November 24th Updates

Important NEW update. Please note that John has made a change to our Dates for Lessons in Carols. The Service times for December 11th and 12th are 6:30 PM, not 7:00 PM. Please be in the choir room robed and ready both evenings at 5:45 PM.

The countdown to Lessons & Carols continues! No more Mondays and only one more Wednesday practice before Dress Rehearsal. There is no practice November 26th. Please listen to the tracks, practice on your own, and try not to miss the next rehearsal, December 3rd. Dress rehearsal is December 10th.

Wednesday times are 6:15-6:30 for anthems, 6:30-7:45 Christmas music, 7:45-8:00 Ensemble. I’m going to take the liberty here to suggest that Christmas singers come to the next few rehearsals at 6:15…as we will likely be jumping right into the Christmas music. John, please correct me if I’m wrong.

Put December 21st (2 P.M.) on your calendar for our Christmas Party. The Turners have graciously offered to host our choir family in their home. Address below.

Housekeeping notes:

It has been noted that choir members are using their handouts exclusively and not paying attention to the monitors. Please be sure to check which hymn verses are being projected to confirm we are singing with the congregation.

There are several members of our choir who have allergies to fragrances which can make it difficult to sing if an adjacent member is wearing cologne. Please refrain from using fragrances before rehearsals and performances.

November Birthdays: Nancy Lewis, the 6th; Marcia Anderson, the 14th; Bill Barnett and Roberta Busby, both on the 18th; Angel Shaw, the 21st, and Ritchie Hunt, the 29th.

1) November 23rd; Choir will sing “Sing to the Lord of Harvest” at 10:20 service.

2) November 26th; No rehearsal. Happy Thanksgiving.

3) November 30th; Rusty will be singing a solo as our anthem. The Choir is asked to be in the chancel to lead hymns.

4) December 7th; Choir will sing “A Babe is Born in Bethlehem” for the 10:20 anthem.

5) December 10th - Dress rehearsal for Christmas “Lessons in Carols”. We’ll be meeting in the Chapel, robed and ready at 6:15 for pictures and practice with the instruments.

6) December 11th and 12th - “Lessons in Carols”. Please put these dates on your calendars and let your friends know. The service is at 6:30 PM both nights, choir needs to be in the choir room robed and ready at 5:45. We are excited that Jan Fulford will be accompanying us!

7) December 21st is our Choir Christmas Party for members and spouses at 2:00 PM. Many thanks to the Turners for hosting! Their address is 5312 S. 44th Street, Rogers, AR 72758. Ann and Ritchie will put together a sign-up sheet for food. Tip / lessons learned from previous parties at the Turners. Don’t eat before you come. There are some great cooks among us.

Reminder: Brian has set up a special access code for us to enter the building during off hours when we have special events, practices, Evensong, etc. The door closest to the offices on the West side has a keypad. Our new code is 1119*. NOTE: this special codes only works on Sunday mornings and for special choir events. Please don’t share with anyone beyond choir members.

Please keep the following members of our choir family in your prayers:

  • JR is having a heart catheter procedure on Tuesday the 25th. Prayers that all goes well.

  • Jim Parr will be undergoing an MRI (also Tuesday) to evaluate a growth on his shoulder.

  • Ritchie Hunt is ill and needs prayers for a quick recovery.

  • Praises for two reports: Barbara Jones is responding well to her new medication. Melissa’s son, Charlie was awarded a solo for his Christmas program.

  • Jacque has asked that we pray for a peaceful passing for her mother whose health has been steadily declining. Also, her sister Judith needs prayers after a recent breakup.

  • James’ wife Cindy needs prayers as she deals with pain after her knee surgery.

  • Mercy requested prayers for her friend Linda (Fort Smith) who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

  • Sandy asked that we pray for her brother Steve, who is wrestling with several issues.

  • Ritchie’s brother Bud needs our prayers for strength and comfort. She expressed gratitude for his choir family who supports him.

  • Please continue to pray for healing and strength for Gail’s husband, Bill.

  • Please pray that the injection treatment for John’s vocal cords will be approved by insurance.

  • Tom Ginn will be having Hip replacement surgery February 5th. Please pray for relief from his pain in the meantime.