Church plans special service

Sandy Gideon, pastor of St. John Center Lutheran Church, is looking forward to the Music Sunday event that will be held at the church, 599 Reading Road, East Earl, on Sunday, June 1, beginning at 10:45 a.m. "(Music Sunday) is a chance for people to come and have a fun day of music and singing and fellowship," said Gideon.

Music Sunday has been held at the church since the 1980s, when Vickie Kissinger became the director of music. In that role, Kissinger serves as the church organist and choir director. She noted that Music Sunday is observed all over the world in Christian churches. "(Music Sunday) is a celebration of the importance of music in worship," she stated, adding that music influences spiritual and emotional needs.

The Music Sunday concert at St. John Center will bring together 20 voices, including the St. John choir; choir members of Mellingers Lutheran Church, located in Stevens; and friends of St. John Center who have joined the choir regularly. The St. John handbell choir will accompany the singers with bells and other percussion instruments.

According to Kissinger, the concert will begin with special organ selections. Bach's Toccata in D minor will be heard, as will a piano and organ duet of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" with Kissinger at the organ and Jay Hertzog on the piano. Choir selections will include spirituals, gospel songs, African numbers, and traditional choral anthems. Among these will be John Rutter's "All Things Bright and Beautiful," along with "The Power of the Cross," "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace," and "Zum Gali Gali." "(We will also sing) John Hogan's colorful arrangement of 'Ain't That Good News,'" stated Kissinger.  

Following the service, a covered-dish Strawberry Social will be held in the church fellowship hall. "We will have other desserts and strawberries with vanilla ice cream," shared Gideon.

Gideon reflected on the many Music Sundays that have been observed at the church over the years, saying that Kissinger has arranged the services each year for a long time and that each event has been different. "Vickie has brought in guest artists," she recalled. "It's good to have music, singing, and fellowship (together)," she added.