From the Organ Bench - June 2009

Greetings Friends! I am writing this during the Memorial Day Weekend and I realized that I have no idea where this past “Church Year” has gone. We have endured the reconstruction of the Choir Loft, rejoiced as we finished and dedicated the new Pipe Organ, been disappointed by the situation in the Sanctuary and finally experienced the joy of welcoming a new Interim Pastor, the Reverend Robert Foltz-Morrison. Add into this mix the uncertainty caused by the current economic crisis; all in all, quite a range of emotion for one year.

As we head into the summer months, several things will be a bit different from previous years, but we will again worship with our brothers and sisters from Park Methodist. There will be a “kick off” service outside on the green on June 28th at 10:00 AM. We will then worship at our facilities during the month of July and return to Park Methodist for the month of August. Traditionally, these joint services have had a summer choir singing during worship. This is a “pick up” group that gets together a half an hour or so before the service and sings through an easy anthem or hymn that they present during worship. The summer choir is open to any one who might like to sing. You don’t need any music credentials and there is no ongoing commitment. You sit with your family or friends in the congregation and gather as a group only when we sing.

Towards this end, we are rearranging the Sanctuary Choir’s schedule a bit. Sunday June 14th is the Church School Promotion Sunday. This is the last worship service at 10:45 AM until September. In years past, the adult choirs were on “sabbatical” following that service. In an effort to bridge the gap between our last “regular” service and summer worship, we are keeping the Sanctuary Choir in session for Sunday June 21st. This Sunday as being designated as an Open Choir Sunday. Anyone who would like to sing with us is invited to do so. We will meet at 9:15 AM to go over our anthem which is a nice, simple two part arrangement of “Shall We Gather at the River”. We will not robe, nor will we be seated together. All choir members will sit with their friends and family. We will come together and “make a joyful noise” at the appointed time during worship. You will also see a bit more of me this summer as I have quite a bit more free time on my hands. I know that I said this last month, but I think that it bears repeating. I want to thank the Sanctuary Choir for their ongoing loyalty and faithfulness. They continue to provide inspiring music during worship; where ever we might be. Thank You! We will celebrate all of our Choirs with an end of year barbeque on Thursday, June 25, 2009 in the Parish House, hosted by the Worship, Membership and Evangelism Committee. Our last Choir Rehearsal will be on Thursday, June 11, 2009. We will resume rehearsals the second week on September.

On a totally unrelated note; Congratulations to the Class of 2009, of which my son Andrew is member. Best wishes to all graduates as they make their way in the world. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.

There are quite a few things that will happen over the coming months. I look forward to working with many of you as our journey together continues.

Peace,
Tim Tarantino

Past messages from the Director of Music:
April 2009: From the Organ Bench - April 2009
November 2008: From the Organ Bench - November 2008