FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

As our choir season comes to an end, I want to take this opportunity to thank choir members for their dedication to our church family and for their continued leadership of our worship services. The wonderful attitude and willingness to share their time and talents makes the members of our choir inspirational to me, and I hope to you as well. When you have the opportunity, please take a moment to thank: Harrie Bueker, Polly Cushman, Barbara Hedspeth, Frank Kirk Jr., Ben Langley, Amy Pauw, Diana Stephen, and Doug Yeager. Let’s also recognize Frank for his beautiful contributions at the organ, and Amy and Doug for their contributions on the flute. If you would like to consider joining the choir, please feel free to contact me at any time. You would be most welcome! 

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Following the success of our Music for a Summer Afternoon 2022 series, it is my pleasure to announce our 2023 summer series.

On Sunday afternoon July 9, we begin our series with AN AMERICAN HYMN FESTIVAL. The program will feature our choir and the congregation singing many of our traditional American hymn tunes. Guest musician Jeanne-Marie Rogers will act as our song leader, Frank Kirk Jr. will be at the organ, and Doug Yeager will add his flute. Soprano Conra Cowart and tenor Todd Rogers will join our choir for this 40-minute musical stroll through the liturgical year. You won’t want to miss this!

On Sunday, July 23, we will celebrate the 105^th anniversary of our Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church pipe organ. I will be at the keyboard playing the music of the distinguished American composer Alice Jordan (1916-2012). You will hear many of her familiar hymn arrangements, as well as several original compositions. Plan to join us and help us celebrate the gift of our wonderful organ.

On Sunday, August 6, I have planned a celebration of the Great American Songbook. Doug Yeager and I will be performing music by George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Cole Porter, Henry Mancini, and other American greats. Those of us “of a certain age” will enjoy hearing such old favorites as “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Stardust,” “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” and others. You may be tempted to sing along, and that will be just fine!

All of these programs will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. They are free and open to all and will be followed by refreshments and fellowship. Plan now to enjoy these summer programs…and bring a friend!

Garden Camp Returns to CHPC

Next week, staff and children ages 7-14 will be on our campus for the week-long day camp that runs Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Campers enjoy story-telling, gardening work of all kinds, food processing (grinding corn), outdoor games, harvesting, cooking, canning (hot salsa), projects, baking (rhubarb pie, corn bread), cleaning, team work, hiking, and swimming.

For more information, please contact Stephen Bartlett, [email protected].

A Note of Thanks

Thank you to Crescent Hill Presbyterian for providing such a beautiful and comfortable place for us to rehearse HELPER, a new play by Patrick Tovatt that deals with people who have been left behind, social divides and resentments, racism, the stresses of single parenthood, and ultimately in gun violence. A joint effort between 1OFF Productions and Bunbury Theatre, the play will open at the Henry Clay Theatre on June 30 and run through July 16. A talk back session will follow each performance. Henry Clay Theatre is in the Henry Clay Building at 3rd and Chestnut. 

Our intention is to donate all proceeds after expenses to organizations working to combat gun violence. So I do hope all of you will come see it. Your ticket purchase will aid in the effort. By making a tax deductible donation, you'll be helping combat the scourge of gun violence that plagues our city and the entire nation. Gun violence is our #1 public health crisis. Click here for more information.

Steve Woodring, Director

The church is looking for a portable crib or a pack & play for the nursery. If you have one, please reach out to Megan Cahill at the church office (502) 893-5381. Must be up to current safety standards.