ON GIVING THANKS... FROM THE DEAN

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Sylvia Douglas
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people who are suffering at this time of year.

More, perhaps, at one time than any of us have seen in our lifetimes.

As a church musician I was drawn to the images of the earthquake in Mexico

was being baptized died as a result of the church roof falling in on the

I also was drawn to the images of Puerto Rico and Antiqua where the

I wondered if the two pipe organs in San Juan and Antigua that my son as a

In the midst of tragedies the church sanctuary serves as a place of hope

But if they are destroyed, where do the people turn for a visual point of

1 ON GIVING THANKS... FROM THE DEAN November is the month when we think of giving thanks for another year of blessings. This year is unique among many in that there are millions of the earth s people who are suffering at this time of year... hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes. More, perhaps, at one time than any of us have seen in our lifetimes. While we have been so fortunate, many have not. As a church musician I was drawn to the images of the earthquake in Mexico where centuries old cathedrals have collapsed, and in one case a child who was being baptized died as a result of the church roof falling in on the family that was celebrating the baptism. I also was drawn to the images of Puerto Rico and Antiqua where the devastation from the hurricanes hit hard. I wondered if the two pipe organs in San Juan and Antigua that my son as a teen helped to install survived along with the church buildings. In the midst of tragedies the church sanctuary serves as a place of hope and comfort. But if they are destroyed, where do the people turn for a visual point of peace! A hymn that I often sing or play during the month of November is Built on the Rock. Its one verse is particularly apt for me this year: Built on the Rock, the church shall stand, Even when steeples are falling; Christ builds His church in ev ry land; Bells still are chiming and calling, Calling the young and old to rest, Calling the souls of those distressed, Longing for life everlasting. N. F. S. Grundtvig 1

2 I am thankful for the church in which we can be, as the hymn says, living stones or as a pop hymn by Avery and Marsh proclaims: I am the church, You are the church, We are the church together. As organists we bring hope, joy, comfort, and inspiration to each other and those who come to hear us in our efforts to make the music on the printed page come alive. At the very beginning of this month we have an opportunity to be inspired, encouraged, and filled with hope and thanksgiving as we come together on Friday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in downtown Lancaster. Our chapter will host Part II of Hands and Feet Across the Counties as five fellow organists from the Harrisburg AGO chapter perform compositions by Duruflé, Bach, Pelz, Elgar, Vierne, Simonds, and Lau. I encourage you to set aside this evening and to come to Lancaster to hear the music and spend some time before or after the concert in the city as part of First Friday Lancaster. Thanks to Lancaster chapter members, families, and friends who traveled to Mechanicsburg on October 8 to hear Part I of Hands and Feet Across the Counties. Lancaster organists Doug Wimer, Paul Reese, Robert Horton, Margaret Marsch, Karl Moyer, and Ross Ellison gave brilliant center stage performances of their selections. Soli Deo Gloria! MARK V. HERR, Dean000 UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS Let us return the greeting that our chapter performers received at Messiah College for the Part One concert, Hands and Feet Across the Counties. The Part Two concert will be hosted by our chapter and the congregation of First United Methodist Church on Friday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the church located at 29 East Walnut Street (at North Duke Street), Lancaster. Five Harrisburg chapter performers will present works by Duruflé, Bach, Pelz, Elgar, Vierne, Simonds, and Lau. Dr. Shawn Gingrich, chapter dean, will also play two handbell selections. We re guaranteed a delightful end-of-workweek sanctuary. Combine your Friday night outing with other First Friday Lancaster activities! 2

3 CHRISTMAS AT THE ORGAN RECITAL AND CAROL SING SOS! We need players for our December 29 Christmas at the Organ concert. We had a joyful crowd and generous offering at the 2016 event at Lititz Church of the Brethren. This year we will hold this festive service at Covenant United Methodist Church in Lancaster. Please volunteer to play a solo arrangement of a familiar carol and then lead the congregation in the singing of that carol. We'll sing carols from the Methodist hymnal all the familiar Christmas titles are there. Invite your congregations to attend! This is a wonderful way for the chapter to share our art with the community and bring a musical wrap up of the Christmas season to an appreciative audience. The service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29 at Covenant United Method Church, 110 North Mulberry Street (at West Orange Street) in downtown Lancaster. The church offers plenty of free off-street parking. If you are interested and able to offer your artistic holiday contribution please contact Margaret Marsch, margmarsch@gmail.com by December 1. OCTOBER BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Meeting of October 9, The Executive Board met on October 9, 2017, in the Music Room of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster. 2.0Dean Mark Herr reported for Rob Horton on the October 2 meeting of the Program Committee. The Committee reviewed plans for the October 9, October 13 14, and November 3 (7:00 p.m.) chapter events. Margaret Marsch is securing organists for the December 29 Christmas program at Covenant UM Church. The Chapter will again contribute $200 toward the January Jumpstart program of the Philadelphia Chapter and have funds available for help in transportation. Rob has begun submitting Chapter events for inclusion in the events calendar of The American Organist. Nancy Maurer agreed to submit reports of meetings to The American Organist. 3.0In response to an inquiry by Margaret Marsch, Terry Heisey reported that the Lancaster Public Library is happy to 3 TREASURER S REPORT Balances as of 10/09/2017 Bank Accounts Checking $10, Concert Savings 4, B.O.S. Savings 2, Lunt/McConnell 3, Concert CD 5, Total of Accounts $26, Submitted by... PAT BLEECKER Treasurer

4 receive donations of books or CDs in memory of deceased Chapter members. 4.0Jenny Fritsch will prepare a job description for Chapter Archivist/Historian. Respectfully submitted, TERRY HEISEY, Secretary CHAPTER AND AREA PROGRAMS Indicates a Lancaster Chapter Event Nov. 3 (Fr), 7:00 p.m. Recital: Hands and Feet Across the Counties: Harrisburg Organists in Lancaster. Location: First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA. Nov. 4 (Sa), 7:00 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church Concert Series: Musicians of Westminster I. Individual soloists and instrumentalists presenting sacred, classical, and secular music. Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA. Free-will offering. Nov. 5 (Su), 4:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Concert Series: Temple Avenue, graduates of Temple University s jazz program presenting familiar standards and little-known gems. Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 South Duke St., Lancaster, PA. Free admission. Nov. 11 (Sa), 7:00 p.m. Starlight Tea Concert Series: Chapter Member Margaret Marsch, Organ and the Lancaster Brass Quintet. Location: Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Avenue, Lancaster, PA. Nov. 12 (Su), 3:00 p.m. Music at Jerusalem Concert Series: Ron Bellamy, solo handbell artist. Location: Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 36 Church Street, Rothsville, PA. Nov. 12 (Su), 4:00 p.m. Concert: Wheatland Chorale Anniversaries Concert with special guests Bob Chilcott & Main Street Brass. Location: St Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York, PA. Free admission. Nov. 13 (Mo), 8:00 p.m. Concert: Wheatland Chorale Anniversaries Concert with special guests Bob Chilcott & Main Street Brass. Location: First Presbyterian Church, 140 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA. Free admission. Nov. 19 (Su), 2:00 p.m. Organ Dedication Concert: Deux Voix Stephen Distad, Organ and Justin Langham, Trumpet. Location: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry St., Columbia, PA. Free-will donation. Dec. 3 (Su), 4:00 p.m. Concert: Wheatland Chorale Winter Light Concert. Location: St Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York, PA. Ticketed event. Dec. 3 (Su), 6:00 p.m. Choral Evensong and Handel s Messiah: Part I sung by the St. Luke s Festival Choir. Location: St. Luke s Episcopal Church, 22 S. Sixth St., Lebanon PA. Free-will offering. 4

5 Dec. 9 (Sa), 7:00 p.m. Concert: Jesuit Center Christmas Recital. David Gross, Organ with Catherine and Neil Fronheiser. Location: Jesuit Center, 501 N. Church Road, Wernersville, PA. Dec. 9 (Sa), 8:00 p.m. Concert: Wheatland Chorale Winter Light Concert. Location: Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd., Wyomissing, PA. Ticketed event. Dec. 10 (Su), 4:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Concert Series: Heritage Chorale, under the direction of Barry Sawyer performing a concert of holiday delights. Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 South Duke St., Lancaster, PA. Free admission. Dec. 17 (Su), 6:00 p.m. Concert: Home for the Holidays, the Eaken Trio (piano, violin, cello) at 6 PM. Location: St. Luke s Episcopal Church, 22 S. Sixth St., Lebanon PA. Free-will offering. Dec. 29 (Fr), 7:00 p.m. Christmas at the Organ: Carol Sing & Recital. Location: Covenant United Methodist Church, 110 N. Mulberry Street, Lancaster, PA. Jan. 7 (Su), 2018, 3:00 p.m. Band Concert: The Palmyra Community Band under the direction of Kathleen (KD) Reese will present seasonal favorites. Palmyra Church of the Brethren, 45 N. Chestnut St., Palmyra, PA. Jan. 13 (Sa), 9:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. January Jumpstart. Location: Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA. Jan. 14 (Su), 6:00 p.m. Choral Evensong; 7:00 p.m. Organ Recital: Theodore Davis, Organist at St. Bartholomew s Episcopal Church, Baltimore, MD. Location: St. Luke s Episcopal Church, 22 S. Sixth St., Lebanon PA. Freewill offering.. AREA POSITIONS AVAILABLE If you wish to list available positions here, please your info to Dr. Terry Heisey: terryleb@aol.com See the complete detailed listings for these positions at the Chapter website: www.lancasterago.org00000 St. Luke Episcopal Church, 209 S. Market St., Mount Joy, PA Temporary, Parttime Organist to cover the 9:00 a.m. service on the second and fourth Sundays of November 12, 2017 through 5 March 18, Choir accompaniment is not required for this position. Please contact Tom Breneman, organist, at tbreneman@comcast.net or (717) Bergstrasse Lutheran Church, Ephrata, PA Organist and/or Music Director. Organist: will provide music on our new Walker digital organ and piano for the 10:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. summer) worship service; will provide music for special services: Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Mid-week Lenten, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, and other community services as needed. Music Director: will choose music for church seasons, and direct the choir and

6 bell choir. This person should be experienced in a variety of music genres. Send résumé to Bonnie Grater at grater0252@outlook.com or Bergstrasse Lutheran Church, 9 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata, PA 17522, Attn: Bonnie Grater. Bethany United Church of Christ, Ephrata, PA Organist and/or Director of Music. Organist provides music for 9:00 a.m. blended worship service using piano and new Rogers Infinity 3 manual organ. Director of Music directs the choir and other ensembles. If interested, contact Rev. Wm. LaSalle at (717) or send cover letter and résumé to bethany@bethanyucc.com or to Bethany UCC, 140 E. Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522, attention: Rev. Wm. LaSalle. St. Edward s Episcopal Church, Lancaster PA Permanent Part-time Organist to play one service every Sunday (10:15 a.m.) as well as other special services during the church year (Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, etc.) and serve as accompanist for the adult choir and rehearsals. Contact Patrick Ishler, (717) or stedsmusicdirector@gmail.com Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, PA Handbell Director, two handbell choirs plus possibilities for expanding the program; approx. 5 hours/week. Contact Pat Bleecker at bleecker@westpca.com Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, in Lancaster Township, PA Permanent Part-time Director of Music to provide leadership for the church music ministry. This includes an adult choir, small music ensembles, soloists, and possible future development of a childrens and intergenerational choirs. Applicant must have an appreciation for both contemporary and traditional church music, possess strong leadership skills, and be talented and proficient in choir directing and piano accompaniment. Music education or equivalent choir directing experience is required. Please mail or résumé to: Hamilton 6 Park United Church of Christ, Attention: Search, 1210 Maple Ave., Lancaster, Pa 17603; admin@hpucc.org St. Mary Anne Episcopal Church, North East, MD Part-time Director of Music to serve as Organist and Choir Director at the Sunday services (8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.); special services of the liturgical seasons of the Episcopal Church year; one weekly choir rehearsal (early September through late June). The Director of Music reports to the Rector and works collaboratively with the Rector and Worship Committee to provide musical leadership for the church. The applicant should possess proficient pipe organ (Möller) and piano skills; experience in choral conducting; at least a bachelor s degree in music; and at least 3 years experience. The negotiable annual salary of $18 $22,000 is commensurate with skill level and experience. To apply for this position contact the church: office@stmaryanne.org or (410) ; or Rick Waterhouse, Junior Warden: wate6585@zoominternet.net or (410) St. Paul s Lutheran Church, Littlestown, PA Organist (with piano abilities) to lead the traditional Holy Communion worship service Sundays at 10:15 a.m. (9 a.m. in the summer) and special services throughout the year Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, mid-week Lenten services, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and occasionally as many as two community services every few years. The organist and the choir director work with the Worship and Music Committee and accompany the Chancel Choir on piano. The organ is a Möller Pipe Organ Opus 4961, installed in 1930 (rebuilt in 1963 and 2012). For more information please contact Ben Messinger at (717) or benmessinger@comcast.net Faith United Church of Christ, Lancaster, PA Organist for Sunday worship and services throughout the church year. For more info, please call (717) ,

7 or send a résumé to the church at 1204 Wabank Road, Lancaster, PA Grace United Church of Christ, east of Lancaster, PA Director of Music (parttime) for Sunday morning worship, choir rehearsals, and coordinating the music program. We currently have a praise band and bell choir. Versatility in music styles for blended worship and proficiency in organ and piano are required. Grace UCC ( is a small, vibrant congregation truly dedicated to welcoming diversity. Send résumé to: graceucc@comcast.net St. Richard Catholic Church, Manheim, PA Part-time Organist-Piano/Choir Director for weekend Mass on Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 8:00/10:30 a.m. as well as special services during the year. Should be accomplished in one or more of the following areas: organ, piano, voice, and choral direction. Contact Fr. Steve Weitzel at (717) or send résumé to weitzelstephen@aol.com. (You may mail résumé to St. Richard Church, 201 Adele Ave., Manheim, PA 17545, Attn: Fr. Stephen Weitzel.) The Presbyterian Congregation of Middletown Part-time Organist/Choir Director for 10:30 a.m. Sunday service as well as special services during the year. The job description for this hours per week position is available at Please résumé to office@pcmdt.org or by mail to: Presbyterian Congregation of Middletown, 290 North Union St., Middletown, PA (717) Willow Street UCC, Willow Street, PA Part-time Accompanist and/or Organist. Piano proficiency is required, but organ preferred. Gundling Organ. Approx. 3 5 hours/week on site and private practice as needed. Sight-reading desired. Playing by ear and improvisation a plus. Send cover letter and résumé to: hrwsucc@comcast.net MID-ATLANTIC Please check for the current list. It is published as a courtesy by the Lancaster AGO Chapter. The Lancaster AGO Chapter assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliability of substitutes. THE HERALD TROMPETTE is a monthly publication (no July issue) of the Lancaster Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The deadline for publication in the December 2017 issue will be November 20, Forward all material to: ago_lanc_news@comcast.net Lancaster Chapter Officers Dean Mark V. Herr (2019) (717) minstrel52@hotmail.com Sub-Dean Rob Horton (2019) (717) bombarde16@gmail.com Secretary Terry Heisey (2018) (717) terryleb@aol.com Treasurer Pat Bleecker (2018) (717) pbleecker@dejazzd.com Chapter Chaplain Rev. Robert Kettering (717) bobket@juno.com Members at-large Jennifer Fritsch (2019) (717) f @windstream.net Eileen Laurence (2019) (914) laurence@concentric.net Glenn Lehman (2018) (717) office@harmonies.org Nancy Maurer (2018) (717) nmaurer@embarqmail.com Placement/Substitutes Terry Heisey (717) terryleb@aol.com Newsletter Scott Chambers (717) ago_lanc_news@comcast.net 7

A PAST PROGRAM REVIEW WITH THANKS

A PAST PROGRAM REVIEW WITH THANKS Many, many thanks to the public and chapter membership, and especially to all who helped to make the December 29 Christmas at the Organ a roaring success. People began