members when it was organized by the late Gus Bante. In recent years Fran has been in charge of providing cards and flowers to Chancel Choir members who are sick or suffer a death in their families. She has also recognized birthdays and anniversaries of choir members at the conclusion of rehearsals on the first Thursday of each month.

Help Needed Serving Lunch at The Bridge at Centenary UMC Downtown
The Chancel Choir's next service day at the Bridge food program for the homeless at Centenary UMC is Wednesday, Jan. 18. Four people are needed to help. Please signup in the Music Room or contact Joan Lemen at joanlemen4@gmail.com

January Pantry Items For The Bridge at Centenary
Food items needed for The Bridge food program for the homeless at Centenary UMC are coffee, sugar and creamer. Please place these items in the box in the Music Room.

Cares and Concerns
Soprano Cindy McGraw is undergoing surgery today to repair a torn rotator cuff. No additional information is available.

Chancel Choir Update 1/5: More News
Second Altos Provide Refreshments For Party Night Tonight
This is the first rehearsal of the month and it's party night. Second Altos are reminded to bring a snack to share with the choir.

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.

Winter Party Reservation Deadline Next Week
This year's winter party will be different and exciting -- less driving, less formal for visiting, live music for dancing, and food catered by Candicci's restaurant.
Don't miss the choir's annual winter party at 6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Sky Lounge Bar in the Barn at Lucern located at Kehr's Mill and Clayton roads. Cost is $25 per person. Event chair Lois Hendrickson will be available before rehearsal tonight to receive your check. Deadline for reservations is Jan. 12. You also can mail your check to her at: 1047 Camargo, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Chancel Choir Update 1/4: News
It's back to work. Chancel Choir will resume rehearsals this Thursday. Same time, same place. We will be in the loft this Sunday.

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 rehearsal or you can mail your check to her at: 1047 Camargo, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Who Are Those New Members?
We’ve had five new members join us this fall. Here are pictures of four and details on four. Julie Parsons joined us in December, but we haven’t gotten a chance to get her photo. Miriam Smith joined us earlier in the fall and we’ll share her information when she completes our online new member survey. Their photos and contact information will be added to the pictorial directory in the member section of the choir's website.

John Hofmeister (baritone)
Fiancée: Melinda
He is a supply chain specialist for Energizer. He grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio. His favorite hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness. He plays the tuba and was a member of the Ohio State Men’s Glee Club. He says he had “an amazing welcome. What an honor and pleasure to sing with you!”

Walt Huse (tenor)
Spouse: Edna
Children: Cynthia, Jeff, Dan
Retired software engineer. Grew up in St. Louis and Jennings. Favorite hymn: What a Friend We have in Jesus. Played the trombone 45 years ago and played in the U.S. Army Band. He is a member of the Big Bend Woods Condo Assn. Board and is active in the MoHab Riders, Bike Rehab and Fair Trade Market at our church. He likes to ride his bike in his spare time. He says he feels very welcome as a new Chancel Choir member.

Becky Strickland (soprano)
Spouse: David
Children: Alec, 12 and Ben, 10
She is a seventh grade Communications Arts teacher at Bryan Middle School. She grew up in DeSoto and Sullivan. She plays the piano and French horn in high school. She sang in acappella choir at CMU, was accompanist for Rockwood Summit High School for five years and is currently accompanist for solo/ensemble festival in Eureka High School. She says, “I was amazed by the rehearsal I attended. Awesome group!”

Julie Parsons
Spouse: Barry
Children: Jaedyn, 11 and Shaeleigh, 9
She is a nurse for Mercy Children’s Hospital. She grew up in several places in Missouri because her father was a Methodist minister and they moved around. She plays the flute. She has been in multiple church choirs, high school choir and band, a previous church handbell choir and Central Methodist College choir and band. She was a vocal music education major at CMC. She says, “I am so excited to get back to singing with a great choir. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I sang with the CMU choir when they came to our church for a concert. Then, when I came to MUMC choir practice this last week, I know I had to join you all!”