Chancel Choir Director
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Epworth United Methodist Church is looking to hire an adult choir director. Applicant should be a dedicated Christian with musical training, experience, and the ability to work well with others. Keyboard skills are a plus to rehearse with our choir who averages 25-30 in attendance. For further information, please contact: Joyce Lawhon at 304-372-5847 or [email protected] |
Our volunteer choir is composed of individuals who love to sing and who exist for the purpose of enhancing our worship services with anthems of praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
There are no auditions to join or requirements for musical training. Reading music is a helpful, but not required.
We meet each Wednesday at 7 pm. in our sanctuary for rehearsal. If you love to sing, come join us! For more information contact Lisa Bailey or Georgia Hughes-Webb
There are no auditions to join or requirements for musical training. Reading music is a helpful, but not required.
We meet each Wednesday at 7 pm. in our sanctuary for rehearsal. If you love to sing, come join us! For more information contact Lisa Bailey or Georgia Hughes-Webb
June, 2016
To Meet Them is to Love Them!
My original plans, in announcing my retirement back in March, were surely to be introducing your new choir director to you via this month’s newsletter. But, alas and alack, we do not seem to have found a replacement yet. I don’t have a plan B & we are continuing in prayer to God that He will aid in finding a new leader. We ask that all of you will also pray & ask God to help in finding a new director for our choir!
So, in talking about our wonderful choir, let me tell you a little about them & introduce them to you by name. Our terrific sopranos: Carolyn Carmichael, Terry Deane, Yasmina Fialip, Jennie Frashier, Summer Hartley, Dorma Hughes, Donna Isner, Sandy Isner-Johnson, Pamela Johnson, Juie Morris, JoEllen Nicholson, Annette Roberts, Sharon Turkaly, Greta Tyler, Georgia Hughes-Webb, & Lucia Webb.
Our fantastic altos: Krista Bratton, Helen Casto, Paula Casto, Ruth Curry, Sonia Hardman, Polly Hughes, Brenda Hunt, Sue Overmiller, & Kristin Stover.
Now to our tenors! I always used to call them our ‘cantankerous’ tenors. However, in the past few years they have mellowed & they are no longer ‘cantankerous’! So, in view of that, I will have to term them--Our amazing tenors: Fred Batten, Steve Chancey, Jim Frashier, Stephen Hartley, Tom Stemple, & Frank Strohl.
And last, but certainly not least, -- Our marvelous basses: Dick Casto, Bo Hartley, John Hoffman, Jim Hughes, & Lynn McCauley.
Directing this group of singers has always been a labor of love on my part (& I do pray that I have not left out any member’s name. If so, I am truly sorry!) They are wonderful individuals who possess many skills & talents. They are very devoted to praising God through their craft, to learning more about music & how they might make their contribution even better, to working hard through regular rehearsals, to being dedicated to the glory of God through their regular attendance, and always supporting & loving me in the process. We have laughed together, cried together, prayed together, lost members through both death & moving away together, had picnics together, shared our individual joys & concerns together, & always have loved each other, too.
To say that this has been an easy decision on my part is a great underestimation. But, haven’t we ever heard that, “to everything there is a season”? Where have we heard that? Ah, yes, it is in the Bible, is it not? To be precise—Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, where there it is written, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:” and then goes on to define it further. So, my season has come & I deeply appreciate all of your love & support for lo, these many years.
Grace, Peace, & Love,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
To Meet Them is to Love Them!
My original plans, in announcing my retirement back in March, were surely to be introducing your new choir director to you via this month’s newsletter. But, alas and alack, we do not seem to have found a replacement yet. I don’t have a plan B & we are continuing in prayer to God that He will aid in finding a new leader. We ask that all of you will also pray & ask God to help in finding a new director for our choir!
So, in talking about our wonderful choir, let me tell you a little about them & introduce them to you by name. Our terrific sopranos: Carolyn Carmichael, Terry Deane, Yasmina Fialip, Jennie Frashier, Summer Hartley, Dorma Hughes, Donna Isner, Sandy Isner-Johnson, Pamela Johnson, Juie Morris, JoEllen Nicholson, Annette Roberts, Sharon Turkaly, Greta Tyler, Georgia Hughes-Webb, & Lucia Webb.
Our fantastic altos: Krista Bratton, Helen Casto, Paula Casto, Ruth Curry, Sonia Hardman, Polly Hughes, Brenda Hunt, Sue Overmiller, & Kristin Stover.
Now to our tenors! I always used to call them our ‘cantankerous’ tenors. However, in the past few years they have mellowed & they are no longer ‘cantankerous’! So, in view of that, I will have to term them--Our amazing tenors: Fred Batten, Steve Chancey, Jim Frashier, Stephen Hartley, Tom Stemple, & Frank Strohl.
And last, but certainly not least, -- Our marvelous basses: Dick Casto, Bo Hartley, John Hoffman, Jim Hughes, & Lynn McCauley.
Directing this group of singers has always been a labor of love on my part (& I do pray that I have not left out any member’s name. If so, I am truly sorry!) They are wonderful individuals who possess many skills & talents. They are very devoted to praising God through their craft, to learning more about music & how they might make their contribution even better, to working hard through regular rehearsals, to being dedicated to the glory of God through their regular attendance, and always supporting & loving me in the process. We have laughed together, cried together, prayed together, lost members through both death & moving away together, had picnics together, shared our individual joys & concerns together, & always have loved each other, too.
To say that this has been an easy decision on my part is a great underestimation. But, haven’t we ever heard that, “to everything there is a season”? Where have we heard that? Ah, yes, it is in the Bible, is it not? To be precise—Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, where there it is written, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:” and then goes on to define it further. So, my season has come & I deeply appreciate all of your love & support for lo, these many years.
Grace, Peace, & Love,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
September, 2015
BLESSINGS
In searching through Mr. Webster’s definitions of the word “blessings,” (or other forms of the same word) one can find a number of definitions: invocation or benediction, to ask Divine favor for, to praise, good wishes or approval, to make holy, etc. And then when we look in the Bible, we also find many, many references to being blessed or blessings being asked or given to others. One example that we can think of rather easily is found in the last part of Ezekiel 34:26…”there shall be showers of blessing.” Another reference that we all use so much is in the book of Acts 20:35. The latter half of the verse reads, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And finally, in Matthew 21:9 we read about the shouts of the people during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They cried “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
The above references come from the Bible and the dictionary, but we, too, write in our communications to each other, ‘May God richly bless you,’ or we say when someone sneezes, ‘Bless you!’ (forgetting many times that the name of God usually precedes that phrase.) The point is that we are surrounded in our everyday lives by blessings. Speaking of that, how often do we “count our blessings” and remember to thank God for all of them? Think of our families, our friends, our church family, our homes, our very lives. Blessings abound everywhere…how about the birds, the trees, the flowers, all of God’s creatures & all of God’s peoples?
Are there blessings in our church? Do we attend a Sunday School class and come to learn about God’s Word? How about participating in one of our many activities or groups? Do we receive a blessing by sharing or listening to others’ blessings being expressed in that portion of our service? Are we blessed by hearing our pastor talk about God’s love & blessings? Are we blessed by receiving the Bread & Cup of our Lord when we remember what He did for us during our Communion times? Last, but certainly not least…are we blessed by our Chancel Choir’s anthems, our special music, and by our organist’s sharing of her beautiful music?
Our choir sings about blessings in many of our anthems, too. We are also blessed and thankful for the recent healing medical treatments received by several of our choir members. We are thankful to God for being with them and restoring their bodies to good health once again. Too, we are blessed & thankful that our choir has had a restful summer and is ready to get back to regular weekly rehearsals in just a few short weeks. Beginning on Wednesday, September 2, we will once again assemble at 7 pm in our sanctuary to praise God in song! It will be a joyous time of gathering together as we join our voices to sing of His love. And blessings….oh, yes…they will be there too. For we’ll all be blessed through the presence of the Holy Spirit and our Risen Lord!! Oh, and by the way… may God richly bless all of you, too!
Blessings & Love,
Joyce Lawhon, Chancel Choir Director
BLESSINGS
In searching through Mr. Webster’s definitions of the word “blessings,” (or other forms of the same word) one can find a number of definitions: invocation or benediction, to ask Divine favor for, to praise, good wishes or approval, to make holy, etc. And then when we look in the Bible, we also find many, many references to being blessed or blessings being asked or given to others. One example that we can think of rather easily is found in the last part of Ezekiel 34:26…”there shall be showers of blessing.” Another reference that we all use so much is in the book of Acts 20:35. The latter half of the verse reads, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And finally, in Matthew 21:9 we read about the shouts of the people during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They cried “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
The above references come from the Bible and the dictionary, but we, too, write in our communications to each other, ‘May God richly bless you,’ or we say when someone sneezes, ‘Bless you!’ (forgetting many times that the name of God usually precedes that phrase.) The point is that we are surrounded in our everyday lives by blessings. Speaking of that, how often do we “count our blessings” and remember to thank God for all of them? Think of our families, our friends, our church family, our homes, our very lives. Blessings abound everywhere…how about the birds, the trees, the flowers, all of God’s creatures & all of God’s peoples?
Are there blessings in our church? Do we attend a Sunday School class and come to learn about God’s Word? How about participating in one of our many activities or groups? Do we receive a blessing by sharing or listening to others’ blessings being expressed in that portion of our service? Are we blessed by hearing our pastor talk about God’s love & blessings? Are we blessed by receiving the Bread & Cup of our Lord when we remember what He did for us during our Communion times? Last, but certainly not least…are we blessed by our Chancel Choir’s anthems, our special music, and by our organist’s sharing of her beautiful music?
Our choir sings about blessings in many of our anthems, too. We are also blessed and thankful for the recent healing medical treatments received by several of our choir members. We are thankful to God for being with them and restoring their bodies to good health once again. Too, we are blessed & thankful that our choir has had a restful summer and is ready to get back to regular weekly rehearsals in just a few short weeks. Beginning on Wednesday, September 2, we will once again assemble at 7 pm in our sanctuary to praise God in song! It will be a joyous time of gathering together as we join our voices to sing of His love. And blessings….oh, yes…they will be there too. For we’ll all be blessed through the presence of the Holy Spirit and our Risen Lord!! Oh, and by the way… may God richly bless all of you, too!
Blessings & Love,
Joyce Lawhon, Chancel Choir Director
June, 2015
HAVE YOU NOTICED?
Actually, there are SO many things to notice at this time of year. For instance, have you noticed the birds’ songs early in the stillness of the morning? They must be terribly happy, don’t you think? What about the hummingbirds as they, quick as a flash, dart from one place on the feeder to another if you have put up a feeder? Ever notice your driveway after a spring rain? It’s full of earthworms. Is it because the weather has displaced the dirt & forced them out of their homes or just because they have errands to run? Oh, God’s creations!! He’s given us the eyes and ears and hearts and brains to enjoy and to love what He’s given us. Oh my, do we remember to thank Him for that?
Another gift He’s given that perhaps you may or may not have noticed is a couple of new choir members who are not quite as tall as the rest of us. Would you believe, in fact, that they have been known to stand on a chair so that they might better see their director. And, would you believe, even further, that they are actually in elementary school! I’m speaking of Summer Hartley who sings right next to her grandpa, Bo Hartley, and Lucia Webb who sings with her mom, Georgia Hughes-Webb. They both attend choir rehearsals and learn our anthems right along with us. We’ve always said that no age is too old or too young to sing in the chancel choir. They are proving it! So, if you’ve had a yearning to try it yourself, just “come on down!” We meet Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Another thing you may have noticed in our newsletter (or you’re about to look for) is the article about Jay Brooks & Mike Barnhouse coming to Epworth next year. Perhaps some of you new folk worshiping with us don’t even know who Jay & Mike are! Hmmm, piqued your interest, did I? Look for that article. It’s an exciting announcement!
One more thing you have yet to notice is the fact that it will soon be time for the chancel choir to take somewhat of a summer break. We just can’t bring ourselves to quit for the complete summer, for we love singing God’s praises too much! So remember, what we do is sing about once a month for the summer and use solos, duets, instrumentals, etc. for the other weeks. So overall, we will be blessed for the entire summer with a continuation of the beautiful music you’ve been accustomed to hearing!!
Some of you, no doubt, have noticed that a good number of our choir members have already begun various trips & that our choir fluctuates in number more so in the spring months. (Ah, relief from the cold weather activates that urge to “get outa’ Dodge.”) Getting away, that is…. We all do it or long to, don’t we? As of this writing, Greta Tyler is off to South America with another of her daredevil, challenging adventures. Last year, she did a safari and was off riding camels! Whatever will this year bring? But, rest assured, Greta will return as will several of our traveling choir members. You’ll be noticing them!!!
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
HAVE YOU NOTICED?
Actually, there are SO many things to notice at this time of year. For instance, have you noticed the birds’ songs early in the stillness of the morning? They must be terribly happy, don’t you think? What about the hummingbirds as they, quick as a flash, dart from one place on the feeder to another if you have put up a feeder? Ever notice your driveway after a spring rain? It’s full of earthworms. Is it because the weather has displaced the dirt & forced them out of their homes or just because they have errands to run? Oh, God’s creations!! He’s given us the eyes and ears and hearts and brains to enjoy and to love what He’s given us. Oh my, do we remember to thank Him for that?
Another gift He’s given that perhaps you may or may not have noticed is a couple of new choir members who are not quite as tall as the rest of us. Would you believe, in fact, that they have been known to stand on a chair so that they might better see their director. And, would you believe, even further, that they are actually in elementary school! I’m speaking of Summer Hartley who sings right next to her grandpa, Bo Hartley, and Lucia Webb who sings with her mom, Georgia Hughes-Webb. They both attend choir rehearsals and learn our anthems right along with us. We’ve always said that no age is too old or too young to sing in the chancel choir. They are proving it! So, if you’ve had a yearning to try it yourself, just “come on down!” We meet Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Another thing you may have noticed in our newsletter (or you’re about to look for) is the article about Jay Brooks & Mike Barnhouse coming to Epworth next year. Perhaps some of you new folk worshiping with us don’t even know who Jay & Mike are! Hmmm, piqued your interest, did I? Look for that article. It’s an exciting announcement!
One more thing you have yet to notice is the fact that it will soon be time for the chancel choir to take somewhat of a summer break. We just can’t bring ourselves to quit for the complete summer, for we love singing God’s praises too much! So remember, what we do is sing about once a month for the summer and use solos, duets, instrumentals, etc. for the other weeks. So overall, we will be blessed for the entire summer with a continuation of the beautiful music you’ve been accustomed to hearing!!
Some of you, no doubt, have noticed that a good number of our choir members have already begun various trips & that our choir fluctuates in number more so in the spring months. (Ah, relief from the cold weather activates that urge to “get outa’ Dodge.”) Getting away, that is…. We all do it or long to, don’t we? As of this writing, Greta Tyler is off to South America with another of her daredevil, challenging adventures. Last year, she did a safari and was off riding camels! Whatever will this year bring? But, rest assured, Greta will return as will several of our traveling choir members. You’ll be noticing them!!!
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
April, 2015
Is “Service” Really All That Big a Deal?
Rev. Deane has been talking for the past few weeks about Lenten Disciplines. As I write this, the discipline for this week is service. I began to think about that word—service—and just what it might entail. Have you ever looked that term up in the dictionary? Whoa!! How would this ever apply to a Lenten Discipline? In the dictionary was found: service--a branch of the armed forces; the act of serving food; a set of articles used in serving; any religious ceremony; a system of providing people with some utility (water, gas, etc.); friendly help; the occupation of a servant, etc. Well, that sure was no help. Let’s go another direction.
So, let’s think about it now! Should we maybe use something a little closer to what we’re really talking about? Weren’t there many references to serving/service in the Bible? Perhaps we should look there. Looking through the Old Testament, there is reference after reference in almost every book about service to the Lord! Why, in Exodus 35:19, Moses was giving instructions from the Lord for “holy vestments for the priest, Aaron, and the vestments of his sons, for their service as priests.” The priests were giving/serving, right?
In a meeting recently, several of us discussed how Martha in the New Testament, had always been about her Lord’s work by serving others & always seeing that the necessary tasks were done. And what about when Jesus was tempted by the Devil? What did Jesus tell him? In Matthew 4:10, He reminded him of what had been written, ‘“Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.’” I think we’re headed in the right direction!
But, that was a couple thousand years ago, wasn’t it? Let’s get real!! This is 2015! Are there opportunities for service now--today? And, what about right here in our local church, in Ripley? Folks are really busy, you know! There would really have to be a real need! Well, in looking at our various classes that need teachers, committees who serve others in difficult life circumstances with few members to help, church repairs that need volunteer help, kitchen help when there are dinners, sound system operators when no one is there, and yes, musicians to sing and play their instruments all in praise to the Lord (you knew I had to add that last one, didn’t you?), it just seems like there is plenty of need for everyone to do something in service to the Lord. Just maybe we have finally hit upon what the term service is all about! And, at this time of year when we think of giving of ourselves in response to the One who gave His very life for us, it certainly seems like it’s the time! No matter the age or sex, there is always a way and a need for every single one of us to serve in any capacity, large or small. Let’s make room in our very busy lives to serve our Lord and Master. It is that big a deal!!
Grace and Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
Is “Service” Really All That Big a Deal?
Rev. Deane has been talking for the past few weeks about Lenten Disciplines. As I write this, the discipline for this week is service. I began to think about that word—service—and just what it might entail. Have you ever looked that term up in the dictionary? Whoa!! How would this ever apply to a Lenten Discipline? In the dictionary was found: service--a branch of the armed forces; the act of serving food; a set of articles used in serving; any religious ceremony; a system of providing people with some utility (water, gas, etc.); friendly help; the occupation of a servant, etc. Well, that sure was no help. Let’s go another direction.
So, let’s think about it now! Should we maybe use something a little closer to what we’re really talking about? Weren’t there many references to serving/service in the Bible? Perhaps we should look there. Looking through the Old Testament, there is reference after reference in almost every book about service to the Lord! Why, in Exodus 35:19, Moses was giving instructions from the Lord for “holy vestments for the priest, Aaron, and the vestments of his sons, for their service as priests.” The priests were giving/serving, right?
In a meeting recently, several of us discussed how Martha in the New Testament, had always been about her Lord’s work by serving others & always seeing that the necessary tasks were done. And what about when Jesus was tempted by the Devil? What did Jesus tell him? In Matthew 4:10, He reminded him of what had been written, ‘“Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.’” I think we’re headed in the right direction!
But, that was a couple thousand years ago, wasn’t it? Let’s get real!! This is 2015! Are there opportunities for service now--today? And, what about right here in our local church, in Ripley? Folks are really busy, you know! There would really have to be a real need! Well, in looking at our various classes that need teachers, committees who serve others in difficult life circumstances with few members to help, church repairs that need volunteer help, kitchen help when there are dinners, sound system operators when no one is there, and yes, musicians to sing and play their instruments all in praise to the Lord (you knew I had to add that last one, didn’t you?), it just seems like there is plenty of need for everyone to do something in service to the Lord. Just maybe we have finally hit upon what the term service is all about! And, at this time of year when we think of giving of ourselves in response to the One who gave His very life for us, it certainly seems like it’s the time! No matter the age or sex, there is always a way and a need for every single one of us to serve in any capacity, large or small. Let’s make room in our very busy lives to serve our Lord and Master. It is that big a deal!!
Grace and Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
February, 2015
ARE WE ALIVE AND WELL?
Choirs everywhere are losing members. No denomination is exempt. Many churches no longer have a choir or if they do, it’s just a small one. It seems that folks just don’t want to commit anymore. People are just so busy and don’t have the time. But, hey now…wait just a minute! That is surely not the case at Epworth. Epworth’s Chancel Choir is not only alive and well, but is thriving!!
Epworth’s choir has been around for a long time and even though some of us will not admit to being over 39, the love of singing God’s praises is still thrilling! And have you noticed that we have a goodly number of younger folks in our midst, too? Several have young families with school-age children, but they also make “music for the Lord” a priority in their lives. 17 yr. old Pamela Johnson is our youngest member and have you noticed too, that a couple of our elementary age children have recently sung for us on Christmas Eve? Future choir members? We hope so! And is there an age limit in order to sing with us? No way! Young and old alike are welcome in our midst.
We’re also so happy to announce that we have gained 3 new members in recent weeks! We have soprano, Annette Roberts; alto, Kristin Stover; & bass, Bo Hartley joining our ranks. We are sad to have seen Dannette & Larry move away & wish them only the very best as they search for a new church and a new choir, too. Larry’s leaving creates a need for a tenor or two & we pray that God & some of you will help us with that need.
So, a bit about what you might encounter if you venture into one of our rehearsals! You already know that we rehearse each Wednesday evening at 7 pm in our sanctuary and perhaps you might also be just a tiny bit curious to know just how a rehearsal might go. Bet you think it’s boring and dull. No way, Hosea! We begin by singing “Happy Birthday” to whoever is having one and you haven’t lived until this choir has sung “Happy Birthday” to you!! Next, we share our joys and concerns together, followed by prayer. Then, it’s on to the joke of the week with Jim Hughes who always keeps us laughing. The next item is “housekeeping” with announcements by myself. Finally, we begin our rehearsal with a warm-up exercise and then it’s on to rehearsing the anthems for the next several weeks. Laughter is abundant, but so is hard work and before we know it…it’s time to quit!
One other thing you need to know about us. Our Chancel Choir is a family…we love each other and work together to sing of God’s love and to encourage others to know God’s love, too. We are alive and well and warmly welcome any of you who might want to sing with us. Just give me a call so that I might have a folder with music for you & just show up on Wednesday at 7 pm. No auditions, no dues, and no strings attached. Just give it a try!
Grace, Joy, and Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
HOW MANY MORE SHOPPING DAYS??? ~ December, 2014
Oh no! We’re getting to that time of year again, aren’t we? Worry, worry! Hurry, scurry!! Oh why do we have to have Christmas anyway? Well, we certainly have to buy, buy, buy, don’t we? After all now, if we don’t get everyone just everything they’ve ever wanted, what kind of people would we be? And our businesses! Remember them, too. This is the one time of year when their bottom line gets them through!!! We must spend, spend, spend!! And, if we don’t get everything bought, wrapped, the baking done, the house cleaned and decorated just so, what would people THINK of us?
What would they think indeed! Let’s back up a little…just why do we have Christmas anyway? Let’s see…oh, yes, I remember! It has something to do with church, doesn’t it? Let me think…something about Mary & Joseph—traveling—to be counted in the census—no room in the inn--a stable—shepherds—animals—and a BABY!! Yes, that’s right! A Baby named Jesus. But, why is that important? Hmm, let’s see…God’s Son who was born to save us from our sins. Our sins? You mean that’s what Christmas is really about? Oh yes, now I remember that story. It’s just for children, you know. No? It’s true for us today?? Are you serious? Really?
Well, yes, it really is true for us today. Christ came that we should have eternal life!! So… now, as we remember the true meaning of Christmas, our Chancel Choir is hard at work on our Christmas cantata. This year, it’s title is The Heart of Christmas by Pepper Choplin, and will be presented on Friday evening, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., and again on Sunday, Dec. 21 during our worship hour. We fully know where our hearts are, as Christians, and servants of our Redeemer and King!
While our members mourn the recent loss of alto Jeanie Triplett, we are happy to welcome back into our midst: Celia Parrish, Rick Olcott (Donna Isner’s son-in-law from Lubeck), Paula Casto, & Sandra Moore.
Another musical event to be mentioned is the United Methodist Women’s Christmas program on Dec. 2 at 7 pm. They will be hosting the Jackson County Children’s Choir, under the direction of Rita Douglas. Our own Lauren Bailey is a member and the UMW is inviting everyone (not just the women) to come to this wonderful musical evening of Christmas cheer! Yes, let’s remember the ‘Reason’ for the season as we go about our preparations again this year, and not let all the world’s secularism cloud our real understanding of Christ’s birth.
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
Oh no! We’re getting to that time of year again, aren’t we? Worry, worry! Hurry, scurry!! Oh why do we have to have Christmas anyway? Well, we certainly have to buy, buy, buy, don’t we? After all now, if we don’t get everyone just everything they’ve ever wanted, what kind of people would we be? And our businesses! Remember them, too. This is the one time of year when their bottom line gets them through!!! We must spend, spend, spend!! And, if we don’t get everything bought, wrapped, the baking done, the house cleaned and decorated just so, what would people THINK of us?
What would they think indeed! Let’s back up a little…just why do we have Christmas anyway? Let’s see…oh, yes, I remember! It has something to do with church, doesn’t it? Let me think…something about Mary & Joseph—traveling—to be counted in the census—no room in the inn--a stable—shepherds—animals—and a BABY!! Yes, that’s right! A Baby named Jesus. But, why is that important? Hmm, let’s see…God’s Son who was born to save us from our sins. Our sins? You mean that’s what Christmas is really about? Oh yes, now I remember that story. It’s just for children, you know. No? It’s true for us today?? Are you serious? Really?
Well, yes, it really is true for us today. Christ came that we should have eternal life!! So… now, as we remember the true meaning of Christmas, our Chancel Choir is hard at work on our Christmas cantata. This year, it’s title is The Heart of Christmas by Pepper Choplin, and will be presented on Friday evening, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., and again on Sunday, Dec. 21 during our worship hour. We fully know where our hearts are, as Christians, and servants of our Redeemer and King!
While our members mourn the recent loss of alto Jeanie Triplett, we are happy to welcome back into our midst: Celia Parrish, Rick Olcott (Donna Isner’s son-in-law from Lubeck), Paula Casto, & Sandra Moore.
Another musical event to be mentioned is the United Methodist Women’s Christmas program on Dec. 2 at 7 pm. They will be hosting the Jackson County Children’s Choir, under the direction of Rita Douglas. Our own Lauren Bailey is a member and the UMW is inviting everyone (not just the women) to come to this wonderful musical evening of Christmas cheer! Yes, let’s remember the ‘Reason’ for the season as we go about our preparations again this year, and not let all the world’s secularism cloud our real understanding of Christ’s birth.
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
THE “EYES” HAVE IT! ~ September, 2014
How important are our eyes? Sight is one of our most important senses. Don’t think so? Try closing your eyes and going about your day without your vision. Not so easy, is it? We should thank God every day for granting us the blessing of being able to see His wondrous world!
Did you know that there are many references to the eyes in both Testaments of our Bible? In the Old Testament, 1st Samuel 12:16 says, “Now therefore, stand and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes.” There’s Job 34:21, “For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps.” In Psalms 119:18 we find, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” Then, from the New Testament, Matthew 7:3 tells us, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” Luke 24:31 says, “Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.” And finally, Revelation 1:7 states, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him.”
There can even be references to our eyes that don’t really have to do with vision at all. How about, “Now I see what you are talking about!” This is not about vision, but that the mind has grasped something and understood it. There’s making sure of something with, “See that my orders are followed.” That is, most certainly, not about vision. Or perhaps, escorting someone (a bit old-fashioned) when a fellow “sees” his date home. That is not about vision either.
However, what I wish to reference now occurs when all eyes are upon an individual. Said individual turns out to be yours truly. I’ll explain. In our former choir seating arrangement, most of our choir members were off to the sides and most sat across from each other. When I stood before them, just mainly the men in the middle would be most apparent to me. Yes, yes, I’m getting to it… Anyway, we had our first choir rehearsal in early August since our renovation has been done. And this is what happened. All of our choir members were looking straight ahead…at me…Yikes! It was most frightening! I wondered, “Where in the world did all of these eyes come from?” I didn’t know we had that many eyes in the choir. I’ve truly never seen that many eyes before even though they are the same eyes we’ve always had!
In time, I’m sure that I will become accustomed to it. But, now I wonder about another sense…the sense of hearing…on your part, that is. Does the choir sound different to you? Better, I hope, now that all the voices are unified in direction. We certainly hope so.
In other news, we’ve added a few new voices this fall and are happy to welcome Krista Bratton (John & Julia Hoffman’s daughter) into our alto section, Christy Parsons (Reva Kelley’s daughter) and Reva, herself, as well as returning member Dorma Hughes, all to our soprano section. We are blessed to welcome all of these folks to our choir family and know too, that whether we are seeing or hearing, we are grateful to God for all of our senses and for the many blessings He grants to all of us! We are also sad to have said goodbye to Larry & Dannette with their move to Indiana. Too, Steve Hollandsworth (& Ruth, of course) have moved to Florida. We wish them all well & many blessings.
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
How important are our eyes? Sight is one of our most important senses. Don’t think so? Try closing your eyes and going about your day without your vision. Not so easy, is it? We should thank God every day for granting us the blessing of being able to see His wondrous world!
Did you know that there are many references to the eyes in both Testaments of our Bible? In the Old Testament, 1st Samuel 12:16 says, “Now therefore, stand and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes.” There’s Job 34:21, “For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps.” In Psalms 119:18 we find, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” Then, from the New Testament, Matthew 7:3 tells us, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” Luke 24:31 says, “Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.” And finally, Revelation 1:7 states, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him.”
There can even be references to our eyes that don’t really have to do with vision at all. How about, “Now I see what you are talking about!” This is not about vision, but that the mind has grasped something and understood it. There’s making sure of something with, “See that my orders are followed.” That is, most certainly, not about vision. Or perhaps, escorting someone (a bit old-fashioned) when a fellow “sees” his date home. That is not about vision either.
However, what I wish to reference now occurs when all eyes are upon an individual. Said individual turns out to be yours truly. I’ll explain. In our former choir seating arrangement, most of our choir members were off to the sides and most sat across from each other. When I stood before them, just mainly the men in the middle would be most apparent to me. Yes, yes, I’m getting to it… Anyway, we had our first choir rehearsal in early August since our renovation has been done. And this is what happened. All of our choir members were looking straight ahead…at me…Yikes! It was most frightening! I wondered, “Where in the world did all of these eyes come from?” I didn’t know we had that many eyes in the choir. I’ve truly never seen that many eyes before even though they are the same eyes we’ve always had!
In time, I’m sure that I will become accustomed to it. But, now I wonder about another sense…the sense of hearing…on your part, that is. Does the choir sound different to you? Better, I hope, now that all the voices are unified in direction. We certainly hope so.
In other news, we’ve added a few new voices this fall and are happy to welcome Krista Bratton (John & Julia Hoffman’s daughter) into our alto section, Christy Parsons (Reva Kelley’s daughter) and Reva, herself, as well as returning member Dorma Hughes, all to our soprano section. We are blessed to welcome all of these folks to our choir family and know too, that whether we are seeing or hearing, we are grateful to God for all of our senses and for the many blessings He grants to all of us! We are also sad to have said goodbye to Larry & Dannette with their move to Indiana. Too, Steve Hollandsworth (& Ruth, of course) have moved to Florida. We wish them all well & many blessings.
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
ARE WE ALIVE AND WELL? ~ February, 2014
Choirs everywhere are losing members. No denomination is exempt. Many churches no longer have a choir or if they do, it’s just a small one. It seems that folks just don’t want to commit anymore. People are just so busy and don’t have the time.
But, hey…now just a doggone minute! That is surely not the case at Epworth in Ripley. Listen here: Epworth’s Chancel Choir is not only alive and well, but is thriving!!
Epworth’s choir has been around for a long time, but even though some of us are no long 39, the love of singing God’s praises is still thrilling! And have you noticed that we have a goodly number of younger folks in our midst, too? Several have young families and school-age children, but they also make “music for the Lord” a priority in their lives also. Recently, we are pleased to add our youngest members, 16-yr. old Pamela Johnson (who also brought along her“more than 16 yr. old” mom to sing with us), and 20 yr. old Taryn Matheny (who also has his grandparents who sing with us).
Is there an age limit in order to sing with us? No way! Young and old alike are welcome in our midst.
You already know that we rehearse each Wednesday evening at 7 pm in our sanctuary and perhaps you might also be just a tiny bit curious to know just how a rehearsal might go. Bet you think it’s boring and dull. No way, Hosea!
We begin by singing “Happy Birthday” to whomever is having one and you haven’t lived until this choir has sung “Happy Birthday”to you.
Next, we share our joys and concerns together, followed by prayer. Then, it’s on to the joke of the week with Jim Hughes who always keeps us laughing. The next item is“housekeeping” with announcements by yours truly. Finally, we begin our rehearsal with a warmup exercise and then it’s on to rehearsing the anthems for the next several weeks. Laughter is abundant, but so is hard work and before we know it…it’s time to quit.
One other thing you need to know about us. Our Chancel Choir is a family…we love each other and work together to sing of God’s love and to encourage others to know God’s love, too.
We are alive and well and warmly welcome any of you who might want to sing with us. Just show up on Wednesday at 7 pm. No auditions, no dues, and no strings attached. Just come.
Grace, Joy, and Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
Choirs everywhere are losing members. No denomination is exempt. Many churches no longer have a choir or if they do, it’s just a small one. It seems that folks just don’t want to commit anymore. People are just so busy and don’t have the time.
But, hey…now just a doggone minute! That is surely not the case at Epworth in Ripley. Listen here: Epworth’s Chancel Choir is not only alive and well, but is thriving!!
Epworth’s choir has been around for a long time, but even though some of us are no long 39, the love of singing God’s praises is still thrilling! And have you noticed that we have a goodly number of younger folks in our midst, too? Several have young families and school-age children, but they also make “music for the Lord” a priority in their lives also. Recently, we are pleased to add our youngest members, 16-yr. old Pamela Johnson (who also brought along her“more than 16 yr. old” mom to sing with us), and 20 yr. old Taryn Matheny (who also has his grandparents who sing with us).
Is there an age limit in order to sing with us? No way! Young and old alike are welcome in our midst.
You already know that we rehearse each Wednesday evening at 7 pm in our sanctuary and perhaps you might also be just a tiny bit curious to know just how a rehearsal might go. Bet you think it’s boring and dull. No way, Hosea!
We begin by singing “Happy Birthday” to whomever is having one and you haven’t lived until this choir has sung “Happy Birthday”to you.
Next, we share our joys and concerns together, followed by prayer. Then, it’s on to the joke of the week with Jim Hughes who always keeps us laughing. The next item is“housekeeping” with announcements by yours truly. Finally, we begin our rehearsal with a warmup exercise and then it’s on to rehearsing the anthems for the next several weeks. Laughter is abundant, but so is hard work and before we know it…it’s time to quit.
One other thing you need to know about us. Our Chancel Choir is a family…we love each other and work together to sing of God’s love and to encourage others to know God’s love, too.
We are alive and well and warmly welcome any of you who might want to sing with us. Just show up on Wednesday at 7 pm. No auditions, no dues, and no strings attached. Just come.
Grace, Joy, and Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
Is It “Cool” To Sing in The Choir? ~ 01/2014
As I sit here “musing” about what in the world I will write about this time around, my thoughts are immediately brought back to the Joe’s Run Youth Choir who sang in our fellowship center last night.
There were twenty of them ranging in age from a “command” performance by a three-year old to a few adults in their twenties. The overwhelming majority were teenagers. One fact that I felt astonishing was
that at least 50% of the group sang solos during their program for us! And most of those who didn’t sing solos read Scripture and gave a devotional talk.
These kids were not in the least embarrassed to be singing in the choir; not afraid of sharing their talents with all of us; not freaked out by what their peers would think; nor were they reluctant to share their faith by praising God! Yes, but—of course they must be different types of kids. Let’s check. So, how did they dress? Well, they dressed like any teenager of today would dress—jeans and shirts! How did they act? They were polite and friendly—like many teens are today. We even served snacks and they “scarfed” down all those sweets and soft drinks like all our kids do, too! So, would it appear that these kids thought singing in the choir was “cool?” Hmmm…..
Now, let’s turn our attention to Epworth. We love to listen to our little cherub choir. They look so sweet and just sing their little hearts out, don’t they? We’ve even got a chimes choir made up of a bit older youth who will play for us during the Christmas season. It’s wonderful! Of course, we all know our chancel choir and the love we have for singing, clear at the other end of the spectrum. But, what happened that we have no middle school choir or a teenage choir? Does singing suddenly become “un-cool” after the age of cherubs? Does the fact that activities like all manner of sports, dance, “hanging out,” and every
push-button gadget that so many kids have, compete with church activities? Do these “extra-curricular” activities compete with or take precedence over church activities? Only individual families can answer these
questions.
Now, let’s look at our Epworth Chancel Choir….we currently have members ranging in age from twenty to 90. We frequently have a few teenagers or college youth sing with us during our Christmas cantatas. This year is no exception. We love having them and pray that we might influence them to participate in their church’s choir someday wherever they may go and that they, in turn, will influence their children to do so also. That example is so important. Just look at the relationships within our choir…we have 4 married
couples, 3 mother-daughter duos, 1 sisters relationship, one daughter-in-law, 1 niece, and 1 grandson-both grandparents combo. How many of us began singing as children in our church’s choirs? Was it “cool” back then, is it “cool” now, or does God really care? Only we can answer these questions.
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
As I sit here “musing” about what in the world I will write about this time around, my thoughts are immediately brought back to the Joe’s Run Youth Choir who sang in our fellowship center last night.
There were twenty of them ranging in age from a “command” performance by a three-year old to a few adults in their twenties. The overwhelming majority were teenagers. One fact that I felt astonishing was
that at least 50% of the group sang solos during their program for us! And most of those who didn’t sing solos read Scripture and gave a devotional talk.
These kids were not in the least embarrassed to be singing in the choir; not afraid of sharing their talents with all of us; not freaked out by what their peers would think; nor were they reluctant to share their faith by praising God! Yes, but—of course they must be different types of kids. Let’s check. So, how did they dress? Well, they dressed like any teenager of today would dress—jeans and shirts! How did they act? They were polite and friendly—like many teens are today. We even served snacks and they “scarfed” down all those sweets and soft drinks like all our kids do, too! So, would it appear that these kids thought singing in the choir was “cool?” Hmmm…..
Now, let’s turn our attention to Epworth. We love to listen to our little cherub choir. They look so sweet and just sing their little hearts out, don’t they? We’ve even got a chimes choir made up of a bit older youth who will play for us during the Christmas season. It’s wonderful! Of course, we all know our chancel choir and the love we have for singing, clear at the other end of the spectrum. But, what happened that we have no middle school choir or a teenage choir? Does singing suddenly become “un-cool” after the age of cherubs? Does the fact that activities like all manner of sports, dance, “hanging out,” and every
push-button gadget that so many kids have, compete with church activities? Do these “extra-curricular” activities compete with or take precedence over church activities? Only individual families can answer these
questions.
Now, let’s look at our Epworth Chancel Choir….we currently have members ranging in age from twenty to 90. We frequently have a few teenagers or college youth sing with us during our Christmas cantatas. This year is no exception. We love having them and pray that we might influence them to participate in their church’s choir someday wherever they may go and that they, in turn, will influence their children to do so also. That example is so important. Just look at the relationships within our choir…we have 4 married
couples, 3 mother-daughter duos, 1 sisters relationship, one daughter-in-law, 1 niece, and 1 grandson-both grandparents combo. How many of us began singing as children in our church’s choirs? Was it “cool” back then, is it “cool” now, or does God really care? Only we can answer these questions.
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
TWO INTERPRETATIONS ~ 09/2013
Here we go again! The feverish push to ”can we ever make it?”—“will we be ready in time?” It’s that time of year when most of us experience that pressure of “getting it all done.” Well, perhaps that’s because there are TWO interpretations of the definition of Christmas. The one that causes the earlier mention of pressure to get it all done is the commercial interpretation of Christmas to which most of us subscribe. That interpretation is the one in which we allow society to dictate that we must buy, bake, send, give, wrap, clean, etc., and get it all done so everything will be absolutely perfect for December 25th! We all, seemingly, buy into this
interpretation of what Christmas means. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know that it really is about the Baby Jesus, and that’s a nice story—but, there’s all this other stuff we really must get done!
So now, what about the other interpretation of what Christmas is about? You know—the one that God inspired the authors of the Bible to write about and leave for us. We’ve heard about it all of our lives from
our families, our grandparents, our Sunday School studies; but just how much importance do we attach to that “version” of Christmas? That’s a question that each of us must answer ourselves. Do we believe the Bible? It happened so many years ago. Is it still relevant today? After all, we’ve advanced, modernized, and are up-to-date. Hasn’t it changed? Let’s see what it has to say: The second chapter of the Gospel of Luke tells us that Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem to be registered for the census. “So it was that, while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”
Now let’s apply the Biblical version of Christmas to music and the Chancel Choir. We, too, are busy and looking ahead to the specific dates of Friday, December 20 and Sunday, December 22, when we will present our Christmas cantata telling the world, through music, that Jesus Christ is born! It’s entitled “Celebrate the Season” by Joel Raney and is a repeat from 2007 when we first presented it. But guess what? The story is
still the same—it hasn’t changed at all! While we all will still be busy with all the trappings of what the world tells us that Christmas is, we will also know, within our hearts, and minds, and souls that the REAL story of
Christmas is of the one and only Son of God who came to this earth to save us from our sins. That’s the REAL story of Christmas.
We pray that you will celebrate that story with us.
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
Here we go again! The feverish push to ”can we ever make it?”—“will we be ready in time?” It’s that time of year when most of us experience that pressure of “getting it all done.” Well, perhaps that’s because there are TWO interpretations of the definition of Christmas. The one that causes the earlier mention of pressure to get it all done is the commercial interpretation of Christmas to which most of us subscribe. That interpretation is the one in which we allow society to dictate that we must buy, bake, send, give, wrap, clean, etc., and get it all done so everything will be absolutely perfect for December 25th! We all, seemingly, buy into this
interpretation of what Christmas means. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know that it really is about the Baby Jesus, and that’s a nice story—but, there’s all this other stuff we really must get done!
So now, what about the other interpretation of what Christmas is about? You know—the one that God inspired the authors of the Bible to write about and leave for us. We’ve heard about it all of our lives from
our families, our grandparents, our Sunday School studies; but just how much importance do we attach to that “version” of Christmas? That’s a question that each of us must answer ourselves. Do we believe the Bible? It happened so many years ago. Is it still relevant today? After all, we’ve advanced, modernized, and are up-to-date. Hasn’t it changed? Let’s see what it has to say: The second chapter of the Gospel of Luke tells us that Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem to be registered for the census. “So it was that, while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”
Now let’s apply the Biblical version of Christmas to music and the Chancel Choir. We, too, are busy and looking ahead to the specific dates of Friday, December 20 and Sunday, December 22, when we will present our Christmas cantata telling the world, through music, that Jesus Christ is born! It’s entitled “Celebrate the Season” by Joel Raney and is a repeat from 2007 when we first presented it. But guess what? The story is
still the same—it hasn’t changed at all! While we all will still be busy with all the trappings of what the world tells us that Christmas is, we will also know, within our hearts, and minds, and souls that the REAL story of
Christmas is of the one and only Son of God who came to this earth to save us from our sins. That’s the REAL story of Christmas.
We pray that you will celebrate that story with us.
Grace & Peace,
Joyce Lawhon
Chancel Choir Director
