First, thank you to all the members of Shenkel UCC who have already volunteered to sing and play special music during our summer worship services. We have everything from singers to marimba to flute to violin…so come listen to our talented musicians this summer in The Grove…I know you’ll enjoy hearing them. But wait…we still have a few openings for more, so please call or email if you’d like to join this group and share your talent as a way to give to the church.

Second, I want to thank Kim Metzger for her leadership of the Joyful Noise Choir over the past few years. The kids all sounded wonderful, and it was also wonderful for Kim to give her time and energy. We will certainly miss her next year. It means that we’ll need someone to help with the Joyful Noise Choir during the coming church season. If you’re interested, please contact me so we can plan together.

There are two special music Sundays coming up you’ll want to put on your calendars. On July 25th, The Women of Shenkel will sing for the congregation. We’ll rehearse for that Sunday on July 11 and July 18 after church. If you’d like to sing with the Women’s Choir…(mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces and grand-mas) please join us. (No men allowed!)

On August 15th…it’s the men’s turn during a special Spiritual Sunday service where all the music will be traditional spirituals…lots of favorites. Men…we’ll rehearse for this service on Aug 1 and Aug 8 after church…dad’s, sons, uncles, nephews and grandpa) please join us. (No women allowed!)

We hear from many of you that Shenkel wants some new direction and new music. That is our plan for not only this summer, but also for the entire Fall…right into Christmas season. To prove that ―we mean business…we will have a special Senior Choir Roundup open to anyone who just wants to sing on Sunday, Au-gust 29 at 3:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. We’ll sing through every selection we have chosen from September 1 to January 1. If you like to sing, come join us for some fun, some singing and even a light supper. (It’s really ―singing for your supper.) Our new music selection will be a broad variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. But we need your help in making music come alive at Shenkel. Remember, you don’t need to commit to every Sunday…just participate when you can, even just for Christmas season if you want.

Singing, playing Chimes with Lois Baker, participating at any level in our music program is a great way to share your God-Given talent with the rest of the church. Please join us. We need your help in growing and changing the music program the way you’ve asked us to change…but we can’t do it alone.

Joan Johnson

Director of Music Ministry